School openings looked a little different in 2020. Grand Opening celebrations with students have been postponed, but Lake Washington School District staff and students with special needs are enjoying their new spaces for teaching and learning. Enjoy these images from our new schools and construction projects.

The pace of change at three elementary school additions increased in November
and December. Steel installation at the three schools, a major milestone in the
construction process, is complete. Construction on exterior walls will begin this winter. See more photos.

Construction began this fall on the LWHS auxiliary gymnasium as part of the school’s core expansion to accommodate our growing student population. The auxiliary gym will allow the school to offer more PE classes, provide more spaces for sports teams to practice and hold games, and will provide additional recreation space for our community.

We are so pleased that all our bond projects are now completed and ready for students. We want to thank the community for their continued support in building needed classroom space. While spending will still occur over the next year as we close out the projects, the charts below show planned 2016 bond program revenues and expenditures compared to current receipts and spending. Of the total planned revenues and expenditures of $434 million has been received to date. Of the total planned revenues and expenditures of $434 million that has been received to date, the district has spent $409 million.

The district completed a Limited General Obligation bond sale in May 2020 for $75 million in order to front-fund the these critical capacity projects. Bonds will be paid back with the levy proceeds that are collected over the next six years. Program spending picked up over the summer as the LWHS addition was completed; elementary exterior cameras were installed; and elementary additions and entry control projects began. Of the total planned expenditures of $144 million, $33 million has been spent.

Teachers with new classrooms in the Lake Washington High School addition spent time in August unpacking boxes and preparing their classrooms. Students at Lake Washington High School had a chance to see inside the new wing and meet some of their teachers during textbook and supply pickup. The new 20-classroom addition includes...

With the opening of Phase 2 at Juanita High School, teachers are now in the same building. Teachers spent the week before school moving into new classrooms as well as preparing...

High school entry modifications at Lake Washington High School, Redmond High School and Eastlake High School are underway. Construction of a new visitor’s entrance...

Staff cheered on September 14 as the first preschool student walked confidently into the Early Learning Center at Old Redmond Schoolhouse. It is the first time in more than 20 years that Lake Washington School District has held classes in the building. After a remodel, approved by voters in 2016, the 98-year-old historic building...

Construction began this summer on additions at Benjamin Franklin Elementary, Rose Hill Elementary and Mark Twain Elementary in Kirkland...

Construction began this summer on additions at Benjamin Franklin Elementary, Rose Hill Elementary and Mark Twain Elementary in Kirkland...

Construction began this summer on additions at Benjamin Franklin Elementary, Rose Hill Elementary and Mark Twain Elementary in Kirkland...

When students return to Lake Washington High School, they will notice a brand new space as they climb the main staircase. A second floor above the main level of the commons will provide expanded seating for students during lunchtime. The new space, which was constructed during the summer, gives students a bird’s-eye view toward the window in the commons area.

On July 17, LWSD Director of Early Learning Kim Brenner led preschool staff on a virtual tour of the Early Learning Center at Old Redmond Schoolhouse. We hope you enjoy the virtual tour!

Students and local fish will have an easier time navigating Juanita Creek thanks to a new pedestrian bridge installed in August. Watch the video.

Construction is nearly complete on the 20-classroom addition and commons expansion at Lake Washington High School. The new spaces will open this fall. In preparation...

The transformation of Old Redmond Schoolhouse into an Early Learning Center involved designing the spaces to support and engage families and our youngest scholars in this community. Near the main entrance...

Construction activities in our final phase at Juanita High School are nearly complete. Interior painting is in progress and furniture is being set up in all the classrooms. Site activities such as paving and landscaping will continue in preparation for the fall opening of Juanita High School Phase 2.

This summer, construction will begin at Mark Twain Elementary. Watch this slideshow to learn more about what you can expect in the coming weeks and months.

This summer, construction will begin at Rose Hill Elementary. Watch this slideshow to learn more about what you can expect in the coming weeks and months.