Thursday, May 28, 2026

A Trifecta of Excellence: All Three Woodland Elementary Schools Earn State Recognition for Student Growth

In a remarkable sweep for the district, the Washington State Board of Education (SBE) has officially recognized all three elementary schools in the Woodland School District for exceptional student performance during the 2024-2025 school year.

Columbia Elementary, North Fork Elementary, and Yale Elementary have each been named honorees in the Washington School Recognition Program. This prestigious distinction is awarded to only a small fraction of schools across the state, just 16%, making Woodland’s "three-for-three" achievement a rare and significant milestone.

Closing the Gap: Targeted Success

The Washington School Recognition Program identifies schools that have made significant strides in closing opportunity gaps and ensuring growth for specific student populations. Each of Woodland’s elementary schools was recognized for its success in different, vital areas:

• Columbia Elementary School was honored for Growth for Students Receiving Special Education Services. This recognition highlights the school’s dedication to providing inclusive, effective support systems that allow every learner to thrive.
• North Fork Elementary School earned its award for Growth for Low-Income Students. By focusing on equitable access to resources and high-quality instruction, North Fork has proven that economic status does not define a student’s potential for success.
• Yale Elementary School was recognized for Growth for Students in One or More Racial or Ethnic Groups. This honor reflects Yale’s commitment to cultural responsiveness and to ensuring that students of all backgrounds achieve at high levels.

A Community Win

“Receiving this recognition is no small honor,” the State Board of Education noted in their announcement. The program uses a rigorous methodology to identify schools that are not just maintaining the status quo but are actively moving the needle for student groups that have historically faced barriers to success.

“This is a direct reflection of the incredible work our principals, educators, support staff, and students put in every single day,” said Superintendent Asha Riley. “We are committed to Excellence for Every Child. To have every one of our elementary schools recognized shows that our district-wide focus on excellence and individual student growth is working. We are incredibly proud of our staff for their tireless dedication to our kids.”

Celebrating the Achievement

As part of the award, each school will receive a commemorative banner to display proudly on campus.

Parents and community members interested in the specific data and metrics behind these awards can visit the State Board of Education’s searchable database, which was made live on May 4, to coincide with the public announcement.

Congratulations to the staff, students, and families of Columbia, North Fork, and Yale Elementary. Your hard work has put Woodland on the map as a leader in educational growth and equity in Washington State!