Five schools were examined in Israel from 2005-2007, using a qualitative research method . All five schools had reputations as "good schools" that became "excellent schools.” Two of the schools were secondary schools (7th – 12th grade), and the other three were elementary schools (one K-8 and two K-6). The research sought to define the term "an excellent school" and to describe exemplary models that would enable other schools to learn from success.

In order to locate the schools, the researchers addressed the heads of the educational districts and asked them to recommend schools. Researchers also relied on "hearsay." A steering committee that included the general manager of the Israeli Minister of Education, heads of educational districts, academic researchers and school principals helped to form criteria for the term "excellent school." The steering committee also followed the two-year research project.

Even though each success story had its own characteristic components, school excellence could be determined by:

1. Organizational excellence:

- Leadership of the principal, all principals enabled staff independence and responsibility;
- a well-defined credo;
- high identification of the staff with the school and their principal’s leadership.

2. Pedagogy and social excellence:

- In secondary schools, high GPA and high matriculation average with qualitative matriculation certificate;
- in elementary schools, GPA above average;
- zero or very low percentage of dropouts;
- diversified curriculums;
- all teachers take part in advanced studies;
- all teachers see teaching as a mission;
- social and cultural programs (including student volunteer programs) are part of the school credo;
- students like their schools.

3. Community excellence:

- high identification and awareness of parents with the school.

The concept was not to develop a new theoretical model, but to learn from the performance of the schools. The aim was to focus on the procedures that enabled them to develop an organizational culture of excellence. If it were possible to identify those processes that lead toward success, other schools would be able to adopt those that fit their schools.

The results of this research were published as a book (in Hebrew).