The Washington State School Recognition program celebrates schools that have met rigorous standards for performance and improvement. This is a joint program between the State Board of Education (SBE), the Educational Opportunity Gap Oversight and Accountability Committee (EOGOAC), and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).

Only 13% of schools receive this honor each year. Of the 803 public schools in the Puget Sound Educational Service District, 144 schools received recognition for the 21-22 school year and 148 schools received recognition for the 22-23 school year.

There are three ways that a school can be recognized by the recognition program: Achievement, Growth, and Closing Gaps. Watch this for more details about the recognition program

2021-22 School Year

• Meridian Park identified for growth with low income and English learner students
• Parkwood identified for growth with Special Education students
• Syre identified for growth with low income students

2022-23 School Year

• Brookside identified for growth with Special Education students
• Cascade K-8 identified for growth with low income students
• Syre identified for growth with Black students

These schools have been recognized at a recent School Board meeting, have been provided with banners to display proudly at their building, have a badge added to their school websites, and are celebrating this achievement with staff and families.

Receiving this recognition award is a testament to the dedication, passion, and hard work of each school’s teachers, administrators, and staff, who strive every day to create an environment where all students can succeed. This achievement reflects their unwavering commitment to academic excellence, innovation in teaching, and the support systems they build to meet the needs of a diverse community of learners. It is the result of countless hours spent developing engaging lesson plans, fostering inclusive classrooms, and ensuring that every student—regardless of background or ability—has access to the resources and encouragement they need to thrive. Such an award not only celebrates past successes as we returned to in-person learning but also serves as motivation to continue fostering a culture of learning, growth, and opportunity for all.

Congratulations to Brookside, Cascade K-8, Meridian Park, Parkwood, and Syre for their well-deserved recognition!