Nestled in the heart of suburban Washington, Tahoma Elementary School stands as a beacon of educational excellence and community spirit. Since its establishment in 1985, this vibrant learning hub has shaped young minds and fostered academic achievement through its innovative teaching methods and dedicated staff.
Students at Tahoma Elementary don’t just learn – they thrive in an environment that celebrates creativity, critical thinking, and character development. With state-of-the-art facilities, including a STEM lab and an award-winning library, the school provides the perfect setting for children to explore their potential and develop essential life skills. From its famous annual science fair to its dynamic after-school programs, Tahoma Elementary continues to set the standard for primary education in the Pacific Northwest.
Overview of Tahoma Elementary School
Tahoma Elementary School combines academic excellence with a welcoming environment in suburban Washington. The school serves 520 students from kindergarten through fifth grade with a student-to-teacher ratio of 18:1.
Campus Location and Facilities
The school sits on a 12-acre campus at 24425 SE 216th Street in Maple Valley, Washington. Modern facilities include 28 classrooms equipped with interactive whiteboards, a 3,000-square-foot STEM laboratory, two computer labs with 30 workstations each, and a media center featuring 15,000 print and digital resources. The campus incorporates an outdoor learning garden, two playgrounds with age-appropriate equipment, a covered play area, and a full-size gymnasium. A secure entrance system and video surveillance ensure student safety throughout the premises.
School History and Mission
Tahoma Elementary opened its doors in 1985 as part of the expanding Tahoma School District. The school’s mission focuses on developing well-rounded students through academic excellence, character education, and community involvement. Teachers integrate technology across the curriculum while maintaining small group instruction practices. The school earned National Blue Ribbon recognition in 2015 for its outstanding academic performance. Parent involvement reaches 85% participation through volunteering, committees, and school events. Current programs emphasize STEM education, arts integration, and environmental stewardship aligned with Washington State learning standards.
Academic Programs and Curriculum
Tahoma Elementary implements research-based instructional strategies aligned with Washington State Learning Standards. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning experiences integrated across subject areas to develop critical thinking skills.
Core Subject Areas
Students engage in rigorous core subjects taught through differentiated instruction methods. English Language Arts incorporates daily reading workshops paired with writer’s workshop sessions focusing on narrative composition. Mathematics instruction utilizes Singapore Math methods emphasizing problem-solving through concrete-pictorial-abstract progression. The science curriculum features weekly lab experiments in the STEM center enabling students to explore physical sciences earth systems biology concepts. Social studies lessons integrate primary sources local history field trips to create meaningful connections to past present societies.
Special Programs and Enrichment
The school offers specialized learning opportunities beyond standard coursework. Advanced learners participate in the Highly Capable Program providing accelerated instruction in mathematics reading. Students receive weekly instruction in art music technology through dedicated specialist teachers. The Coding Club meets twice weekly introducing 4th 5th graders to computer programming fundamentals. Additional enrichment includes Spanish language instruction environmental education through the outdoor learning garden program robotics competitions. Before after school programs feature Chess Club Math Olympiad Science Fair preparation sessions creating opportunities for deeper subject exploration.
Student Life at Tahoma Elementary
Student life at Tahoma Elementary School centers on structured learning balanced with enriching activities that promote social development. The school creates an engaging environment where students develop academic skills while building lasting friendships.
Daily Schedule and Activities
Students start their day at 8:15 AM with a morning assembly in the multipurpose room. Core academic subjects occupy the morning hours from 8:30 AM to 11:45 AM. Lunch periods rotate by grade level between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, giving students 30 minutes to eat and socialize. Afternoons feature specialist classes including art, music, physical education or library time. Students participate in guided reading groups three times weekly. The school day ends at 3:15 PM with organized dismissal procedures for bus riders, walkers or parent pickup.
School Events and Traditions
The annual Fall Festival in October transforms the campus into a community celebration with games, food vendors, and student performances. Students showcase their talents during the spring Arts Night featuring gallery displays and musical presentations. The Winter Reading Challenge encourages literacy through friendly grade-level competition. Field Day in May brings students together for outdoor activities and friendly athletic contests. Fifth graders participate in the time-honored Moving Up ceremony, marking their transition to middle school. Monthly Spirit Days unite the student body through themed dress-up activities like Sports Team Day or Crazy Hair Day.
Teaching Staff and Administration
Tahoma Elementary School maintains a team of 45 certified educators dedicated to student success. The staff demonstrates exceptional professionalism with a collective commitment to academic excellence through continuous professional development.
Faculty Qualifications
The teaching staff at Tahoma Elementary holds advanced credentials that exceed state requirements. 85% of teachers possess master’s degrees in education or their content areas from accredited universities. Each educator completes 75 hours of professional development annually, focusing on innovative teaching methods, technology integration, and student engagement strategies. The faculty includes 8 National Board Certified Teachers who demonstrate expertise in early childhood education. Teachers participate in monthly collaborative learning communities to share best practices and analyze student performance data. Specialized certifications among staff members include STEM education endorsements, reading specialist credentials, and special education qualifications.
Leadership Team
Principal Dr. Sarah Chen leads Tahoma Elementary with 15 years of administrative experience in primary education. The administrative team includes Assistant Principal Michael Torres, who oversees curriculum development and student services. Instructional Coach Lisa Park coordinates teacher training and classroom support initiatives. Department heads guide grade-level teams: Jennifer Walsh (K-2), Robert Martinez (3-5), and Emily Thompson (Special Education). The leadership team meets weekly to analyze school performance metrics and implement improvement strategies. All administrators maintain open-door policies for parent communication and regularly participate in classroom observations to ensure teaching excellence.
Parent and Community Involvement
Tahoma Elementary School maintains active parent participation through structured programs that enhance student learning experiences. The school’s community outreach initiatives create meaningful connections between families, local organizations, and educational resources.
PTA and Volunteer Opportunities
The Parent Teacher Association at Tahoma Elementary coordinates 25 annual events including the Fall Festival, Book Fair, and Science Night. Parents contribute 12,000 volunteer hours annually through classroom support, library assistance, and field trip chaperoning. The PTA raises $75,000 yearly to fund educational technology upgrades, classroom supplies, and enrichment programs. Monthly PTA meetings average 85 attendees who participate in educational workshops and curriculum planning discussions. A dedicated volunteer coordinator matches parent skills with specific school needs through an online scheduling system.
Community Partnerships
Tahoma Elementary partners with 15 local organizations to enhance student learning experiences. The Boeing Engineering Mentorship Program connects students with aerospace professionals for monthly STEM workshops. Local businesses participate in Career Day, reaching 520 students with hands-on demonstrations and interactive presentations. The Seattle Public Library provides weekly storytelling sessions and summer reading programs. Microsoft’s Technology Grant supplies the school with coding equipment and expert instruction for after-school programs. The local food bank coordinates with students to operate an on-site community garden, producing 500 pounds of fresh produce annually.
Student Support Services
Tahoma Elementary provides comprehensive support services to ensure every student succeeds academically and emotionally. The school’s integrated support system addresses diverse learning needs through specialized programs and professional guidance.
Special Education Resources
Tahoma Elementary’s special education department serves 75 students through individualized education programs (IEPs). Three certified special education teachers collaborate with classroom instructors to deliver specialized instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, and social skills. The resource room accommodates small group learning sessions for 15 students at a time, equipped with assistive technology tools like text-to-speech software and specialized learning materials. Speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy services operate on scheduled weekly sessions based on student needs. The department maintains a 1:5 teacher-to-student ratio in specialized instruction groups, ensuring personalized attention for optimal learning outcomes.
Health and Counseling Services
The school’s health center operates with two full-time registered nurses managing student medical needs from 8 AM to 4 PM daily. Three licensed counselors provide individual counseling sessions, classroom guidance lessons, and small group support addressing social-emotional development. The counseling team conducts weekly friendship groups, anxiety management workshops, and conflict resolution training. Health services include vision screenings, immunization monitoring, and first aid care for 520 students. The counseling department coordinates with local mental health providers to offer additional support services through referral programs. Monthly parent workshops cover topics like stress management, bullying prevention, and healthy lifestyle choices.
Conclusion
Tahoma Elementary School stands as a beacon of educational excellence in suburban Washington. The school’s dedication to academic achievement student development and community engagement has created an environment where young minds flourish. Its state-of-the-art facilities experienced educators and comprehensive support services work together seamlessly to provide students with an exceptional learning experience.
The strong partnership between staff parents and the local community continues to drive Tahoma Elementary’s success and shapes its identity as a leading educational institution in the Pacific Northwest. Through innovative programs modern teaching methods and unwavering commitment to student growth Tahoma Elementary proves that investing in primary education yields remarkable results that benefit the entire community.
