At Maritime|253, students don’t just learn about careers—they experience them. Through hands-on training, college credit, and industry-recognized credentials, juniors and seniors can explore four high-demand pathways designed to launch what’s next:
🔧 Advanced Maritime Manufacturing
Design, build, and automate real-world systems in industry-style labs.
🚢 Port Operations & Logistics
Learn how global trade moves—focusing on safety, systems, and leadership.
💻 Technology
Dive into computing, cybersecurity, and protecting modern infrastructure.
🌱 Sustainability
Tackle environmental challenges with clean energy and innovative solutions.
Each pathway is a 2-year, half-day program offering up to 1,080 hours of training plus dual college credit—giving you a head start on your future. Courses are geared toward students in grades 11 & 12.
👉 Enroll now and learn more at Maritime253.org
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A maritime skills center from Tacoma Public Schools & Port of Tacoma. Classes launch Fall 2026! The Maritime 253 social media accounts are not monitored 24/7.
If you are a student, family member or staff in crisis, please call 911. We encourage you to engage with our social media accounts to share your thoughts and feedback with us. We value your input, and we believe that social media can be an effective platform for open communication and collaboration between our school district and the community. Communications made through social media in no way co
Love learning by doing? Maritime|253 might be for you. ⚓
✅Stay enrolled at your school – spend half the day at Maritime|253
✅Open to high school students across the South Sound at no cost
✅Hands-on learning connected to maritime careers
✅Opening Fall 2026 in a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility.
👉Enrolling now, learn more: Maritime253.org
04/08/2026
Welcome Aboard to our newest Member District Clover Park School District
There are eight South Sound member districts: Chief Leschi Schools , Clover Park, Sumner-Bonney Lake School District, University Place School District , Vashon Island School District, Orting School District, Fife Public Schools and Franklin Pierce Schools.
Member districts receive guaranteed seats for their students, and each superintendent serves on the Maritime|253 governing board, helping shape programs that connect students to real careers in maritime, technology, logistics, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing.
Enrollment is open now at Maritime253.org
So, what is Maritime|253 Skills Center? ⚓️📚
A place where high school students get hands-on, real-world training in high-demand maritime career fields 🌊🔧
Maritime|253 is NOT a high school 🚫🏫
Students stay enrolled in their home school, spending half their day at Maritime|253 🚌⏱️
Maritime|253 is open to students across the South Sound 🌐🎒
There is space for up to 600 students from across the region 👥👥👥
Maritime|253 students earn credits & credentials 🎓📄
Students can earn high school credits, college credits, and certifications that prepare them for jobs right after graduation or continued education 🛠️📘
Learn more and enroll at: www.Maritime253.org 🔗✨
Meet Doss Bradford, Advanced Maritime Manufacturing Instructor (starting Fall 2026). 🔧
Doss brings a blend of industry and teaching experience to Maritime|253, with a background that includes work as a technical writer for IBM and years teaching engineering, computer science, and design.
He’s passionate about hands-on learning and helping students build real-world skills. At Maritime|253, Doss is excited to help students discover their strengths, explore career pathways, and imagine new possibilities for their future. 🌊
Read his full bio and meet the rest of the team: bit.ly/M253team
Meet Emma Froembling, CTE Sustainability & Environmental Systems Teacher (starting Fall 2026). 🌱
An environmental planner with the Washington State Department of Ecology, Emma is passionate about sustainability, clean water, and preparing the next generation to tackle real-world challenges.
She’s excited to bring her experience in environmental science and policy into the classroom, helping students build practical skills and a strong sense of environmental responsibility through hands-on, career-connected learning.
Read her full bio and meet the rest of the team: bit.ly/M253team
04/02/2026
Why Maritime|253?
💬 Future student:
“I want to try something different from what I have done before.”
We’re excited by the number of students who want to branch out and explore something new and see Maritime|253 as the way to start.
Enrollment is open now for students across the South Sound: maritime253.org 🌟
Meet Dr. Ann McPartlon, Special Education & 504 Plan Liaison (TOSA) starting Fall 2026. 🎓
Dr. McPartlon brings years of experience supporting students across elementary, middle, and high school, with a focus on secondary students with IEPs. Her background in education, technology, and psychology helps her create meaningful supports that meet students where they are.
She’s excited to join Maritime|253 and help students explore pathways that align with their strengths and interests—through hands-on, real-world learning that builds confidence, skills, and independence.
Read her full bio and meet the rest of the team: bit.ly/M253team
03/30/2026
Why Maritime|253?
💬 Future student:
“I'm interested in this program as it's an opportunity to gain skills that I'm unlikely to get from school.”
Students told us they’re interested because Maritime|253 offers unique opportunities and industry-connected skills they can’t find elsewhere.
Enrollment is open now for students across the South Sound: maritime253.org ⚓️
Meet Brandi Prestegaard, Systems & Operations Specialist (starting Summer 2026). ⚙️
Brandi brings a powerful mix of entrepreneurship, operational leadership, and systems thinking to Maritime|253.
Brandi is passionate about creating structures that support student success behind the scenes. She’s excited to be part of Maritime|253’s mission to connect students with meaningful career pathways—helping them build skills, confidence, and a sense of purpose for the future. 🌊
Read her full bio and meet the rest of the team: bit.ly/M253team
03/27/2026
Meet Phill Schmitt, Learning Experience Engineer at Maritime|253. ⚙️
Phill brings a dynamic background in education, industry partnerships, and military service to his work designing engaging, career-connected learning experiences. After more than a decade teaching STEM and leading innovative programs, he now supports curriculum design and instructor development across CTE programs.
Driven by a passion for hands-on learning, Phill is committed to helping students gain real-world skills, industry-recognized credentials, and the confidence to succeed in high-demand careers.
Read her full bio and meet the rest of the team: bit.ly/M253team
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Tacoma, WA