Science and Math Institute

The Science and Math Institute (SAMi) is an innovative public high school located within the sprawling grounds of Point Defiance Park in Tacoma, Washington. Operating as a choice school within the Tacoma Public Schools district, SAMi is designed for students who thrive in non-traditional, hands-on learning environments. Its unique location allows the school to utilize the park’s forest, zoo, aquarium, and waterfront as an "extended classroom," providing students with unparalleled opportunities for field-based research and experiential learning that bridges the gap between classroom theory and real-world application.

The school emphasizes a rigorous curriculum centered on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), but it maintains a holistic approach by integrating humanities and arts into its project-based framework. Because of its partnerships with local institutions—most notably the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium—students often participate in internships and research projects that are unavailable in traditional high school settings. SAMi is recognized for fostering a close-knit, collaborative community where students are encouraged to take ownership of their education, making it an ideal environment for those interested in scientific inquiry and environmental stewardship.