Learn more about the educational resources available in Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater and throughout Thurston County.  Find stories about kids, teachers, and staff that are doing good things in our community schools.

Education

River Ridge High School ASL 3 students signing and posing for a photo

River Ridge High School Offers Career-Connected American Sign Language Course

Submitted by North Thurston Public Schools This school year, River Ridge High School began offering a new, advanced...
a classroom with tables and chairs at Olympia Community School

Olympia Community School is Enrolling Elementary Students in Unique Parent-Operated School That Delivers Engaging...

For five decades, the Olympia Community School (OCS) has been offering local students a highly engaging learning experience in a unique...

The ‘Jags in the Boat’ Rowing Program Delivers Lifelong Fitness Skills to Jefferson Middle...

If you thought you knew what a typical middle school physical education curriculum looks like, think again. The Jefferson Middle School...

Sequoia’s Treehouse Children’s Center in Olympia Offers Thoughtful Infant Care

Finding the right daycare for your infant is a major decision for parents. Sequoia’s Treehouse Children’s Center in Olympia understands that...
a high school boy looks into a microscope

North Thurston Public Schools Brings Levies Proposals to February Ballot

Submitted by North Thurston Public Schools North Thurston Public Schools will have two measures on the February 13, 2024,...
a little girl plays with blocks on the floor

Thurston EDC Says Data Shows Early Childhood Programs Like the Future Bezos Academy in...

Did you know the Thurston Economic Development Council (EDC) champions early learning programs like the new North Thurston Public Schools (NTPS)...
high school students on string instruments sitting in front of music holder with a teacher standing in front of them holding a bow

Olympia School District Brings Educational Programs and Operations Replacement Levy Proposal to February Ballot

The Olympia School District Board of Directors unanimously decided to put an Educational Programs and Operations Replacement levy before voters on...
a student poses with her bus driver on the steps on the bus. the bus driver is holding a green piece of paper that says, 'I believe you can fight through anything'

The Great Kindness Challenge at Yelm Community Schools

The Yelm Community Elementary Schools are setting the example for participation in “The Great Kindness Challenge.” It’s happening across the country...
Two cheerleaders performing on a basketball court

Tumwater School Board Puts Levy Continuation on 2024 Ballot

School funding is a hot topic because the public has a vested interest in both education and tax dollar appropriation. Funding...
4 WSECU people posing for a photo on a golf course

WSECU and South Puget Sound Community College Foundation Align Efforts to Support Student Success

Submitted by South Puget Sound Community Foundation WSECU’s commitment to advancing the common good is evident in their support...
three college students work on a piece of equipment in the Saint Martin's University Civil Engineering department

Saint Martin’s University Engineering Degree Programs Propel Alumni Into Rewarding and Challenging Careers

The engineering programs at Saint Martin’s University have launched students into rewarding and challenging careers since the University awarded its first...
six people pose for a photo with the SPSCC mascot

TwinStar Credit Union’s Partnership with South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) Foundation Spans Four...

Submitted by South Puget Sound Community Foundation When community partners like TwinStar Credit Union and South Puget Sound...
large group of kids sitting on the floor

North Thurston Public Schools and TwinStar Credit Union Partner on One School, One Book...

Submitted by North Thurston Public Schools To provide North Thurston Public Schools elementary students with a common, unifying...
high school students sitting on a city bus

Yelm High School Students Master Intercity Transit on Their Way to South Puget Sound...

Students at Yelm High School (YHS) are working to prepare for the future both in and out of the classroom. YHS...

Saint Martin’s University Basketball Kicks Off Its 2023-2024 Season with Historic Rankings and New...

A full-court press of exciting college basketball in Washington is underway locally with the opening of the Saint Martin’s University (SMU)...

River Ridge High School Production of ‘Anne of Green Gables’ Was a Great Success

Submitted by North Thurston Public Schools The River Ridge High School Drama Club recently completed its production of...
group of people posing for a photo in front of a step and repeat that says 'Vets2tech'

Washington Veterans to Technology Program’s 1,000th Graduate Embraces Post-Military Career Transition Path at Saint...

For a decade, the Washington Veterans to Technology (WaV2T) certificate program at Saint Martin’s University has been a passageway for service...
Holly Johnson kneeling by a student who is working on a worksheet

People in Public Service: Holly Johnson, Tenino Teacher and ESD 113 Teacher of the...

Tenino Parkside Elementary School special education teacher Holly Johnson always wanted to be a teacher when she was growing up and...
kids on a beach looking at the sand with a square outline on it

Community Partners Make Outdoor STEM Field Studies Possible for North Thurston Public Schools Students

Submitted by North Thurston Public Schools North Thurston Public Schools (NTPS) partners with many community organizations to offer...

People in Public Service: Tumwater Middle School Teacher Tony Harris Keeps Science Fun

Teachers are often the adults in our lives that we remember fondly. Each one gives so much to future generations. The...

SCJ Alliance Memorializes Longtime Team Member Amy Head with South Puget Sound Community College...

SCJ Alliance cares deeply for its staff and finds most of its team members form strong friendships with one another. When...
large group of people on the steps of the Olympia School of Advanced Skincare while several people use giant scissors to cut a red ribbon

The Olympia School of Advanced Skincare Is off to a Strong Start With Community...

The inaugural classes are well underway at the Olympia School of Advanced Skincare (OSAS) and students are completing a hands-on curriculum...

CorePLUS Aerospace Program at Capital High School Powers Graduates

At Capital High School (CHS), the CorePLUS Aerospace Program gives students huge head starts on their career paths. The advanced manufacturing...
Teenagres by a green golf cart. Each is carrying a bright green bag, one is in the cart.

Tumwater School District’s Career and Technical Education Program Propels Students’ Work Readiness

Students in the Tumwater School District are lucky to experience career readiness early in their schooling thanks to the Career and...
Saint Martin's University campus with flags flying

Saint Martin’s University Creates Enhanced Career Paths for Students in Master of Accountancy Program

Aman Lidder is busy putting his recent Saint Martin’s University Master of Accountancy (MAcc) degree to good use. This graduate degree...
outside of the Squaxin Island Museum with people standing outside posing for a photo

The Evergreen State College Welcomed an International Education Exchange

These days, successful education is truly a global undertaking. Information and knowledge move around the world at lightning speed and well-rounded...
Large group of woman, some sitting and some standing, inside the Olympia School of Advanced Skincare

The Olympia School of Advanced Skincare Is Set To Help South Sound Residents Launch...

The Olympia School of Advanced Skincare, recently founded by local salon owner, esthetician and educator, Jin Mi S. Williams, is set...

Why South Puget Sound Community College Alumni Success Stories Matter

Submitted by South Puget Sound Community College Foundation South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) values its relationships with...
Two men, one in a green graduation cap and gown, one in a blue cap and gown stand in front of chairs, a couple people are sitting in the chair behind them.

Tumwater School District’s Lincs Transition School-To-Independent Living Program Is Excited To Move Into Its...

The LINCS Transition Program in the Tumwater School District teaches special education students ages 18-21 how to move to an independent...
a woman kneeling on carpet in a classroom with a child on her lap and others around her.

Building the Future with Early Childhood Education at South Puget Sound Community College

Early childhood education has proven benefits for our kids. Engaging young, budding minds requires skilled teachers with a solid background and...
female runners in green shorts and white tank tops that say, 'Evergreen' pose for a photo.

The Evergreen State College Adds Collegiate Wrestling and Cross Country Under Impressive Leadership

Student athletes are an important part of the collegiate ecosystem. The Evergreen State College in Olympia has a history of supporting...
A Black man and two Black women pose for a photo by the wall that reads, 'A. Barbara Clarkson, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Center.'

South Puget Sound Community College Tackles Uncomfortable Conversations about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Broaching big topics can be daunting. But it’s also an invaluable way to learn, develop, question and grow, especially during our...
a boy and two girls play on a mad with colored tiles in a classroom

Joyful Scholars Academy Opens for Children from 4 to 6 Years of Age    

Joyful Scholars Academy is accepting children for its inaugural year in Olympia. The learner-driven academy is part of a network of...
four young girls lean over a concrete rectangle, smiling and forming hearts with their hands

Saint Martin’s University in Lacey Partners With High Schools to Open Higher Education Doors...

Saint Martin's University launched an exciting new program that makes attending college in Washington more than just a dream for many...
two college students pet a golden retriever that is lying down

Therapy Dogs Relieve Stress for Students at South Puget Sound Community College

College can be a stressful time. Students of all ages are faced with choosing a career path, studying required materials, test-taking...
Chris and Luke skydiving in tandem while Chris reads

Southside Elementary School P.E. Teacher Chris Meyer Takes Education to New Heights by Skydiving...

We all have teachers that have inspired us throughout our lives, and the most memorable ones were often those that weren’t...
a student in a black shirt smiling with his arms around two students in yellow shirts

The Yelm Community School’s Day of Champions Builds a Legacy of Celebrating Students in...

All those who gathered at Yelm High School on the morning of June 1 won’t soon forget the experience that followed....
Nine new Ph.D. graduates from Saint Martin's University standing outside at Saint Martin's University

Saint Martin’s University in Lacey Awards Its First Ph.D. Diplomas to 9 Trailblazers in...

When Saint Martin’s University (SMU) professors placed doctoral hoods over the heads of nine Leadership Studies students during this spring’s graduation...
a little boy poses with a security officer who is kneeling next to him holding a plaque that says 'Thank you'

North Thurston Public Schools Fosters Safety and Community with Local Law Enforcement

Submitted by North Thurston Public Schools Officer Alisha Howard stands in the middle of the cafeteria during...

River Ridge Choir Finishes Year With Spring Concert

Submitted by North Thurston Public Schools River Ridge High School held its spring music choir concert Tuesday, June...
the inside of the gallery displaying ceramic pieces, drawings, paintings, prints, photographs, and more.

Check out the 18th Annual Student Art Exhibit at South Puget Sound Community College

For many students, their artwork is capable of expressing more about life than words themselves. The ability to create allows them...
North Thurston High School band students in a ornate building seated with their instruments

North Thurston High School Musicians Build Global Friendships During Spring Performances in Mińsk Mazowiecki,...

The April weather was cold, but the welcome was warm when 15 North Thurston High School (NTHS) band students arrived in...
Kids gathered around whiteboards in a classroom working on math problems at North Thurston Public Schools

North Thurston Public Schools Math Teachers Use the Building Thinking Classrooms Method To Boost...

Submitted by North Thurston Public Schools Math classes can be among the most challenging subjects for students. Since...
child in rain gear playing with a toy boat in a mud muddle

Sequoia’s Early Learning Center Welcomes 1-Year-Olds

Early learning and childcare are critical concerns for parents. Sequoia’s Early Learning Center, conveniently located in the Tumwater Old Town Center...
Kids playing outside in dirt and bushes

Olympia Waldorf School Is a Nurturing Alternative to Homeschool and Public School

A Waldorf education offers an exceptional option for students and families in search of an alternative to public school. After extended...
a group off men, women and children playing types of Native American drums in front of a crowd

NTPS and Nisqually Tribe Partner To Celebrate Billy Frank Jr. Day

Submitted by North Thurston Public Schools North Thurston Public Schools (NTPS) recently hosted a celebration of Billy Frank...
a group of students and a teacher at NOVA middle school

NOVA Celebrates Three Decades of Providing Transformative Learning for Highly Capable Middle School Students...

Middle school years are more complicated than they were in the past, with today’s multiple pressures, an abundance of options, and...

Investing In Your Child’s Future at Pope John Paul II High School

As adults, we know that investing in the future sometimes requires paying a little up front. When facing our children’s education,...
Kevin Bogatin on a hike with a waterfall behind him.

Tumwater Schools Welcome New Superintendent Kevin Bogatin to District ‘Family’

When Kevin Bogatin threw his hat in the ring to serve as Tumwater School District’s next superintendent, he was struck by...

FIRE Summit Partnership Ignites Dreams and Honors Native Student Voices

Submitted by South Puget Sound Community College Foundation Staff Each year, South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) hosts...
PTSO President Alicia Glenn and second grade teacher Tara Smith standing on either side of the book vending machine

Mountain View Elementary School Kids Enjoy the Latest Vending Machine Treat: Books

Vending machines are magical when you’re a kid. Plunk in your money and out comes any one of your favorite treats...
The Thurston County Developmental Disabilities Coalition booth with people at it at the Yelm Community Resources Fair

Yelm Community Schools Breaks Barriers and Promotes Access to Essential Services and Resources through...

Equity supports the notion that each of us has different barriers to health, happiness and success and that proper steps need...
group photo of SPSCC students and staff at the Clipper Scramble

Year-Round Community Events Help Support Student Success at South Puget Sound Community College

Submitted by South Puget Sound Community College Foundation South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) is well known for making a wide variety of rich cultural...
Dr. Nancy Koppelman and her class at The Evergreen State College standing outside

Antisemitism Revisited at The Evergreen State College

Submitted by The Evergreen State College Once again, The Evergreen State College (Evergreen) faculty are pushing the envelope and encouraging discourse through hands-on experiential learning....
two people sitting in a chair on stage at SPSCC production of 'Far Away'

A Dystopian Future Isn’t ‘Far Away’ with the South Puget Sound Community College Theatre...

Theater performances are a timeless way of thinking about the everyday from fresh, new perspectives. “They offer a chance to experience the immersive, contemplative...
eSport students at SPSCC sitting in a room on computers

Clipper eSports Take South Puget Sound Community College by Storm

College sports are a game changing part of the school experience. Even if you’re not a player, there’s nothing better than cheering on the...
Pope John Paul II High School students volunteering at an event serving food

Celebrating Student Life at Pope John Paul II High School in Lacey

In high school, extra- and co-curricular activities achieve more than just burning off youthful energy. The Department of Education explains that they are a...

Olympia High School and TwinStar Credit Union Partner to Influence Good Savings Habits for...

Understanding the importance of saving for the future is often far from a high schoolers mind, however that’s something that Olympia High School (OHS)...
Tumwater High School student Andrew Chappel works across multiple screens as he creates games in his video game programming class.

Tumwater School District Helps Launch Students’ Futures at New Market Skills Center

Career aspirations of local high school students can get a tremendous head start through the New Market Skills Center, hosted by the Tumwater School...

North Thurston High School Hosts 58th Annual Holiday for Strings Collaboration Concert

North Thurston High School hosted the 58th annual “Holiday for Strings” concert on Monday, January 10 where local string musicians gathered for a collaboration...

North Thurston Public Schools Transportation Department Removes Barriers for Students with Unstable Housing

Submitted by North Thurston Public Schools For students experiencing unstable housing, transportation to and from school is critical to ensuring they get to one of...

South Puget Sound Community College Student Leaders Build a Strong Future for Everyone

We all admire strong leaders and intelligent, level-headed leadership. But building those skills takes time, experience and openness. At South Puget Sound Community College...
group of people next to a Little Free Library at a North Thurston Elementary school

Free Books for Kids Are Easy To Find With Little Free Libraries at All...

Submitted by North Thurston Public Schools We’ve all seen the charming cupboards filled with books that dot neighborhoods and community spaces. Little Free Libraries, the...
student sitting at a desktop computer it Evergreen State College

The Evergreen State College Launches Exciting New Certificates in Business, Entrepreneurship and Management Areas...

The Evergreen State College (Evergreen) launched a new educational path to workplace success this fall by offering a certificate program for persons who want...
Megan Dougherty instructs her young students on the letter game they will play during circle time at the Parkside Elementary School.

Parkside Elementary School Teacher Megan Dougherty’s Passion is Teaching Children with Special Needs

Parkside Elementary School in Tenino, is tucked safely near the trees, just off of one of the busiest highways in the state, Route 507....
a group of children with a teach looking inside a large black rubber trough filled with water and filters

STEM Education in the North Thurston Public Schools System Helps Students Learn Hands-On

For Jana Brock, who is the Elementary Science Instructional & Integration Specialist in North Thurston Public Schools, STEM is more than just a way...
little boy smiling at a desk

Transitional Kindergarten Helps Parents and Guardians Prepare Young Students for Full-Day Schooling

Submitted by North Thurston Public Schools North Thurston Public Schools (NTPS) is now taking applications for Future Ready Kindergarten! This transitional kindergarten program is available...

North Thurston High School Offers New Sports Officiating Course for Students

Submitted by North Thurston Public Schools The Physical Education (PE) department at North Thurston High School (NTHS) now offers its students a Sports Officiating course....
kids playing on a huge log on a beach

Roots and Rhythms Outdoor Un-School Sees Positive Results

Roots and Rhythms is a new outdoor, learning community in Olympia for children from 2.5 to 6 years of age. Business partners Sophia Rychener...
two preschool girls sitting at a table sifting through a container of beads

Building a Solid Foundation at Northwest Christian Schools of Lacey

Northwest Christian Schools of Lacey (NCS) offers preschool through high school on one 14 acre campus. It has established a reputation for being an...
South Puget Sound Community College lacey campus interior

Rediscovering South Puget Sound Community College’s Lacey Campus

After closing in March 2020, South Puget Sound Community College’s full-service, urban Lacey Campus has finally reopened. With its centralized location near transit, libraries,...
a group of lower school students standing outside at a table with a teacher

Volunteering with North Thurston Public Schools Supports Local Youth, and Builds Community

Submitted by North Thurston Public Schools If you have been looking for ways to build community, support local youth and add a greater sense of...
The Southworth family standing in the new Southworth Elementary

Yelm Community Schools Proudly Reopens Beautiful and Fully Rebuilt Southworth Elementary

Yelm is a growing community of devoted and locally-minded residents that is deepening its connection with the Nisqually Tribe. In recent years, many community...

A Legacy of Academic Excellence for Pope John Paul II High School in Lacey

Senior Luke Christensen has finished his last first week of high school. In Boston, alumni Katie Sellars, Class of 2017, embarks on her second...
large field with a rainbow parachute game

Sequoia Farm and Forest School Enrolling for Fall 2022

Raising healthy children is a big job. Parents can take powerful strides for their early learners by signing them up for Sequoia’s Farm and...
a student at a desk with a teacher kneeling next to her, both smiling at camera

Tumwater School District is Ready for the New School Year

The Tumwater School District’s Leadership Academy primed principals, vice-principals and administrators for an exciting start of the 2022-23 year. Over five days, the group...
engine at South Puget Sound Community College's automotive tech program

South Puget Sound Community College Automotive Technology Program Paves the Way for Lifelong Careers

Choosing a career path can be a daunting decision for anyone. Luckily for those with an interest in cars, South Puget Sound Community College’s...
ANEW Youth Career Exploration Program camp at Yelm High School

Through the ANEW Career Exploration Program, Yelm High School Students Can Jumpstart a Career...

At Yelm High School, working with each student to prepare for life after graduation can help to launch them onto their own unique pathway....
Dr. Dexter Gordon speaks to the student body at The Evergreen State College

Dr. Dexter Gordon Reflects on First Year as The Evergreen’s State College’s Executive Vice...

Submitted by The Evergreen State College Dr. Dexter Gordon began his tenure as executive vice president for The Evergreen State College in August 2021 and...
The three inaugural scholarship recipients Gregoria Alonzo Tomas, Carly VanAagten and Eryka Delgado-Hernandez.

Mason Health Sees the Future of Healthcare at Shelton High School’s Health Science Academy

At the Shelton High School Health Science Academy, students build a strong foundation toward a career in the healthcare field. To further support students,...
Quinton C. Neal Jr. headshot

SPSCC Alumnus Jordan McNair Brings His Talents to The Unheard Outsider Podcast, Campus and...

A walk around South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) will inevitably bring you in contact with any number of the many talented students, professors...
three members of the Thurston County Robotics team holding trophies

Thurston County High School Robotics Team Heads to Egypt

LEGOs are so much more than just a fun toy. They can be used to teach kids all kinds of STEM-related learning. They can...

Mason Health Looks to the Future With New Scholarship Program

As a leading healthcare provider for Mason County residents, Mason Health is not only tending to the community’s current health needs, but also to...
Student Grace Stucki cuts one of her pieces out on the scroll saw after completing the layout.

North Thurston Public Schools Offers Technical Learning Opportunities with Expanding Woodshop Classes

Historically, the American education system has primarily focused on academic skillsets and preparing students for four-year universities. Today, many educational leaders are developing more...

Timberline Concert Bands Returns for Spring Concert

Timberline High School held its spring band concert Wednesday, June 1 2022 at the Koval Center for the Performing Arts at North Thurston High...
Pope John Paul II high school students in band

Pope John Paul II High School Provides the ‘JPII Advantage’ as a Private School...

If you are looking for a welcoming and academically rigorous Thurston County private school with lots of advantages, search no farther than Pope John...
students at computers on a large desk at NOVA Middle School

NOVA Middle School: Unique Learning for Unique Learners

Long-established learning styles—visual, auditory, reading and writing or kinesthetic—are the established norm to address most public-school students. But for highly capable students, sometimes referred...
Counselor JJ Pritchett meets with an Olympic View Elementary student. at a table.

North Thurston Public Schools Strengthens Support for Mental Wellness Among Students

Submitted by North Thurston Public Schools May is National Mental Health Awareness Month. While North Thurston Public Schools continues to act as a leader in...
child in mask at a school cafeteria being handed food by a lady in a mask

North Thurston Public Schools Provides Valuable Summer Support for Minds and Bodies

North Thurston Public Schools (NTPS) doesn't stop caring for their students when school lets out for the summer. The district recognizes that summer can...
South Puget Sound Community College Transition Studies building

Transition Studies at South Puget Sound Community College: Learning English and Earning Diplomas

South Puget Sound Community College's (SPSCC) Transition Studies program helps students move forward with their educational goals. These programs prepare students to enter college-level...
Young child playing with a wooden trail at South Sound Parent to Parent

South Sound Parent to Parent Initiates Early Intervention Transition Program

Any family that has a child with extra needs can find support at South Sound Parent to Parent (SSP2P). The agency is a provider...

A legacy Celebrated – former Washington governor, Daniel J. Evans, celebrated at The Evergreen...

OLYMPIA –Former governor Daniel J. Evans, was celebrated at The Evergreen State College on April 27 at an event honoring his legacy...

SPSCC Hosts 2022 All-Washington Academic Team Ceremony

April 28, 2022 – OLYMPIA, Wash., South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) invites the entire state of Washington to the 26th annual All-Washington (All-WA) Academic...
elementary students at Mountain View Elementary in gym with long tables set up, speaking to North Thurston board members

North Thurston Public Schools Proudly Supports Students of Military Families

Submitted by Aaron Wyatt for North Thurston Public Schools Did you know North Thurston Public Schools (NTPS) serves over 1,300 students affiliated with military families?...
Rahma Gaye headshot

Olympia Student Wins Washington State Speech and Debate Tournament

Rahma Gaye, a junior at Capital High School, recently won state championships in the Washington State Speech and Debate Tournament with her speech “What’s...
Four South Puget Sound Community College graduates in caps and grows

Gearing up for Graduation at South Puget Sound Community College

It’s almost time for caps and gowns, tassels and orchid leis. The 2022 graduating class of South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) is getting...
two students working on a science project in the Power-Up! program at North Thurston Public Schools

NTPS Power-Up! Program Is Closing Learning Gaps

Two years of pandemic-disrupted learning resulted in learning gaps for many students. North Thurston Public Schools (NTPS) is facing the challenge head-on with the...
A South Puget Sound Community College student welding

Spotlighting Professional Technical Programs at SPSCC Open House

When making a big decision, hands-on exploration is crucial. Asking questions and talking to others who’ve been in your shoes are hugely important when...
student teller helping a customer in OlyFed's BankWork$ program

OlyFed Partners with BankWork$ to Help Young Adults Build Meaningful Careers in Banking, For...

When Stephanie Summers was seeking to move from retail into banking, she got word of a free path to her new career. That path...
ynnette-McCarty-posing-at-South-Puget-Sound-Community-College

Olympia Native Lynnette McCarty Expertly Juggles Community Involvement, Owning Serendipity Children’s Center and Her...

Some people just know their calling early on in life, and for Lynnette McCarty, the story’s no different. As an Olympia native, not only...