Enroll at Wainwright

Why Wainwright

The new-state-of-the-art building is Tacoma's first intermediate school for grades four through eight. This shift is based on family and community feedback. To pair with the new Wainwright, nearby Whittier Elementary School shifted-to a preschool through third-grade school. By restructuring grade levels at the two nearby schools, students will have a seamless transition from preschool through the eighth grade. Additionally, Wainwright and Whittier join the family of Tacoma schools offering an International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. This rigorous and internationally accepted curriculum has a strong international dimension, draws content from educational cultures around the world and encourage students to become responsible active members of their community. After students leave Wainwright, they have the option of continuing their IB education at Foss IB World School.

Programs at Wainwright

Clubs, Activities and field trips
Beyond the Bell for grades 4-5 and Club Beyond for grades 6-8. These programs let you choose from more activities at your school than ever before. Choose from options for before and after school, in-service days, and school breaks

IB Primary Years Program (PYP)
At Wainwright, we support our elementary students’ learning through the Primary Years Program (PYP) of the International Baccalaureate.  We have six units of study that are inquiry based in theme throughout each year: Who We Are, Where We Are in Place and Time, How the World Works, How We Express Ourselves, How We Organize Ourselves, and Sharing the Planet. All of these themes are explored through the lens of understanding our local communities and our world to address challenges and opportunities.

In fifth grade, students complete an exhibition project. The exhibition is the culminating, collaborative experience in the final year of the IB PYP.  Students explore, document, and share their understanding of an issue or opportunity of personal significance. 

IB Middle Years Program 
The aim of all International Baccalaureate (IB) programs is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.  

Wainwright’s IB Middle Years Program (MYP) aims specifically to prepare students for success in high school, to put them on the path for a life well lived, and to develop in them a desire and ability to change our world for the better. Our program fulfills its mission through its unique academic curriculum, intentional character education, focus on community service, and ultimately the development of international-minded young people.

Band & Choir
Wainwright offers Choir, 5th grade Band, Band, World Music, and Instrumental Music

Our Wainwright Choir teaches you how to sing, read music, exercise your voice, and other ways to improve your singing. Individual and Choir ensembles participate in festivals held throughout the school year.

At Wainwright, the future of band is bright! 5th graders can join as beginners on flute, clarinet, trumpet or trombone, and meet twice per week. 6th, 7th and 8th graders will be placed in ensembles by instrument and/or skill level. Our top band performs at school assemblies, community events, band festivals, and three evening concerts per year. In addition, our students have the opportunity to perform solos, duets, trios, and quartets every spring! All 5th and 6th graders are encouraged to join band early and practice their skills so they can perform amazing music at Wainwright and beyond!