Gig Harbor High School (GHHS) opened its doors in the fall of 1979 as the second high school in the Peninsula School District. The first graduating class was in 1981. In an effort not to split up the senior class from cross-town Peninsula High School during the first year of operation, GHHS enrolled grades 8-11 during the inaugural 1979–1980 school year. As a result, the graduating class 1984 had the distinction to attend the school for five years.

The initial design concept of GHHS was based on the co-teaching model in which the classrooms offered flexibility to expand or sub-divide their spaces to accommodate large or small class groups.

"On this fall at Gig Harbor was a new experience and one to be remembered for a long time.  Coming to a new school wasn't easy for many students, but they soon got used to the new surroundings.  The first few weeks were hectic, but people soon fell into comfortable routine.

Students who came into the school were introduced to the total experience of a new teaching method, consisting of the use of no desks or textbooks.

When school opened, the gym had not been completed and P.E. classes were held outside.  Many of the students spent their lunch hour playing chess in the library, some played other games, like cards and flipping coins for lunch money during class." (1979-1980 Yearbook)
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In 1990, the school was renovated with a 120,000-square-foot, three-phase addition and remodel while occupied. Phase 1 consisted of a new Masonry classroom building, gymnasium, and a new science addition. Phase 2 was the complete renovation of existing space, including upgrading portions of the food service area and a new administration area. Phase 3 consisted of renovation of the old, remaining administration area into classrooms and a music area.

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Photo Credits: Yearbook 1979-1980

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Photo Credits: Harbor History Museum

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Photo Credits: 1979-1980 Yearbook