Tulalip's Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy has broken ground on a new gymnasium and cultural room, with an opening targeted for September 2027.
The Oct. 30 ceremony marked a step toward adding about 10,500 square feet to the academy's campus, according to Wade Sheldon's Nov. 4 report for Tulalip News.
Plans call for a full-size basketball court that can be divided into two smaller basketball or volleyball courts, along with pull-out bleachers, bathrooms and a dedicated cultural room. The building is planned for an existing campus parking area.
Academy executive director Sheryl Fryberg told Tulalip News that the gym would also be shared with Tulalip Boys & Girls Club children who meet the project's funding-related age requirements. Those age limits were not specified in the report.
JTM Construction is working on the project. The reported fall 2027 completion and anticipated September opening are targets for the 2027–28 school year.
Learning, language and family connections
The Tribes' academy information page describes programs for children from birth through age 6, including preschool, Montessori and kindergarten.
The academy's website lists Early Head Start for children from birth to age 3 and preschool options for ages 3–5. Its programs serve families in Tulalip and the Marysville School District service area, with Lushootseed language and culture woven into children's learning.
Families interested in current programs can ask the academy about age requirements, eligibility and enrollment. Its website says eligible students can attend free. The campus is at 7607 Totem Beach Road in Tulalip, and the main phone number is 360-716-4250.
Information checked Nov. 9, 2026. Project reporting credited to Wade Sheldon and Tulalip News; program information verified with the Tribes and academy websites.
