Mount Tahoma opened its doors in the South Tacoma neighborhood in 1961. It is the original Native American name for Mount Rainier. The school was built by a California contractor in the 1960s and wasn't very accommodating for its Washington students. The original school layout consisted of three open air courtyards, with a college style open campus. Frequently, students carried parkas or umbrellas from class to class. 2004 was the last year that students would be in the original Mount Tahoma building. Students and staff moved to the new building, which fit more with the Pacific Northwest weather.
Built in 1961, the setting of Mount Tahoma High School drastically changed in September 2004. The school is located on 74th Street and is overlooked by Mount Rainier (which is the namesake for Mt. Tahoma.) The new campus features 93 teaching spaces, including 81 classrooms, eight technology labs, wireless networking throughout the building, a 600-seat performance arts theatre, two gymnasiums, a pool, weight room, aerobics room, athletic fields and a 3,500 seat stadium. The offices are located in the front of the main entrance and are connected to the large 900-seat commons. There are 9 science classrooms with a 90-foot greenhouse and nursery. Mount Tahoma's counseling center is the hub of career activities, which enable students to access college information and career opportunities.[2]
Vince Goldsmith, class of 1977, CFL Outstanding Rookie Award. All-Star Linebacker and Defensive Lineman 1981, 1983, 1988 (Saskatchewan Roughriders, Toronto Argonauts, Calgary Stampeders. University of Oregon Hall of Fame, All Conference, All American. Holds Washington State's shot put record for High Schoolers at 69'11".[3]
