Moving can be overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure which community best suits your and your family’s needs. Buckley, Washington, has a lot to offer, as do the new homes in Soundbuilt’s beautiful Elk Run community at Chinook Meadows. This community features the charm of living in the country with ideal proximity to city conveniences, giving residents the best of both worlds. Nestled in the beautiful landscapes of Washington, the charming town of Buckley offers a peaceful retreat from bustling city life. This close-knit community located in Pierce County embraces a small-town atmosphere while providing easy access to outdoor adventures and urban amenities. Buckley has a rich history dating back to the late 1800s when it was founded as a logging and mining town. The town’s heritage is celebrated through historical landmarks and events that pay homage to its past. It exudes a nostalgic charm with its historic buildings, local shops, and friendly residents. Its proximity to all the great things Washington State offers makes Buckley a desirable place to call home.
Buckley is home to the White River School District, which contains seven different schools ranging from preschool through high school. This blog will explore the different options parents can consider when choosing the right school for their children in the White River district. Read on to discover the schools close to the Soundbuilt Elk Run community at Chinook Meadows.
Preschool
Finding the right early education opportunities for little ones can be difficult, depending on your child’s needs. Fortunately, White River offers a great learning opportunity for kiddos who aren’t quite old enough for kindergarten or just starting their educational journey.
White River Early Learning Center
The White River Early Learning Center offers a great setting for young children to embark on a journey of academic, social, and behavioral development. The teachers create a nurturing learning environment that encourages active engagement through hands-on activities. Students can participate in singing, movement, creative projects, and playful experiences, fostering a love for learning. With a focus on social-emotional development, kindergarten readiness, and fostering a love for learning, this preschool sets the stage for a successful educational journey. This option is great for parents who want to get a jumpstart on their child’s education before they enter kindergarten.
Elementary Schools
The White River district is home to several excellent elementary schools that all offer a wide variety of educational programs and are dedicated to student success. The elementary schools in the White River School District include:
Elk Ridge Elementary
Elk Ridge Elementary accommodates a student population of more than 580, spanning from preschool to fifth grade. With passionate educators, a nurturing atmosphere, and a focus on academic excellence, this school cultivates a love for learning and sets a strong foundation for student’s educational journey.
Alongside their regular academic programs, they also house the district-wide elementary RISE program, catering to the unique needs of students with diverse academic requirements, social interactions, behavior, and independent living skills. This is a great option for parents whose students need extra support or accommodations to ensure learning success.
Foothills Elementary
Foothills Elementary School has proudly served its community for over three decades, creating a legacy of education that spans generations of families. They take great pride in fostering strong and enduring relationships with families. Currently, they educate nearly 500 students in grades 1-5. With an emphasis on individual student success, teachers work collaboratively to ensure each child receives personalized attention and support tailored to their unique needs. This school offers designated time within the school day for additional focused instruction, enabling students to excel in specific content areas. The support staff is committed to fostering a supportive environment, whether it’s in the front office, cafeteria, playground, or classrooms.
Foothills Elementary School is known for strong involvement from the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA). Historically, the PTA has played a pivotal role in organizing community-building activities such as the Harvest Fest, Sock Hop, Family BBQs, and Carnivals. The focus is fostering a sense of togetherness within the community.
Mountain Meadow Elementary
Mountain Meadow Elementary School promotes an enthusiastic and encouraging environment for students and adults, guided by shared staff leadership. The school’s vision encompasses implementing state-aligned standards in curriculum, instruction, and assessments. It also emphasizes establishing and maintaining strong parent and community partnerships, fostering a collaborative and supportive network. Mountain Meadow Elementary School is dedicated to creating a learning environment that prioritizes success in learning for all students.
By employing best practices in the use of technology, the school aims to cater to the diverse learning styles of its students. Technology integration can deliver personalized instruction, facilitating a more engaging and inclusive learning experience. Mountain Meadow Elementary School is committed to fostering an enthusiastic and encouraging climate for students and adults alike. By adhering to state-aligned standards, establishing strong community partnerships, and investing in ongoing development, the school strives to create a supportive and engaging learning environment that promotes student success. They are ranked as the 20th best elementary school in Washington State and the number one best school in the White River School District Elementary category. They are proud recipients of the U.S. News Best Elementary Schools award badge for their high ranking and commitment to excellence.
Wilkeson Elementary
Wilkeson Elementary School is located at the foot of Mt. Rainier, with a historic and charming building built in 1912. Because it was constructed so long ago and is still in operation, it is now the oldest elementary school in Washington still in use and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. Wilkeson Elementary contains the charm of years past while embracing the advancements of 21st-century instruction. It’s a timeless beauty and modern updates create an ideal learning environment that captivates students and educators alike.
With nearly 250 students enrolled in grades 1-5, the school strives to meet the unique needs of each student. The dedicated faculty and staff employ evidence-based instructional practices at every grade level, fostering a collaborative environment. Transparent and open communication with families is at the core of the school’s approach. The school embraces a “whatever it takes” mentality to ensure that every student feels supported and empowered to reach their fullest potential. This historic school provides an idyllic backdrop for learning and an innovative approach to education.
White River Homeschooling
In addition to traditional schooling environments, White River offers a homeschooling option for parents who want to customize their students’ educational experience. Homeschooling offers families in the White River School District a personalized and flexible approach to education. The White River School District empowers families to create a unique educational journey tailored to their child’s needs and goals by embracing individualized learning, providing a supportive community, and allowing for enrichment opportunities. Whether families incorporate hands-on projects, field trips, or online resources, homeschooling can foster a love for learning and equip students with the skills and knowledge to succeed in their academic pursuits and beyond. Parents are at the forefront of their students’ education, making this option great for students or parents with nontraditional educational needs or learning styles.
Middle School
Middle school is a formative time in a student’s life. Students are learning, growing, and maturing at this age. This grade range can be complex for parents to navigate, especially when it comes to choosing the right education for their students. Luckily, parents have an excellent option for educating their middle schoolers in the White River School District.
Glacier Middle School
Located on the site of the old White River High School, Glacier Middle School welcomed its first students in September of the 2004-2005 school year. The main campus, originally built in 1962, now serves as the hub of Glacier Middle School’s educational pursuits.
Glacier Middle School’s campus boasts impressive facilities and features. Among the highlights are a lighted football field with stadium seating, an auditorium, four baseball/fastpitch fields, and a breathtaking view of Mt. Rainier. Beyond its role as a middle school, the site also houses the District Office, District Kitchen, District Print Shop and Mailroom, Clothing Bank, and District Storage Facilities.
Conveniently located on the North end of C Street, just three blocks east of Highway 410, Glacier Middle School opens its doors to the community. It serves as a welcoming space where engagement and collaboration are encouraged.
High School
Finding a good high school for your student is crucial to their success, especially considering their college years and beyond. White River offers a great educational institution for high school students to thrive and grow as they are challenged academically and nurtured to become responsible global citizens.
White River High School
Home of the Hornets, White River High School is located on an 84-acre site just outside of Buckley, Washington. White River High School is committed to academic excellence, personal growth, and preparing students for a successful future. This school provides a vibrant and inclusive learning environment where students can thrive and reach their full potential. The history of White River High School dates back to its establishment in 1956, and over the years, it has become a cornerstone of education in the White River School District.
The school’s mission is to ensure high levels of learning for all students, preparing them for success beyond high school. Academic programs at White River High School span a comprehensive range of subjects, ensuring students receive a well-rounded education.
White River High School also offers a Career and Technical Education (CTE) program that prepares students for the workforce in multiple fields. The CTE program at White River is known for its emphasis on real-world, practical skills that are directly applicable to students’ lives. The program strives to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical training, ensuring that students are equipped with the necessary tools to succeed in the global economy. The program’s objective is for every student at White River to graduate high school with a competitive edge, well-prepared for both the workforce and further education in the 21st century.
Beyond academics, the school offers various extracurricular activities and clubs, allowing students to engage in diverse interests and develop leadership skills. In addition, White River High School offers a variety of athletic programs. Hornet Athletics promotes excellence in athletics while supporting the educational mission of the White River School District. The athletic program seeks to provide transformative experiences that nurture skills, self-esteem, and self-confidence in every student-athlete, enabling them to unlock their full potential and cultivate lifelong abilities that will positively impact their present and future endeavors.
Get Started in Buckley with Soundbuilt
If all of the charms of small-town living and access to the city’s conveniences sound appealing, Buckley is a great place to call home. Moreover, the White River School District is a great educational institution whose schools foster diverse learning approaches, empower students and parents, and promote academic excellence.
Thinking about settling down in Buckley? Check out Soundbuilt’s Elk Run community at Chinook Meadows. Our serene community is nestled in nature and is just East of Lake Tapps, with easy access to 410 & 167, making it the ideal spot for those who love a good view but want to be close to amenities, conveniences, and excellent schools.
Soundbuilt is committed to helping you find the perfect home in our Elk Run community. Don’t waste another summer in a home that isn’t exactly what you want! Take advantage of our Summer Splash savings event and receive up to $10,000 to spend on upgrades, closing costs, or rate buy-down when you finance through one of our preferred lenders.