By Bill Reynolds La Conner Community News La Conner Middle School has made the grade in a big way when it comes to fostering student achievement.

The local campus is one of just 16% of schools across Washington state to be recognized for exceptional growth among multi-racial student populations.

The Washington School Recognition Program has saluted La Conner Middle School for strides its students made from 2023-25 in English language acquisition proficiency and attendance. The statewide recognition lauds the school for employing an inclusive learning environment that helps improve student outcomes.

“This is the result of a staff that cares about and works toward student growth, learning and well-being,” said La Conner Schools Director of Teaching & Learning Beth Clothier.

Clothier said she and La Conner Middle and High School Principal Christine Tripp have identified four key initiatives that make a significant difference in student growth.

She said that “Core Four” involves engagement in consistent instructional strategies, focus on intentional and explicit vocabulary instruction across all disciplines, promotion of an inviting environment that encourages regular attendance, and unwavering diligence on the part of staff.

Those efforts have paid off handsomely.

Based on statistics compiled by the Washington School Recognition Program, La Conner Middle School ranks in the top 10% of schools statewide for attaining increased English language mastery and attendance.

The Washington School Recognition Program is operated by the State Board of Education and Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. It honors public schools for outstanding student success based on the Washington School Improvement Framework.

Another major partner in the process is the Educational Opportunity Gap Oversight and Accountability Committee, which the state Legislature created in 2009. The committee recommends policies and strategies to close achievement and opportunity gaps for students of color.

Bill Reynolds is a general assignment reporter for La Conner Community News.