Thomas Jefferson High School (TJHS) is hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the competition of the brand-new facility.
The event is 5-7 p.m. May 11 at 4248 S. 288th St. in Auburn.
After the ribbon cutting, community tours of the new building begin at 5:45 p.m. During the guided tours, guests can view school highlights including the 400-seat state-of-the-art theater, modern gymnasium and classrooms, health center, and more.
“It’s a welcome change,” said Elizabeth Bannister, a TJHS student. “It’s a lot easier to be proud of this school and proud to be a Raider when it looks how everybody is. Now we have a nice new building that makes us look good on the outside as well as on the inside.”
A social hour with light refreshments provides guests an opportunity to learn more about the construction project’s features and school programs, according to the district.
The new building, serving almost 1,700 students, opened in the fall 2021. This upgrade provides access to a modern and innovative building that fosters the highest level of learning for all scholars, according to the district.
In total, the new building cost $115.5 million, according to the district. This includes construction, design, permitting fees, furniture and equipment, and is lower than the anticipated cost.
The funds saved rebuilding the school have created the opportunity to upgrade the school’s athletic fields,” said Whitney Chiang, chief of communications for FWPS. “We want to thank our community of voters once again for their support to make this happen.”
Federal Way Public Schools (FWPS) families of Evergreen Middle School, Kilo Middle School, and Federal Way Public Academy, which are within the attendance area of TJHS, can look forward to all the new school when transitioning to high school.
Thomas Jefferson High School scholars can explore the arts with new spaces for pottery, photography, band, and orchestra. Each classroom is outfitted with the latest educational technology.
The building features incorporated from scholar and community feedback sessions, support scholar academic development and interests that will prepare them for post-secondary opportunities and careers.
“I’m excited for the community to see the new school building, which is already enhancing student learning in so many ways,” said FWPS Superintendent Dr. Dani Pfeiffer. “From updated technology and collaborative learning spaces to thoughtful designs incorporated into communal and classroom spaces, each design decision will optimize scholar engagement and participation. I could not be more thankful to voters and supporters of this project.”
To register for the ribbon cutting celebration or for a community tour of the building, visit www.fwps.org/TJHSRibbonCutting.
