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In a century-old school building on S. Adams, recently updated and re-opened this fall, Tacoma Public Schools offers a new way for students to get their education: the way that works best for them. 

And with leeway to choose their own path, Oakland Secondary School students are flourishing.  

Do you work best in a classroom with teachers to work with all day? Got it. 

Or do you perform better with online instruction in the morning and in-person teacher support in the afternoons? That works, too.  

Maybe online full-time and you’ll let staff know when you need something? Can do.  

The Oakland campus – a blend of historic architecture, fresh functionality and updated technology – is the perfect representation of the education options it offers students. Oakland students use their learning style and life circumstances to determine how much they need to be on campus for their instruction versus just online. Whether they are on the traditional track or at the school to catch up and retrieve credits, they are hitting their marks.  

Oakland Secondary students are the complement to Tacoma Online students, who choose to school solely online, and Tacoma Flex students, who do the majority of their school day in person at a large, comprehensive high school and take just one or two courses online. 

“Through these programs, we provide students with learning options that adapt to their lives and goals,” said Shaun Martin, Oakland Secondary principal. “Whether balancing work or family commitments, seeking smaller learning communities, or needing individualized  pacing, students will find that Oakland, Tacoma Online and Tacoma Flex each offer supportive environments where flexibility and personalization are at the center of the experience.” 

Students from all three are offered space on campus to do the things that online learning can’t replicate, like science labs for hands-on work, group art projects and social gatherings. In addition, students can access healthcare on campus through a MultiCare clinic and childcare on campus through Cottesmore.   

When considering whether a campus that offers a customized approach to education is a new need, Martin thinks back on his career and day-to-day experience in schools.  

“I think we’ve always needed flexible learning options,” Martin said. “The environment we’ve created here has allowed us to provide it and meet students and families where they’re at.” 

New space motivates students 
By all accounts, this customizable approach in a re-imagined space is working.  

“This year, our students are racing to the finish line,” said teacher Samantha Tate. “My students are getting things done quickly, and they’re focused and excited. It’s wonderful to see them doing this work and having this drive and motivation to keep pushing forward.”  

Martin and team see a combination of forces as factors in the success of Oakland students. Being in the remodeled building itself feels like it’s given students a fresh start and burst of energy enabling them to want to focus on their work and engage in leadership activities.  

“More students are intrinsically motivated about their progress and education, and we have more supports and adults on site. That’s critical,” Martin said. 

Teacher Krystall Fowler sees it, too. 

“The atmosphere has positively impacted morale among both students and staff. I’ve observed many students completing their work more efficiently. The new building has helped them feel valued, and it’s fostering a mindset of personal investment and growth,” she said. 

Investments pays off 
Senior Korianna C. chose to attend Oakland after struggling in a large high school. With its smaller class sizes and more individualized attention, Oakland’s structure is what she needs to succeed.  

“Oakland is a smaller and quieter space. It’s a space where I can focus and get my work done. My classes are taught online through Edgenuity, but I take them here in person, at my own speed, and teachers check in to see what I need,” she said. 

For the shy Korianna, it’s a good fit. 

“In a big classroom with lots of students, it’s harder for me to ask for help,” she said. “I feel really comfortable here. Oakland does a really good job of making sure kids get the kind of help they need. They adapt to what you need.” 
 
Korianna, who plans to pursue a career in social work, has a retail job lined up for herself this school year. While Oakland allows her the flexibility to complete her school work around a job, she said it’s important for her to attend school in person every day. The successes she’s had so far this school year have set a foundation that she wants to build on. 

“I would have never guessed that I can be where I am now,” she said. “My teachers have a lot of faith on me, and now I do, too. I’ll be the first one in my family to graduate, and I really want to make that happen.” 

For senior Sierra H., the decision to attend Oakland was driven by the support it offered.  

“Here, you ask for help and you get it immediately,” she said. “You can get help with your living situation, your homework, anything. It’s a very caring environment.” 

Remodeled, re-imagined with voter support 
Oakland was originally built as an elementary in 1912 and eventually turned into a high school. In 2020, voters approved a set of building replacements and updates through a construction bond that included Oakland and seven other schools. With its listing on the City of Tacoma’s Landmarks Preservation Register, Oakland could be remodeled, but not completely rebuilt. As a result, over the last two years, Oakland’s exterior was meticulously preserved, and its interior was completely remodeled. 

Key preservation work included restoring the building’s original brick, sandstone, and marble exterior, as well as about 100 historic wood-framed windows.  

The update includes: 

• Modernized classrooms with natural and LED lighting 

• Seismic improvements  

• Mechanical and electrical updates that improve building energy performance 

• Safety and security improvements 

• ADA accessibility improvements (ramps and elevator) 

Pride in their new space 
Since starting the school year in the newly remodeled school, Tate has noticed a shift in her students.  

“Coming here, I’ve seen a lot of pride in their new space. Students feel important,” she said.  

And more than that, what’s happening on the inside is making a difference.  

“The way we run Oakland emphasizes our willingness to meet diverse needs – social emotional and logistical needs. We have so much more knowledge nowadays about how to bridge the gap,” she said. “Our model has the flexibility and support that students need to stay engaged and graduate.”