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OLYMPIA—April 15, 2026—A group of Washington schools are earning recognition for helping all students succeed. The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Distinguished Schools Award for 2024–25 includes six schools in Washington. The annual award honors schools that bridge educational gaps.
Ruth Livingston Elementary (Pasco School District) and Vale Elementary (Cashmere School District) both earned recognition as National Distinguished Schools.
Brinnon Elementary (Brinnon School District), Davenport Senior High School (Davenport School District), McDonald Elementary (Central Valley School District), and Naches Valley High School (Naches Valley School District) earned recognition as State Distinguished Schools.
OSPI’s Title Programs Office reviews eligible schools and selects recipients. Schools are eligible for the ESEA Distinguished Schools Award if at least 35% of their student population is identified as low-income. The award honors schools that show a commitment to exceptional student performance, closing achievement gaps, and excellence in serving special populations of students.
Distinguished Schools demonstrate outstanding performance in three categories:
- Category 1: Exceptional student performance for two or more consecutive years.
- Category 2: Closing achievement gaps for two or more consecutive years.
- Category 3: Excellence in serving special populations of students (e.g., students experiencing homelessness, students who are migratory, and students who are multilingual/English learners).
“This recognition affirms the relentless work of our staff, the resilience and growth of our students, and the partnership and trust of our families,” said Vale Elementary Principal Sean McKenna. “It highlights our shared belief that every child matters and deserves to be seen, supported, and challenged to succeed.”
National ESEA Distinguished Schools receive recognition at the National ESEA Conference, a plaque, and $20,000 for use toward professional development, team building, or other program development activities.
State ESEA Distinguished Schools will receive a plaque and $5,000 each for the same purposes.
“This recognition belongs to our entire school community,” said Naches Valley High School Principal Eric Valentine. “I am extremely proud of our students and staff, and I’m excited about the future successes that are still ahead for our school.”
National Distinguished Schools
Ruth Livingston Elementary
Pasco School District, Pasco, Washington
Principal: Joe Jisa
Category 1: Exceptional student performance and academic growth
Vale Elementary
Cashmere School District, Cashmere, Washington
Principal: Sean McKenna
Category 1: Exceptional student performance and academic growth
State Distinguished Schools
Brinnon Elementary
Brinnon School District, Brinnon, Washington
Superintendent and Principal: Patricia Beathard
Category 1: Exceptional student performance and academic growth
Davenport Senior High School
Davenport School District, Davenport, Washington
Principal: Jennifer Hargrave
Category 1: Exceptional student performance and academic growth
McDonald Elementary
Central Valley School District, Spokane Valley, Washington
Principal: Scott Krentel
Category 1: Exceptional student performance and academic growth
Naches Valley High School
Naches Valley School District, Naches, Washington
Principal: Eric Valentine
Category 1: Exceptional student performance and academic growth