Madison Middle School has been awarded the Learning Improvement Award and recognized as a School of Distinction by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Jill Hudson, Madison Middle School principal, is proud of the school’s consistent teachers.

"They're a really dedicated hard-working staff," she said.

Madison is one of 98 schools in the entire state to win the award. Other Seattle schools that received this award include: Catharine Blaine, Salmon Bay School, Washington Middle School and Garfield High School.

To qualify for the award, schools were required to meet the Washington Assessment of Student Learning target for 2008 and display significant academic growth in reading and math over a six-year period.

One factor that has contributed to Madison's success is intervention programs for students who struggle in reading and math. However, it is more than just academics that help the school thrive.

In conjunction with the YMCA, Madison offers after school programs.

"It's not just about math or science," Hudson explained, "it's about connecting students to school (...) you can't just hammer math down their throats. They are a whole person, not just a math learner."

Madison also works to help teachers grow professionally. Professional development time, offered during regular workday hours, helps teachers learn new strategies and gives them an opportunity to discuss students’ needs.

"It helps them get better at what they're doing," said Hudson.