ESEA Distinguished Schools Award Program

Each year, Washington state schools are selected by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) for the National and State ESEA Distinguished Schools Awards. Using school multiple data points, OSPI selects federally funded schools for their outstanding academic achievements of their students. Up to two schools with the highest student performance and academic growth are selected for the national award. Two or more schools are selected for the state award. The schools chosen for national recognition will be honored at the National ESEA Conference.

These schools demonstrate a wide array of strengths, including team approaches to teaching and learning, focused professional development opportunities for staff, individualized programs for student success, and strong partnerships between the school, parents, and the community.

2025 Recipients

Distinguished Schools Program Criteria

The schools selected must qualify under one of the following categories:

• Category 1: Schools exhibiting exceptional student performance and academic growth
• Category 2: Closing  the achievement gap between student groups
• Category 3: Schools that show excellence in serving special populations of students (e.g. homeless, migrant, English learners, etc.)

Eligibility for the award is based on several factors, including:

• School is partially funded by at least one federal ESEA funding source.
• High academic achievement or growth over multiple years in ELA and Mathematics as measured by state assessments
• Poverty Percentage of schools above 40%
• 95 percent participation rate on state assessments

Past Recipients

2024 Recipients

National Distinguished Schools

CHOICE Academy
Highline School District
Michael Sita, Principal

Paterson Elementary
Paterson School District
Joe West, Principal and Superintendent

State Distinguished Schools

Kamiak Elementary
Pullman School District
Evan Hecker, Principal 

Ruth Livingston Elementary
Pasco School District
Joe Jisa, Principal

2023 Recipients

National Distinguished Schools

Paterson Elementary
Paterson School District
Joe West, Principal and Superintendent

Pomeroy Elementary
Pomeroy School District
Rachel Gwinn, Principal and Superintendent

State Distinguished Schools

Hamilton Elementary
Port Angeles School District
Gary Pringle, Principal 

Maple Elementary
Seattle School District
Daisy Barragan, Principal

2022 Recipients

National Distinguished Schools

LaCrosse Elementary
LaCrosse School District
Principal Jordan Jennings

Camas Prairie Elementary
Bethel School District
Principal Melissa Munson-Merritt

State Distinguished Schools

Wahkiakum High School
Wahkiakum School District
Principal Stephanie Leitz

Davenport Elementary
Davenport School District
Principal Sarita Hopkins

2021 Recipients

National Distinguished Schools

Jefferson Elementary
Pullman School District
Jim Bruce, Principal

Hilton Elementary
Zillah School District
Ryne Phillips, Principal

State Distinguished Schools

Rainier View Elementary
Seattle School District
Anitra Jones, Principal

Glenridge Elementary
Kent School District
Scott Abernathy, Principal

2020 Recipients

National Distinguished Schools

Evergreen School
Evergreen School District (Stevens)
Bill Glidewell, Superintendent & Principal
Exceptional student performance for two or more consecutive years

Twin City Elementary
Stanwood-Camano Island School District
Jennifer Allen, Principal
Excellence in serving special populations of students

State Distinguished Schools

Hilton Elementary
Zillah School District
Ryne Phillips, Principal
Closing the achievement gap between student groups

Selkirk Elementary
Selkirk School District
Nancy Lotze, Superintendent & Principal
Exceptional student performance for two or more consecutive years

2019 Recipients

National Distinguished Schools

Hamilton Elementary
Port Angeles School District
Principal: Gary Pringle
Closing the achievement gap between student groups

Davenport Middle & High School
Davenport School District
Principal: Chad Prewitt
Exceptional student performance for two or more consecutive years

State Distinguished Schools

Chester H. Thompson Elementary
Bethel School District
Principal: Ralph Wisner
Exceptional student performance for two or more consecutive years

Stanley Elementary
Tacoma School District
Principal: Julila Heacox
Exceptional student performance for two or more consecutive years

2018 Recipients

National Distinguished Schools

Gildo Rey Elementary
Auburn School District
Principal: Lenny Holloman
Closing the achievement gap between student groups

Bonney Lake Elementary
Sumner School District
Principal: Bobbi Snider
Exceptional student performance for two or more consecutive years

State Distinguished Schools

Almira Elementary
Almira School District
Principal: Shauna Schmerer
Exceptional student performance for two or more consecutive years

Olympic Hills Elementary
Seattle School District
Principal: Elizabeth DeBell
Closing the achievement gap between student groups