ORCAS ISLAND HIGH SCHOOL

Orcas Island High School is a Title I public high school that is part of the Orcas Island School District school district, located in EASTSOUND, WA with about 114 students offering grade levels from 9th Grade to 12th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 10 teachers, Orcas Island High School has a student/teacher ratio of about 11:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

Orcas Island High School, located in Eastsound, Washington, serves the tight-knit community of the San Juan Islands. As part of the Orcas Island School District, the high school emphasizes a personalized approach to education, leveraging its unique island setting to foster a strong sense of community and stewardship among its students. The school is known for maintaining a small-campus environment that encourages close relationships between students and faculty, allowing for a more tailored academic experience that prioritizes individual student growth and project-based learning.

Beyond its core academic offerings, the school integrates its natural surroundings into the curriculum, often highlighting environmental science and experiential learning opportunities. Despite its remote, island-based location, Orcas Island High School provides a comprehensive program that includes a variety of extracurriculars, athletics, and arts, aiming to prepare students for both higher education and diverse career paths. The district as a whole is characterized by a commitment to small class sizes and a supportive culture, reflecting the values of a rural, island-based public education system.

For more information, contact Orcas Island High School at (360) 376-2287 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.