Becoming a “Distinguished School of Mental Health & Wellness” is an honor and a national recognition. This recognition represents a school’s commitment to ensuring that all students can succeed and a shared belief that mental health needs matter and need to be supported. It requires the time and financial commitment of school staff, district leadership, and parents/community.

School cohorts are started only three times per year. This is a highly selective, intensive, and rigorous 12-month process that involves: teamwork and collaboration, training, evidence gathering, reflection, observations, site visits, and progress monitoring. The final step is a review and audit by a panel of educators and mental health professionals.