Pictured from left: Lieser Campus Principal Deanna Hogan, ESD 112 Assistant Superintendent Mike Nerland and Vancouver Flex Academy Principal Steve Lindblom at a special recognition on June 11

Two Vancouver schools recently received statewide honors for demonstrating significant improvement during the 2017-2018 school year. Vancouver Flex Academy and Vancouver Home Connection are among 14 schools in Southwest Washington to earn the new State Recognized School distinction from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, State Board of Education and Educational Opportunity Gap Oversight and Accountability Committee.

Flex Academy earned recognition for closing gaps and demonstrating improvement among student groups identified for support. Flex’s graduation rate has increased dramatically in recent years. In 2014, it was 17.5%. By 2018, it had jumped to 95%. Flex also is a 2018 School of Distinction, Green School and the recipient of several grants for experiential learning.

Home Connection, located at the Lieser Campus, earned recognition for making gains in school improvement metrics while narrowing the gap between the highest and lowest performing student groups. Home Connection staff members and families work together closely to support students. In addition to academic learning, students also receive social-emotional lessons on topics such as integrity, courage, success and perseverance. And Home Connection is the recent recipient of a grant for science, engineering, technology, art and math.

This year’s 200 State Recognized Schools represent the top 20% in Washington for school improvement.