Spiritridge Elementary School in the Bellevue School District has been honored with a 2013 “School of Distinction” Award. It is the third year in a row that Spiritridge has been recognized with the award for outstanding improvement in student achievement in both reading and math. It’s one of only 55 elementary schools in the state to receive the honor.

The School of Distinction award recipients are the highest improving schools in the state, representing the top five percent of improvement of all schools at their grade level. Award winners must show sustained improvement in reading and math over the last five years.

Students at the winning schools must perform at or above the state median for their grade level. This year’s assessment included scores from the Measure of Student Progress (MSP) for grades 3-8, and for 10th grade, the High School Proficiency Exam in Reading and End-of-Course Exams in Math.

“This award is dedicated to the students, staff and community at Spiritridge who provide ongoing and committed service to all of our students,” said Spiritridge Principal Alexa Allman. “Our mission and goal is to ensure success for each and every child academically and socially by providing rigorous and challenging coursework, providing a safe, positive and productive learning environment, differentiating instruction based on student need and assessments, and working together as a community for our students.”

The 2013 School of Distinction award is presented by The Center for Educational Effectiveness, the Association of Educational Service Districts, the Association of Washington School Principals, Washington Association of School Administrators and Washington State School Directors’ Association.