Klahowya Secondary School (or KSS) is a public secondary school located in Silverdale, Washington. It was established in 1997 as part of Central Kitsap School District. Klahowya Secondary School was constructed in 1996–1997 as a 133,715 square foot facility with 34 classrooms, 13 labs, a gym, auditorium, and library for grades 6–12.
History The school was named for the Chinook Jargon word "klahowya", which means "welcome"."Chinook Jargon Phrasebook - Common Phrases & Words". Retrieved August 25, 2016. It was planned in the 1990s and opened in 1997. Originally scheduled to open in 1996, it was delayed for another year. Serving grades 6-12 (after 2016), it was the third high school in Central Kitsap School District. The first senior class graduated in 1999. In 2016, the school expanded to include sixth graders. Two years later, a new wing, auxiliary gymnasium, 13 classrooms, three laboratories, a fitness room and a second music room were opened as part of a addition. A new track and field stadium was also added. On March 13, 2020, Klahowya remained closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On February 27, 2025, a ceremony was held to reveal a sign that belonged to the know retired MV Klahowya, a Washington State Ferry vessel that operated from 1958 to 2017. The 7-foot-long sign was gifted by WSF to the school after school officials thought of the possibility of obtaining the sign and now hangs over the main offices entryway.
Incidents On March 8, 2019, a bomb scare occurred when a student brought an object with the word "dynamite" labeled on it to the office causing a lockdown to happen. Deputies later confirmed the object was a remote control car battery the student found at a park and posed no danger.Kitsap Sun. Retrieved June 2022
On February 11, 2022, a protest occurred in the commons against the mask mandate. The students remained there the whole school day.Mask Mandate Protest at KSS Retrieved May 27, 2025
On May 18, 2022, a lockdown occurred when a student was found in the parking lot with a handgun. The student was eventually arrested a short time later and the lockdown was lifted later that morning.Kitsap Sun. Retrieved June 2022
In June 2023, students wore shirts saying “There are only two genders” and were taken to the office by a teacher. Also, an American flag was taken down on Flag Day, but a pride flag remained. The shirts didn't violate any rules and were deemed freedom of speech.Kitsap Sun (Subscription needed). Retrieved July 2023
Demographics In the 2024–2025 school year, 51.8% of the students at KSS were male, 47.8% were female, and 0.5% were Gender X. 0.5% were Native American, 2.4% were Asian, 0.4% were Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander, 8.7% were Hispanic/Latino, 1.2% were Black/African American, 74.4% were White, and 12.5% were Two or More Races.2024-25 WA State Report Card Retrieved January 2025
Athletics Sport at KSS include:
Middle School Fall: Track, Fastpitch softball Winter: Boys Basketball, Girls Soccer, Girls Basketball, Wrestling Spring: Football, Volleyball, Cross Country
High School Fall: Cross Country, Football, Girls Soccer, Girls Swimming, Boys Tennis, Volleyball Winter: Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball, Bowling, Boys Swimming, Wrestling Spring: Baseball, Fastpitch softball, Golf, Boys Soccer, Girls Tennis, Track & Field, Boys Lacrosse, Girls Lacrosse
The Klahowya football team played at Lumen Field on September 17, 2022, against Tenino High School.
Etymology "Klahowya” is Chinook Jargon. It is pronounced "Kluh-HOW-yuh", meaning “welcome.” Chinook Jargon Phrasebook - Common Phrases & Words, retrieved 2016-08-25
References
External links School's OSPI report card