Explorations Academy

1701 Ellis Street

Bellingham, WA 98225

18 Reviews

School District
Grade

6-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on August 27, 2024

My child is challenged to think deeply about himself, his connection with his peers and community, and empowered to make a real positive difference in our community and the environment. This is important to me because, as his parent, I love seeing him feel a sense of belonging and feel like he has something valuable to contribute to this world. The staff is AMAZING and take time to know his individual needs while out in the world connecting with people and places that we wouldn't be able to access as a family. THANK YOU!
Submitted by parent on August 23, 2019

I absolutely recommend this school to any student that is looking for a caring, compassionate staff and a different way of learning. They teach beyond the book.
Submitted by parent on May 17, 2019

Excellent school! So much better than we even anticipated. We plan to stay for 5 years until our child's graduation.
Submitted by parent on May 14, 2019

My son has been appreciated for his strengths while being supported in areas where needed. The staff and community are the beat!!
Submitted by parent on January 03, 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.
Submitted by parent on April 17, 2015

Words that I never, I mean never ever in a billion years, thought I'd hear out of my 16 year old son ."Mom, I can't wait to work on my science homework. It's going to be so cool. Do you wanna hear my idea?" Need I say more? Thank you Explorations Academy!
Submitted by teacher on December 18, 2014

Posted with permission from a parent: "What a difference you have made in his life and in his education, and in our lives; it is a joy and a relief to see [my child's] true self again. Thank you!
Submitted by parent on December 09, 2014

I watched my daughter, a very bright and creative introvert enter Explorations Academy as a student who liked to observe and not offer her perspective or share her insights in groups, a student who held back in giving her all to her assigned work, avoid attending school whenever possible, doing bare minimum - go to being an A student, pushing her boundaries, giving her best, challenging herself, engaged with the teachers and fellow students, inspired to do her work, develop independence, accountability, confidence and courage. One of the most jaw dropping developments was discovering her ability to write with profound depth and flow - insights that moved me so deeply. This creative ability was nurtured and encouraged by her adviser and mentor Kiira, who coordinates the fantastic mentoring program in the school. Explorations Academy has such a commitment to acknowledging the students as individuals, in community . The teachers and staff are an incredible community of people who are dedicated to an education that prepares students to be the best they can be - confident, connected, capable, present, well educated individuals. Thank you Explorations Academy - WOW, what a gift!!!!
Submitted by parent on December 21, 2013

My son has just completed his first term at Explorations Academy High School. He began his freshman year of high school at a good public high school here in Bellingham. Within that first year he came to realize that he wanted to learn in smaller classrooms, have more dedicated attention from his teachers because of the smaller class size and be challenged to find his destiny and his fullest human potential. He seems to have found that here at Explorations Academy. Each of the teachers challenge him to find his own voice, to be held accountable for his finest work and acknowledge the unique human being that his is. The curriculum and the teachers model the possibility of crafting a life rather then just living their life. They encourage the students to find a life of "meaning" rather then simply "doing". We are very happy to have found such a supportive place for our son as well as a place that prepares young people to enter their world with the confidence and compassion to make a difference.
Submitted by parent on May 18, 2013

As the father of a 16 year old daughter attending Explorations Academy, I am nothing short of amazed at what this team is accomplishing. My daughter is inspired, engaged, activated, charged with energy and thriving. I could list many areas in which I have seen growth since she began, but I will mention just one: her ability to express herself. Since starting at Explorations, Samia's ability to articulate her ideas and in particular, her opinions have blossomed substantially. This is no doubt the work of the intellectually potent class environment... Adding to and reinforcing these abilities have been a huge leap in her vocabulary. What you are doing is academically expansive - no explosive - while staying exceptionally relevant to the life of an adolescent and at the same time to the needs of a rapidly changing world which is in many ways in crisis. All the while, you have incorporated the arts, exercise and movement, wilderness exploration and international excursions - not as isolated items, but integrated seamlessly into the organic nature of how the terms are designed. The teacher s dedication, creativity and enthusiasm for the curriculum is clear. Well done!
Submitted by parent on March 02, 2013

My son is in his first year at Exploration. I am excited to see how he has developed confidence as a student. The caring staff has supported and encouraged him in his development. They teach the students to be comfortable with who they are while encouraging them to strive for excellence. My son is learning amongst a peer group that respects each person s individuality both socially and academically. It is a psychologically safe environment where students do not have to be distracted with social posturing and can focus on learning in a cooperative, healthy social environment. Through practical involvement in the local and global community, students develop a sense of hope and capability while learning in and about the world. I am happy to see my son excited about going to school and enthusiastic about learning.
Submitted by other on February 08, 2012

I have spent quite a bit of time at Explorations as a visiting educator. I have been blown away by the curriculum, field opportunities and sense of community I have seen. It is highly evident that the staff is very passionate about teaching, but also about learning. They consistently strive to create meaningful curriculum and present it in a fresh, exciting way to tailor to many different learning styles. In turn, the students feel comfortable discussing, analyzing, thinking critically, and immersing themselves in what they are learning. Because they are committed to their education, and have faith in their teachers, they have respect for each other as individual thinkers, their facility, and the ongoing opportunities they have as students. I have been in many different schools, but have never seen the students and the staff come together to build a foundation of wellness, education, and community that thrives. They go beyond jumping through educational loopholes; the learning is meaningful and applicable. The students are becoming passionate, respectful critical thinkers that will benefit the well-being of their communities.
Submitted by parent on January 05, 2012

I visited the site last night. Students, parents and staff gathered for a potluck dinner and presentation by the head administrator. It was refreshing to be lead as a group to discuss current topics in our lives and our community. Each table was a mix of parents, students and staff, therefore we had an opportunity to hear from three aspects of the school community. Not only do I get a sense of the students' perspective, but I get to share with them how I value their learning environment and share with them my desire to support them in their academic and personal growth.
Submitted by parent on September 19, 2011

My son attended Explorations Academy for four years and recently graduated. He is a very bright and unusually creative young person who just didn't fit into the institutional school mold. At Explorations, he was able to find his own path and express himself in his own ways -- while being exposed to very bright and creative teachers and a highly relevant academic curriculum. Further, Explorations provided him the opportunity to travel to India, Peru, and Kenya during his high school years, which gave him a window on global citizenship most young people only dream of. He is now in his second year at university and our family is very grateful for the experience he had at Explorations Academy.
Submitted by parent on July 01, 2011

It is hard to overstate what a great experience Explorations Academy has been for my son. He graduated last month with a wealth of experience most don t receive in a life time. Not only did he do well in his studies he got to travel to Cuba this year to learn firsthand the differences between our two countries. (He had gone to Guatemala for a month his first year at Explorations and to Indonesia for a month his junior year.) He ranked in the top 90 percentile of all American students when he took his SATs this year and if this wasn t enough to be impressed with the job Explorations was doing just ask my son and he will tell you that he really enjoyed going to school there. As a parent I can only say how proud I am of my son and how happy I am with Explorations Academy.
Submitted by parent on April 14, 2011

Explorations Academy is providing the best possible atmosphere for learning and engaging in community based activities. My daughter can wake up knowing it is going to be a rough day and still WANTS to go to school because she feels committed to doing her best. An outstanding staff combined with a curriculum that addresses education in a holistic manner. Academics, while rigorous, are meaningful and relevant in todays world. I feel extremely grateful to be a part of this foreward thinking educational institution. Parent of 14 yr old current student
Submitted by parent on September 20, 2010

My daughter attended Explorations Academy 10 years ago and is still filled with the glow of experiential learning. The staff is so engaged in teaching, it was hard to resist their contagious enthusiasm. My daughter's learning style was finally recognized and appreciated by the staff and with her new confidence, propelled herself through university with goals for graduation. She is now a happy well adjusted employed person who is engaged in the world.
Submitted by parent on September 15, 2010

Pinch me, I must be dreaming. I asked my son how his day at school was. His response, and I quote, "It was reallyygood." I thought to myself - did he just say IT WAS REALLY GOOD!?!?!?! WOW!!!! I am quite certain that he has NEVER sad that before. In the short time he's been there we already see the seeds of change - he feels like he belongs, he feels like he counts, and that he has a responsibility to himself to take charge of his education, and his life.