Tumwater High School

If this was just based on academics and athletics, I would rate the school a 5/5. The teachers genuinely care for the students and are usually available outside of class time. The Honors and Accelerated teachers are particularly talented. All of the athletic coaches are great. I've participated in soccer and cross country. Both of the sports had a positive impact (soccer not as much) on the students involved. We aren't the best team in the district, but we definitely have strong school spirit. The reason I gave this a 3/5 is because the social environment is pretty hostile considering how great everything else is. If you are a quiet and shy person then you will automatically be excluded from higher social classes (which it's like with most high schools). What sets this apart from most high schools is, as an other student already stated, the lack of diversity is appalling. If you don't fit in as a "jock", jokester, or try-hard (someone who does everything perfectly) then you're automatically excluded from most groups. Almost all the students are Republican Christians, which makes it hard for LGBT students. There is a lot of hate from the students you would least expect.
—Submitted by a student

Tumwater High School is filled with many strong and talented teachers that make sure that their students understand the material. A few exceptions here and there, but overall any average or hardworking student should be able to graduate with a adequate grasp of the material they have learned over the past four years. Another great policy implemented in 2009 was CORE/FLEX. This policy forces students with any grades below a "C" to use a 30-minute passing period to catch up on their homework. On the surface, it sounds harsh, but with it Tumwater has effectively decreased the number of failing students. However, a crippling flaw of Tumwater is its lack of diversity, both ethnically and spiritually. There a very few minorities here, and almost everyone is a Christian. The political environment is very conservative. The school (or district) doesn't seem to know its priorities when it comes to spending money, as the Performing Arts Center is, quite frankly, pathetic. The indoor theater itself makes the school look underfunded. The majority of the computers found here are frustratingly slow, and clearly need to be replaced. Aesthetically, Tumwater High School looks very aged.
—Submitted by a student

We are new to the public school system having home schooled most of the kids school life. Kids are 10th and 11th graders. We are a military family and live on base and selected THS and attend as "out of district". THS is a pleasant atmosphere for learning and the kids are excelling. They have good academics. The kids are in AP classes and honors. A really rigorous schedule. They also participate in Choir, and drama, which are excellent performances. I'm very pleased about THS. BTW, THS are the State Champs in AA Football. Hoorah!
—Submitted by a parent

I am shocked to see all of the negative posts on here! I graduated spring of 2010 and was very happy with the school. I was new my freshman year and it was not hard at all to make friends. If you are shy play a fall sport to meet people. The administration was great, most of the teachers were also good. NOT a lot of drugs (compared to other schools in the area). Great school.
—Submitted by a student

this school is worse than black hills so if you get into high school and you want your kids to go to tumwater dont because it is not a good school and it is full of drugs and stuff and a very bad place to go lots of bad people (go to black hills)
—Submitted by a student

this school if your new you dont make alot of friends very fast (unlike black hills) and the sports system you loose alot during every kind of sport
—Submitted by a student

I am a student at Tumwater, and i hate it. Do not send your child here. It's very hard to fit in, and unless you are a star athlete and popular, the staff does not give a care about you! There is hardly any diversity between the students, and if you are different in any way they make fun of you and are not accepting.
—Submitted by a student

I personally love love love THS! Great school spirit!! Awsome Music prgram. Great athletic department. The most winningest school. Great staff the principal and AP scott seaman and Brian Hardcastle are great.ive really connected with the Triple H! only downfault is that there is not a wide diversity of students..As a minority it is sometimes awkward
—Submitted by a student

Tumwater has an amazing stuff and awesome principal. Scott Seaman relates well with the students, parents and staff which is highly unusual for a principal.
—Submitted by a parent

Tumwater High School is an absolutely amazing school. The teachers and staff know every student, and take the time to learn about them and build relationships. The educational programs feature wonderful teachers in all classes and levels, but especially outstanding teachers in the honors and AP classes.
—Submitted by a student

Tumwater has an awsome staff that really cares about the students!
—Submitted by a student

Great school. Everyone is very involved in helping the students excel! Staff and administration is wonderful! Very homey and welcoming!
—Submitted by a student

great school. over 85 percent of the students are involved in extra curricular activities. great academics and their athletics overall are the best at the 2a level. teachers are very involved and care about the students
—Submitted by a student

Tumwater High School is really an excellent school overall. They offer a wide range of courses, including honors and AP classes. The principal (Scott Seaman) is very receptive to parent and student questions and concerns.
—Submitted by a parent

Tumwater HS is a 'small town' HS where the kids feel a real connection - the staff know every student, the athletics are great - there's opportunities for everyone, the choirs are phenomenal, and academics are a priority. The staff genuinely cares for the students.
—Submitted by a parent

I only have one word to say about Tumwater High School, and that word is INCREDIBLE.
—Submitted by a student