About Chinook
Welcome to Chinook Middle School!
We opened in 1961 and serve grades 6–8 in Olympia and Lacey, Washington. We have a history of excellence and strive daily to be our best. Chinook has a school-wide emphasis on reinforcing expectations, which we call The Orca Way. Students follow the Orca Way traits: Be safe, responsible, and helpful.
Our Mission: Cultivating critical thinkers and contributing citizens for a better world.
Grades Served
6–8
Building
Opened in 1961.
School Data
For enrollment, demographics, student performance, and other numbers, see our Washington State Report Card.
Survey Results
Learn what our community sees as Chinook's greatest strengths and challenges as we plan for the future.
Community Partners
Thanks to our community partner, U.S. Martial Arts!
Get Involved
Chinook values the strong support of our families and community. Volunteer opportunities include mentoring, tutoring, participating in events and field trips, helping in the classroom, and more.
Goals & School Improvement Plan
Academic Gap Goal
By spring 2026, the ECBM math gap for students in high or some risk in special education compared to students not in special education will be reduced from 27.42% in spring 2025 to 13.5%.
Behavioral or Social-Emotional Learning Gap Goal
By spring 2026, reduce the discipline referral risk ratio for students identified as Black/African American from 1.82 to 1.0 or lower, indicating a disproportionate number of discipline referrals compared to all other students.
School Improvement Plan
Building History
Chinook Middle School was built in 1961 on 35.6 acres. In 2009–2010, a major modernization and addition was completed, utilizing 2006 bond and state assistance funds that included an 8-classroom modular building, an enlarged and illuminated entrance, and expanded commons, including state-of-the art kitchen and food services area. All mechanical, electrical, and technology hardware was replaced or upgraded. The 86,764 square foot building, including 36 instructional spaces, plus 17 portable classrooms (including 8 classroom modular buildings) serve sixth through eighth grade.