What it is
Title I is the largest federal K-12 program. It sends money to schools and districts serving high concentrations of students from low-income families, to help those students meet the same high standards as everyone else. It reaches most districts in the country.
How it works
Funds flow by formula (based on poverty data) to districts, which direct them to their highest-need schools. Schools use Title I in one of two ways:
- Schoolwide programIn schools with high poverty, Title I can upgrade the whole school — all students benefit
- Targeted assistanceIn other schools, Title I services focus on the specific students most in need of support
Who it's for
Title I supports students in eligible high-poverty schools. In a schoolwide program, all students at the school can benefit; in targeted assistance, identified students receive services. You don’t “apply” — eligibility is based on the school and (for targeted assistance) student need.
Steps to take
To learn how Title I works at your child’s school:
- Ask if your school is a Title I schoolThe office or district can tell you
- Ask what services it fundsUnderstand the support available to your child
- Use your family-engagement rightsTitle I schools must involve families — join the conversation
Why it matters
What Title I can pay for varies by school, but often includes:
- Extra instructionReading and math support, smaller groups, interventionists
- More staffInstructional aides, specialists, coaches
- Materials and technologyLearning resources and tools
- Family engagementFamily activities and required family-input opportunities
- PreschoolSome districts fund early learning with Title I
Frequently asked questions
- Is Title I only for certain students?It depends on the school’s model — schoolwide benefits everyone; targeted assistance serves identified students.
- Does Title I cost families anything?No.
- How do I know if my school gets Title I?Ask the school or district — many schools are Title I.
- Is Title I funding changing?Federal programs are in flux — confirm current details locally.
Key facts
- ProgramTitle I, Part A (ESEA/ESSA)
- SizeThe largest federal K-12 program
- Two modelsSchoolwide and targeted assistance
- CostFree to families
Where to learn more
Learn more: