Birchview Elementary Principal Selected for National Award
An elementary school principal in Plymouth has been selected for a prestigious honor.
Birchview Elementary Principal Ashley Farrington was named the 2025 National Distinguished Principal (NDP) from Minnesota by the National Association of Elementary School Principals.
A statement on the honor from the Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association said Farrington was selected for his “visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to equity, and exemplary impact on school climate, student achievement and community connection.”
“Every kid has a superpower. We need to foster an environment to help every student be successful,” Farrington said in his final interview for the NDP honor.
Birchview Elementary, a part of the Wayzata School District, serves more than 430 students in grades K-through-5.
Farrington will receive the honor this fall alongside other state honorees in Washington, D.C.
A “You Matter” Message
Farrington is credited with Birchview’s “You Matter” initiative, which aims to produce a school culture of inclusion, collaboration and academic excellence.
“This guiding principle is more than a motto—it is the heart of the school’s identity,” read a statement from the Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association.
The statement said 98 percent of students reported that adults at Birchview help them feel good about who they are, citing student interviews.
Farrington’s leadership has also led to academic gains.
Last year, Birchview exceeded reading proficiency improvement goals on FastBridge testing and Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments.
“Ashley is an authentic and intentional leader who wears his heart on his sleeve and leads with passion,” said Bret Domstrand, chair of the NDP Selection Committee in a press release. “He is unapologetic about advocating for students and doing what’s best for them.”
Also See: Birchview Elementary Principal a Finalist for Prestigious Educator Award
