Explorations Academy (Top Ranked Private School for 2026-27)

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Quick Facts (2026-27)

Top Ranked WA School
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 Rankings

Explorations Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Washington for:

School Facts

School Type

Alternative School

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

Cognia

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades 6-12

Students By Grade

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Distribution of Students By Grade
Grade	Explorations Academy
6	3
7	15
8	7
9	6
10	6
11	7
12	4

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ADD/ADHD Support

Yes

Learning Difference Programs

Yes

Learning Programs Supported

all learners welcome

Year Founded

1995

School Calendar

View School Calendar

Campus Size

13 acres

Student Body

Total Students

48 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

30%

State avg.: 32%

Academics & Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

8 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

6:1

National avg.: 11:1

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

100%

Average Class Size

10 students

List of Courses Offered

Link to List of Courses

Average SAT score

1450

(Out of 1600)

Classroom Dress Code

Casual

Tuition & Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

None / Rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$14,500

View national tuition avg.

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.: 82%

College Acceptance Rate

100%

Admissions Director

Jennifer Dowd

Application URL

Online Application

School Notes

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.

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

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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%.

What is Explorations Academy's ranking?

Explorations Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Washington for: Highest average SAT score and Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees.

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

5.00 out of 5 (2 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.

- Posted by Parent - Skagitista

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.

- Posted by Parent - arack

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Bellingham, WA is $9,617 for elementary schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

The average acceptance rate in Bellingham, WA is 91% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).