Bainbridge Island SCHOOLS: quality and variety
When we relocated to the island with two young children, I spent WAY too many hours researching the schools. Bainbridge Island is known for its small class sizes and high test scores. This was a HUGE draw for us. With a variety of schools, the island meets children’s educational needs in different ways. Here’s a list of preschool, daycare, private, and public school options.
Bainbridge island’s public Schools
Boasting high quality education, the Bainbridge Island Public School System has one of the most highly educated teams of teachers in the state. Additionally, the students achieve at the highest levels on the aggregate state testing.
There are three Elementary Schools, Ordway Elementary, Blakely Elementary and Wilkes Elementary (K-4). Ordway serves students on the central portion of the island, Blakely the south and Wilkes the north.
The island’s only intermediate school, Sonoji Sakai Intermediate School serves grades 5 and 6. With smaller learning communities and core curriculum expanded with music, art, and physical education programs, Sakai provides a nurturing learning environment.
Serving approximately 600 students, Woodward Middle School, is the island’s only middle school and serves grades 7 and 8. Woodward boasts a variety of electives such as Sculpture, Photography, Computer Technology, Pre-Engineering, Band, Choir, Spanish and French.
Bainbridge Island High School serves grade 9 – 12 and is the island’s only high school. They have over 1,300 students and 15 AP courses. With an on-time graduation rate of 98.2%, Bainbridge Island High School students do exceptionally well. For college bound students, the high school offers the statewide Running Start program. This program allows high school students to take community college courses and earn both high school and college credit for them.
For students with different learning needs, Bainbridge offers some small school options through the Odyssey Multi-age Program, Eagle Harbor High School, and Commodore Options Home School Program.
Bainbridge Island School District has a wealth of information about its public schools, including school calendars and activities. The district also has a partnership with Bainbridge Schools Foundation (BSF). A non-profit organization, Bainbridge Schools Foundation raises funds to ensure that every grade level has innovative programs. Since 2006, BSF has raised $8,000,000 for Bainbridge Island’s public schools, impacting over 3,700 students annually.
Private Schools on bainbridge
- Carden Country School is a Christian school for kindergarten – 8th grade.
- Cecilia Catholic School is a faith-based school for preschool – 8th grade.
- Hyla Middle School is an independent private school for 6th – 8th grade.
- The Island School is a K – 5th grade school centrally located on the island.
- Madrona School is a Waldorf school for preschool – 8th grade.
Preschools and Child Care
- Barnabas Day School is a preschool for children ages 2.5 – 5 years.
- Bethany Lutheran Preschool is one of the most affordable preschools.
- Montessori Country School has toddler through elementary programs.
- Bainbridge Island Child Care Centers has programs for ages 2.5 – 12 years.
- Hazel Creek Montessori School sits on 10 acres & is for ages 1 – 12 years.