Ever wondered what it’s like to live in a community where education is the heartbeat? Welcome to Tehaleh, Washington – a place where learning isn’t just confined to classrooms, but thrives in every corner of the neighborhood. From award-winning elementary schools to nearby universities, Tehaleh offers an educational journey that’s as unique as your family.

A Tale of Two Elementary Schools

Tehaleh is home to not one, but two excellent elementary schools: Donald Eismann Elementary and Tehaleh Heights Elementary. Both are part of the Sumner-Bonney Lake School District, which ranks an impressive 23rd out of 205 Washington school districts statewide.

Donald Eismann Elementary, built in 2010, serves over 500 students and has been named Best Public Elementary School by South Sound Magazine in 2016 and 2017. It’s no wonder parents are excited about sending their kids here!

Tehaleh Heights Elementary, the newer kid on the block, opened its doors in September 2018 to 269 bright young minds. The school’s name combines “Tehaleh,” meaning “high ground,” with “Heights” to reflect its educational goals. Go, Trailblazers! (That’s their mascot, by the way.)

STEM: It’s Not Just a Buzzword Here

At Tehaleh Heights Elementary, STEM isn’t just a fancy acronym – it’s baked into the very design of the building. The school covers about 55,000 square feet and features 25 classrooms, a library, gymnasium, multipurpose field for sports, and a music room. But what really sets it apart are the indoor and outdoor spaces specifically designed for hands-on learning.

The STEM focus isn’t just about preparing kids for future jobs. It’s about fostering creativity, encouraging a love of learning, and teaching kids to solve real-world problems. Plus, it’s inclusive – everyone can participate in STEM, regardless of their learning ability.

Middle School and High School: Just a Stone’s Throw Away

For the older kids, Mountain View Middle School and Bonney Lake High School are both located just 3.2 miles north of Tehaleh. These schools are also part of the Sumner-Bonney Lake School District, ensuring a consistent quality of education from elementary through high school.

Mountain View Middle School serves over 700 students and offers a variety of extracurricular activities. Bonney Lake High School, home to over 1,300 students, is dedicated to its core values of perseverance, ownership, work ethic, engagement, and respect. Not bad values to instill in the next generation, right?

Private School Options: Because Choice is Good

While Tehaleh’s public schools are top-notch, some families might prefer a private education. Good news: there are several private schools in the area. The top-ranked private schools in Pierce County include Motion Christian Schools, Cascade Christian Schools, and All Saints Elementary School.

These schools offer a range of educational philosophies and approaches, from college prep to faith-based learning. And here’s a fun fact: private schools in Pierce County are about 31% minority students, which is higher than the Washington private school average of 29%.

Higher Education: Because Learning Never Stops

For those looking beyond K-12, Tehaleh is conveniently located near several higher education institutions. The University of Washington-Tacoma Campus is just a short drive away, offering a range of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs.

Community colleges are also well-represented in the area. Pierce College District, Tacoma Community College, and Highline College are all within reach, offering two-year associate degrees and various certificate programs.

For those interested in technical education, Bates Technical College and Clover Park Technical College provide hands-on training in a variety of fields.

Why Tehaleh is a Great Place to Learn (and Live)

Tehaleh isn’t just about schools – it’s about creating an environment where learning thrives. With over 30 miles of trails, kids can explore nature and learn about the environment firsthand. The community often hosts events and activities, providing opportunities for informal learning and socializing.

The neighborhood is designed with safety in mind, allowing kids to run around and play without constant supervision. It’s the kind of place where children can build friendships that last a lifetime, all while getting a top-notch education.

The Future of Education in Tehaleh

As Tehaleh continues to grow, so does its commitment to education. The community plans to add four more schools in the future, ensuring that educational facilities keep pace with population growth.

From preschools to universities, Tehaleh offers a comprehensive educational ecosystem. Whether raising a family or continuing your education, this community has something to offer. In Tehaleh, learning isn’t just something that happens in school – it’s a way of life.

Sources: sumnersd.org, tehaleh.com, franklin.edu
Header Image Source: Camilo Botia on Unsplash