[4][5] In the years prior to the conversion, Tyee suffered from severe discipline and academic performance issues.

New principal Max Silverman and the district's deputy superintendent, John Welch, knew that change was necessary and began to talk about how to improve the situation.

[7] The staff noted significant improvements, which support the idea of small, autonomous schools.

[8] In 2004, Tyee received a large grant from the Coalition of Essential Schools to be used in the conversion process.

In addition, they, along with the district's other three schools, received a Department of Education Small Learning Community grant.

In 2005 the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation awarded a grant to the district, a significant portion of which went towards Tyee.

Since Tyee is near the Airport, Alaska Airline donated four round-trip tickets to support students.

Even though Tyee has become very diverse in race and culture students-wise, the majority of teachers have remained White.

As reported by, Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction that 66.1% of Tyee educators remain White.

The cafeteria (100), library (500), gymnasiums, locker rooms (part of 700 building), and clinic (900) are operated by the complex and are shared equally by all three schools.

ACE occupies the classrooms of the 700 building, which excludes portions operated by the complex, such as the gymnasiums.

[14] Tyee has earned three state championships in its history, in cross country in 1975 and 1976, and girls' soccer in 1984.