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Frequently Asked Questions

This page provides answers to key frequently asked questions about the National PTA School of Excellence program. Click the arrows in each dropdown and find the information you need to achieve Excellence. 

General Program Info
What is the National PTA School of Excellence program?

The School of Excellence program is a year-long program that helps PTAs, families, and schools work together to improve student success and well-being. It also recognizes PTAs that build strong family-school partnerships.

What do PTAs do during the program?

PTAs and school leaders gather feedback from families and the school community in the fall using required questions from National PTA. They use this feedback to create an action plan based on the National Standards and a chosen program focus area. In the spring, they collect feedback again using the same questions to measure progress. PTAs also complete and submit two required forms—one in the fall and one in the spring—to confirm they used the required questions and carried out their action plan.

What are the Program Focus Areas?

After collecting feedback, PTAs choose one of three program focus areas: Education & Enrichment; Health, Safety and Well-being; or School Climate & Engagement. These focus areas help narrow the work and guide the PTA’s action plan. The areas are intentionally broad so PTAs have the flexibility to set their own goals within the areas, based on what their school community needs most.

Do we have to be a PTA to participate?

Yes. Only PTAs can take part in the program. Your PTA must also be in good standing with your state PTA by the time you complete the program.

Can district or council PTAs participate?

No. The program is for local PTA units that support one school. District or council PTAs can help support local schools, but they do not enroll directly.

What support will we receive from National PTA?

After you enroll, you’ll get access to an online toolkit with step-by-step guidance. National PTA also provides resources, reminders, training, and answers to your questions throughout the year.

How do we sign up for the program?

Enrollment opens each spring at PTA.org/Excellence and closes on October 15. You’ll need to provide basic PTA and school information, plus contact details for up to two additional team members.

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Timeline and Key Dates
What is a general timeline to expect in the School of Excellence program. 

PTAs that can anticipate the following program timeline, adjusted based on when the PTA enrolled in the program:

  • May 1 - Oct. 15: Enroll, learn about the program, recruit support and volunteers, and prepare to gather feedback (Step #1).
  • July - Dec. 15: Gather and analyze initial community feedback, set early goals and prepare to complete Feedback Form (Step #2).
  • Dec. 15 - April: Build and implement Excellence Action Plan based on feedback and early goals (Step #3).
  • April - June 15: Gather final community feedback, measure and describe impact to prepare to complete Impact Form (Step #4). 
  • June 15 - August: Confirm eligibility and prepare to celebrate (Step #5).
  • August: School of Excellence Designees and Hearst Award recipients announced (Step #5).
What are key dates and requirements for those dates?

Participants should mark their calendars with these key dates for meeting program requirements. All other work in the program is flexible and determined by the individual PTA.

  • May 1 - Oct. 15: Program enrollment period.
  • Dec. 15: Community Feedback Form to verify community feedback deadline. 
  • June 15: Complete Community Impact Form to verify community feedback and action plan. 
Is there a deadline for Step #3 and our Excellence Action Plan?

There is no specific deadline for PTAs to create and implement their action plans. The program is flexible and aims to meet PTAs where they are, so we do not restrict participants to a certain timeline.

However, PTAs must create and implement the majority of their plan during the current school year, which is verified in the Impact Form.


Requirements for Gathering Feedback
What is the purpose of the survey?

The survey is meant to give a general picture of family engagement at your school, align to the National Standards for Family-School Partnerships. It collects feedback from families, teachers, students, administrators, and the PTA. The goal is to understand trends and find areas where improvements can be made.

Do we have to survey a minimum number of people?

No. There is no required number of survey responses or participants in listening sessions. However, at a minimum PTAs should engage at least 20 people (e.g., responses and/or participants).

Where can I find the required questions?

The required community feedback materials are available exclusively to action participants in the Excellence Toolkit, which PTAs receive access to upon enrollment.

Can our PTA change or customize the survey questions?

No. PTAs must use the survey questions exactly as written. Using the same questions across all schools ensures fair comparisons and consistent standards for designation. The questions also align directly with the National Standards, which PTAs are required to include in their action plans.

Can we use district/school/other survey data instead of the program survey?

No. All PTAs must use the same questions to meet participation requirements. However, you’re welcome to use district data to help guide your action plan.

What if the survey asks about things outside the PTA’s control?

That’s okay. Many PTAs face this and being honest about limits and showing effort goes a long way with families. You can still help by:

  • Sharing information about school resources
  • Hosting workshops or meetings
  • Helping families better understand school systems
Do we have to fix every issue the survey brings up?

No. You are not expected to fix everything. The survey is a tool to help you choose a few meaningful areas to focus on, based on what your PTA can realistically do.

Do we have another option besides using the survey?

Yes. If the survey doesn’t feel like the right fit, you can hold listening sessions instead. However, PTAs must still use required questions, as provided by National PTA. There are fewer questions, which can feel more manageable for some PTAs.

What are listening sessions, and can we use them instead of a survey?

Listening sessions are small group conversations where families share their thoughts in person or virtually. Compared to surveys, listening sessions often reach fewer people but lead to deeper, more detailed feedback. 

How should we explain the survey to families?

You can include a short message explaining like the following—being open and transparent helps families understand the value of participating:

  • How this survey is different from any existing surveys in the community.
  • That participation is optional
  • How the feedback will help improve family engagement
  • That the program can help your PTA earn national recognition
  • Hurdles your PTA faces on certain areas generally outside the PTAs control. 
How can we avoid survey fatigue for families?
Great question—this is a common concern. These approaches help gather meaningful feedback without overwhelming families:
  • Sending the survey to only a specific group instead of everyone
  • Targeting families who haven’t already shared feedback
  • Keeping communication clear that the survey is optional
  • Offering listening sessions instead of a survey

Designation Requirements and Info
What does my PTA have to do for our school to be recognized as a National PTA School of Excellence?

PTAs will be designated as a School of Excellence if they complete and meeting requirements for the first four of the five steps to the program.

How long can we promote that we are a National PTA School of Excellence?

The designation as a National PTA School of Excellence is for two academic years. We announce our School of Excellence honorees in August each year.

What does my PTA receive by earning this designation?

Schools of Excellence receive a banner and certificate in the mail. Designees also receive a digital Celebration Kit, containing event-planning and media outreach templates and tools. National PTA will include your PTA and school in our national program promotion, specifically showcasing how your school and PTA are leading the nation in your approach to family-school partnerships. In addition, as a National PTA School of Excellence, you will automatically be considered for National PTA’s highest honor–the Phoebe Apperson Hearst Family-School Partnership Award.

What kind of visibility will my school and PTA gain by earning this designation?

Your School of Excellence designation will help attract new, action-oriented PTA members who want to focus on the issues that affect our children the most. Being a National PTA School of Excellence will open the door to other honors and opportunities for your school. You will receive a National PTA School of Excellence banner to hang prominently at your school, which will tell families right away–you are welcome here and you are important to our students’ success!