The first schools in Chehalis were likely started in the 1860s but the first recording of a school being built through action of a school board was in 1876. The one-room schoolhouse was located at the corner of State and Center Streets and cost $600 to build. The next school was built in 1888 in the northwest part of town and was known as East Side School or just “The High School.” A new high school at Market and North Streets replaced it in 1909. The current location of W.F. West High School was gifted to the Chehalis School District by William Francis and Blanche West after an earthquake in 1949.

Chehalis Middle School was opened in 1989. The now closed schools of Cascade Elementary (opened in 1922), R.E. Bennett Elementary (built 1928) and Olympic Elementary (opened 1960) were all closed in 2018-2019 and replaced by our current Orin Smith Elementary (grades 3-5) and James Lintott Elementary (grades K-2). The Cascade and R.E. Bennett properties were sold in 2021. Today, Olympic Elementary houses a number of programs, including Cornerstone.

Today, the Chehalis School District is home to four main school buildings: W.F. West High School (grades 9-12); Chehalis Middle School (grades 6-8); Orin Smith Elementary (grades 3-5); and James Lintott Elementary (grades K-2). Our comprehensive student support services culminate in the VISIONS Program for 18-22-year-old students. In addition, Turning Point/Lewis County Alternative, offers options for our students for whom traditional school does not work. We also have staff offering educational services to residents at Green Hill and the Lewis County Juvenile Court detention facility.

The mission of the Chehalis School District, in partnership with the community, is to meet the individual learning needs of students by providing a comprehensive student-centered educational program that inspires and prepares them to become responsible, contributing citizens.