Cascadia High School

Tumwater sits just south of Olympia in the shadow of the state capitol, and Cascadia High School reflects a lot of what the area is about — a working-class community with deep roots and a straightforward, no-frills approach to public education. The school's scores tend to trail behind much of the state, so families with strong academic priorities may want to weigh their options carefully, though the district has been making steady efforts to improve outcomes. It could be a comfortable fit for families who value stability and community connection over competitive rankings, and who appreciate the quieter, nature-close lifestyle that Thurston County has to offer.