Schools are recognized for their work in closing opportunity gaps and supporting students' growth and academic achievement during the 2024–25 school year. 

Each year, this program highlights schools that demonstrate exceptional progress in key areas of student success. This year, 16% of schools in Washington received this distinction.  

“I want to thank every student, every family, and every educator that has leaned into the work of advancing student achievement,” said State Superintendent Chris Reykdal. “Across the state, our schools are providing an innovative, high-quality learning environment, and our students are showing up ready to engage.” 

A list of all recognized schools, including the metrics schools met to be recognized, can be found on SBE’s website. 

“We are proud of everyone who was recognized this year,” said Mary Fertakis, Chair of the Washington State Board of Education. “This recognition reflects the hard work, dedication, and commitment happening every day in these schools — from students showing up ready to learn, to educators and administrators providing meaningful support and instruction.” 

The program is operated by the State Board of Education in collaboration with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and Educational Opportunity Gap Oversight and Accountability Committee (RCW 28A.657.110). The program was established in 2010 by the state legislature and was redesigned in 2018 to create a more equitable recognition framework that better highlights successes across the K–12 education system. 

How Schools are Recognized 

All public schools that participate in the Washington School Improvement Framework (WSIF) improvement process can be recognized. There are three categories of recognition that schools can be honored for: closing gaps, growth, and achievement. A school can receive recognition in multiple categories each year. This year’s recognition is based on 2025 WSIF school performance data. 

Below are summaries of each category. For more detailed information on how a school can qualify for each award, visit the State Board of Education’s school recognition webpage. 

Closing Gaps 

Schools recognized for closing gaps have made strong progress after being identified for additional support. These schools improved outcomes for student groups, reduced gaps in performance, and showed meaningful gains across key measures. 

Growth 

Schools recognized for growth have at least one student group who made some of the largest gains in the state across multiple measures between the 2023–24 and 2024–25 school years. These measures include English language arts (ELA) or math scores, attendance, graduation rates, and more. 

Achievement 

Schools recognized for achievement are among the highest-performing in Washington by consistently demonstrating strong results across multiple measures, including ELA or math scores, attendance, graduation rates, 9th graders on-track for graduation, or dual credit completion.