Bainbridge Island is renowned for its excellent educational institutions, both public and private. The community’s commitment to academic excellence is evident in the achievements and accolades of its schools.
Bainbridge Island School District (BISD) is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, innovative programs, and community involvement. Over the years, BISD and its schools have received numerous accolades and recognitions, reflecting their dedication to providing high-quality education. Here are some of the notable achievements:
District-Wide Recognitions
- Top Academic Performance: BISD consistently ranks among the top school districts in Washington State. For the 2024-25 school year, the district’s average testing ranking is 10/10, placing it in the top 1% of public schools in the state.
- Teacher Quality: BISD has been nationally recognized for its exceptional teacher quality, ranking 88th in the nation.
Here is a detailed overview of the schools on Bainbridge Island:
Public Schools
1. Bainbridge High School
- Address: 9330 NE High School Rd, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
- Contact: (206) 842-2634
- Website: Bainbridge High School
Bainbridge High School (BHS) serves grades 9-12 and is a cornerstone of academic excellence. The school boasts a robust Advanced Placement (AP) program and has received the Washington Achievement Award for Overall Excellence multiple times. Known for its high graduation rates and strong athletics, BHS also excels in extracurricular offerings such as robotics, performing arts, and debate.
U.S. News & World Report Rankings: BHS has consistently been ranked among the top high schools nationally. In 2016, it was awarded a gold medal, ranking No. 5 in Washington State and No. 274 nationally. Additionally, BHS earned a national STEM ranking of No. 154 for student participation and performance on Advanced Placement (AP) math and science exams.
2. Eagle Harbor High School:
- Address: 9530 NE High School Road, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
- Contact: (206) 780-1646
- Website: Eagle Harbor High School
Eagle Harbor High School (EHHS) is a unique, alternative public high school on Bainbridge Island that serves students in grades 9 through 12. Part of the Bainbridge Island School District, EHHS is designed for self-motivated learners seeking a more flexible and personalized educational experience. The school offers a hybrid model of independent study and small group classes, allowing students to take ownership of their education.
EHHS emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and community engagement. Its students often excel in project-based learning and are encouraged to explore their interests deeply, guided by supportive teachers who mentor them individually. The school maintains strong academic standards while fostering a close-knit, inclusive community.
- Schools of Distinction: Eagle Harbor High School has been awarded the “Schools of Distinction” designation multiple times for outstanding student achievement on the Washington State High School Proficiency Exam (HSPE).
3. Woodward Middle School
- Address: 9125 Sportsman Club Rd NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
- Contact: (206) 842-4787
- Website: Woodward Middle School
Woodward Middle School serves grades 7-8 and is recognized for its commitment to developing well-rounded students. The school emphasizes project-based learning and has been acknowledged for its innovative STEM programs. Woodward’s extracurricular activities include a thriving music program and competitive sports teams.
4. Sakai Intermediate School
- Address: 9343 NE Sportsman Club Rd, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
- Contact: (206) 780-6500
- Website: Sakai Intermediate School
Sakai Intermediate School serves grades 5-6 and provides a nurturing environment focused on transition and growth. The school has been lauded for its environmental education initiatives and has received recognition from the Washington Green Schools program.
5. Captain Johnston Blakely Elementary School
- Address: 4704 Blakely Ave NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
- Contact: (206) 842-4752
- Website: Blakely Elementary School
Blakely Elementary serves kindergarten through 4th grade and is known for its small class sizes and dedicated staff. The school has earned accolades for its literacy programs and was a recipient of the Washington State Distinguished School Award.
- Area of Service:
- Serves students in the southern portion of Bainbridge Island.
- Includes neighborhoods such as Lynwood Center, Fort Ward, and parts of South Beach.
6. Ordway Elementary School
- Address: 8555 Madison Ave NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
- Contact: (206) 842-7637
- Website: Ordway Elementary School
Ordway Elementary emphasizes community involvement and academic excellence. The school features an extensive arts program and has been recognized for its inclusive education practices.
Area of Service:
- Centrally located, Ordway primarily serves students in the downtown Winslow area.
- Covers nearby neighborhoods like Wing Point, Port Blakely, and Eagle Harbor.
7. x̌alilc (Halilts) Elementary School
- Address: 12781 Madison Ave NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
- Contact: (206) 842-4411
- Website: Xalilc Elementary School
x̌alilc (Halilts) Elementary offers a strong foundation for young learners. The school is celebrated for its innovative use of technology in classrooms and has received awards for its STEM curriculum. Named using the Lushootseed word for “uplift,” x̌alilc reflects the district’s commitment to honoring the history and traditions of the Coast Salish peoples.
- Area of Service:
- Located in the northern part of Bainbridge Island.
- Encompasses areas such as Rolling Bay, Meadowmeer, and Agate Point, Fletcher Bay, Seabold and Port Madison.
Private Schools
1. The Island School
- Address: 8553 NE Day Rd, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
- Contact: (206) 842-0400
- Website: The Island School
The Island School serves preschool through 5th grade and is renowned for its focus on creativity, environmental stewardship, and individualized attention. The school has received accolades for its hands-on approach to learning and community engagement programs.
2. St. Cecilia Catholic School
- Address: 1310 Madison Ave N, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
- Contact: (206) 842-2017
- Website: St. Cecilia Catholic School
St. Cecilia Catholic School provides education from preschool through 8th grade. The school emphasizes values-based education and academic rigor, receiving commendations from the Archdiocese of Seattle for excellence in Catholic education.
3. Madrona School
- Address: 105 Winslow Way W, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
- Contact: (206) 855-8041
- Website: Madrona School
Madrona School offers a Waldorf-inspired curriculum for preschool through 8th grade. Known for fostering creativity and critical thinking, Madrona has been recognized by the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America.
4. Hyla Middle School
- Address: 7861 Bucklin Hill Rd NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
- Contact: (206) 842-5988
- Website: Hyla Middle School
Hyla Middle School serves grades 6-8, offering a supportive and challenging environment. The school is known for its strong arts and outdoor education programs and has received local awards for innovation in education.
5. Hyla High School
- Address: 7861 Bucklin Hill Rd NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
- Contact: (206) 842-5988
- Website: Hyla High School
Hyla High School offers a rigorous, personalized curriculum for students in grades 9-12. The school emphasizes critical thinking, leadership, and real-world learning through community partnerships and internships. Hyla High School also incorporates outdoor and service-learning programs into its curriculum, providing a holistic approach to education. Recognized for its innovative methodologies, the school has received commendations for its contributions to fostering socially conscious, well-rounded graduates.
Niche Rankings: Hyla School is highly regarded in the Seattle area, ranking #17 among private high schools. Parents and students praise its blend of academic rigor with a nurturing and inclusive environment.
Conclusion
Bainbridge Island offers an exceptional range of schools, each with unique programs and accolades that cater to diverse educational needs. Whether you’re looking for top-rated public schools or specialized private education, the island provides a nurturing and dynamic environment for students. For more information or assistance with relocation, feel free to contact me.