PK-5TH GRADE
Our Story
Our Mission
The Island School provides a flexible learning environment where each child is known and celebrated.
Our Vision
Children at The Island School become lifelong learners with a strong sense of self, an appreciation for community, and the skills to thrive.
Hear From Our Founders
1977
The Island School opened its doors with two teachers and eleven students in kindergarten through first grade.
"We wanted a school where our own noisy, inventive, comic, social, serious, introspective and shy children would be accepted, respected, valued and appreciated for themselves...We wanted for our own children–for all children–to be respected as human beings." Nancy Leedy, Founder
1982-83
The Island School’s student body grew to 30 students, kindergarten through third grade, and six part-time staff members. That same year, the school took a major step forward—purchasing the Day Road property to begin building its permanent home.
1990-2002
The 1990s and early 2000s were a period of remarkable milestones and growth for the school. Celebrating 15 years of inspiring education, the community then embarked on an important journey—after two years of thoughtful discussion, research, and planning, the school expanded in 1994 to welcome fourth and fifth grades for the first time. Under the leadership of Kelly Webster, the school achieved another significant milestone by obtaining its first accreditation in 1998 with the Pacific Northwest Association of Independent Schools (PNAIS), now known as the Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS). This era of progress continued, culminating in another joyful celebration of the school’s 25th anniversary in 2002.
2005
After 28 years of dedicated service, Kelly Webster announced her retirement, passing the torch to Trish King as The Island School’s second Head of School in 2005. Trish’s distinguished service continued until her retirement at the close of the 2018–2019 school year, leaving behind a legacy of growth and excellence.
While at The Island School, Trish delivered a passionate presentation at Ignite Bainbridge, a community event modeled after TED Talks. You can watch the video to experience her inspiring speech.
2008
Thanks to the success of a capital campaign, the campus master plan was completed with the addition of Webster Hall.
2019
In 2019, longtime educator Amanda Ward was named The Island School’s third Head of School. Already part of the school’s story as a parent, board member, and board president, her appointment was a meaningful homecoming.
2025
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After leasing part of our campus to an outdoor preschool for three years, we learned that the program would be closing its Bainbridge Island location. This unexpected change became an exciting opportunity for us to launch our very own outdoor preschool. In the fall of 2025, we proudly opened our half-day, nature-based program, welcoming our first cohort of curious and energetic learners ages 3 to 5.
Accreditations, Memberships & Affiliations
Accredited Member of the Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS)
Member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
Member of Puget Sound Independent Schools (PSIS)
Member of the Washington Federation of Independent Schools (WFIS)
Platinum Certified Member of EarthGen (Previously Washington Green Schools)
Gold Level Certified Member of Candid
Member of One Call for All