Kent Mountain View Academy, Mattson Middle School, and Covington, Jenkins Creek, and Martin Sortun elementary schools all received the 2014 School of Distinction award for outstanding improvement in reading and math sustained over a five‐year period.

The honor recognizes the schools for being in the state’s top 5 percent of improvement for their levels. The schools were chosen by the Center for Educational Effectiveness (CEE) in partnership with the Association of Educational Service Districts (AESD), the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP), Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA), Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA), and Washington State Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (WSASCD).

This is the third year in a row Jenkins Creek earned this distinction, the fifth time for Martin Sortun, and third for Kent Mountain View Academy. The 2014 School of Distinction award winners include 54 elementary schools, 22 middle/junior high schools, 17 high schools, and eight alternative schools from across the state.

“Our schools are committed to improvement and student success,” said Kent School District Superintendent Dr. Edward Lee Vargas, “and these awards celebrate the hard work of staff members, students, and school communities.”

Regional educational service districts throughout the state will be hosting award ceremonies to recognize the award winners within their areas, and the Kent School District will be hosting its own celebration for the five winning schools. Details will be announced in the coming week.