Everett Public Schools’ Whittier Elementary has earned one of the nation’s highest honors in education – recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School.
While the U.S. Department of Education discontinued the program in August 2025, Whittier had already been nominated, completed the application process, and received final confirmation of its award before the program was cut.
The Blue Ribbon Schools Program honored fewer than 1% of public schools across the country each year for overall academic excellence or progress in closing achievement gaps.
In Washington, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) nominates up to seven schools annually based on assessment data and overall performance. Whittier’s nomination placed it among the top-performing schools in the state and makes it the first Everett Public Schools building to earn this distinction.
Principal Tony Wentworth first learned of the award in February 2025, with final confirmation arriving on August 20. At that time, the U.S. Secretary of Education was expected to announce the winners in early September.
However, on September 15, Principal Wentworth received word from the Blue Ribbon program that the federal administration had cut the program effective immediately. Communication about the change had been sent to state education departments on August 29.
“It is disappointing the national program has ended, but that cannot take away the incredible work from our staff and students every day,” said Principal Tony Wentworth. “It’s an honor to serve alongside such dedicated educators, and I’m grateful for our community that makes Whittier such a special place.”
On Friday, Sept. 26, Everett Public Schools leaders – Superintendent Dr. Ian Saltzman, Regional Superintendent Dr. Cathy Woods, and Principal Wentworth – surprised Whittier staff during a meeting as they informed them of earning the Blue Ribbon Award. Staff were celebrated with balloons and cupcakes.
“Whittier will always be a Blue Ribbon school,” said Dr. Saltzman. “This staff works tirelessly to ensure students achieve at the highest levels, and they earned this recognition. I am incredibly proud of them.”
State Superintendent Chris Reykdal echoed the praise saying,
“The Blue Ribbon Schools Award recognized schools that truly moved the needle for student achievement. My office was proud to nominate Whittier Elementary for this national honor.”
Whittier’s application showcased a strong academic program paired with meaningful support for every learner, including:
- Instructional excellence across reading, math, science, and social studies that builds critical thinking, collaboration, and inquiry.
- Strong Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) framework that uses data to guide instruction and provide timely help for students.
- Enrichment opportunities such as literature circles, inquiry-based science labs, and advanced projects for high-achieving students.
- Inclusive strategies like Guided Language Acquisition Design (GLAD) and small-group instruction to support multilingual learners and students with disabilities.
- Whole-child approach, anchored in the guiding principles: Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be Your Best. Social-emotional supports, restorative practices, technology access, and a flourishing arts program are embedded throughout the school.
- STEM and community partnerships, including robotics, hands-on experiments, STEM nights, and collaborations with Everett Community College and the Washington Alliance for Better Schools.
Even though the National Blue Ribbon Program has ended, Whittier Elementary will always be honored and known as a Blue Ribbon School.
September 27, 2025
Everett Schools