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West Sound Academy is an independent college preparatory school serving students in grades six through twelve, offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in the junior and senior years.
Located in a bucolic setting of meadows and trees, our peaceful 20-acre campus in Poulsbo affords stunning views of Liberty Bay and the snow-covered peaks of the Olympic National Park.
Amidst this picturesque environment, our students thrive in welcoming buildings which include light-filled classrooms, state-of-the-art teaching studios for technology, design, music and theater, and two science labs.
Our outdoor facilities include walking trails, an amphitheater, a sports field, a basketball court, and a maker's playground, as well as attractive communal areas for both indoor and outdoor social gatherings.
The average class size is 16, with classes ranging from 8 students to 21 students. Since our first commencement in 2002, WSA graduates have been accepted to over 262 colleges and universities.
WSA graduates, 2020-2024, enrolled at 34 four-year colleges and universities in the U.S. and abroad, including Amherst College, Barnard College, Berklee College of Music, Bryn Mawr College, Colorado School of Mines, Gonzaga University, Northwestern University, Pacific Lutheran University, Pepperdine University, Reed College, Smith College, Stanford University, University of Puget Sound, University of Victoria (Victoria, British Columbia, Canada), University of Washington, Washington University in St. Louis, Western Washington University, Whitman College, Whitworth University, and Willamette University.
IB Biology HL/SL (Group 4), IB English (Group 2), IB French HL/SL (Group 2), IB History of the Americas HL (Group 3), IB Language and Literature in English HL/SL, IB Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches HL/SL (Group 5), IB Psychology SL, IB Spanish HL/SL (Group 2), IB Theatre HL/SL, IB Theory of Knowledge
West Sound Academy uses a Sliding Scale Tuition Model (SST) for all current and new enrollees. West Sound Academy’s Tuition sets the sliding scale annually to equitably assign tuition requirements to families based on their financial resources. A family’s placement on the sliding scale is based on income, the number of enrolled children in a tuition-based school, and unusual expenses or circumstances.For the 2025-2026 school year, the maximum tuition is $28,800.
Club or Organization: Dungeons and Dragons Club, GSA (Gender-Sexuality Alliance), Knowledge Bowl, Literary Journal, Robotics Club, Social Committee, Student Council, Yearbook
Arts and Music Programs: Drama Club, International Thespian Society
School Notes
Mission -West Sound Academy supports students along an
engaging educational journey where they can ignite their unique
spark and learn to use it to make a positive impact in the
world.
Core Values -Our community is stronger and more resilient
when we have many ages, stages, backgrounds, ethnicities,
languages, social identities, and financial means represented in
our student body, faculty, staff, and Board of Trustees. Diversity
bringsvaried perspectivesto our entire
community, along withcreative and innovative
thinkingand approaches to life. West Sound Academy
values:
Thinking, speaking and acting outside of ourselves
Demonstrating empathy and compassion
Developing deeper understanding
Exploring with curiosity
Engaging with different perspectives
Collaborating and drawing out the strengths of one another
Truly listening
Type of School- West Sound Academy is an independent
college preparatory school serving students in grades six through
twelve. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is
offered for students in grades 11 and 12.
Location and Campus- West Sound Academy is located on a
wooded, twenty-acre campus overlooking Liberty Bay in Poulsbo,
Washington. The school's four buildings include light-filled
classrooms, state-of-the-art teaching studios for technology,
design, music and theater, two science labs, an art gallery, and a
Commons. The outdoor setting and the magnificent views of the
Olympic Mountains inspire students and staff. Outdoor facilities
include an amphitheater, a playfield, and a sports court.
Accreditation- IB World School, authorized to offer the
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme; Cognia; and
Subscriber School, Northwest Association of Independent
Schools.
Admissions- West Sound Academy admits students of any
race, color, or national or ethnic origin. Qualified students are
those who have sound academic records, a sense of individuality,
are motivated toward discovery, demonstrate integrity, and have an
abiding interest in their world.
Students- West Sound Academy students typically come from
all parts of the Kitsap Peninsula and Bainbridge Island, as well as
from eastern Jefferson County. In line with our mission,
approximately 7% of our student body is comprised of international
students. West Sound Academy is a diverse community that affirms
and values people's differences. We have a multiplicity of
backgrounds and perspectives within our school family, and mutual
appreciation and respect are encouraged in our students.
Class Size- Class sizes vary according to grade level and
course, but are always designed to ensure individual attention to
students. The average class size is 16 with typical classes ranging
from 8 students to 21 students.
Student-to-teacher ratio -8 to 1.
Faculty- West Sound Academy's faculty is comprised of
twelve teachers, a full-time librarian, and six administrators and
support staff. The Academy's enthusiastic faculty of talented
professionals fosters curiosity and discovery and stresses critical
thinking and clear communication.
Curriculum-Providing a rigorous academic and art
curriculum to prepare students for college, West Sound Academy is
an IB World School, authorized to deliver theInternational
Baccalaureate Degree Programme (IBDP) for students in Grades 11-12.
The curriculum for Grades 6- 9 is centered on a pre-IBDP course of
study, while Grades 10-11 have a selection of challenging college
preparatory courses in the six academic areas of the Diploma
Programme. The curriculum stresses critical and disciplined
thinking, effective communication and scientific analysis, and
creative problem-solving. Skills introduced and reinforced in the
classroom, including critical reading, critical writing, and
document analysis and evaluation, will prepare students for the
rigors of the Diploma Programme and for success in college after
their years at West Sound. Graduates leave West Sound Academy with
the intellectual, personal, emotional, and social skills to live,
learn and work in a rapidly globalizing world.
Technology- West Sound Academy`s Technology Access Center
provides new learning opportunities in the fields of robotics,
programming, 3-D design, and graphic design. This supports
WSA's Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM)
initiative. The overall objectives of the Tech Center are to
practice problem-solving, teamwork, making, and programming.
West Sound Academy has a Bring Your Own Laptop Computer
policy. WSA students learn the appropriate use of technology
so they can communicate effectively, collect, analyze, process, and
present information, as well as master the technical skills
necessary to succeed in college and later life. Students are
provided Google Apps accounts which include email and other online
collaborative tools. To best utilize online resources, the school
has a state-of-the-art 10 MB+ fiber connection to the Internet with
a campus-wide LAN and WiFi service.
College Placement- 100% of the Class of 2024 admitted to
college.
LeadershipOpportunities- A host of leadership
opportunities are available from serving as officers or grade
representatives on the WSA Student Council to student leadership in
community service, performing arts, publications (yearbook and
literary journal), recreational clubs, and more.
Advisory Program- A small group of students is paired
with a teacher for one or more years. The advisory groups meet four
times a week to discuss important issues and to record reflections
on SAA (Service As Action - for grades 6-10) and CAS (Creativity,
Activity, Service - for grades 11 and 12) activities completed by
the student. The advisor meets with students, teachers, and their
parents for two formal conferences during the school year and on an
as-needed basis. All students and their parents meet with the
student`s advisor and teachers for goal-setting conferences in
October.
June Term - During June Term, the normal class schedule is
suspended, and students study one or two intensive classes of their
choice for the last ten days of the school year. June Term takes
place after spring semester finals. June Term provides a forum
where students put the academic skills they had been building into
practical application.Examples of June-Term offerings
include: Money Management, Rube Goldberg (invention creation), Star
Trek`s Influence on Culture, Cajun Culture and Cuisine, Food
Art, Craft Creations, Athletic Adventures, Gohn Dagow Martial Arts,
Devised Theatre, and Music Ensemble.
Experiential Education - A year at West Sound Academy includes
experiential adventures, beginning with theFall Gathering.
Faculty and students in Grades 6-12 leave the classroom to spend
time outdoors on our twenty-acre campus, sharing meals and field
games, while building friendships and strengthening the school
community. The Juniors participate in a ten-day international
Spanish immersion trip that integrates content from other subjects.
For students in all grades, at the conclusion of the Spring
Semester, West Sound Academy offers half-day and full-day June Term
classes and the option for students to participate in experiential
trips called June TRECs. A June TREC ((Travel, Rethink,
Explore, Connect) is designed to put students into unfamiliar
surroundings where they can have new and different experiences.
TRECs may involve outdoor activities such as rafting, sea-kayaking,
or rock climbing. Other TRECs may include travel: domestic
excursions to other regions of the United States or international
trips to compelling and engaging destinations overseas.
Performance Art - Annual school drama productions;
presentations by visual arts and music students
Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
Dr. Matt Baran-Mickle, PLLC '08 - Naturopathic Physician in Poulsbo, Washington, and Co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer, Lucidum Medicinals
Jason Crabtree '04 - CEO of QOMPLX, where he leads an effort focused on unified Identity Threat Detection and Response, Attack Surface Monitoring and broader open XDR capabilities that include real-time streaming analytics.
Alden Denny '04 - Chief Geoscientist, ADEPTH Minerals, Bergen, Norway. ADEPTH locates deep-sea mineral deposits for responsible extraction and is on track to be awarded exclusive licenses on the Norwegian continental shelf by 2025.
Madeline Reeves '08 - Founder and CEO of Fearless Foundry, a worldwide marketing and consulting firm
Amelia Stier '07 - Design and branding consultant in Los Angeles for large corporate clients, and Graphic Design instructor at ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena
West Sound Academy's tuition is approximately $28,800 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of West Sound Academy?
The acceptance rate of West Sound Academy is 81%, which is lower than the national average of 85%.
Who are famous alumni from West Sound Academy?
West Sound Academy famous alumni include: Dr. Matt Baran-Mickle, PLLC '08, Jason Crabtree '04, Alden Denny '04, Madeline Reeves '08 and Amelia Stier '07.
Does West Sound Academy offer a summer program?
Yes, West Sound Academy offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
When is the application deadline for West Sound Academy?
The application deadline for West Sound Academy is Feb. 15 / Apr. 16 / rolling (applications are due on Feb. 15 / Apr. 16 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
Grades: K-12 | 107 students140.4 miles 10818 NE 117th Avenue Vancouver, WA 98662 (360) 318-0663
140.4
K-12
107
School Reviews
5.00 out of 5(11 reviews)
51/19/2022
I cannot support this school enough. As a student here, I have learned so much and made so many amazing friends and connections. The academics are rigorous - as one might expect - but the community is so supportive that it is not a competition to be the best, but rather how to make yourself the best person you can be. The teachers are very caring and easy to talk to, and often have office hours or other ways to meet with them. I've been able to take University courses outside of WSA, as well as other sports, and still manage extracurricular activities and clubs. WSA also prioritizes the student and legitimately cares about the student holistically. I would highly recommend anyone to this school who wants a spectacular education and a wonderful and growingly diverse community.
- Posted by Student/Alumni - Student
510/9/2020
Our daughter has been at West Sound Academy since middle school, and she is now in high school. Before she started there, she was apathetic about school. This isn't everyone's experience at public school, but for her the classes and classwork were tedious and uninspiring. WSA's magical way of helping students discover their academic abilities and their individuality shifted her view of school and of herself 180 degrees. She is now an excellent student who knows herself and understands what she is capable of. We love West Sound Academy's mission and culture-warm, welcoming, inclusive, and an excellent college preparatory experience. The value, to us, is tremendous. During the pandemic, the school has continued offering that value, remotely. It is the closest thing to in-person school that I can imagine.
- Posted by Parent - Teri Bicknell
510/6/2020
We are very happy with West Sound Academy. It offers a good approach to education, with an experience catered to each student. Class sizes are small, and the school itself is small — ensuring that all the teachers know each student and have a great experience.
- Posted by Parent - Andrew
51/5/2019
We are new parents to WSA and can not say enough positive things about it. Our son suffers from anxiety and the public school system was not a good fit for him. He's a high academic achiever, but was so distracted by misbehavior that he wasn't getting an opportunity to learn. The WSA curriculum goes beyond that of the public schools to encourage the students to be creative and inventive as well as good self-managers.At WSA he is treated as a valued individual and not a number and I can send him to school knowing he will be safe. That is worth more than anything!The WSA faculty has treated us like a family and I am so thankful we have the opportunity to be a part of it.
- Posted by Parent - indimom
512/27/2018
My daughter attended one of the best public high schools in the state for 9th grade and found it lacking an educational challenge and lacking a sense of community. She knew No one At west sound and started at a 10th grader. The students immediately included her and it quickly has become a safe, friendly, welcoming community of students and staff. The academic work is both challenging and interesting and the small class sizes allow teachers to really give the kids the help or extra challenges that they kid to succeed. We`ve looked at so many schools both private and public and we are couldn`t be happier here. I really do think it`s rare to find a school that values academics and works so hard to train students to be caring, thoughtful, kind world citizens.
- Posted by Parent - Robin Hansen
512/27/2018
West Sound Academy is a wonderful school, and my child is flourishing there. The academic program is outstanding, and the excellent teachers are preparing her for success in college, while supporting her as an individual and giving her a safe place to grow. My family loves being a part of WSA!
- Posted by Parent - MJ
511/24/2017
I currently have two students enrolled at West Sound Academy. The curriculum is a great mix of arts and sciences, with the students having a fair amount of flexibility in the path they would like to take. For a small school, there are abundant activities and electives to be a part of, as well as a strong connection to the local public school and parks department for additional opportunities. However, what I appreciate the most about the school is how much they care about the kids, and the way each student is treated like an individual and managed accordingly. My two kids are very different in terms of academic and behavioral concerns. They both have a place at West Sound Academy, and are assisted in ways that fit them individually. This makes me feel so comfortable knowing they are being taught, guided and respected by people who truly care and understand how to help them grow.I am delighted we found the school and every day I thank my stars the kids go to school there.
- Posted by Parent - Mark Phelan
511/24/2017
West Sound was a game changer for our youngest. Smart, talented but shy and quiet, she got lost in the larger public school and was somewhat lost. That plus public school bullying led to feelings of depression. Things completely turned around a WSA. The curriculum is challenging enough for her, but there is so much support, no one ever feels lost or like they will fall between the cracks. If there is ever an issue, the school does it's best to look at the situation, listen to ones view, and work with all parties to solve the issue. No school is perfect, however I feel WSA is willing to address ones concerns in a fair and balanced way. This has been a great fit for us and our child.
- Posted by Parent - ML
55/17/2016
I am so thankful for West Sound Academy and what it offers my daughter academically socially, and emotionally. Small class sizes, dedicated faculty, community-oriented, IB program allows students to begin college as sophomores (saving parents money), focus on math and science as well as the arts, everything I was looking for in a school and more. I am so impressed with this school, it is worth the tuition (and also offers scholarships & financial aid) and compared to Seattle private schools, it's a bargain for what each student receives. I''m so thankful to have this school in Kitsap County--it's truly filling a need no other schools around are. All classes are AP, and any extra help students need is there as well as a truly supportive faculty and administration. An incredible school for parents who want the best for their kids and for kids who want to do well academically and get a little more advantage when it comes to college and his or her future. Kind smart kids doing good things in the community (and the world), truly makes me thankful for West Sound Academy.
- Posted by Parent - kelli
55/17/2016
My sons have both attended West Sound Academy. This school brings to light the true value of learning. That education is the cornerstone in a person's life. The philosophy of creating creative, independent life long learners is seen throughout the entire community. The students are challenged, stretched, and nutured all at the same time. I believe an education from West Sound Academy prepares my child for the future at a level I never imagined was possible when I became a parent. There are caring invested staff. There is a rich international culture. There is a community of students wanting to grow and learn every day. I cannot even beging to put a price on what this school has done for our family.
- Posted by Parent - sarac
57/24/2015
We feel extremely fortunate to have found West Sound Academy. Coming from a homeschool environment, the small class sizes and welcoming atmosphere allowed our children to quickly gain confidence and thrive in this challenging academic environment. The faculty and staff are top-notch and truly treat each child as part of their family. More impressive, are the students themselves. They are extremely conscientious, well-rounded, polite, articulate and support each other. I continue to be extremely impressed with West Sound Academy.
- Posted by Parent - usn2k
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