Apply for America's Healthiest Schools
Join hundreds of schools across the nation that earn this distinction each year.
Apply for recognition in one, two, or all nine categories.
The 2026 award guide is now available! Applications will be open January 13 - April 14 through the Healthier Generation Action Center.
Review the 2026 Award Guide
"Knowing that our schools are part of America's Healthiest Schools helps our community have that reassurance that not only are they getting a quality education, but they're sending their kids to a place that is safe and that is going to help build them physically and mentally, as well as academically."
– Dr. Colleen Hawkins, Superintendent
Saugus Union School District
Saugus Union School District
How to apply
Join your school’s team in the Healthier Generation Action Center.
Invite others who will contribute to your application to join as well.
Invite others who will contribute to your application to join as well.
Choose which topics to include in your application.
Review the required criteria and evidence in the Award Guide.
Review the required criteria and evidence in the Award Guide.
Complete the application in your school's Action Center dashboard.
Answer topic-specific questions and upload required evidence.
Answer topic-specific questions and upload required evidence.
Submit your application.
Congratulations! You did it. Award notifications typically go out in the summer of the award application year.
Congratulations! You did it. Award notifications typically go out in the summer of the award application year.
Quick Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who can apply?
A: Applicants must be:
A: Applicants must be:
- A public or private elementary, middle, or high school
- Located in the United States
- Under the direction of a Local Education Agency, Charter Management Organization (CMO), or Bureau of Indian Education
Q: How many team members can work on the application at once?
A: Invite as many team members as you need to answer the questions in the application.
A: Invite as many team members as you need to answer the questions in the application.
Q: How long does it take to complete the application?
A: Each topic will take about 30 minutes to complete.
A: Each topic will take about 30 minutes to complete.
Q: Will my team have another opportunity to submit further evidence after we submit our application for the first time?
A: No, once the application is submitted, changes are not allowed.
A: No, once the application is submitted, changes are not allowed.
Q: How does the All-Star distinction work?
A: A school that meets the criteria for all 9 topic areas receives the All-Star Awardee distinction.
A: A school that meets the criteria for all 9 topic areas receives the All-Star Awardee distinction.
Q: Do we have to apply each year?
A: This is an annual award. Schools must reapply each year.
A: This is an annual award. Schools must reapply each year.
Q: When does the next application cycle open?
A: The 2026 application will open on January 13, 2026. The full award guide is now available to help schools prepare.
A: The 2026 application will open on January 13, 2026. The full award guide is now available to help schools prepare.
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