As I explore the educational landscape of Silverdale Washington I’m always impressed by Klahowya Secondary School’s unique approach to learning. This public school serves students from grades 6 through 12 combining middle and high school education in a single campus setting.
I’ve watched Klahowya grow since its establishment in 1997 becoming a cornerstone of the Central Kitsap School District. The school’s name which means “”welcome”” in Chinook Jargon reflects its warm inclusive environment. What sets Klahowya apart is its commitment to both academic excellence and comprehensive student development through its diverse programs in athletics arts and career-focused education.
Key Takeaways
- Klahowya Secondary School, established in 1997 in Silverdale, Washington, is a unique public school serving grades 6-12 in a combined campus setting.
- The school’s name means “”welcome”” in Chinook Jargon, reflecting its inclusive environment and honoring regional Native American heritage.
- The campus features comprehensive facilities including advanced STEM classrooms, a performing arts center, and modern athletic complexes following $8.2M in renovations completed in 2019.
- Students can choose from 8 Advanced Placement courses and various Career Technical Education pathways, providing both college preparation and practical skills training.
- The school maintains strong athletic programs with 14 varsity sports teams and has achieved notable success, including state championships in girls’ soccer and wrestling.
- School culture emphasizes community engagement through 22 student-led clubs, regular spirit events, and traditions like the Eagle Pride Assembly and Senior Walk.
Klahowya Secondary School
Klahowya Secondary School opened its doors in 1997 in Silverdale, Washington, marking a significant expansion of the Central Kitsap School District. The school’s establishment addressed the growing educational needs of the local community by creating a comprehensive learning environment for grades 6-12.
Founding and Early Years
The Central Kitsap School District constructed Klahowya Secondary School at 7607 NW Newberry Hill Road in response to increasing student enrollment during the mid-1990s. The school’s initial student body consisted of 900 students drawn from neighboring areas including Seabeck Silverdale. Notable features of the original campus included:
- Advanced science laboratories equipped with modern technology
- Multi-purpose gymnasiums for athletics programs
- Specialized classrooms for career technical education
- Library media center with computer facilities
- Performance spaces for music arts programs
- Derived from Chinook Jargon, a trade language used by Indigenous peoples
- Translates to “”welcome”” or “”greetings”” in English
- Selected through a community-driven naming process in 1996
- Represents the school’s inclusive philosophy
- Honors the regional Native American heritage
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1995 | Construction approval granted |
| 1996 | Name selection process completed |
| 1997 | Official school opening |
| 1998 | First graduating class |
Academic Programs and Curriculum
Klahowya Secondary School offers comprehensive academic programs aligned with Washington State learning standards. The curriculum integrates core subjects with specialized programs to prepare students for college and career success.
Advanced Placement Options
The Advanced Placement (AP) program at Klahowya Secondary School features 8 AP courses across multiple disciplines. Students access rigorous coursework in:
- Study AP Biology with hands-on laboratory experiments
- Explore AP Calculus AB focusing on derivatives and integrals
- Analyze literature in AP English Language and Composition
- Examine historical events in AP United States History
- Investigate AP Environmental Science through field studies
- Master AP Statistics through real-world data analysis
- Create portfolios in AP Studio Art
- Develop fluency in AP Spanish Language
Career and Technical Education
The Career and Technical Education (CTE) department equips students with industry-relevant skills through specialized programs:
- Engineering Technology
- 3D modeling software training
- Computer-aided design projects
- Robotics programming
- Business Education
- Microsoft Office certification
- Entrepreneurship fundamentals
- Marketing principles
- Digital Media
- Video production techniques
- Graphic design software
- Web development basics
- Health Sciences
- Medical terminology
- First aid certification
- Healthcare foundations
Each CTE pathway includes industry certifications, internship opportunities and dual credit options with local colleges. Students complete career-focused portfolios demonstrating their technical competencies and workplace readiness skills.
Athletics and Activities
Klahowya Secondary School maintains a comprehensive athletics program operating within the Olympic League 1A classification. The school’s teams compete under the Eagles mascot with colors navy blue and silver.
Sports Teams and Achievements
Klahowya Eagles participate in 14 varsity sports across three seasons:
- Fall: Cross Country, Football, Girls Soccer, Girls Swimming, Boys Tennis, Volleyball
- Winter: Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball, Boys Swimming, Wrestling
- Spring: Baseball, Boys Soccer, Girls Tennis, Track & Field
Notable achievements include:
| Sport | Achievement | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Girls Soccer | State Champions | 2014 |
| Wrestling | Individual State Champions | 2018, 2019 |
| Cross Country | League Champions | 2020 |
Student Clubs and Organizations
Klahowya offers 22 student-led clubs supporting diverse interests:
- Academic Groups
- National Honor Society
- Knowledge Bowl
- Science Olympiad
- Math Team
- Arts & Culture
- Drama Club
- Jazz Band
- Art Club
- Multicultural Club
- Service & Leadership
- Associated Student Body (ASB)
- Key Club
- Environmental Club
- Link Crew
- Career-Focused
- DECA
- FBLA
- Robotics Club
- Future Health Professionals (HOSA)
Each club meets weekly during designated activity periods with faculty advisors overseeing operations.
Campus Facilities and Features
Klahowya Secondary School’s 107,000-square-foot campus features modern educational facilities designed to support student learning across multiple disciplines. The campus serves grades 6-12 with specialized spaces for both middle and high school programs.
Recent Renovations and Improvements
The campus underwent significant renovations in 2019, including:
- Installation of a $2.3 million artificial turf field enhancing the athletic complex
- Addition of 8 STEM-focused classrooms with updated technology infrastructure
- Modernization of the 850-seat performing arts center with new lighting systems
- Construction of a dedicated Career & Technical Education wing spanning 12,000 square feet
| Renovation Project | Completion Year | Investment |
|---|---|---|
| Athletic Field | 2019 | $2.3M |
| STEM Classrooms | 2019 | $1.8M |
| Performing Arts Center | 2019 | $950K |
| CTE Wing | 2019 | $3.2M |
Key improvements include:
- Enhanced security systems featuring digital surveillance cameras
- Updated HVAC systems improving indoor air quality
- LED lighting retrofits reducing energy consumption by 40%
- Accessibility upgrades meeting ADA compliance standards
- Modernized student commons area with collaborative workspace designs
The renovation project incorporated sustainable building practices earning LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
School Culture and Community
Klahowya Secondary School cultivates a vibrant community atmosphere through collaborative initiatives between students, staff, parents, and local partners. The school’s culture emphasizes personal growth, academic achievement, and civic engagement.
School Spirit and Traditions
Klahowya Eagles demonstrate school pride through established annual traditions and spirit-focused events. The Eagle Pride Assembly occurs each semester, recognizing outstanding student achievements in academics, athletics, and community service. Notable traditions include:
- Homecoming Week features themed dress-up days, class competitions, and the Eagles’ Spirit Rally
- Spring Fling carnival brings together students across grades 6-12 for games and activities
- Senior Walk tradition honors graduating students with a ceremonial final walk through campus halls
- Color Wars pits grade levels against each other in friendly athletic and academic competitions
- Annual Eagle Awards ceremony recognizes exemplary contributions to school culture
Key spirit elements:
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| School Colors | Navy Blue and Silver |
| Mascot | Eagles |
| Fight Song | “”Soar High Eagles”” |
| Spirit Days | Every Friday |
| Pep Rallies | 4 per academic year |
The Associated Student Body (ASB) coordinates 6 major spirit weeks throughout the year, fostering unity across middle and high school divisions. Spirit initiatives include:
- Weekly recognition of “”Eagle Excellence”” student achievements
- Student-designed spirit wear collection updated annually
- Grade-level competition for attendance at athletic events
- Monthly spirit assemblies featuring student performances
- Collaborative projects between middle and high school students
Student participation in spirit activities averages 85%, creating a strong sense of belonging within the Klahowya community. The school store, Eagle’s Nest, sells spirit merchandise designed by student artists through the Digital Media program.
Notable Alumni and Achievements
Klahowya Secondary School’s alumni have achieved significant recognition across multiple fields since its first graduating class in 1998:
Athletic Accomplishments:
- Joel Derrick (Class of 2018): State Wrestling Champion at 152 pounds
- Karsten Jensen (Class of 2019): State Wrestling Champion at 160 pounds
- McKenzie Cook (Class of 2015): Led the Girls Soccer team to State Championship
- Rachel Seidel (Class of 2020): 3-time All-State Cross Country selection
Academic Excellence:
- Sarah Thompson (Class of 2008): Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University
- Michael Chen (Class of 2012): National Merit Scholar recipient
- Emma Roberts (Class of 2016): Presidential Scholar Program finalist
- David Kim (Class of 2019): Perfect SAT score recipient
Professional Achievements:
- Lauren Martinez (Class of 2005): NASA aerospace engineer
- Tyler Brooks (Class of 2009): Emmy-nominated documentary filmmaker
- Dr. Jessica Wong (Class of 2003): Leading oncology researcher at Mayo Clinic
- Marcus Reed (Class of 2010): Tech startup founder acquired by Microsoft
| Year | Achievement | Recognition |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Girls Soccer | State Champions |
| 2018 | Wrestling | Individual State Title |
| 2019 | Wrestling | Individual State Title |
| 2020 | Academic | Washington Achievement Award |
| 2021 | STEM | National Blue Ribbon School |
The school maintains its competitive edge through continual program development ensuring students excel in academics athletics arts. These achievements reflect Klahowya’s commitment to fostering excellence across diverse fields preparing graduates for success in their chosen paths.
I’ve seen firsthand how Klahowya Secondary School stands as a beacon of educational excellence in Silverdale Washington. Its commitment to comprehensive learning spanning grades 6 through 12 creates a unique environment where students truly thrive.
The school’s diverse programs stellar facilities and dedicated staff make it more than just an educational institution – it’s a community that nurtures future leaders. From its state-of-the-art STEM facilities to its championship-winning sports teams Klahowya continues to set high standards for secondary education.
I’m confident that Klahowya Secondary School will maintain its trajectory of excellence preparing students for whatever paths they choose to pursue. The school’s legacy of success and its forward-thinking approach to education make it an invaluable asset to the Central Kitsap community.
