More about the D Avenue Early Learning Center

The Samish Indian Nation developed a new early learning center at the site of the former D Avenue Nursery in Anacortes that closed in 2020. Samish, which operates the successful Samish Longhouse preschool, purchased the site with the help of a State capital budget appropriation sponsored by Representatives Ramel and Lekanoff and Senator Lovelett.

Construction began summer of 2024 and was completed in the fall of 2025. This milestone represents a shared vision for expanding services to children ages 0–3.  Together, we honor tradition, embrace learning, and build a strong foundation for the future of our children.

In celebration, Samish held a ribbon cutting ceremony which was well attended by many neighbors, Citizens, and city officials--"Anacortes Mayor Matt Miller cuts the ribbon with help from Samish Indian Nation Chairman Tom Wooten and Tribal Council member Nicole Smith as other dignitaries look on Thursday, Oct. 16, at the Samish Early Learning Center in Anacortes."  Please click here to read full article --cc: Nicholas Johnson / Anacortes American 

The Need

Anacortes had a critical need for new childcare facilities. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were approximately 1,000 children in Anacortes under school age and only 12% of those had access to full-time, licensed childcare. That's less than half the Washington State average of 27%, which is itself is considered to be a crisis of inadequate capacity. Quality childcare is critical for the academic and socioemotional foundations of children and for families to be able to return to work as we emerge from the pandemic.

Project Design

The new early learning center will feature:

• 5 classrooms ranging from infants to toddlers
• Approximately 40 total students and 17 staff
• Approximately 4100 square feet
• Off-street parking for 32 vehicles at D Ave and 15th Street

Street Improvements

Separately from the conditional use permit process, Samish collaborated with the City of Anacortes to fund improvements to D Ave, 15th Street, and 16th Street per the City's design, which included 13 new on-street parking spaces benefiting the ELC and the neighborhood. The street design overlaid with the new ELC site plan is shown below.