Walla Walla Public Schools

Walla Walla Public Schools Official site of WWPS. Developing Washington’s Most Sought After Graduates. We welcome your comments and look forward to what you have to say.

Walla Walla Public Schools At A Glance
Students
Walla Walla Public Schools educates a diverse population nearly 5,600 students. The district is comprised of two high schools, two middle schools, five elementary schools, the Walla Walla Center for Children and Families (Birth-to-Five services), SEATech Skills Center, Walla Walla Online, Opportunity Program and Homelink. Programs
A broad range of co

urse offerings and programs that are aligned with the Washington State Learning Goals are offered to students at all grade levels. Staffing
Our district employs over 800 staff members - excluding substitutes and part-time coaches. Approximately 398 certificated staff are employed -- 73 percent of whom hold master’s degrees. Each year more than 1,000 volunteers team to provide learning opportunities for students. Local Levy Support
In 2020, Walla Walla Public Schools received a 72 percent YES vote on its replacement levy. Not only was the levy approval rating the highest in Walla Walla in 26 years, it was also the strongest approval rating statewide for All DISTRICTS of similar size and larger, setting the highest of bar for some 145 enrichment levy votes that were on the ballot statewide. Levy approval secures local funding for essential district programs and staff. WWPS FACEBOOK PAGE GUIDELINES
The Walla Walla School District page is provided to share information about the achievements of our employees, students, and school community, as well as to broadcast relevant and timely information. The following guidelines are intended to help us all engage in an open and respectful dialogue. The guidelines will be applied in an even and fair manner, and comments that violate these guidelines (even in part) will be removed in their entirety, regardless of the viewpoint expressed in the comment. Comments posted by third parties are not the views of the School District and should not be construed as such. However, we will remove postings that:
• Are not directly related to the District post being commented upon;
• Promote or advertise commercial services, entities, or products except as authorized by the district;
• Contain political statements assisting a campaign for the election of any person to any office or for the promotion of or opposition to any ballot proposition;
• Promote, foster, or perpetuate discrimination based on protected status, including age, gender, marital status, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, sexual orientation including gender expression or gender identity, or honorably discharged veteran or military status;
• Include vulgar, offensive, threatening, defamatory, or harassing language;
• Are obscene or contain sexual content or links to obscene or sexual content;
• Include illegal activity or encouragement of illegal activity;
• Compromises the safety or security of the public or public systems;
• Are from children under 13 (in order to comply with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act). By posting on the School District’s social media site, users acknowledge that they are at least 13 years old. The School District reserves the right to remove posted content that does not comply with these guidelines and limit access from users who repeatedly violate these guidelines. All posts and comments uploaded to School District’s Social Media sites that allow posts will be periodically reviewed. Communications made through this site in no way constitutes a legal or official notice, request, public records request pursuant to RCW 42.56, formal complaint, or comment to the School District. To comment about a specific school district project or program, please contact the appropriate department. Page administrators reserve the right to ban users from posting comments on this site for repeated violations of the above-stated guidelines. If you would like to report an inappropriate comment for review, contact [email protected].

Superintendent Gauyan Honors Pam Jacobson with Coin of ExcellenceWalla Walla Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ben Gauya...
08/17/2026

Superintendent Gauyan Honors Pam Jacobson with Coin of Excellence

Walla Walla Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ben Gauyan recognized District Data Security and Student Records Coordinator Pam Jacobson with the district’s prestigious Coin of Excellence Monday morning during the All Staff Back to School meeting.

Jacobson was honored for her exceptional leadership, dedication and countless hours of service during the district’s transition from Skyward to Qmlativ.

“Throughout this complex and critical technology upgrade, Pam was the glue that held us all together,” said Dr. Gauyan. “Her expertise, calm leadership, problem-solving, and willingness to support everyone around her kept this project moving forward and made a tremendous difference every step of the way.”

For the past two years, Jacobson has played a critical role in preparing district data for the transition, including extensive work to clean and organize information in Skyward. Through weekly meetings with the district’s external support team, she consistently identified solutions and raised questions that helped move the project forward.

As a systems thinker and problem solver, Jacobson brought a unique level of expertise and persistence to the migration. Her leadership helped position Walla Walla Public Schools to become the 200th school district in Washington to successfully migrate to Qmlativ.

“The district would not have had this successful migration to Qmlativ without Pam,” said Dr. Gauyan. “She asked the questions no one else thought to ask and continually found ways to solve problems and support the team.”

The Coin of Excellence program, created by Dr. Gauyan, recognizes individuals who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to Walla Walla Public Schools. Inspired by his childhood in a U.S. Navy family, Dr. Gauyan modeled the recognition after the long-standing military tradition of challenge coins, symbols of honor, dedication and distinguished service.

Jacobson’s recognition reflects the significant impact of her leadership and behind-the-scenes work in helping ensure a successful transition to Qmlativ and supporting families, staff and students across the district.

2026-2027 School Year Start DatesWalla Walla Public Schools is excited to welcome students and families for another grea...
08/14/2026

2026-2027 School Year Start Dates

Walla Walla Public Schools is excited to welcome students and families for another great year of learning, growth and opportunity. Please slow down in school zones and help keep everyone safe!

Start Dates

Tuesday, August 18
• Grades 1–12

Friday, August 21
• Transition to Kindergarten and Kindergarten

Monday, August 31
• Preschool (Head Start) at the Walla Walla Center for Children and Families

Tuesday, September 8
• Preschool (ECEAP) at the Walla Walla Center for Children and Families

We look forward to seeing our students back on campus and beginning a successful 2026-2027 school year together.

Staff Come Together for SEL Summit to Focus on Student ExperienceToday, Walla Walla Public Schools staff came together a...
08/13/2026

Staff Come Together for SEL Summit to Focus on Student Experience

Today, Walla Walla Public Schools staff came together at Walla Walla High School for the SEL Summit – Walk in Their Shoes, a full-day professional learning experience designed to strengthen support for students while fulfilling Washington state’s required Social Emotional Learning (SEL) training.

The summit gave staff an opportunity to experience a school day from a student’s perspective. Participants followed a schedule featuring 54-minute learning sessions separated by six-minute passing periods, offering firsthand insight into the pace, transitions and demands students navigate throughout the day.

Staff also had the opportunity to ride the same bus routes as students, gaining a better understanding of the routines and experiences many students encounter before they even arrive at school.

More than 40 breakout sessions were offered throughout the day, featuring district colleagues, community partners and subject matter experts. Sessions provided practical strategies, resources and best practices focused on supporting student success, connection and well-being.

One of the day’s most meaningful experiences was a student panel, where students shared their perspectives and personal experiences navigating high school. Their voices provided valuable insight and reinforced the importance of listening to students as the district works to strengthen the overall student experience.

A special thank-you goes to event coordinators Carrie LaRoy, Michelle Paine, Marlen Perez and Casey Monahan for their leadership in organizing this impactful professional learning experience.

Reminder! District Office and Schools Closed August 13 for Staff Learning Conference Focused on the Student ExperienceOn...
08/12/2026

Reminder! District Office and Schools Closed August 13 for Staff Learning Conference Focused on the Student Experience

On Thursday, August 13, the Walla Walla Public Schools district office and all schools will be closed as employees participate in a full-day professional learning conference designed to strengthen support for students and fulfill Washington state's required Social Emotional Learning (SEL) training.

State law requires school districts to provide SEL training every other year, and this year's districtwide event offers an engaging, immersive approach to meeting that requirement. The conference theme for the SEL Summit, "Walk in Their Shoes," places a strong emphasis on understanding the student experience.

Normal hours will resume Friday, August 14. Thank you.

08/12/2026

Garrison and Pioneer Middle Schools are welcoming incoming sixth-grade students today for orientation! Students are getting a chance to meet their teachers, explore their schools, walk through their class schedules and take part in fun activities designed to help them feel ready for middle school.

Garrison MS Assistant Principal Nicole Fish says she is looking forward to seeing everyone back for the first day of school on Tuesday, August 18!

08/12/2026

Wa-Hi Principal John Schumacher is excited to welcome the Class of 2030 for Freshmen Orientation! Throughout the day, students are touring the campus, learning about high school opportunities and expectations, and walking through their class schedules to get ready for their first day on August 18.

Walla Walla High School Welcomes Freshmen to the 2026-2027 School YearWelcome Class of 2030! A new chapter begins today ...
08/12/2026

Walla Walla High School Welcomes Freshmen to the 2026-2027 School Year

Welcome Class of 2030!

A new chapter begins today as Walla Walla High School welcomed the Class of 2030 for Freshmen Orientation! Students were greeted by cheering staff and well wishes as they made their way through the Blue Devil athletics tunnel and into the gym. The energy and excitement were contagious as freshmen began getting familiar with their new school and all that Walla Walla High School has to offer.

Throughout the day, students are touring the campus, learning about high school opportunities and expectations, and walking through their class schedules to get ready for their first day.

Parents also gathered in the Commons to learn more about the high school experience and how they can support their students during this exciting transition.

Classes officially begin Tuesday, August 18. Welcome Class of 2030!

Space Available in CCF Early Learning Programs!The Walla Walla Center for Children & Families (CCF) currently has space ...
08/12/2026

Space Available in CCF Early Learning Programs!

The Walla Walla Center for Children & Families (CCF) currently has space available in all of our early learning programs for children ages 3–5. Head Start, ECEAP, and Transition to Kindergarten (TK) all provide free, high-quality early learning experiences designed to help children build the academic, social, and emotional skills they need for kindergarten and beyond. Families are encouraged to learn more about the programs below and see which option may be the right fit for their child.

Head Start | Ages 3–5
Head Start provides high-quality early learning through funding from our federal government and serves the whole family, in addition to student early learning services.
• FREE for qualifying families
• Half Day and Full Day program options:
o Half-Day: 8:00–11:45 a.m.
o Full-Day: 8:00 a.m.–2:45 p.m.
• Free transportation available, if needed
• Free breakfast, lunch, and snacks
• Monday–Friday, August 31st - June 4th

ECEAP | Ages 3–5
The state-funded Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) provides comprehensive early learning services, including education, health, nutrition, and family support.
• FREE for qualifying families
• Space currently available
• Full-Day program option: 8:00 a.m.–2:45 p.m.
• Free transportation available, if needed
• Free breakfast, lunch, and snacks
• Monday–Friday, September 8th - June 4th

Transition to Kindergarten (TK) | Age 4-5
Transition to Kindergarten provides an additional early learning opportunity for children who would benefit from more preparation before entering kindergarten. Children must be 4 years old by August 31.
• FREE for qualifying children
• Space currently available
• Full-Day program option: 8:00 a.m.–2:45 p.m.
• Child must be 4 years old by August 31
• Free transportation available, if needed
• Free breakfast, lunch, and snacks
• Monday–Friday, August 21st - June 4th

Enroll Now, Apply Today!
Space is currently available across all three CCF early learning programs. Families interested in learning more about Head Start, ECEAP, or Transition to Kindergarten are encouraged to fill out the intake form, and/or call CCF directly:
509-526-1774
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfaRemSiM331cohBcTSCbI6ek7HvTIQGF927VAFfe2yWhRLpQ/viewform

Superintendent Gauyan featured on KUJ Radio’s Community Connections FridayDon’t miss Walla Walla Public Schools Superint...
08/11/2026

Superintendent Gauyan featured on KUJ Radio’s Community Connections Friday

Don’t miss Walla Walla Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ben Gauyan this Friday at 8:30 a.m. on KUJ 1420 AM’s Community Connections. Dr. Gauyan shares important district updates and tells everyone what’s ahead as WWPS prepares for the first day of the 2026-2027 school year.

08/10/2026

Thank You Maintenance Team from Director Foster

As we get ready to welcome students and staff back, I want to thank our maintenance team for the tremendous work you’ve done all summer to prepare our schools.

Your hard work behind the scenes ensures our schools are safe, clean and ready to go. Thank you for your dedication and all you do for Walla Walla Public Schools!

Robert Foster
Director of Facilities & Operations

Address

364 S Park Street
Walla Walla, WA
99362

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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