Three LWSD schools have been named "Schools of Distinction"

Redmond, Wash. – Three Lake Washington School District schools have been named “Schools of Distinction” by the Center for Educational Effectiveness (CEE). Discovery Community School (Kirkland), Evergreen Middle School (Redmond), and Kirkland Middle School (Kirkland) were among 101 schools statewide in the top 5 percent for improvement on the state’s Reading / Math index test scores for students. Read More >>

These awards are presented by CEE, the Association of Educational Service Districts (AESD), the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP), Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA), and Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA). 

Each school had to show improvement in their “Reading / Math Index” over the past five years. Each recognized school also had student test scores that, at a minimum, were at or above the state median for the grade band.  

“I am very proud of these schools for their sustained improvement,” noted Dr. Traci Pierce, superintendent. “All of our schools focus on continuous improvement, and the data shows that these schools have worked hard toward achieving their goals.”

To be considered, schools had to perform at least at or above the state median in reading and math assessments, as measured on the spring 2014 Measures of Student Progress. Schools had to have data in at least two of three grades to be considered for that level (grades 3, 4, and 5 for elementary schools and grades 6, 7, and 8 for middle schools and junior highs). Schools were evaluated on combined reading and math improvement from 2009 to 2014 based on state assessments. The top five percent of public schools statewide subsequently are recognized with the School of Distinction award. Read more.

Discovery Community School is a Lake Washington School District Choice school that is housed at Sandburg Elementary School in Kirkland, Wash. Discovery provides hands-on, interactive learning experiences to three multi-age classrooms, with a total enrollment of 73 students. Discovery Community School also received this award last year.

Evergreen Middle School, located in Redmond, Wash., serves nearly 900 students. This year is the first that Evergreen Middle School is being recognized with a School of Distinction Award.

Kirkland Middle School, located in Kirkland, Wash., serves nearly 600 students. Kirkland Middle School has won this award for three years in a row.

The Schools of Distinction Awards will be presented to these and other area schools at a regional awards ceremony at the Puget Sound Educational Service District in Renton from 4-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 5.