The Olympia, North Thurston, and Tumwater School Districts provide K-12 public education in the Olympia area. Most City of Olympia resident families are in the Olympia School District.
Also located in or near Olympia are three institutions of higher learning:
Olympia School District
Founded in 1852, nearly forty years before statehood, the Olympia School District is one of the oldest districts in Washington State.
According to the Olympia School District website, the District employs 1,336 classified and certificated staff to provide a world class education in 18 schools. Nearly 75% of the District's certificated staff have a master’s degree.
Alternative programs, established to address a variety of learning styles and needs, are available to students for K-5, middle school, and high school.
More than 85% of high school students in the Olympia School District participate in school-sponsored co-curricular activities including athletics, music, drama, and academic/curricular/vocational clubs.
Visit the Olympia School District website.
back to top
North Thurston School District
North Thurston Public Schools is the largest school district in the county, educating more than 13,000 students, more than one-third of Thurston County youth, and employing more than 1,600 people.
North Thurston Public Schools serve the greater Lacey, Washington area with 19 schools – 12 elementary schools, three middle schools, three comprehensive high schools.
North Thurston Public Schools, founded in 1953, is 13 years older than the City of Lacey.
North Thurston offers the only K-12 Deaf Education program in the South Sound region.
Visit the North Thurston School District website.
back to top
Tumwater School District
Tumwater School District, just south of Olympia, was formally organized in 1898. Prior to the formal organization, there were many one-room schools in the area for the children of Tumwater’s early settlers. From a one-room school house to today’s ten schools and 6,000+ students, Tumwater has managed to keep its unique history and character while providing quality educational programs.
Tumwater encompasses 117 square miles and operates ten schools – six elementary, two middle and two high – serving students from preschool through 12th grade. There are also alternative programs available for students whose learning styles are better served outside of a traditional classroom setting.
Over 800 staff work together to maintain safe and orderly schools in which all students can learn.
In 2004, Tumwater was included in a study entitled “From Compliance to Commitment: A Report on Effective School Districts in Washington.”
Visit the Tumwater School District website.
back to top
New Market Vocational Skills Center
New Market is an extension of the home high school. Functioning as an off-campus training site, it is recognized state-wide for its unique and specialized programs.
Visit the New Market Vocational Skills Center website.
back to top
The Evergreen State College
The Evergreen State College is a public, liberal arts college. Its mission is to help students realize their potential through innovative, interdisciplinary educational programs in the arts, social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences.
Visit the The Evergreen State College website.
back to top
South Puget Sound Community College
South Puget Sound Community College is a public, two-year college in Olympia, Washington. SPSCC offers college transfer, technical and enrichment courses.
Visit the South Puget Sound Community College website.
back to top
St.Martin's University
St. Martin's is a Catholic, Benedictine University. Over 1,100 students from many ethnic and religious backgrounds attend the University's main campus and three extension campuses. The University offers twenty-two (22) majors and six graduate programs that span the liberal arts, business, education and engineering.
Visit the St.Martin's University website.
back to top