Explorations Academy... An education that matters. Explorations is a fully-accredited independent school with a focus on experiential learning, creative development, character building, and college preparation.
Students average one day per week on field outings throughout the region and also participate in annual, month-long overseas expeditions.
Our innovative approach prepares students to become globally-aware leaders for positive change in the 21st Century.
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- School Type: Alternative School
- Grades: 6-12
- Enrollment: 48 students
- Yearly Tuition: $14,500
- Acceptance rate: 80%
- Average class size: 10 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 6-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
all learners welcome
Year Founded
1995
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Fri. Jun 12, 2026
Campus Size
13 acres
Student Body
Total Students
48 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
30%
State avg.: 31%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
8 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
100%
Average Class Size
10 students
List of Courses Offered
Average SAT score
1450
(Out of 1600)
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$14,500
Tuition Notes
We have scholarship and financial aid programs to make an Explorations Academy education accessible to every appropriate student
% on Financial Aid
65%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$7,000
Acceptance Rate
80%
National avg.: 81%
College Acceptance Rate
100%
Admissions Director
Jennifer Dowd
Application URL
Endowment Size
$0.9 million
School Notes
- School Motto: Empowering Students to Explore, Discover and Thrive
- School Mascot: Penguin
- Explorations Academy (EA) is our area's only fully-accredited independent high school and provides an experiential curriculum that ignites a passion for learning and inspires creativity, curiosity, and desire to learn in young people who are highly capable yet under-performing in traditional high school settings. It is our priority to encourage bright and capable, yet bored youth to excel academically and create opportunities for life-long success. We expose students to real life experiences to ensure that our students are well prepared to be tomorrow`s innovators, leaders, and engaged citizens.
- Committed to intercultural education, we have hosted international students for one or more academic years. Our school attracts students from southern British Columbia and we are close to a bus line that connects us easily to transportation from neighboring counties. Students also have traveled on international study/service expeditions to places as diverse as Peru, India, Thailand, Cuba, Kenya, Guatemala, and Indonesia.
- Our academic program is college-preparatory, interdisciplinary, and challenging. We offer an experiential approach draws students into the real world through field studies, guest speakers, and service opportunities that complement classroom learning. The curriculum is relevant to current events with small class sizes and integrated subject matter. Evaluation methods emphasize individualized performance assessments, self-reflection and demonstration of skills and knowledge and are not focused on standardized testing.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Explorations Academy cost?
Explorations Academy's tuition is approximately $14,500 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Explorations Academy?
The acceptance rate of Explorations Academy is 80%, which is lower than the national average of 82%.
When is the application deadline for Explorations Academy?
The application deadline for Explorations Academy is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is Explorations Academy located?
Explorations Academy is located in the Sunnyland neighborhood of Bellingham, WA. There are 1 other private schools located in Sunnyland.
School Reviews
5 3/6/2020
My kids just started their second year at Explorations and they couldn't wait to get back to school. They love the trips and hands-on activities, the close friendships they can forge in a small community, and the authentic approach to learning. Last year my son had an amazing trip to Vietnam that really expanded his knowledge range and interests. My middle schooler developed a strong friend group and a newfound interest in math. The school sets high expectations and the students seem genuinely motivated to meet and exceed those expectations, and they thrive in a social environment where trust and mutual respect are valued and practiced. The curriculum is rigorous but really engaging; the faculty are dedicated to their craft and to each of the students, and the trips and hands-on approach to learning make for an enriching educational environment. I feel that my kids are being well prepared for a future (including college) as caring, competent, and well-rounded adults.
5 1/19/2016
My daughter has just completed her first semester at EA and we are all thrilled with the education she is being offered! Not only is she receiving the academic rigor she's been craving, she is also getting mentorship from intelligent and wise faculty in how to develop as a human being. I can't imagine a better environment for my teenager to grow.
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