OCEAN

OCEAN is a public school that is part of the Port Townsend School District school district, located in Port Townsend, WA with about 70 students offering grade levels from Kindergarten to 12th Grade. With about 2 teachers, OCEAN has a student/teacher ratio of about 35:1. 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.

OCEAN (Opportunity, Community, Experience, Academics, Nature) is an alternative K-12 program within the Port Townsend School District that emphasizes a student-centered, flexible approach to learning. Designed for families seeking an educational experience outside of the traditional classroom, the school promotes a collaborative partnership between parents, students, and educators. The curriculum is highly individualized, allowing students to pursue personalized learning plans that integrate academic rigor with hands-on projects and exploration.

The program is defined by its strong sense of community and its commitment to real-world experience, often utilizing the surrounding natural landscape of the Olympic Peninsula as a classroom. By blending independent study with small-group workshops and community-based activities, OCEAN fosters self-directed learning and personal growth. It is an ideal environment for students who thrive in a supportive, creative, and non-traditional setting that values student voice and intellectual curiosity.

For more information, contact OCEAN at (360) 379-4251 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.