CMS among only 16% of schools statewide that earned recognition this year

information released; pictured above: CMS math teacher Mindy Christopherson leads a math lesson with 6th grade students

Lake Chelan School District is proud to announce that Chelan Middle School has been recognized by the Washington State Board of Education for outstanding progress in Closing Gaps and in Academic Growth.

This recognition places Chelan Middle School among a select group of schools across Washington. Only 16% of schools statewide earned recognition this year, making this honor a significant achievement for Chelan students, staff, families, and the broader community.

The Washington School Recognition Program highlights public schools that demonstrate exceptional progress in key areas of student success. The program is operated 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. Schools may be recognized in the areas of Closing Gaps, Growth, and Achievement, based on Washington School Improvement Framework data.

Chelan Middle School earned recognition for Closing Gaps after showing meaningful gains on the 2025 Washington School Improvement Framework following its identification for Targeted Supports in the 2024 WSIF. The school also earned recognition for Growth, with student progress from the 2023–24 school year to the 2024–25 school year ranking among the top 10% of schools statewide in multiple academic measures.

“This award is the result of focused instruction, exceptional teamwork, systems that intentionally support academics, behavior, and attendance, and a shared belief that every student can achieve at high levels,” — Chelan Middle School Principal Terry Sanders.

Terry Sanders

“Our staff has worked intentionally to create high expectations with high levels of support, with numerous structures that help ensure success for our students,” said Sanders. “We don’t set goals in August and hope they pay off in June. Our team has created an environment where all students feel connected, supported, and challenged, and we as the adults have put in place the checks and balances along the way to ensure the learning and growth happens, and we have fun along the way! Most importantly, our students have worked hard and shown tremendous growth.”

Chelan Middle School’s growth included top 10% statewide gains for the All Students group in English language arts proficiency, math proficiency, ELA student growth percentiles, and math student growth percentiles. The school also saw top 10% gains for White students in ELA proficiency, ELA student growth percentiles, and math student growth percentiles, as well as top 10% gains for low-income students in math proficiency, ELA student growth percentiles, and math student growth percentiles.

“This recognition is a celebration of our students, staff, families, and the Chelan community,” — Superintendent Brad Wilson.

Brad Wilson

“To be among just 16% of schools in Washington recognized this year speaks to the strength of Chelan Middle School’s work and the commitment of our educators to help every student grow. We are especially proud that this recognition reflects meaningful gains across student groups, which directly aligns with our mission to ensure academic, social, and emotional success for every student,” Wilson stated.

This recognition supports Lake Chelan School District’s strategic focus on enhancing student learning through evidence-based instructional practices that remove barriers and improve student mastery of learning standards. It also reflects the district’s belief that students are at the heart of its work and that relationships, belonging, and student voice matter.

Lake Chelan School District congratulates Chelan Middle School students, staff, and families on this well-deserved honor. Together, they are living out the district’s Chelan ABCs: Achieve. Believe. Contribute.

Established in 1892, Lake Chelan School District serves nearly 1,300 students with 97 percent of its students graduating in four years and more than 78 percent of high school students enrolled in no-cost, college-level coursework (OSPI data). The district’s headquarters is located at 309 E. Johnson Ave., Chelan, WA 98816. Telephone: (509) 682-3515. Follow the LCSD on Facebook, Instagram or view the LCSD website at: www.chelanschools.org