Washington Elementary School has been honored as a 2015 National Blue Ribbon School. This highly prestigious honor is only awarded to schools considered "Exemplary High Performing" by national standards. The school applications are evaluated in an extensive review process among public and private schools throughout the nation.
On 9/29/2015, U.S. Secretary of Education Mr. Arne Duncan announced via video press release that 335 schools in the United States are being recognized for their outstanding performance in student achievement in 2014-2015. Washington Elementary School was one of these 335 schools recognized nationally.
Washington Elementary School serves an average 250 Norfolk Public Schools students grades K-4. The elementary school demographics include a 78% free and reduced lunch population and 21% English Language Learners. The staff and students of Washington Elementary have made great strides in student achievement over the past 5 years and are very deserving of this high honor.
| 2010-2011 Washington Elementary Average | 2014-2015 Washington Elementary Average | 2014-2015 State Average | |
| NeSA Reading Scores | 73% | 98% | 80% |
| NeSA Math Scores | 71% | 91% | 72% |
"Congratulations to the teachers, staff, and students of Washington Elementary School on being named a 2015 National Blue Ribbon School. They have worked tirelessly over the last several years to increase student learning and ensure that all students are achieving well beyond the state average. I am confident that no one at Washington – students, teachers, or staff - was motivated by winning an elite award, but it is a wonderful opportunity to publically recognize their hard work and accomplishments. We are very proud of the student achievement levels at Washington Elementary and are thrilled to see them honored with this prestigious award!"
- Dr. Jami Jo Thompson, Superintendent of Schools, Norfolk Public Schools.
"We are ecstatic at being named a 2015 National Blue Ribbon School, but humbled by it as well. Not one of us in this building did it by ourselves. We all worked together, as a team, to create this high achieving environment. The students engaged and worked hard. Teachers and staff continually looked for ways to make sure that every student was learning these fundamentals of education and that they could learn in a safe, positive, clean environment. Parents supported their students and teachers and made sure learning continued at home. Each person involved worked hard to make Washington Elementary School a place to be proud of. Washington is a great elementary school and we are honored to accept this award."
– Mr. Michael Andreasen, Principal, Washington Elementary School.
