Rainier Beach High School Construction Updates

On Wednesday September 16, the City of Seattle voted against designating the current Rainier Beach High School building as a landmarked structure, allowing for the construction of a new school building.

In the 2019 Building Excellence V (BEX V) levy, Seattle voters approved funding for the construction project which will replace Rainier Beach High School with a new multi-story high school of approximately 257,000 square feet. When completed, it will provide permanent space for 1,600 students grades 9-12. The project also includes renovation of the existing Performing Arts Center. Students will remain onsite during the phased construction. BEX V funding will also provide technology equipment and services, such as computers, printers, and other technology for teaching and learning.

The Rainier Beach construction project is currently in the concept design development phase, in which the School Design Advisory Team (SDAT) collaborate with the architects to develop elements of the building that will support programming needs and the culture of the community.

The SDAT is composed of members of the school and community who help guide the design process by advising how the building design can align with the culture and educational needs Rainier Beach High School. This group works closely with the district’s project manager, and the architects for the project and will participate in a series of workshops and tours throughout the construction process.

Construction on the new Rainier Beach High School is scheduled to begin Summer 2022.

Read updates on the Rainier Beach construction project. 

Read notes and see members of the Rainier Beach School Design Advisory Team.