PK-5TH GRADE
Shared Values,
Strong Community
We’re often asked what makes an ‘ideal’ Island School student, but the truth is, there’s no single profile. Our students bring a wide range of personalities, learning styles, strengths, and challenges to our community, and we value that diversity. Instead of looking for one “type,” we’ve found that Island School is a great fit for families who share core values that align with our approach to education. So, why do families choose The Island School?
Island School Families are seeking a school that provides:
Project-Based Learning
At The Island School on Bainbridge Island, our faculty embrace Project-Based Learning (PBL) because it empowers students to engage authentically with real-world challenges and questions, moving beyond passive absorption of information toward active, meaningful exploration. Through PBL, students tackle projects that are relevant to their lives and communities, allowing them to apply knowledge, develop deeper understanding, and make personal connections to their studies.
Leadership Opportunities
At our school, students are empowered to see themselves as vital, contributing members of their community—with ideas, talents, and voices that matter. Leadership begins in Kindergarten, as children take responsibility for caring for their classroom environment and supporting the social and emotional wellbeing of their peers. As they progress through the grades, students take on increasing leadership roles: older students become Reading Buddies for younger ones, starting in second grade they are invited to participate in monthly Student Council meetings, and by fifth grade, students organize and lead school-wide events such as the talent show. In these ways, our students learn that their participation, compassion, and initiative can make a meaningful difference in our school community.
Authentic Assessments
Authentic assessment offers significant benefits for students and educators alike. By engaging students in meaningful, real-world tasks, it motivates deeper involvement and helps them see the relevance of their learning to everyday life and future careers. This approach builds critical skills such as problem-solving, creativity, teamwork, communication, and reflective thinking—capabilities often underdeveloped by traditional tests. Because authentic assessment requires students to apply knowledge in realistic contexts, it promotes higher-order thinking and allows multiple ways for students to demonstrate mastery, not just rote recall.
Authentic tasks also provide our teachers with richer, more diagnostic insights into what students truly understand and where they need further support. Students benefit from opportunities to reflect on their growth, practice self-regulation, and develop confidence—all essential for success beyond school. Ultimately, authentic assessment supports equity in learning, giving all students meaningful opportunities to achieve and thrive by connecting their education to skills and experiences that matter most.
The Power of Play
At The Island School on Bainbridge Island, play is an intentional and essential part of our students’ daily experience. Every child enjoys two 30-minute outdoor recesses each day, participates in at least two physical education classes per week, and has scheduled daily time for free-choice play inside the classroom. We believe that play not only supports social-emotional growth but also fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills, helping our students develop holistically in a joyful and engaging environment.
After The Island School
At The Island School, we celebrate the unique paths each of our students take as they move on to the next stage of their educational journey. Just as our student body is diverse in interests, strengths, and personalities, so too are the middle and high schools they choose to attend. This variety reflects our commitment to nurturing curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning in every child.
Island School graduates have continued their academic journeys at a wide array of public and independent schools, including:
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Bainbridge High School
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Central Kitsap Middle School
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Commodore Options School
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Eagle Harbor High School
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Hyla Middle & High School
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Kingston Middle School
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Kingston High School
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North Kitsap High School
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Poulsbo Middle School
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Sakai Intermediate
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West Sound Academy
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Woodward Middle School