Two Wenatchee schools earn state recognition for student success

WENATCHEE — Two schools in the Wenatchee School District have earned statewide recognition for student performance, marking a second consecutive year of honors for both campuses and highlighting continued gains across the district.

Sunnyslope Elementary School was recognized for Achievement in English Language Arts and math, placing it among the highest-performing schools in Washington based on consistent results across multiple academic measures.

Foothills Middle School earned recognition in the Closing Gaps: Targeted category, which highlights schools that have made measurable progress in improving outcomes for specific student groups, particularly those that have historically faced disparities in academic performance.

The annual Washington School Recognition Program is administered by the Washington State Board of Education in partnership with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Educational Opportunity Gap Oversight and Accountability Committee. This year, 379 public schools across 150 districts were recognized, representing about 16 percent of schools statewide.

For both Sunnyslope and Foothills, the recognition builds on momentum from the previous year.

In 2025, both schools were honored for closing achievement gaps. Sunnyslope was recognized for gains among low-income students and students receiving special education services, while Foothills was noted for significant progress in supporting low-income students.

Sunnyslope’s performance has also drawn attention beyond the state level. The school was recently ranked No. 59 on U.S. News & World Report’s list of the 100 best elementary schools in Washington, the second-highest ranking for an elementary school in Eastern Washington.

District leaders said the recognition reflects sustained effort across classrooms, not just isolated results.

“We are incredibly proud of both schools and the students, staff, and families who made this possible,” Superintendent Kory Kalahar said. “Back-to-back recognition is a reflection of the consistent, meaningful work happening every day in our classrooms and our shared commitment to every student’s unlimited success.”

Both schools will receive recognition banners as part of the statewide program, a visible marker of progress that district officials say represents years of focused work to support student learning and close opportunity gaps.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media