After a little over two years of planning, 2014-15 marked the start of the construction phase for the new Federal Way High School, right on schedule. 

In the fall of 2015, contractors moved 24 double-classroom portable buildings and six modular restroom units onto the campus, then hooked up sewer, electrical and made other modifications to make the portable classrooms ready for teachers and students beginning in January.

The district doesn’t have spare school buildings, let alone one large enough to accommodate the 1,600+ students that attend FWHS. So, these portables were the key to building the new high school while keeping students on campus. They have provided the bulk of the classroom space through 2015 and 2016. Previously existing science classrooms and shop space, along with second floor classrooms above the existing office area, also provide some instructional space. The gymnasium area and lunchroom also remain in use.

At the end of December, 2015, the south portion of the school was turned over to the contractor. Since then, they have worked on abeyance — removing hazardous and recyclable material, then demolition.  Late in March, even as demolition of the far south section of the building continued, the layout and installation of the new building’s foundation began.