Whittier Elementary School, built in 1962, serves Kindergarten – 3rd grade students in Fircrest.
The existing Whittier will be replaced with a new school, which is targeted to be completed in time for the Fall 2027 school year.
The project is funded by the $535 million school construction bond voters passed in 2020.
Additional information can be found on the Tacoma Public Schools (TPS) school construction page at Whittier Elementary School – Tacoma Public Schools.
WHITTIER ELEMENTARY OPEN HOUSE – OCTOBER 22, 2025
Join Tacoma Public Schools and the Design-Build team for a community open house for the new Whittier Elementary School conceptual design.
Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Time: 6:30 – 7:30 PM
Location: Roy H. Murphy Community Center, 555 Contra Costa Ave, Fircrest, WA 98466
Come meet the design team and learn more about the vision for the new Whittier Elementary School. The team will share project highlights, design features, and timelines.
RECENT UPDATES – SEPTEMBER 2025
Design Advisory Committee Progress
Since June, the Design-Build team has met with the Design Advisory Committee four times to gather input and ideas for the new school. Staff and community members have shared what makes Whittier special and what should be carried forward into the new building. Through these conversations, the site plan and building design are beginning to take shape, reflecting both student needs and community values.
Preparing with the City of Fircrest
In preparation for construction, the team has been working closely with the City of Fircrest to review permitting requirements and address potential project challenges early. This proactive coordination helps ensure the process moves smoothly once formal permit steps begin. By identifying solutions ahead of time, the project team is keeping the project on track and building strong partnerships that will support the work in the years ahead.
Looking Ahead
Construction of the new Whittier Elementary is scheduled to begin in May/June 2026, with construction taking place between 2025 and 2027. Students and staff will remain on campus during the project, continuing to learn and grow while their new school is built.
At an open house in the fall, the project team will share design progress, gather community input, and answer questions. More details will be shared soon.
Stay Connected!
For more details and updates, visit Whittier’s construction website, where you can share feedback and read a list of frequently asked questions.