Construction of a new Maritime learning center, in partnership between the Port of Tacoma and Tacoma Public Schools, is nearly completed with the final touches underway for the interior classrooms and labs. Move-in activities are scheduled for summer 2026 in preparation for the opening of the school year in September. The program serves high school students from Tacoma and surrounding districts offering technical education in the marine industry to help fill a growing need for workers in the trades and maritime careers.
Enrollment is now open for the 2026-2027 school year for high school Juniors and Seniors. Interested students need to complete an application and selection process. Students remain enrolled at their high school while also attending Maritime/253 in either a morning or afternoon session. South Sound member school districts, including Tacoma, Vashon, Sumner-Bonney Lake, and University Place, have a guaranteed number of seats. Students from non-member districts will be accepted based on available space and with a signed shared student agreement from their home district.
Course programs include port operations and logistics, maritime manufacturing, technology, and sustainability. Each program is a 2-year, half-day, model designed to give students up to 1,080 hours of training, industry-recognized credentials, and dual credit toward college. Whether heading straight into the workforce, pursuing apprenticeships, or continuing to a two- or four-year college, this is a great option for students interested in the trades.
The Maritime/253 Skills Center is located on Port-owned property along the east side of the Thea Foss Waterway and operated by Tacoma Public Schools.
For more information, go to https://maritime253.tacomaschools.org/ or email maritime253@tacoma.k12.wa.us or call 253-571-4567. To fill out an enrollment application go to https://maritime253.tacomaschools.org/about/enroll
Photo Credit: Maritime/253 Skills Center
