This award honors up to five public schools each year selected  from schools across the nation that incorporate all program components required for state nomination and provide teaching programs in the four basic art forms (music, visual arts, dance and theatre) as well as arts integration. AEMS Alliance may nominate up to five schools (that have previously won the School of Excellence state award), for consideration for the national level award. The KCAAEN provides national award winning schools with $2,000 to further their arts education programs and collaborates with the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) to recognize the K-8 Principals of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts National School of Distinction in Arts Education Winning Schools.

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (State of Maryland) National School of Distinction in Arts Education Award Winners:

2008-2009
Carver Center for Arts & Technology – Baltimore County
Patapsco High School & Center for the Arts – Baltimore County

2007-2008
Berlin Intermediate School – Worcester County
Dr. Charles R. Drew Elementary – Montgomery County
Winters Mill High School – Carroll County

2006-2007
Kensington Parkwood Elementary School – Montgomery County