2024-25 Annual Report

Targeted efforts to support our b youngest learners’ math development has shown student improvements.

• Our grade 3 students who completed an initial and final assessment demonstrated measurable growth in math, with 44.5% meeting or exceeding standard at the start of the year and 78.2% at the end of the year.
• The percentage of Northshore grade 3 students meeting the state’s Smarter Balanced Assessment math standard in 2024-25 was 73.9% compared to the Washington state average of 51.2%.
• This progress was accelerated by targeted training, as teachers enhanced their instructional practices with math curriculum expert Shannon Kiebler.

Northshore students are encouraged to be active learners, work toward their best, and explore learning experiences that spark curiosity and excitement. These efforts are supported by our caring educators and the broader Northshore community, which plays an important role in student development.

• Northshore’s K-12 school counselors empower students to navigate challenges with confidence, providing the essential tools and support necessary for lifelong personal and academic success. In elementary schools, they coordinate groups focused on social skill development like self regulation, family changes, mindfulness, and stress management.
• Educators ensure students receive the support they need to be successful, using data to guide instruction and interventions. This framework is called Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS).
• Students are growing into individuals who demonstrate accountability, determination, and compassion thanks in part to the involvement of 11,000 active community volunteers in our schools and classrooms.

Rigorous learning experiences are designed to support growth for every student, ensuring all learners continue to progress while addressing and reducing achievement gaps. Through meaningful, real-world applications, including Northshore’s strong Career and Technical Education programs, students gain access to the skills, opportunities, and confidence needed for future success.

• Northshore students earned 1,552 Career and Technical Education certificates, opening doors to high-wage professions.
• Innovation Lab High School interns supported Woodin Elementary students with reading and comprehension skills, providing a meaningful internship and academic support as part of a new tutoring program.
• Core Plus Construction high school students worked alongside construction professionals to build emergency preparedness sheds for NSD schools. This is an example of how collaborative, real-world learning directly benefits students.

This year, students built important skills such as creativity, collaboration, communication, and responsible decision-making through thoughtful use of AI and technology. Instruction remained balanced so that students continued to strengthen their core reading and math while also gaining the skills needed to succeed in a changing, technology-rich world.

• Northshore developed a district-wide, evidence-based cell phone policy that empowers teachers and schools to decrease distractions and improve students’ engagement in learning.
• Our teacher-librarians provide grade-level appropriate instruction on digital citizenship and internet safety, educating them about appropriate online behavior, interacting with other individuals on social networking websites, cyber-bullying awareness and response, and other relevant topics.
• As staff begin to educate our students about the appropriate use of AI, the district will also gather feedback on the effectiveness of that instruction to incorporate into our Strategic Plan evaluation.

The district ensures all learners have access to the required college-ready coursework needed for postsecondary pathways, if desired. At the same time, students are encouraged to explore and pursue Career and Technical Education options that connect learning to real-world skills and career opportunities. Pursuing and exploring their passions in high school provides students with the confidence to pursue what’s next after graduation.

• More than 80 different high school courses are available for students to advance their career and technical skills.
• Northshore’s on-time graduation rate is 94.8% compared to 82.8% for the state of Washington.
• Northshore high school students utilize SchooLinks to develop their High School and Beyond Plan with guidance from counselors to identify their interests, make thoughtful decisions, and prepare for life after high school.