High school students in the Edmonds School District graduate at a higher rate than their peers statewide. They also enroll in post-high school education at much higher rates. What is driving the district’s outsized success?
Category: Schools
Walk into a science classroom at Cedarcrest Middle School in Marysville, and you will see hands-on, minds-on learning. Exploring concepts such as gravity, light, and energy happens with investigative projects where students ask questions, experiment, process with their classmates, and iterate.
Why do education and high expectations matter to Washington parents?
“Freedom of education opens doors in the future,” said Brandon, a Kent School District parent.
“Education and lifelong learning are going to get you where you really want to go,” said Christina, a North Thurston School District parent.
“It’s important to me that my kids get a quality education because it’s setting them up for success with the rest of their life,” said Julie, a parent in the Kent School District.
These are just a few of the reasons that parents shared for placing a high value on education for their students.
Washington’s 2018 Teacher of the Year Mandy Manning has dedicated her life to helping her students develop confidence, so they can be successful long after high school. Ready Washington’s latest Teacher of the Year video captures Manning’s work as an English and math teacher at the Newcomer Center at Spokane’s Ferris High School.
A new tool from Ready Washington is designed by parents, for parents, to share information and resources about supporting students’ education.

VIDEO: Ready Washington provides students, families, and teachers with clear, easy-to-use information to help students connect their learning to their career plans and aspirations.
FLYER: This fact sheet — available in 16 languages — provides key information about Washington K-12 Learning Standards & Assessments, why they’re important, and how parents can support their students.

REPORT: There will be 740,000 job openings in Washington in the next five years. The majority of job opportunities—particularly those that will support upward mobility and good quality of life—will be filled with workers who have postsecondary education or training.
REPORT: To prepare Washington students for success in their home state, we must improve outcomes at low-performing schools and for struggling students.
Hear from McKinstry employees about their career paths and some advice they have for today’s students.