Over Half of U.S. Schools Depend on Title I Funding—What Happens if It Disappears Catastrophically Next Year?

Approximately 56% of all public schools in the United States qualify as Title I schools, according to recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). This equates to around 67,000 schools nationwide. Title I schools are those with high percentages of students from low-income families, making them eligible for additional federal funding aimed at supporting student achievement and closing the achievement gap.

Elementary Schools

The front view of a yellow school bus, marked with "school bus" and adorned with red and amber lights, stands proudly under a partly cloudy sky—a symbol of u. S. Schools' reliance on dependable transportation for their students. — The front view of a yellow school bus, marked with “SCHOOL BUS” and adorned with red and amber lights, stands proudly under a partly cloudy sky—a symbol of U.S. schools’ reliance on dependable transportation for their students.

Primary and Elementary Schools: A significant portion of Title I schools are primary or elementary schools, as younger children are more likely to attend schools in their immediate neighborhood, which may serve economically disadvantaged areas.

But High Schools will also feel the pain.

A row of lockers, typical in u. S. Schools, features combination locks. One locker stands out painted yellow, contrasting with the others in gray. — A row of lockers, typical in U.S. schools, features combination locks. One locker stands out painted yellow, contrasting with the others in gray.

Middle and High Schools: Title I funding is also provided to middle and high schools, though at slightly lower rates than elementary schools. These funds are critical for ensuring that students from low-income families have access to the resources, support staff, and enrichment programs that help level the playing field in education.

Who will be affected most?

Aerial view of intersecting roads dividing farmland and fields, with scattered trees and a small cluster of buildings, resembling how u. S. Schools allocate title i funding across diverse regions. — Aerial view of intersecting roads dividing farmland and fields, with scattered trees and a small cluster of buildings, resembling how U.S. schools allocate Title I funding across diverse regions.

In the U.S., about 9.3 million students in rural areas are from low-income families. Many rural schools rely heavily on Title I funding, as poverty rates tend to be higher, and families often have fewer local options for jobs, healthcare, and educational support. This funding is critical in areas where fewer social services exist.

It’s a common myth that Title 1 funding only goes to urban schools, as about half of the Title 1 schools are rural.

Poor Rural Areas also Vote Red.

An old, weathered barn with a rusted tin roof stands amidst green grass and large trees, enclosed by a wooden fence, reminiscent of the charm and history found in some u. S. Schools before the introduction of education funding improvements. — A

Generally speaking, many states that tend to vote Republican (often referred to as “red states”) do have higher poverty rates and lower median incomes compared to many Democratic-leaning “blue states.” However, it’s important to recognize that poverty and income levels vary significantly within each state, and both red and blue states have areas of wealth and poverty.

Higher Poverty in Red States: States like Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, West Virginia, and Alabama (which are generally red states) often have some of the highest poverty rates in the country. This means that eliminating the US Department of Education and Title 1 funding will affect them the most.

Lower Income in Many Red States

An elderly woman sits at a table with disappearing bills, a calculator, and cash, looking frustrated. She recalls her days managing title i funding for u. S. Schools, where every penny mattered. — A woman sits at a table with bills, a calculator, and cash, looking frustrated.

Lower Median Incomes in Red States: Many red states tend to have lower median household incomes. States like Mississippi, West Virginia, and Arkansas have some of the lowest median incomes.

This means that property taxes cannot be increased to fill the gap from removing Title 1 funding from schools.

What Would Losing Title I Mean for Kids?

Empty classroom with rows of wooden desks and chairs, large windows, blank chalkboards, and a wooden floor—a scene increasingly rare as title i funding disappears from many u. S. Schools. — Empty classroom with rows of wooden desks and chairs, large windows, blank chalkboards, and a wooden floor—a scene increasingly common if Title I Funding disappears from many U.S. schools.

Reduced Educational Support: Many students would lose access to critical resources like additional instructors, tutors, and individualized learning plans that help bridge the achievement gap.

Fewer After School Programs

Two football teams in orange and purple uniforms are playing a match on a grassy field, reminiscent of spirited games often seen in u. S. Schools. One player is running with the ball, while others attempt to block and tackle. — Two football teams in orange and purple uniforms are playing a match on a grassy field, reminiscent of spirited games often seen in U.S. schools. One player is running with the ball, while others attempt to block and tackle.

Fewer After-School and Summer Programs: Without Title I funding, many schools may be unable to offer after-school tutoring, sports or summer programs, which help students avoid “summer slide” and support parents by providing safe spaces for kids.

They also serve as after-care for many working parents, which means either parents will have to pay for after-care, or work fewer hours.

Lower Graduation Rates

A group of graduates in caps and gowns from u. S. Schools stands outdoors, amidst a crowd. — A group of graduates in caps and gowns from U.S. schools stands outdoors, amidst a crowd.

Overall Impact on Student Outcomes: Title I is associated with better academic performance and higher graduation rates in under-resourced schools. Its elimination could lower graduation rates, decrease college readiness, and ultimately limit students’ opportunities for upward mobility.

Widening the Achievement Gap

A child holding a milk bottle stands in front of an open refrigerator, discovering the curious world around them—a small step in education supported by title i funding initiatives to bolster resources in u. S. Schools. — Education is supported by Title I Funding initiatives to bolster resources in U.S. schools. This helps reduce poverty.

Title 1 worked to close the achievement gap between students living in poverty areas and those who do not.

Title I helps level the playing field by providing support in high-poverty schools. Without it, the gap in educational outcomes between low- and high-income students would likely widen. This will continue the cycle of poverty for many families.

Is it too late to save Title 1?

A black and white image captures the u. S. Capitol dome illuminated against a dark sky, as if the world around it temporarily disappears into darkness. — A black and white image captures the U.S. Capitol dome illuminated against a dark sky, as if the world around it temporarily disappears into darkness.

No, not necessarily. You can always reach out to your legislators and tell them that your community relies on Title 1 funding and that you don’t want to see it disappear.

Find your Congressperson here.