By Alaina Bookman | abookman@al.com
Students from Washington K-8 School, one of Alabama’s most improved Turnaround Schools, were recognized this month by Gov. Kay Ivey in her State of the State Address.
The recognition highlights the school’s significant academic progress. During the 2017 school year, Washington received an F in the state’s academic report card. The school has since made impressive gains to a B. A Washington K-8 staff member said she believes student outcomes will only continue to improve.
“We have some amazing students, amazing teachers, who want our children to succeed,” Ellena Sanders, a community school specialist at Washington K-8, told AL.com.
In 2022, Ivey launched the Turnaround Schools Initiative, which targets 15 of the state’s persistently lowest-performing schools and the surrounding communities.
During her State of the State address, the governor said, “Here with us this evening are students from one of those successful Turnaround Schools. Washington K-8 School in Birmingham moved … all the way to a ‘B’. That’s because of these students here! Boys and girls, please stand and let us recognize you,” Ivey said.
“Ladies and gentlemen, these young people…future generations…they are why we serve.”
Washington K-8, Charles A. Brown Elementary, Hemphill Elementary, West End Academy and Hayes K-8 are all Birmingham City Schools part of the Turnaround Initiative.
Ivey invested $10 million into the Turnaround program in 2025.
Since its launch Turnaround Initiative has resulted in increased reading scores, the creation of new extracurriculars, rising parent engagement and report card improvement across the state, according to Ivey.
“Governor Ivey’s recognition of Washington K-8 serves as a testament to what is possible when high expectations and targeted resources align to support our scholars,” Birmingham City Schools Superintendent Mark Sullivan said in a statement.
Sanders said the improvements seen at Washington K-8 is also in part due to the school’s educators, community partnerships and dedication.
Last year, the school earned a designation as a nationally certified STEM campus in 2025.
Some students are learning how to fly through aviation courses and hands-on simulations. Others are participating in nursing and medical programs.
Washington K-8 also launched its dual language immersion program.
Sanders said Washington K-8 School’s Principal Antonia Ishman has recruited teachers from around the nation to support students, hosted workshops to aid teachers and brought in community members to support the school.
“Encouraging the students in any way we can is what we like to do,” Sanders said. “Seeing that kind of improvement has been everything I could have dreamed of and more.”
