New Taholah K-12 School – Quinault Indian Nation

The New Taholah K-12 School project is a key component of the Taholah Village Relocation Master Plan, designed to provide a safe and modern educational environment for the Quinault Indian Nation (QIN). The new school will replace existing facilities located in a tsunami hazard zone, ensuring the safety of students and staff by relocating to the Upper Village of Taholah. This development reflects the community’s priority to relocate facilities serving children and elders early in the process. The school will accommodate K-12 students and include spaces that honor Quinault culture while supporting academic and extracurricular activities.

Akana partnered with the Arcadis Project Team to deliver professional civil engineering services for this 35-acre site. Our scope included site development for parking, access driveways, athletic fields, outdoor play areas, and on-site utilities, as well as value engineering and permitting. Akana worked closely with Arcadis and coordinated with QIN throughout the planning and design process to ensure cultural considerations were integrated into the project vision.

The development is planned in two phases: Phase 1 includes construction of the new school building and essential amenities such as athletic fields, outdoor play areas, a gymnasium, and specialized learning spaces including science labs, a multimedia lab, and Quinault culture shops. Phase 2 will add an amphitheater, district service zone, and staff housing; however, current funding only supports completion of Phase 1. The design emphasizes cultural identity and inspiration, creating an environment that motivates students and supports their educational journey from kindergarten through high school graduation.