Orcas Island High School

Posted: February 18, 2017

For a very small school, Orcas does a tremendous job of providing quality, career/college preparatory education with a broad course offering. The staff is enthusiastic about the development of the students and providing unique opportunities for engaging with the wider world.

Like many schools, funding here is a challenge and perhaps more so in a county with the 2nd lowest property tax rate in the state of Washington. In spite of that, the school seems to do a good job of apportioning their limited funds appropriately.

I'm a bit dismayed by older comments decrying harassment, intimidation and bullying. I see zero evidence of that within this school. The small cohort year groups are generally very tight, in spite of their diversity in social status, political outlook or background, gender identity, sexual orientation, etc. The comments may have been accurate in the past, but I see no evidence of such a problem today (as limited as a parent's perspective can be)

Posted: May 9, 2016

Student leadership and school spirit efforts have brought new life to the school. Not only do students perform well in the classroom they are also proud of their school.

Posted: August 10, 2014

Harassment,Intimidation and Bullying is rampant at this school do to the unprofessional conduct of the Superintendent and Principal .They do not report/document incidents.They do not document investigation reports.It's look the other way and hope the parents just give up and drop it.The schools H.I.B. Policy hasn't been sent out for many years to parents.This policy contains all the information for all parents to properly advocate for their children.This school is a train wreck when it comes to the Superintendent and her intimidating tactics of running the whole show.She is the Compliance Officer,The Superintendent,and also Writes all the final decisions for the School Board.Truly a conflict of interest.

Posted: December 29, 2011

I've had one child graduate from this school and one in the process. They are both gifted and motivated students. They have had every educational opportunity provided and I can't speak highly enough about the staff and teachers who care about every student and are there to teach and guide in every way. The Principal/Superintendent does a superb job and is involved in all aspects of running the school. She always has a moment to consult with parents and students and has provided valuable information for my child's post high school future and my younger child's choices to accomplish her goals. My kids especially like the math and science classes. The kids are well prepared for college when they graduate from OHS . Although funds are limited, the staff works out ways for students to pursue their interests and make learning interesting and challenging. I've had experiences with other schools and this school far outshines them in every way. Every school is hurting for money right now and this one is no exception. There is a lot of community support and they are doing an excellent job with the resources available. I have never seen any of the issues described in another review.

Posted: August 27, 2011

Warning: This school has demonstrated deficiencies in dealing with harassment issues, in working with gifted students, and with funding. Several families recently have felt compelled to pull their students from this school and enroll them in an alternative setting because of these and other troubling and ongoing problems at the school. These situations are particularly troublesome due to the lack of nearby education alternatives as there would be in a mainland setting, and the ability to attend a different school is limited by ferry schedules, weather events, etc.

Posted: April 26, 2010

I can't imagine a better high school experience that the one offered at Orcas Island High School, where I graduated a few years ago. The teachers are very smart people who care about their students. They also know how to engage their classes. The principal (now superintendent?) works hard to provide every kid with the opportunities that he or she needs to do well after high school. She has a history of making tough decisions that put her students' needs first. The classes are often small and every kid is treated as a unique individual.

Posted: April 17, 2010

I can not understand why there is a very low rating on this incredible school that has received all sorts of statewide acclaim as well as recognition by US News and World Report. The students have a history of maintaining the same GPA at universities all across the country that they received in high school. What more would anyone want?