MISD Elementary Schools Recognized by Washington School Recognition Program

Mercer Island, WA, May 4, 2026 – The Mercer Island School District is extremely pleased to announce all four elementary schools are being recognized by the Washington School Recognition Program for their Washington School Improvement Framework (WSIF) performance during the 2024-2025 school year.

• Lakeridge Elementary School | Achievement in ELA, Math, Attendance rate
• Island Park Elementary | Achievement in ELA, Math, Attendance rate
• Northwood Elementary School | Achievement in ELA, Math, Attendance rate
• West Mercer Elementary | Achievement in ELA, Math, Attendance rate

“This recognition reinforces that Mercer Island School District is making meaningful progress through disciplined focus, intentional practice, and a relentless commitment to student success,” said Superintendent Dr. Fred Rundle. “Across our schools, we are seeing the impact of sustained efforts to strengthen learning conditions and academic outcomes.”

“Recognition in any single year tells only part of the story,” Rundle continued. “What matters most is that our district continues to build stronger and more responsive systems through continuous quality improvement designed to ensure every student is known, supported, and challenged.”

This was the second consecutive year the District’s elementary schools were recognized by the Washington State Board of Education.

This year, 379 public schools in 150 school districts across Washington have been recognized, which is just 16% of schools statewide.

Schools can be recognized in three categories: Closing Gaps, Growth, and Achievement.

• Achievement: Schools earn this award if they are among the highest-performing in the state based on the 3-year WSIF. The All Students group must rank in the top 20% in at least two key measures, such as ELA or math proficiency, attendance, graduation rate, 9th-grade on-track rate, or dual credit completion. In addition, the school must have a WSIF score of 6.00 or higher for the All Students group and all reportable student groups, showing strong performance across the board.
• Growth: Schools earn this award if at least one reportable student group (with enough students to count) made some of the largest gains in the state across multiple measures from 2023–24 to 2024–25. These measures include ELA and math proficiency, student growth percentiles (SGP), attendance, graduation rates, 9th-grade on-track rates, dual credit completion, and English learner progress. The student group must rank in the top 10% for at least 60% of the measures it qualifies for. Schools must also pass a “high-low gap” test, showing that performance gaps between student groups narrowed with no declines for the highest- or lowest-performing groups. Schools can be awarded per student group or for All Students. 
• Closing Gaps: Schools earn this award if they were identified for Targeted (Tiers 1–2) or Comprehensive (Tier 3) support in the Washington School Improvement Framework (WSIF) and then showed meaningful improvement. They must meet minimum requirements, including enrollment in both years and ESSA participation rules for ELA and math. Schools must also show gains in WSIF scores, with no declines for student groups. Depending on the support type, schools may need to move above the WSIF identification threshold, improve graduation rates, or increase English learner progress.  

More information about award methodology, definitions of award categories, and a list of all schools being honored this year is posted on the Board’s School Recognition webpage.

The Washington School Recognition Program is a joint effort between the State Board of Education (SBE), the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), and the Educational Opportunity Gap Oversight and Accountability Committee (EOGOAC). Its purpose is to celebrate effective practices, support student success, and promote continuous improvement in schools across Washington.

As part of being recognized, each elementary school will receive a banner. The State Board of Education has partnered with Puget Sound Educational Service District 121 to facilitate the delivery of banners to the schools.