Island Park, Lakeridge and West Mercer Elementary and Islander Middle School (IMS) were named recipients of 2016 Washington Achievement Awards by Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal and the Washington State Board of Education.

Island Park earned awards for High Progress and English Language Acquisition; Lakeridge, West Mercer and Islander for High Progress.

“I am very proud of all of our students and staff for outstanding achievement,” Superintendent Dr. Gary Plano said. “These awards are a testament to the hard work and dedication of staff, students, parents and community.”

This is the eighth year of the Washington Achievement Awards, and Mercer Island schools have been honored each year by the state. The awards use the Washington State Achievement Index and are based on statewide assessment data for the three previous years. Schools must have at least 95 percent participation on state tests to qualify for recognition. Students at MIHS who took the assessments last year scored extremely well, but since the testing is not required for graduation until the class of 2019, many students elected not to participate; consequently, the high school was not eligible for an award. The Achievement Index measures student proficiency in math, English language arts, science, student growth, and college and career readiness.

The award is given in seven categories: Overall Excellence, High Progress, English Language Arts Growth, Math Growth, Extended Graduation Rate, English Language Acquisition, and Achievement Gap.

The award-winning schools will be honored during a ceremony on May 3 at Olympic Middle School in the Auburn School District.