MOSES LAKE – In a display of educational dedication, several schools within the Columbia Basin area have received honors from the Washington State School Recognition Program for the 2023-2024 academic year. These awards celebrate schools that have excelled in crucial areas of student success, including closing achievement gaps, fostering growth among diverse student populations and attaining high levels of performance. 

“Each year, the Washington State School Recognition Program highlights schools that demonstrate exceptional progress in key areas of student success,” read a statement from the Washington State Education Authority. “For the 2023-2024 school year, 16% of schools received recognition.” 

The recognition comes from a joint effort between the State Board of Education, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Educational Opportunity Gap Oversight and Accountability Committee.  

There are three possible recognitions a school can be given: closing gaps, growth or achievement.  

The closing gaps category is for schools that have made progress in areas identified for improvement in previous school years. These areas may include English, language arts and math assessment scores, English learner progress or graduation rates. 

The growth category is for schools that have at least one student group that has shown some of the state’s largest annual gains across multiple measures, such as attendance, assessment scores, English learner progress, graduation rates, or the percentage of ninth graders who successfully earned all their attempted credits.  

The achievement category schools have the state's highest performance in at least two key areas, including attendance, dual credit completion, assessment scores in English language arts or math, graduation rates, or ninth-grade credit attainment, and are above average across all reportable student groups on the 2025 Washington School Improvement Framework. 

The Quincy School District has made strides with three of its schools receiving recognition. Ancient Lakes Elementary and Mountain View Elementary both earned accolades in the “Closing Gaps” category, demonstrating comprehensive efforts to improve key areas such as English language arts and math assessment scores, as well as addressing graduation rates. Additionally, Quincy Innovation Academy was recognized in the “Growth” category for showing substantial annual gains among racially and ethnically diverse student groups. 

"We are deeply honored to be recognized for our efforts in improving educational outcomes for our students at Quincy Innovation Academy,” Quincy Innovation Principal and Whole Child Director Colleen Frerks said in a statement. “This achievement is a testament to the unwavering dedication and hard work of our staff, students, and families. I am incredibly proud of our school’s commitment to continuous improvement. Together, we strive to create an environment where every student feels a sense of belonging and has access to a supportive pathway to achieve their future goals.” 

Moses Lake School District is also in the spotlight, with North Elementary School achieving dual recognition for its impressive outcomes. The school showcased growth across multiple measures, significantly impacting both racial or ethnic groups and low-income students.  

“This recognition is a testament to the collective effort of our staff, students, and families,” said North Elementary Principal Beau Phillips in a statement. “We’re proud to see our students making meaningful progress, and we’re committed to continuing this growth by creating an inclusive, supportive learning environment for every child.” 

The Almira/Coulee-Hartline School District has made an impressive mark with Almira/Coulee-Hartline High School being honored for its high performance in English Language Arts and Math, graduation rates, and ninth graders on track to earn their credits. Furthermore, the school excelled in offering dual credit opportunities, preparing students for future academic endeavors. 

In the Othello School District, Desert Oasis High School was recognized for its growth among racial and ethnic groups, while Lutacaga Elementary and Scootney Springs Elementary were both celebrated for their targeted efforts in closing achievement gaps.  

Wahluke School District’s Saddle Mountain Elementary was honored for significant growth among its special education students, affirming the district's focus on inclusivity and meeting the diverse needs of its student population. 

“No matter how a school qualifies, it’s a huge honor — one that takes a dedicated team of educators, administrators, and support staff to achieve,” reads the statement from the Washington State Education Authority. “And of course, let’s not forget the students who show up every day to learn and grow.” 

    North Elementary School of the Moses Lake School District achieved dual recognition for both growth for students in one or more racial or ethnic groups and growth for low-income students.