Central Administration Building
601 South 8th Street
Road to Graduation
Preparing Students for Career & College
The journey to high school graduation is a winding road, and each student’s experience is unique. Earning a high school diploma is a launching point, we want every student to leave Tacoma Public Schools with knowledge, skills, and confidence.
Early learning opportunities that build a strong foundation. Throughout their education, students benefit from whole-child support, including social-emotional learning, mental health resources, and access to nutritious meals. Athletics and extracurricular activities help students develop teamwork and leadership skills, while Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs provide hands-on experience in high-demand fields.
Students can challenge themselves with rigorous coursework, earn dual college credits, and gain real-world skills through paid work experiences. Community partnerships further support student success, ensuring each learner has the tools they need to reach their goals.
Road Map Key
Team Tacoma
Everything we do at Tacoma Public Schools starts with our staff. From the classroom to the board room, every team member is dedicated to helping every student succeed.
Innovative programs and support
In addition to high-quality classroom instruction, we provide innovative programs to support students throughout their school journey.
Tacoma Whole Child wraps around every student
Tacoma Whole Child practices, social emotional learning and relationship building are infused in everything we do.
Community Partners that impact all students
We have hundreds of community partners. They bring support, innovation and expertise. We could not do our work without our partners.
One-to-one Technology and Innovation
We have hundreds of community partners. They bring support, innovation and expertise. We could not do our work without our partners.
Preschool Across Tacoma
Having access to high-quality early learning is the foundation of student success. All of our preschool programs are free. Last year, we doubled the number of preschool classroom seats we offer to our youngest learners.
Grade-Level Field Trips
All students in kindergarten through eighth grade participate in grade-level field trips. Students get exposed to environments and career paths they may not have encountered otherwise. Much of the funding for trips is thanks to voter-approved initiative Tacoma Creates.
Beyond the Bell & Club B
Tacoma Public Schools and community partners offer Beyond the Bell activities for students in grades K-5 and Club B activities for students in grades 6-8.
AVID at All middle schools
Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) supports students with strategies like focused note-taking, planning, collaborative study groups and activities for accelerated learning.
Online learning options
Tacoma Online is a K-12 school open to all TPS students. Tacoma Flex is a program in which students can take up to two courses a day online, while continuing the remainder of their classes in person. This starts in 6th grade.
High School & Beyond Planning
Planning for life after high school starts early. Beginning in middle school, students gain access to SchooLinks, an online platform where they can explore careers, colleges and scholarships. By graduation, students have developed a unique High School and Beyond Plan.
Personalized Support for Career & College Planning
Each of our high schools has a counseling team and community partners ready to help students with class planning, college and career guidance and student wellness.
Career & Technical Education
From culinary to marketing, healthcare, robotics, welding and much more, students have access to a range of hands-on, career-oriented classes. All high-school CTE courses offer dual college credit.
Dual College Credit
Dual credit programs allow students to take college-level courses in high school. Students may be eligible for college credit based on their test scores and by taking college-level classes either at their high school or at colleges and universities.
Paid work experiences
Paid work experiences help students gain valuable know-how and perspective. Our goal is for every student to have at least one paid work experience during high school. Through the Jobs 253 program, students work 40+ hours with a business or community partner, earning pay and a high school credit.
Industry-Recognized Credentials
The Class of 2024 earned 1,361 Industry Recognized Credentials —certifications that open doors to in-demand careers and demonstrate students’ readiness for the workforce.
Free College Entrance Exams
All students who want to take college entrance exams can do so at no cost and during the school day.
Verified Acceptance to the Next Institution
Every senior is required to provide a Verified Acceptance into a Next Institution (VANI). A VANI can be many different pathways – four-year university, community/technical college, apprenticeship or military service.
High School Graduation!
We want every student to graduate and be prepared to successfully take their next step. Since 2014, Tacoma Public Schools has consistently outperformed the state average graduation rate — a reflection of our community’s unwavering commitment to student success.