In June 2024 Rainier Prep received state recognition for Outstanding Achievement during the 2022-2023 school year in the category of “growth for the whole school and multiple student groups.” The public school recognition program is a partnership of the State Board of Education, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and the Educational Opportunity Gap Oversight and Accountability Committee and includes evaluation of K-12 public schools statewide. “We appreciate the continued recognition of Rainier Prep’s work towards educational equity,” said Rainier Prep Executive Director Karen Lobos. “Our teachers and staff are very intentional in preparing our students for both high school and postsecondary success. This recognition of our students’ academic proficiency as well as their growth year after year is a testament to their continued hard work and vision — all of which ensures that all of our students have an exceptional foundation to access the degree and career pathways of their choosing. Every public school that is meeting the needs of students furthest from educational justice is a critical and transformative
part of our public school ecosystem, including charter public schools like Rainier Prep.” Rainier Prep is being recognized for High Growth in ELA and Math Proficiency Rates on annual state assessments from the 2021-2022 school year to the 2022-2023 school year for the following groups of students.

Rainier Prep’s students are also being recognized for having their Student Growth Percentile (SGP) median in the top 10% of schools. SGP describes a student’s growth on annual Math and ELA state assessments compared to other students with similar prior test scores (their academic peers). Each student group listed increased their performance on 22-23 state assessments when compared to students across the state who performed in the same level as they did the previous year.

OSPI uses the Washington School Improvement Framework (WSIF), which among other metrics includes state assessment proficiency and growth rates, to determine the state’s support for schools to improve outcomes. “All communities should have equitably funded public schools that are held to high standards and have the flexibility to meet their students’ needs.” Lobos said. “Throughout our programs, we focus on rigorous instruction and high levels of support that prepare students for academic success and community leadership in high school, college, and beyond. As we enter our 10th school year, Rainier Prep is proud to demonstrate how our partnership with our students and families is transforming public education today.”