Lake Washington School District (LWSD) is proud to serve a growing and diverse community. With more than 30,500 students in our 57 schools, LWSD moved from the sixth-largest school district in the state to the second-largest in a period of just five years. From 2008 to 2019, the district’s enrollment grew by an average of 667 students each year. That is the size of a large elementary school. We anticipate an additional 3,500 students by 2030.

This report shares information about the 2020-21 school year. This school year saw a remote-learning program for most students at the start of the year, followed by a return to in-person learning for students in late winter/early spring. For that reason, much of the data that we would typically share is not available this year, such as standardized test scores, as LWSD did not complete standardized testing in spring 2021. 

For LWSD, 2020-21 was year two of “Elevate,” our three-year Strategic Plan. Created under the previous Superintendent, Dr. Jane Stavem, and with the support of a large group of community members, staff and students, “Elevate” was created to help provide us with direction as we work to provide the best education in the world for our students. 

Here are some key elements of our Strategic Plan:

Mission: Each student will graduate prepared to lead a rewarding and responsible life as a contributing member of our community and greater society.

Vision: Every Student Future Ready: Prepared for College, Prepared for the Global Workplace, Prepared for Personal Success

Values: From the boardroom to the classroom, Lake Washington School District is committed to the values that shape our culture:

• Focus on Students – To prepare our students we believe that all students must have opportunities to learn a rich curriculum in inclusive classrooms.
• Focus on Learning – To continue growing as an organization, everyone must have access to learning opportunities that encourage ongoing growth and development.
• Focus on Connections – To engage our community, our district must be focused on strong partnerships, outstanding service and clear communication.
• Focus on Results – To be the best school district in the world, we are committed to high quality implementation of practices that produce positive change and sustainable transformation.

Priorities: We elevate everyone and everything in Lake Washington as we focus on:

• Success – We set high expectations and provide support to help students and staff grow every year.
• Well-Being – We create safe, welcoming and inclusive places to learn for students and staff.
• Engagement – We engage students, families and community partners to improve student outcomes and build trust.
• Excellence – We ensure organizational responsibility through the effective use of resources and systems that align with district values and strategic priorities.
• Innovation – We encourage new ideas and embrace creativity and reimagine teaching and learning.
• Equity – We increase equitable outcomes by addressing barriers to engagement and success.