5 Groundbreaking Programs That Made Audubon And Mullan America's Healthiest Schools For 2025
The landscape of elementary education is rapidly evolving, moving far beyond traditional academics to embrace a holistic view of student and staff well-being. This commitment to a comprehensive healthy school environment has brought national acclaim to two schools in the Pacific Northwest. As of today, December 22, 2025, Audubon Elementary and Mullan Road Elementary, both part of Spokane Public Schools, have been officially recognized as two of America's Healthiest Schools for 2025, a prestigious honor awarded by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation (Healthier Generation) in partnership with Kaiser Permanente.
This recognition is not merely an accolade; it is a testament to the innovative, multi-faceted health and wellness initiatives implemented across the Spokane school district. In a competitive national field, these two elementary schools stood out, becoming two of only four schools in the entire state of Washington to achieve this status. Their success provides a crucial blueprint for other educational institutions looking to prioritize the physical, mental, and social-emotional health of their entire school community.
The Spokane Model: A Blueprint for America's Healthiest Schools
The America's Healthiest Schools award is based on a rigorous framework developed by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, which assesses a school's policies and practices across up to nine critical topic areas. This comprehensive approach ensures that health is integrated into every aspect of the school day, from the cafeteria to the classroom and beyond. The recognition of Audubon and Mullan Road Elementary Schools underscores the effectiveness of their targeted, evidence-based programs.
For Audubon, this marks a continuation of excellence, as the school was named one of America's healthiest schools for the second consecutive year, demonstrating a sustained commitment to student wellness. Mullan Road Elementary, meanwhile, earned specific honors for its robust programs in critical areas such as School Health Services, Physical Education and Activity, Health Education, and Social-Emotional Well-being.
The Five Pillars of Healthier Generation Success
To achieve the coveted America's Healthiest Schools designation, schools must demonstrate excellence in several core areas. The success of Audubon and Mullan can be distilled into five interconnected pillars of wellness that drive their daily operations and long-term strategy. These pillars serve as the foundation for a truly thriving school environment, addressing everything from nutrition standards to mental health support.
1. Comprehensive Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Programs
Mental health and emotional resilience are now recognized as essential components of academic success. Both schools have implemented dedicated SEL initiatives that foster a supportive and inclusive school culture. At Mullan Road Elementary, the adoption of the Kimochi Social Emotional Learning Program stands out. This program provides students with the vocabulary and tools to identify and communicate their feelings effectively, leading to better conflict resolution and a reduction in behavioral issues. For younger students, building these foundational skills is paramount to navigating the complexities of school life and future social interactions.
2. Innovative Physical Education and Activity Standards
Physical activity is not just about recess; it is a vital part of cognitive development and long-term health. The Spokane schools go above and beyond the minimum physical education requirements. Audubon Elementary, for instance, has integrated a unique Yoga Program specifically for its 3rd and 4th-grade students. This initiative promotes flexibility, mindfulness, and stress reduction, offering a non-traditional yet highly effective way to bolster physical and mental wellness. Mullan Road’s focus on Physical Education and Activity ensures that students receive structured, high-quality movement opportunities throughout the week, setting a high standard for national physical activity guidelines.
3. Robust School Health Services and Chronic Care Management
A healthy school needs accessible and effective health services. Mullan Road Elementary was specifically recognized for its strength in School Health Services. This includes not only addressing acute injuries but also proactively managing chronic health conditions among students, such as asthma and allergies. By having clear protocols and dedicated staff, the school ensures that health barriers do not impede a student’s ability to learn. This focus on preventative care and immediate support is a hallmark of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s model.
4. Prioritizing Staff Well-being and Professional Development
The health of the students is inextricably linked to the well-being of the staff. The Healthier Generation framework emphasizes cultivating staff well-being, recognizing that happy, healthy teachers are more effective educators. Spokane Public Schools provides resources and training to support its teachers and administrators. This includes professional development on topics like stress management, mental health first aid, and creating a positive work-life balance, all of which contribute to a lower turnover rate and a more stable learning environment for the children.
5. Deepening Family and Community Engagement
Health extends beyond the school gates. Both Audubon and Mullan Road have excelled in increasing family and community engagement in their health initiatives. For example, Audubon participates in Summer Mental Health Outreach, extending support to students and families even when school is not in session. This community partnership approach ensures that students receive consistent messaging and support for healthy habits at home and in their neighborhoods. By involving parents, local non-profits, and health organizations, the schools create a powerful, shared responsibility for student success.
The Future of School Wellness: Key Takeaways and Entities
The 2025 America's Healthiest Schools award for Audubon and Mullan Road Elementary Schools is a clear signal that holistic wellness is the future of education. Their success is a product of deliberate policy and dedicated execution across multiple domains. Schools globally can look to the Spokane Public Schools model for inspiration.
Key entities and concepts driving this success include:
- Alliance for a Healthier Generation (Healthier Generation): The primary organization behind the award and its rigorous criteria.
- Kaiser Permanente: A key partner in the America's Healthiest Schools recognition program.
- Spokane Public Schools: The district providing the overarching support and policy framework.
- Audubon Elementary School: Recognized for its sustained excellence, including its unique Yoga Program.
- Mullan Road Elementary School: Honored for its strong health services and SEL programs.
- Kimochi Social Emotional Learning Program: A specific SEL tool used to teach emotional literacy.
- Physical Education and Activity: Core focus area for the award.
- School Health Services: A critical pillar for chronic disease management and student care.
- Staff Well-being: The focus on teacher and administrator health.
- Health Education: Comprehensive curriculum to empower students with health knowledge.
- Summer Mental Health Outreach: An extended support program for the community.
- CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention): Their standards inform the award criteria.
- Thriving Schools Integrated Framework: The model used by Healthier Generation to structure the nine topic areas.
- Washington State: The state where the schools are located, highlighting regional excellence.
- Nutrition Standards: A key area in the broader Healthiest Schools framework.
- Family and Community Engagement: The component that connects school health to the home environment.
The journey of Audubon and Mullan Road Elementary Schools is a powerful reminder that investing in the well-being of students and staff is the most effective way to build a foundation for academic achievement and a healthier next generation.
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