Public Schools on Bainbridge Island
While many people move to Bainbridge Island for the remarkable people, attraction to nature, and astounding views, they also choose this island for their award-winning public schools. Island schools have ranked among the best in elementary, middle, and high schools.
#1 Safest school district in the Seattle area
Top 1% Overall rank in Washington state
Elementary:
There are four public elementary schools on Bainbridge.
Blakely Elementary: Zoned South Island, has developmental pre-school. Preschool-Grade 4
Ordway Elementary: Zoned Center Island (and swing). The Spanish immersion program is based here. K-Grade 4
Halilts Elementary: Zoned North Island, has developmental preschool. Preschool-Grade 4
Odyssey Multi-Age: This is by application/lottery program that is based on high parent involvement and creating a love of learning.
Middle School:
Bainbridge follows a two-step middle school to ease transition into high school and higher-level learning. All elementary schools feed into Sakai and the two schools are located next to each other mid island.
High School:
Bainbridge offers two options for high school, a more traditional program and a more individualized program
BHS: Grades 9-12
Eagle Harbor: Grades 9-12, offers more choices and voice in education with self-directed learning
FAQs About Public Schools:
What are Bainbridge School District Special Services and how do I access them?
If your child is struggling, speak to your child’s teacher or contact the building principal. The district has many resources to help students before turning to special education. Families who wish to investigate whether their child would qualify for special education services should contact a school counselor for a consultation.
Programs through the public school district operate at a variety of intensities based on need. Either contact your zoned school or district office if you need a screen or are transferring in a IEP or 504.
What is the swing zone?
Based on a smaller school district size, the island maintains consistent enrollment and balance through the use of a swing zone. The island is divided into roughly three zones; north, south and central. The central zone is designated as a swing zonemeaning that based on where enrollment is needed, a child could be sent to more than one school. Prior to kindergarten, kids are assigned to one of the three elementary schools.
This could mean that a school bus could be stopping along the same route but headed to a different elementary. This can feel like a foreign concept to new families but with much of the island affected by the swing zones, this becomes a very normal way of life.
Why are there two middle schools?
Elementary ends on Bainbridge in fourth grade with fifth graders coming together in their graduating class. There are two intermediary schools-- a school for 5-6 and a school for 7-8.
Sakai Middle School (5-6 grade) is geared at creating an opportunity for students to practice a bit more responsibility in a safe way. Students do change classrooms but only back and forth between two teachers, are asked to keep planners but are given incentives to practice their executive skills and get some agency about how they spend their recess: outdoor spaces, intramurals, maker spaces etc.
Woodward Middle School (7-8 grade) is a traditional middle school experience. Students receive true grades and are asked to navigate their schedule independently. Sports teams begin at this level and there are opportunities for basketball, track and field, volleyball, and more.
The two schools are right next to each other and follow the same school schedule.
Why are there two high schools?
Bainbridge offers both a traditional high school experience (BHS) as well as Eagle Harbor. Eagle Harbor is a more freeing, self-directed educational environment and is quite a bit smaller. For some students this can feel like a better fit but even then many students still take classes at BHS depending on their goals and curriculum. Running start, PSEO and advanced placement are available at either program.
