Where We're Growing: Homestretch Housing Development and School Capacity Planning

The City of Edgewood has approved the Homestretch subdivision, a 21-acre development of 32 single-family homes located off 18th Street East. As the community expands, the Puyallup School District continues to monitor and plan for the impacts of new housing on school enrollment and facility capacity. 

Like other recent developments in the North Hill area, Homestretch is projected to contribute to enrollment growth at Mt. View Elementary, Northwood Elementary, and Edgemont Junior High. These schools already serve a growing and changing student population. 

In response to similar enrollment pressures, the district shifted sixth-grade students from Mt. View and Northwood to Edgemont Junior High in 2017–18. While most schools returned to a K–6 model in 2019–20, the North Hill alignment remained unchanged, resulting in Edgemont’s current 6th–9th grade configuration. 

Current Capacity Trends 

As of October 2024, Mt. View Elementary exceeded its built capacity by 52 students and is using portable classrooms. Enrollment projections anticipate continued overcapacity, including at Northwood Elementary, which is forecasted to peak at 165 students over its built capacity in the coming years. 

Mt. View’s facility, constructed in 1966, has been assessed with a building condition score of 40.5 out of 100 by the state, a designation categorized as “poor.” Space constraints have led to adjustments such as the use of hallways and outdoor areas for storage, and the use of portable classrooms located away from the main building. 

Proposition 1, proposed in 2025, included plans to replace Mt. View Elementary with a facility designed to serve up to 500 students. Though supported by a majority of voters, the measure was not validated due to low turnout. 

Demographic Shifts and Instructional Needs 

In addition to space considerations, the North Hill area continues to experience demographic changes. The multilingual learner population has grown significantly, from 4% to 11% over the past five years. At Edgemont Junior High, students speak more than 30 languages. Northwood Elementary now serves a multilingual population of 15%. 

These shifts have implications for staffing, instructional strategies, and facility needs. The district is exploring ways to support students through inclusive practices and adaptable learning environments. 

Ongoing Community Planning 

Homestretch represents one of many developments contributing to long-term enrollment patterns. The district continues to study these trends and evaluate how best to respond through its School Capacity and Utilization Task Force. 

Stay updated on the district’s planning efforts by following the School Capacity and Utilization Task Force at www.puyallupsd.org/scut. 

Learn more about how residential growth impacts enrollment at www.puyallupsd.org/growth.