Families looking to move within Jefferson County — or deciding where to put down roots on the Olympic Peninsula — often weigh school quality heavily when comparing communities. Newly released rankings offer a closer look at how local districts stack up in academics, teacher quality, college prep, extracurriculars, and overall student experience. According to Niche’s…
Families weighing a move to the Olympic Peninsula — or deciding where to put down roots within Clallam County — may want to take a close look at Niche’s 2026 school district rankings. The rankings paint a mixed but revealing picture of education across the county, with Port Angeles and Cape Flattery emerging as the…
A federal judge ordered Everett Public Schools to allow an off-campus Bible program greater access to students while a lawsuit over religious rights moves forward. US District Judge Lauren King issued a preliminary injunction Friday, May 1, in favor of LifeWise Academy, a nonprofit that offers Bible instruction to public school students during non-instructional time,…
A longtime Mount Vernon School District educator known for her compassion and dedication to students has died. Tammi Lee Porter died unexpectedly at her home on Saturday, March 21, according to her obituary. She was 56. Porter spent 16 years working in the Mount Vernon School District, primarily supporting students with special needs and helping…
A Tacoma teen has earned a rare invitation to an elite Broadway training program in New York City—she just needs some help getting there. Jaleesa Holmes, 17, a senior at Fife High School, was selected for the OpenJar Institute’s College Intensive, a week-long, invite-only program that trains aspiring performers in music, dance, and acting. “This…
A longtime Tacoma coach and educator who helped shape generations of student-athletes and led Foss High School to a state football title has died at age 89. Jack Sonntag Jr., a Tacoma native and respected figure in local athletics, passed away at home Wednesday, March 4, according to his obituary. Sonntag is best known for…
Everett Public Schools approved the purchase of land needed to build a new elementary school in south Snohomish County, a key step in the district’s plan to reduce overcrowding in its classrooms. The Everett Public Schools Board of Directors voted Tuesday, March 10, to spend $2.5 million on three parcels of land that will become…
The US Department of Education has opened a federal civil rights investigation into the Puyallup School District following reports that a 16-year-old female wrestler was sexually assaulted during a match against a male competitor in a girls-only division. The department’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) announced Friday, Feb. 13, that it initiated a directed investigation…
A Marysville mother says her 15-year-old son, a cancer survivor, was told to turn his controversial shirt inside out at Getchell High School, igniting a debate online over dress codes, student expression, and respect for survivors. Danyel Mazza shared the story Friday, Nov. 14, in the Marysville Crime Facebook group. She said her son, who…
Washington State University has dismissed athletics director Anne McCoy less than two years into her tenure, ESPN reports. McCoy’s removal was confirmed Wednesday, Nov. 12, marking a sudden shift in leadership for WSU Athletics. She had served in the role since mid-2024, including a three-month stretch as interim AD. McCoy has been with the university…
