The U.S. Department of Education is the agency of the federal government that establishes policy for, administers and coordinates most federal assistance to education. It assists the president in executing his education policies for the nation and in implementing laws enacted by Congress. The Department’s mission is to serve America’s students—to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.

The Department’s elementary and secondary programs annually serve more than 14,000 school districts and approximately 56 million students attending some 97,000 schools and 28,000 private schools. Department programs also provide grant, loan and work-study assistance to about 11 million postsecondary students.