Location

Tacoma, Washington

Grade Levels

  • 9-12

Learning Models

  • Personalized Learning
  • Project-Based Learning

Governance

Public

School Website

Grades Served: 9-12
Students Served: 610

About

(SAMI) at the Point Defiance Zoo in Tacoma is a great STEM school with built in zoo internships and outdoor science. They collaborate with SOTA (above) on academic and extracurricular opportunities.

The Tacoma Science and Math Institute (SAMI), located in Tacoma, Washington, is a public high school that provides students with a unique, STEM-focused education in the natural surroundings of Point Defiance Park. Serving grades 9 through 12, SAMI integrates science, mathematics, and the arts into a rigorous and innovative curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning and environmental stewardship.

SAMI’s outdoor campus in Point Defiance Park gives students direct access to natural resources, including forests, beaches, and zoo facilities, which serve as living laboratories for scientific exploration. Students engage in project-based learning that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

In addition to its STEM focus, SAMI offers robust programs in the arts and humanities, ensuring a well-rounded education. Students can participate in advanced coursework, including Advanced Placement (AP) classes, and benefit from partnerships with local organizations, such as Metro Parks Tacoma and the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium.

SAMI operates on an innovative campus model with no traditional school building, instead utilizing park facilities and portable classrooms. The school’s advisory program ensures personalized guidance and support for every student, creating a close-knit, collaborative community.

With its commitment to environmental education, interdisciplinary learning, and community engagement, SAMI prepares students for college, careers, and leadership roles in STEM and beyond.

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