North Thurston Public Schools has had a continued "commitment to excellence" for more than 50 years, with the mission to provide every student the academic and life skills necessary to succeed in a diverse world. NTPS is the largest school district in Thurston County and a huge local employer with more than 1,700 full and a part-time staff committed to supporting student success. The district has one of the highest percentages in the state of National Board Certified Teachers, and the majority of our teachers hold advanced degrees -- some are also NTPS alumni. Amongst our staff are regionally and nationally recognized leaders in their fields, from principals and art and language teachers to band directors and coaches. And an emphasis on teacher leadership and collaboration are key components in helping improve student academic achievement.
We are proud of our student success in NTPS! Over the past decade, our students have continued to perform well on state assessments, as well as in Advanced Placement and Honors classes. Last year our graduating seniors were offered ore than $7 million in scholarships and went on to pursue post-graduate opportunities including 4-year universities, the military, Americorps, apprenticeships, service and trade industries and community colleges. With past community support on levies, NTPS has been able to continue offering comprehensive educational programming to address the needs of the whole child, including Special Education, English as a Second Language, Career and Technical Education, student support and interventions, Athletics and Activities, and Visual and Performing Arts. Additionally, the district is home to the unique Talented & Gifted (TAG) program at Lakes Elementary (1-5 grades), and the Challenge Academy (6-8 grades) at the new Aspire Middle School for the Performing Arts.
Like the Lacey community overall, NTPS expects continued growth over the next two decades. By 2025 our student population is expected to reach 20,000. Thanks to community support on the 2006 construction bid, Timberline High School has received a major remodel, along with South Bay and Woodland Elementary Schools, and Chinook and Nisqually Middle Schools. In Spetember 2009, the new Chambers Prairie Elementary School is scheduled to open along Yelm Highway.
Along with growth come more volunteers! "We welcome parents, businesses and community members to come into our classrooms and get involved in our schools. Together we can all help students be more successful," said Courtney Schrieve, Communications and Community Relations Director. Last year the district had nearly 4,000 volunteers who contributed more than 160,000 hours to the district!
The Lacey Chamber is proud to partner with NTPS on a number of programs: Lacey Loves to Read brings an award-winning author to Lacey each February to promote community literacy; Window to the World of Work gives 8th graders a hands-on opportunity to explore careers and visit local businesses for a day; Kidwiler Scholarships; and Work-Based Learning partnerships help better prepare older students for employment.
For these and many other reasons, NTPS remains one of Washington's most visionary school districts with a continued dedication to academic achievement for all students. For more information call 360.412.4418 or visit their website at www.nthurston.k12.wa.us. While there you can also sign up for "Friends of North Thurston Public Schools" weekly e-news updates.
