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West Sound Academy

Private | 6-12 | 90 students

We are best known for college prep & IB curriculum.
 
 

Living in Poulsbo

Situated in a suburban neighborhood. The median home value is $296,000. The average monthly rent for a 2 bedroom apartment is $1,040.

Source: Sperling's Best Places
 
Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 1 rating
2012:
No new ratings
2011:
No new ratings
2010:
Based on 4 ratings

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Parent involvement

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12 reviews of this school


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Posted May 3, 2013

We sent our child here for middle school to avoid the public middle school in Kingston, which has been having some issues and huge budget cuts, however we were so impressed with the students, classes, and academics, we will continue with this school through graduation! It is such a wonderful experience to send your child to a school that they love and you love. Their students have won state in math and history bowls and continued on to Washington DC for Nationals. We didn't think we'd love a small school, but now I will never return my children to overfilled classrooms. The student to teacher ratio is fantastic and they truly know and respect each child for who he or she is.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 10, 2010

I am a parent of two students who attend West Sound Academy. I am overtly impressed with the faculty and families that have been drawn to this school. My son is excelling in the music program; learning to compose, play and understand theory. At public schools his papers were filled with red edit marks. When the WSA instructor worked one on one with him he learned to self-edit. He now has his voice through music and writing. Even though the classes are more rigorous he gets stellar grades. My daughter is a math and science star and yet she had a hard time navigating the public school framework. Now she is excelling and able to work independently in a personalized math program. The focus on having international students and global awareness is life-altering. The Jan term program has allowed both of my children to spend a month digging deep into an interest of theirs. Between the personalized approach, the IB diploma, the focus on a global and international perspective, and the sense of safety and care the community provides I have no complaints and encourage all to check it out,
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 12, 2010

I am a parent of two WSA students. Our experience with the school has been very positive. The teachers are inspiring and supportive, the curriculum is of a high standard. Outdoor experiences during the year enhance the community spirit and develop a sense of responsibility for the environment. Thank you WSA
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 6, 2010

I'm the parent of a 2009 WSA graduate. The integration of rigorous academics with the arts was a perfect match for my daughter. She took challenging coursework in math and science, acquired skills in research and writing in her English and History classes, and developed her talents and confidence in the arts, thanks to mentoring and guidance from some wonderful teachers. She's now at Rhode Island School of Design, and loving it. Thank you WSA!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 6, 2010

This is our daughter's third year at West Sound Academy and we have been very pleased with the school. For the first time in her life she is being challenged academically and loves her experience with school each day. The high quality instruction is given by caring, devoted and positive teachers. She has truly become engaged in her learning and the organization of her work. Her instructors also give great attention to the students and their needs, further encouraging them by way of caring for them and showing that what you do on a daily basis matters in your academics and in life. We are very pleased and will soon have our son attending as well.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 18, 2009

As the grandparent of a WSA student, I am very impressed with this school. The small class size, the committment of the teachers, the high expectations for the students all combine to give my grandchild a first rate education. I am familiar with the IB program and the school's plan to become an IB school attest to the administration's committment to a rigorous academic preparation.


Posted August 13, 2009

As a former parent I am disappointed by the decisions and direction the Board has chosen to take WSA. This school had such great potential. The quality of the curriculum and student population has changed drastically. I hope that WSA can become what it wants to. They need to act instead of using fancy PR such as 'future IB school' or 'renowned international educator.'
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 12, 2008

After graduating from WSA in 2008, I felt so prepared ad excited for my future. It was really when I entered college in the fall that I realized how much WSA had prepared me. I watched many of my classmates at college struggle with the workload and what our professors expected of us. The workload of college was not a surprise, and I had established some great work habits at WSA. This is due to the rigor of the academics and the expectations of the teachers at WSA. The teachers had inspiring passion for their subjects, and they have inspired me to do so much more with my education and life. I could not have asked more from my high school education than what WSA has given me.
—Submitted by a student


Posted May 14, 2008

I cannot say enough great things about this school. My family is thrilled. Innovative teaching, extradordinary curriculum, incredible teachers, and a talented administration. T
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 19, 2008

This school is based on false pretenses and does not provide a healthy academic or social setting for students. Many unsatisfied students left this school in its formative years due to a lack of quality curriculum and ineffective teaching methods. I strongly suggest speaking with former students regarding their true experience at WSA before pursuing this well presented but poorly executed school as an option.
—Submitted by a student


Posted January 30, 2008

West Sound Academy is an incredible liberal arts school for students in grades 6-12. Strong administration and talented teachers that truly care for your children. The curriculum is outstanding. This is the best middle and high school opportunity in Kitsap County.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 24, 2007

This school is great!!! It has a very caring community.
—Submitted by Susan Burns, a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

We currently do not have any test score information for this school. Unlike public schools, private schools are not always required to report data about their schools or not required to take the same tests as public schools. Many private schools take different standardized tests; however, that information is often made available only to families of enrolled students. We strive to acquire additional private school data whenever available.

Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school
White 88%
American Indian/Alaska Native 4%
Asian/Pacific Islander 4%
Hispanic 4%
Black 0%
Source: NCES, 2007-2008

College readiness and student pathways

Students typically attend these schools prior to attending this school Island School, Bainbridge Island
Silverwood School, Poulsbo
Vinland Elementary School, Poulsbo
Percentage of students going to 2-year college 13% (2013)
Percentage of students going to 4-year college 87% (2013)
Colleges most students attend after graduation University of Washington
Western Washington University
Lewis & Clark College
Read more about resources at this school
Source: Manually entered by a school official.

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per classroom teacher 7N/AN/A
Source: NCES, 2007-2008

Teacher resources

Special staff resources available to students Art teacher(s)
College counselor(s)
Computer specialist(s)
Dance teacher(s)
ELL/ESL Coordinator
Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
Librarian/media specialist(s)
Math specialist(s)
Music teacher(s)
Poetry/Creative writing teacher(s)
Robotics/Technology specialist(s)
Tutor(s)
Foreign languages spoken by school staff French
Italian
Spanish
Read more about programs at this school
Source: Manually entered by a school official.

Awards

Academic awards received in the past 3 years
  • Knowledge Bowl, 3rd in State (2013)
  • National History Bowl, MS & JV State Champions (2013)
  • Knowledge Bowl, 3rd in State (2012)

Special education / special needs

Level of special education programming offered
  • None - the school offers no services
Extra learning resources offered
  • Differentiated learning programs

Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)

Staff resources available to students
  • Computer specialist(s)
  • Math specialist(s)
  • Robotics/Technology specialist(s)
School facilities
  • Access to farm or natural area
  • Computer lab
  • Garden/Greenhouse
  • Science lab
Clubs
  • Gardening
  • Robotics club

Arts & music

Specific academic themes or areas of focus
  • Arts (all)
Staff resources available to students
  • Art teacher(s)
  • Dance teacher(s)
  • Music teacher(s)
  • Poetry/Creative writing teacher(s)
School facilities
  • Art room
  • Music room
Visual arts
  • Drawing / sketching
  • Painting
  • Photography
  • Sculpture
Music
  • Instrumental music lessons
  • Jazz band
  • Rock band
Performing and written arts
  • Creative writing
  • Dance
  • Drama
  • Improv
  • Poetry
Media arts
  • Video / Film production
Clubs
  • Arts and crafts
  • Literary magazine
  • Yearbook

Language learning

Bi-lingual or language immersion programs offered
  • English as a Second Language
Foreign languages taught
  • French
  • Spanish
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Moderate - the school consistently offers a full program for particular ESL/ELL needs
Languages supported by ESL/ELL programs
  • Chinese (Mandarin)
  • German
  • Korean
  • Other
  • Spanish
Staff resources available to students
  • ELL/ESL Coordinator
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • French
  • Italian
  • Spanish

Health & athletics

Staff resources available to students
  • Dance teacher(s)
  • Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
School facilities
  • Access to farm or natural area
  • Access to sports fields
  • Garden/Greenhouse
  • Kitchen
  • Multi-purpose room ("cafegymatorium")
Clubs
  • Gardening

Gifted & talented

Instructional and/or curriculum models used
  • International Baccalaureate (IB)
Extra learning resources offered
  • Acceleration
College preparation / awareness resources offered
  • College prep programs/courses during the year
  • College presentations or information sessions
  • SAT/ACT prep classes
  • School-sponsored trips to college campuses
  • Visiting teachers or lecturers from colleges
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

School start time
  • 8:20 am
School end time
  • 3:00 pm
School Leader's name
  • Barrie Hillman
Best ways for parents to contact the school
  • Email
Gender
  • Coed
Special schedule
  • Block scheduling
Boarding options
  • Some boarding, some day
Is there an application process?
  • Yes
Affiliation
  • Nonsectarian
Fax number
  • (360) 598-5494

Programs

Instructional and/or curriculum models used

Don't understand these terms?
  • College prep
  • Independent Study
  • International Baccalaureate (IB)
  • Project-based
Specific academic themes or areas of focus

Don't understand these terms?
  • Arts (all)
  • Global
  • Service learning
Bi-lingual or language immersion programs offered

Don't understand these terms?
  • English as a Second Language
Level of special education programming offered
  • None - the school offers no services
Foreign languages taught
  • French
  • Spanish
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Moderate - the school consistently offers a full program for particular ESL/ELL needs
Languages supported by ESL/ELL programs
  • Chinese (Mandarin)
  • German
  • Korean
  • Other
  • Spanish
Vocational or skills-based training offered
  • None

Resources

Staff resources available to students
  • Art teacher(s)
  • College counselor(s)
  • Computer specialist(s)
  • Dance teacher(s)
  • ELL/ESL Coordinator
  • Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
  • Librarian/media specialist(s)
  • Math specialist(s)
  • Music teacher(s)
  • Poetry/Creative writing teacher(s)
  • Robotics/Technology specialist(s)
  • Tutor(s)
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • French
  • Italian
  • Spanish
Extra learning resources offered
  • Acceleration
  • Career/college counseling
  • Differentiated learning programs
  • Mentoring
  • Remediation
  • Tutoring
College preparation / awareness resources offered
  • College prep programs/courses during the year
  • College presentations or information sessions
  • SAT/ACT prep classes
  • School-sponsored trips to college campuses
  • Visiting teachers or lecturers from colleges
Transportation provided for students by the school / district
  • Buses/vans for students only
School facilities
  • Access to farm or natural area
  • Access to sports fields
  • Art room
  • Audiovisual aids
  • Computer lab
  • Garden/Greenhouse
  • Internet access
  • Kitchen
  • Library
  • Multi-purpose room ("cafegymatorium")
  • Music room
  • Science lab
Partnerships with local resources and organizations
School leaders can update this information here.

Sports

Boys sports
  • Rock climbing, bowling, kayaking
Girls sports
  • Rock climbing, bowling, kayaking

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Drawing / sketching
  • Painting
  • Photography
  • Sculpture
Music
  • Instrumental music lessons
  • Jazz band
  • Rock band
Performing arts
  • Creative writing
  • Dance
  • Drama
  • Improv
  • Poetry
Media arts
  • Video / Film production

Student clubs

Clubs (distinct from courses)
  • Arts and crafts
  • Gardening
  • Homework help/study buddy club
  • Knowledge Bowl
  • Lesbian, gay, transgender club
  • Literary magazine
  • Music Performance Club
  • Robotics club
  • Yearbook
School leaders can update this information here.

Photos

School culture

Dress Code
  • Dress code
Bullying policy
  • This school has a bullying and/or cyber bullying policy in place.
Parent involvement
  • Attend parent nights
  • Chaperone school trips
  • Coach sports teams or extracurricular activities
  • Join PTO/PTA
  • Organize fundraising events (school auction, bake sales, etc.)
  • Volunteer in the classroom
More from this school
  • West Sound Academy is an IB World School, offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. West Sound Academy operates on a 4-1-4 academic schedule, allowing for &#34Jan-Term&#34 when students can engage in intensive month-long short courses in topics ranging from filmmaking to forensic science.
School leaders can update this information here.

Apply

 

This school accepts applications on a

rolling basis

 
Apply now
 

What are your chances?


9 out of 10students were accepted for the 2012-2013 school year.


Students accepted for the 2012-2013 school year
40
Applications received for the 2012-2013 school year
46
Students typically come from these schools
Island School, Bainbridge Island
Silverwood School, Poulsbo
Vinland Elementary School, Poulsbo

What does it cost?

Tuition range for the 2013-2014 school year
$14000 - $16000
Vouchers accepted
No
Financial aid offered
Yes.
School-based aid

Planning ahead

Students typically attend these schools after graduating
Seattle University
Linfield College
Willamette University
College preparation / awareness offered
College prep programs/courses during the year
College presentations or information sessions
SAT/ACT prep classes
School-sponsored trips to college campuses
Visiting teachers or lecturers from colleges
Students' post-graduation plans in 2013
2 year college - 13%
4 year college - 87%
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

16571 Creative Drive NE
Poulsbo, WA 98370
Website: Click here
Phone: (360) 598-5954

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