Community Newsletter:
Summer 2026

 

 

 

Class of 2026: By the Numbers

A graduate in a purple cap and gown waves to the crowd in front of a stage with balloons, under a clear blue sky.

 

  • Graduates: 1,818

  • Graduates pursuing higher education: 1,461

  • Graduates pursuing apprenticeships: 60

  • Graduates entering the workforce: 61

  • Graduates entering military service: 22

  • Graduates taking a gap/service year: 121

  • Graduates who earned an AA degree through Running Start: 90

  • Total scholarship awards: More than $12.6 million

Northshore’s 95% four-year graduation rate is significantly higher than the state average of 83%.


Graduation Headquarters
Learn about our graduates and view this year’s ceremonies at nsd.org/graduation.

Northshore Staff Retirees
Congratulations to the 53 employees who retired from Northshore this school year. Together, these remarkable individuals dedicated approximately 1,160 years of collective service to our students, schools, and community. Whether working directly in the classroom or supporting behind the scenes, their impact on student achievement is immeasurable. We wish them all the best in their next chapters!

Read more about this year's retiring class

 

Graduate Profile: Annabelle Yip, Inglemoor High School

A young woman in a white dress and graduation sash stands in a grassy area with a wooden fence in the foreground and trees in the background.

For Inglemoor graduate Annabelle Yip, high school was all about exploration. Annabelle dove into diverse roles, serving as a legislative page, volunteer firefighter, National Park Service intern, and journalist. She credits her IB Global Politics teacher, Chris McQueen, with reinvigorating her passion for learning by teaching her to embrace criticism and deepen her reasoning through collaborative discussion. Annabelle also shares deep gratitude for her parents, Jessica and Daniel Lee, whose unwavering support, kindness, and guidance kept her grounded throughout high school.

The next stop for Annabelle is the University of South Carolina, where she’s received a full-ride Stamps scholarship to study Finance and International Business.

Learn more about Annabelle and additional graduates from the Class of 2026

 

Message From The Superintendent

Superintendent Irish smiles at young students gathered around desks in a classroom with colorful decorations on the walls.

As we close out the 2025-26 schoolyear, I want to thank our community for making my first year in Northshore so meaningful.

This year, I had the opportunity to visit schools, meet with staff, listen to families, and learn from students through my What Matters Most Tour. Those conversations reinforced what makes Northshore special, a shared commitment to ensuring every student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.

As a community, we celebrated important milestones this year. Voters approved the Educational Programs & Operations Levy, Technology Levy, and Capital Projects Bond, reaffirming their commitment to strong schools and future generations of students. I am grateful for the trust our community continues to place in public education.

Most importantly, we celebrated the Class of 2026. This year, more than 1,800 graduates earned diplomas and more than $12.6 million in scholarships to support their future goals. Our graduates’ success reflects years of hard work, the support of dedicated educators and families, and a community that invests in its children.

Northshore’s 95% four-year graduation rate is significantly higher than the state average of 83%. Throughout their K-12 education, our students have benefited from rich educational opportunities in academics, the arts, athletics, career and technical education, leadership, and extra curricular activities. These various experiences have helped our students discover their passions and prepare for life beyond graduation. Our 2026 Northshore graduates leave us prepared for whatever they choose to do next.

What makes Northshore truly special is the deep commitment this community has to its public schools. These are your schools, and the accomplishments of our students belong to all of us. We hope you are as proud of them as we are.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026, and to our community - thank you for your continued partnership and support.

Dr. Justin Irish
Superintendent

 

Shaping Northshore’s Future Together

Over the course of the year Dr. Irish had the privilege of meeting with students, families, staff, and community partners through the What Matters Most Tour. These conversations helped him and district staff better understand what makes Northshore such a special place, and where we have opportunities to grow.

What we heard was encouraging. Across our community, there is deep appreciation for our educators and staff, strong support for helping students grow academically, socially, and emotionally, and a shared commitment to ensuring every student feels a sense of belonging and has access to opportunities for success.

We also heard important perspectives about advancing racial and educational justice, strengthening student well-being and school culture, examining math pathways, and finding the right balance between technology use and learning - equipping students with essential technology skills while promoting thoughtful, age-appropriate use.

As we begin refreshing our Strategic Plan this next school year, these strengths and opportunities will help guide our work. The Strategic Plan will serve as a roadmap for building on what Northshore does well while focusing our efforts on areas where we can make an even greater impact for students.

The What Matters Most Tour was never intended to be the end of a conversation but the beginning of a more connected and responsive way of working together. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences, ideas, and hopes for our district. Together, we are working to shape the future of Northshore schools and our broader community. 

Learn more about the refresh of our Strategic Plan

 

2026 Bond and Levies

Fulfilling our promise to the community with the 2022 and 2026 Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) Levy, Technology Levy, and Capital Construction Bond

 

 

Welcome to Kindergarten!

Two smiling children engage in a sensory activity with white sand in clear bins

If your child turns 5 by Aug. 31 it's time to enroll in kindergarten! 

Learn more about enrollment 

 

 

Board of Directors

Board meetings are usually held on the second Monday of the month at 4 p.m. and the fourth Monday of the month at 7 p.m. 

School Board Member Han Tran
  • District 3
  • Liaison To: Northshore PTSA Council, King County Council, Citizen’s Group Committee
  • Email: sbdistrict3@nsd.org
  • Phone: 425-408-7689
  • Board Legislative Representative
School Board Member Sandy Hayes
  • District 4
  • Liaison To: Northshore Schools Foundation, City of Bothell, Citizen’s Group Committee
  • Email: sbdistrict4@nsd.org
  • Phone: 425-408-7690
  • Board President