A culture of universal achievement and commitment to closing the achievement gap have earned Sarah J. Anderson Elementary the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction’s only 2015 Washington Innovative School designation.

In addition to being the elementary school home of the district’s Spanish/English Dual Language Program, Anderson is a No Excuses University school that focuses on achievement, collaboration, standards alignment, assessment, data management and interventions. The overall theme of the school, college readiness, is embraced by staff, students and parents. And implementation of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports has allowed the school to develop a consistent focus on positive approaches with students, who are recognized for their self-management, choices and leadership.

The addition of Sarah J. Anderson brings the total number of designated Innovative Schools in Washington to 27. In Vancouver Public Schools, Vancouver School of Arts and Academics also currently is an Innovative School.

Anderson will be recognized at the statewide school awards ceremony at Spanaway Lake High School on Tuesday, April 28.