FRANKLIN PIERCE SCHOOL DISTRICT — Three schools — Central Avenue Elementary, James Sales Elementary, and Franklin Pierce High School — have each been awarded a 2012 Schools of Distinction designation. They are three of 97 total schools throughout Washington State that were given the honor.

The award is determined based on a school’s overall performance in reading and math.

For these schools, the award is particularly special. Central Avenue Elementary is one of only six schools in the state that have received a School of Distinction for four or more years. Three years ago, James Sales Elementary was listed as not making Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), but has made leaps and bounds in student academic achievement. And Franklin Pierce High School is one of only 19 high schools state-wide that received a 2012 School of Distinction.

“We are proud of all the academic achievement gains occurring in all of our schools, but these three get to celebrate today for meeting the School of Distinction criteria,” said Supt. Hewins.

Representatives from each of the three schools will be honored at a ceremony in late January.