Cathi Davis | Principal | Ruby Bridges Elementary
| Woodinville, WA – Cathi Davis, the founding principal of Ruby Bridges Elementary School, has been awarded the prestigious Principal of the Year award by the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP), recognizing her exceptional leadership, unwavering commitment to inclusion, and profound impact on students, staff, and families. Opening Ruby Bridges during the challenges of the pandemic, Davis set out to create an environment where every child belongs. Under her leadership, the school has become a model of inclusive education, ensuring that students of all abilities, backgrounds, and learning styles have access to the support they need to thrive. By eliminating barriers to participation and fostering a culture of belonging, she has inspired both educators and students to become advocates for inclusion. |
Colleagues and educators praise Principal Davis as a visionary leader who has implemented groundbreaking inclusive practices. She has cultivated a staff culture committed to equity, encouraged student self-advocacy, and mentored future education leaders. Ruby Bridges is now one of 16 University of Washington inclusionary demonstration sites, and Davis shares her expertise nationally, working tirelessly to transform schools into spaces where every child is valued.
Parents echo these sentiments, expressing deep gratitude for her personal dedication to students. Many credit Davis with directly shaping their children’s educational success, particularly for students with special needs. Whether working one-on-one to tailor learning strategies or fostering deep connections with families, she is described as a beacon of hope and a relentless advocate for the success of every student.
One parent shared, “Cathi makes every child feel seen, heard, and valued. She’s not just leading a school—she’s changing lives.”
Davis’s impact extends beyond Ruby Bridges. Through grant writing, professional development, and national presentations, she is shaping the future of inclusive education. Her innovative approach has not only created a thriving school community but also influenced educational practices across the country.
The award for Elementary Principal of the Year is a well-deserved recognition of Cathi Davis’s passion, leadership, and dedication to educational equity.
As one colleague put it, “Once you see what is possible at Ruby Bridges, you can’t unsee it—you are called to action.”
For more information on Ruby Bridges Elementary and Cathi Davis’s transformative leadership, please contact Melissa Riley, Ed.D, Executive Director of Schools at mriley@nsd.org.