Redmond Elementary School has received a 2011 School of Distinction award from the Center for Educational Effectiveness (CEE).

To be considered for the award, schools had to be performing at least at the state average in fourth, seventh and/or tenth grade reading and math assessments — as measured on the spring 2011 Measures of Student Progress (fourth and seventh grade) and High School Proficiency Exam (10th grade). Schools were then evaluated on combined reading and math improvement from 2006 to 2011, based on state assessments. The top five percent of schools are then recognized with the School of Distinction Award.

In addition to Redmond Elementary, Samantha Smith Elementary School and the Renaissance School of Art and Reasoning in the Lake Washington School District (LWSD) were also named schools of distinction. Both schools are located in Sammamish. The Renaissance School is a choice school open to seventh through ninth graders throughout the district.

The three schools were among 99 schools statewide to receive the awards. These awards are presented by CEE, the Association of Educational Service Districts (AESD), the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP), Phi Delta Kappa-Washington chapter, Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA), Washington State Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) and Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA).

The Schools of Distinction Awards will be presented at six regional awards ceremonies.