RICHLAND -- New Horizons High School in Pasco and Delta High School in Richland were named Washington State Innovative Schools by state Superintendent Randy Dorn on Friday.

The designation goes to schools that use creative educational ideas, restructure school operations, have active community involvement and promote hands-on learning.

Forty-two schools applied for the designation and 22 were accepted.

The designation is valid for three years.

The schools on the list are eligible for waivers of certain state rules that would keep them fromusing their unique way of teaching kids.

Delta is a cooperative program of the Pasco, Richland, and Kennewick school districts.

It focuses on science, technology, engineering and math education.

New Horizons is a high school specializing in students who dropped out of school previously.

It offers child care for teen mothers and has the only jewelry program in its district.