Internet Access
If your family lacks reliable access to the internet, there are several local options to getting your student connected to the internet.
Comcast Internet Essentials
NTPS is a Partner in Education (PIE) with Comcast, which provides low-cost internet for qualifying families as a long-term connectivity solution. Please visit Comcast's Internet Essentials page for more information about this program.
FCC & USAC Lifeline
A federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service. https://www.lifelinesupport.org
NTPS Internet Hotspot
The district has hotspots to cover students who lack internet and are unable to use other community connectivity resources. These devices are limited to 500 Mb of data per day and have many streaming and media heavy websites blocked to preserve data for homework. The devices run off the Verizon network and require cell service in your location to function. A hotspot can be requested through your students’ school.
NTPS Community Wi-Fi Coverage
NTPS has several schools set up as community Wi-Fi hotspots to connect to from outside the building. Currently, they are available at Chinook Middle School, Komachin Middle School, Nisqually Middle School, Salish Middle School, North Thurston High School, Pleasant Glade Elementary, Lacey Elementary, and Lydia Hawk Elementary. Your student's Chromebook will automatically connect to the Wi-Fi when in range of these access points. Non-district devices can also connect to our Wi-Fi manually by selecting the NTPS-Guest network.
Wi-Fi Access in the Community
All NTPS schools have free Wi-Fi access for community members. Connect manually with any device using NTPS-Guest. All Timberland Regional Libraries offer free Wi-Fi access for families. Many businesses provide free Wi-Fi access to their patrons.
Community Wi-Fi Maps
To get the best connection, try to stay in the zones illustrated in these maps. Student Chromebooks should automatically connect when within range of the access points.