Title I
Title I is a federally funded program that provides qualifying schools with additional support and learning opportunities to help students master the curriculum and meet challenging state academic standards. The program provides financial assistance to schools that meet a criterion number for the percentage of children in families living in poverty. In Suffolk, any elementary school with 40 percent or more of the students receiving free or reduced lunch is eligible for Title 1 funds.
Suffolk Public Schools receives Title I, Part A funding to support nine (9) elementary schools: Booker T. Washington Elementary, Creekside Elementary, Elephant's Fork Elementary, Hillpoint Elementary, Kilby Shores Elementary, Mack Benn, Jr. Elementary, Nansemond Parkway Elementary, Oakland Elementary, and Southwestern Elementary. In these schools, Title I resources support instructional services in reading and mathematics, professional development, supplemental research-based materials, and parenting skills. The focus is on coordinating students' educational programs for improved student achievement.
The goals of Title I are consistent with the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), reauthorized as the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001, which includes setting high academic standards, measuring students' progress, analyzing data for desired results, and involving parents in educational decisions. All Title I schools in Suffolk are schoolwide programs meant to benefit the entire school community.
The Title I program generally offers:
- smaller classes
- additional teachers and paraprofessionals
- opportunities for professional development for school staff
- extra time for teaching Title I students the skills they need
- a variety of supplementary teaching methods
- an individualized program for students
- additional teaching materials that supplement reading and math instruction
The nine Title I elementary schools in Suffolk Public Schools provide services to students through the Schoolwide Program Model, which allows greater flexibility in serving students within each school. All children, including those with disabilities and those with limited English proficiency, can receive Title I services. Title I funds, along with other Federal, State, and local funds, are used to upgrade the instructional program for the entire school.
Each Title I school schedules regular Title I parent meetings and appoints two representatives to serve on the Districtwide Parent Advisory Committee. As members of this committee, parents and teachers meet regularly to review and assist in the planning and evaluation of the schools' and district's Title I programs and services.
Additional Information:
- (2026-2027) District-wide Family Engagement Policy for Title I Schools (English)
- (2026-2027) District-wide Family Engagement Policy for Title I Schools (Spanish)
- Title 1 Grievance Notice (English)
- Title 1 Grievance Notice (Spanish)
For further information, call the Title 1 offices at (757) 925-6759 or Melvin Bradshaw, Community Engagement Facilitator at (757) 923-5244.