Yelm Community Schools
Yelm Community Schools: Building a Strong Foundation for Every Learner
Introduction
Nestled in Thurston County in Washington State, Yelm Community Schools (YCS) is a growing and dynamic school district that serves as a vital part of the Yelm community and surrounding areas, including Roy, McKenna, and parts of the Nisqually Indian Tribe lands. With a clear mission to "prepare ALL students for post-secondary pathways, careers, and civic engagement," YCS plays a foundational role in shaping the educational, social, and economic future of the region. The district prides itself on strong community partnerships, innovative learning models, and a student-first approach that prioritizes equity, opportunity, and academic achievement.
District Overview: Yelm Community Schools
Yelm Community Schools is one of the larger school districts in Thurston County, serving more than 5,500 students across 10 schools, which include:
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6 Elementary Schools
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2 Middle Schools
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1 Comprehensive High School
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1 Alternative Learning Program (Yelm Extension School)
With a focus on personalized learning, college and career readiness, and community engagement, the district supports students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.
History and Growth
The roots of Yelm Community Schools go back over a century, reflecting the area’s development from a small rural town to a growing suburban and semi-urban community. The district has expanded in response to population growth, the needs of military families stationed at nearby Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), and a broader vision of educational excellence.
Over the past two decades, the district has modernized its infrastructure through bond measures and levies supported by the community. These funds have contributed to improved school buildings, technology upgrades, and expanded extracurricular and vocational programming.
Schools in the District
Elementary Schools
Yelm Community Schools includes six elementary schools that serve students from kindergarten through 5th grade:
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Fort Stevens Elementary
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Lackamas Elementary
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McKenna Elementary
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Mill Pond Elementary
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Prairie Elementary
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Southworth Elementary
Each school provides a nurturing and inclusive environment focused on early literacy, numeracy, social-emotional learning, and foundational skills.
Middle Schools
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Ridgeline Middle School
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Yelm Middle School
High School
It offers a wide variety of academic, extracurricular, and vocational programs, including Advanced Placement (AP), Running Start, Career and Technical Education (CTE), and more. With a strong emphasis on college and career readiness, Yelm High School has seen steadily rising graduation rates.
Alternative Learning – Yelm Extension School
For students who need a flexible or non-traditional learning environment, Yelm Extension School (YES) provides alternative educational pathways. It serves students who may be at risk of dropping out, need individualized support, or prefer online/hybrid formats.
Academic Excellence and Innovation
The district aligns its curriculum with Washington State Learning Standards and regularly evaluates student data to improve outcomes.
Early Learning and Literacy
The district emphasizes early childhood education through:
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Preschool programs
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Transitional Kindergarten
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Reading interventions and support staff
Students are assessed early and frequently to ensure they are on track for grade-level proficiency.
Secondary Education and Career Readiness
At the secondary level, students have access to a rich academic experience that prepares them for college, trade schools, the workforce, or military service. Key offerings include:
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Advanced Placement (AP) courses
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Running Start dual-enrollment with local colleges
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Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in health sciences, engineering, business, automotive technology, and more.
These programs ensure that Yelm students graduate with real-world skills and a clear plan for the future.
Focus on Equity and Inclusion
Equity is a core value in Yelm Community Schools. The district actively works to eliminate opportunity gaps through:
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Equity teams at each school
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Cultural competence training for staff
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Support for English Language Learners (ELL)
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Special Education services
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Intervention programs for students who are behind academically
YCS is also working to engage underrepresented student populations, including Indigenous students, military-connected families, and those facing economic hardship.
Support Services and Whole-Child Approach
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
The district embeds Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) into the curriculum and offers school counseling services at every level. Staff receive training in trauma-informed practices, conflict resolution, and behavioral support.
Nutrition and Wellness
Students have access to nutritious meals through free and reduced lunch programs. The district also hosts food drives, clothing banks, and community resource fairs to support families in need.
Mental Health Support
Through partnerships with local health agencies and counselors, Yelm Community Schools provides on-site and referral-based mental health services, including:
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Individual counseling
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Crisis response teams
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Substance abuse prevention
Family and Community Engagement
Yelm Community Schools places a strong emphasis on partnerships with families and the broader community. Communication tools such as newsletters, social media, and school websites keep parents informed and engaged.
Parent Involvement
Families are encouraged to participate in:
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Parent-Teacher Organizations (PTOs)
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Volunteer opportunities
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School board meetings
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Parent education nights
Parent voices play a role in shaping policies and initiatives that directly impact students.
Community Partnerships
YCS partners with local businesses, the City of Yelm, the Nisqually Tribe, and community organizations to support learning and civic involvement. Notable partnerships include:
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Nisqually Indian Tribe Education Department
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Boys & Girls Club of Thurston County
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Thurston County Public Health and Social Services
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South Puget Sound Community College
These partnerships provide students with internships, scholarships, tutoring, and mentorship.
Technology and Digital Learning
Technology is a central component of the district’s strategy to enhance learning and future-readiness.
1:1 Device Program
YCS provides Chromebooks or laptops to every student from grades 6-12, and shared devices for younger students, ensuring equitable access to technology.
Online and Blended Learning
The district supports flexible learning through:
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Online classes via Yelm Virtual Academy
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Blended instruction in high school and middle school courses
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Learning management systems like Google Classroom
These tools help students build digital literacy and prepare for modern work environments.
Athletics and Extracurricular Activities
Yelm Community Schools promotes student engagement beyond academics through sports, clubs, and arts programs.
Athletics
Students can participate in a wide variety of sports, including:
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Football
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Basketball
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Soccer
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Wrestling
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Volleyball
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Baseball and Softball
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Cross Country and Track & Field
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Cheerleading
The Yelm Tornados have become a symbol of pride, with notable achievements at district and state levels—particularly in football and wrestling.
Arts and Culture
Music, drama, and visual arts programs allow students to explore their creativity. Annual concerts, art showcases, and theater productions are major community events.
Student Clubs
Clubs range from academic and cultural to leadership and service-oriented. Popular options include:
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National Honor Society
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FFA (Future Farmers of America)
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DECA (Business and Marketing)
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Robotics Club
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Key Club
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GSA (Gender & Sexuality Alliance)
COVID-19 Response and Recovery
Yelm Community Schools responded proactively to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Key efforts included:
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Rapid transition to remote learning
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Technology deployment for distance learning
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Free meal distribution to all students
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Reopening with safety protocols and hybrid models
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Academic recovery programs to address learning loss
The district’s adaptability and communication earned it praise from families and regional leaders.
Strategic Plan and Vision for the Future
Yelm Community Schools’ strategic plan focuses on five priority areas:
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High-Quality Instruction
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Equity and Inclusion
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Career and College Readiness
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Safe and Supportive Schools
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Family and Community Partnerships
The district’s vision is clear: To become the premier district in the region for student achievement, engagement, and innovation.
Upcoming initiatives include:
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Expansion of early learning programs
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Facility upgrades and new school construction to address enrollment growth
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Increased dual-credit and CTE options
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Stronger integration of SEL into everyday instruction
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Enhanced training for educators in culturally responsive teaching
Conclusion
Yelm Community Schools is much more than a group of school buildings—it’s a community-driven educational ecosystem committed to the success and well-being of every student. With forward-thinking leadership, dedicated teachers and staff, and an engaged network of families and community partners, YCS is preparing the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and citizens. Whether students pursue college, a trade, the military, or a unique path, Yelm Community Schools is dedicated to helping them reach their full potential and thrive in a rapidly changing world.
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