For exemplary work in preparing their students for college and rewarding careers, 29 schools from across the U.S and Ireland were named 2025 Schools of Distinction, by Brilliant Pathways, a nonprofit helping students from underserved districts achieve success in school and in life.

Schools of Distinction have separated themselves by implementing Brilliant Pathways’ career readiness plan, in which 90% of participating students went on to college. The schools being recognized include three from Florida, five from Hawaii; two from Ireland; 13 from Upstate New York; four from New York City; and two from Pennsylvania.

“These Schools of Distinction understand the speed at which education is changing, and they have tapped into Brilliant Pathways’ assistance to stay on top of the latest career and academic trends,” said Tara Smith, CEO. “With Brilliant Pathways’ guidance, they are able to do things differently, which is essential to the success of their students, because the face of education is changing dramatically from year to year.”

The Brilliant Pathways plan is built around mentoring, career-building skills and personalized, on-site involvement with schools and businesses. Its alumni include those who have come from underserved communities, both rural and urban, and gone on to find rewarding work in expanding fields including tech, health care and STEM.

“As we stand on the precipice of artificial intelligence, we know that the nature of education and work will be changing, and so will the skills needed to succeed in that world,” Judy May, Principal of Friendship Central School said. “It is critical to get out ahead of these changes, and Brilliant Pathways writes the playbook to help schools and students do just that.”

To become a School of Distinction, a school must fulfill a meticulous and varied set of criteria. These include implementing cutting-edge, school wide programs that advance college and career readiness.

A global leader in helping underserved students become college and career ready, CFES currently supports 15,000 students through partnerships with 150 rural and urban K-12 schools and districts in 10 states and Ireland. Schools interested in participating in the Brilliant Pathways’ college and career readiness program can learn more at brilliantpathways.org.

A full list of 2024-25 Schools of Distinction follows:
Balbriggan Community College, Dublin, Ireland;
Blanche Pope Elementary School, Waimanalo Beach, Hi.;
Booker Middle School, Sarasota, Fla.;
Boquet Valley Central School, Elizabethtown, N.Y.;
Brooklyn Institute for Liberal Arts, Brooklyn, N.Y.;
Clearwater Fundamental Middle School, Clearwater, Fla.;
Crown Point Central School, Crown Point, N.Y.;
Eximius College Preparatory Academy, Bronx, N.Y.;
Friendship Central School, Friendship, N.Y.;
General Brown Central School, Dexter, N.Y.;
Gilbertsville-Mount Upton Central School, Otsego, N.Y.;
Kohala Middle School, Kapaau, Hi.;
Milford Central School, Milford, N.Y.;
Mulberry Middle School, Mulberry, Fla.;
Northeastern Clinton Central School, Champlain, N.Y.;
Northern Adirondack Central School, Ellenburg Depot, N.Y.;
Northern Lehigh High School, Lehigh, Pa.;
Northern Lehigh Middle School, Lehigh, Pa.;
Norwood Norfolk Central School, Norwood, N.Y.;
Otsego Area Occupational Center, Otsego, N.Y.’
Owen D. Young Central School, Van Hornesville, N.Y.;
Pelham Preparatory Academy, Bronx, N.Y.;
Richard R. Green High School of Teaching, Manhattan, N.Y.;
Richfield Springs Central School, Richfield Springs, N.Y.;
Sanford B. Dole Middle School, Honolulu, Hi.;
St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Rush, Ireland;
W.R. Farrington High School, Honolulu, Hi.;
Worcester Central School, Worcester, N.Y.