CR, Kelso, Longview, Woodland schools awarded for academic growth
The Washington State Board of Education and Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction recognized elementary schools in Castle Rock, Kelso, Longview and Woodland school districts in the 2026 Washington School Recognition Program.
The program highlights schools around the state that demonstrate exceptional progress in closing achievement gaps and supporting student growth. This year, 16% of Washington public schools were recognized, for a total of 379 schools, OSPI stated in a press release.
Stay up to date on Lower Columbia news, wherever you go
Access the latest Lower Columbia news in The Daily News app that lets you select the topics that matter most to you.
Castle Rock Elementary School was recognized for growth among multiracial students in English Language Arts proficiency rates, math proficiency rates and attendance from the 2023-2024 school year to the 2024-2025 school year.
To qualify for the growth award, a school's increase in a target area must be in the top 10% of schools from across the state. Schools can be recognized for individual student groups or their overall student population.
Rose Valley Elementary School in Kelso was recognized for growth among students with disabilities in English Language Arts proficiency rates, math proficiency rates and math student growth percentiles.
Kessler Elementary School in Longview was recognized for closing gaps, meaning it showed meaningful improvement in 2025 after being identified by the Washington School Improvement Framework as needing targeted supports in 2024.
Yale, Columbia and North Fork elementary schools in Woodland were all recognized for growth.
Yale Elementary School was recognized for growth among white students in English Language Arts and math proficiency rates.
Columbia Elementary School was recognized for growth among students with disabilities in English Language Arts proficiency rates, English Language Arts student growth percentiles and math student growth percentiles.
North Fork Elementary School was recognized for growth among low-income students for English Language Arts proficiency rates, math proficiency rates and math student growth percentiles.
Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency. All Rights Reserved.