Very Good
#28 of 381 private schools in WA
Top 7% of private schools
Explorations Academy
High School
1701 ELLIS ST # 215, Bellingham, WA 98225
Estimated academic score. This school does not have standardized test data. Based on 25 schools in Bellingham. Learn more
Enrollment
40
Student-Teacher
5:1
Score
7.9
Grades
6th – 12th
Enrollment
40
Student-Teacher
5:1
Score
7.9
Grades
6th – 12th
Updated
2021-22
Updated 2021-22
How this school compares
In Bellingham
#3 of 9
public schools
Washington high schools
#5 of 43
About Explorations Academy
Explorations Academy serves 40 students in grades 6-12 in Bellingham, Washington, offering an intimate educational environment with a remarkably low 5.0:1 student-teacher ratio. This small public school provides personalized attention that's difficult to find elsewhere, with eight full-time equivalent teachers working closely with their students throughout the middle and high school years. The school has earned a solid 7.7 out of 10 MySchoolScout rating and ranks 215th among Washington's 381 schools, placing it in the 44th percentile statewide.
This mid-range performance suggests Explorations Academy provides a steady educational foundation while focusing on individualized learning approaches that work well for students who thrive in smaller settings. Located on Ellis Street, the school sits within Bellingham's diverse 98225 ZIP code, where nearly half the adult population holds bachelor's degrees or higher. The surrounding community reflects both educational achievement and economic diversity, with median household incomes of $61,679 and a poverty rate of 22.7 percent.
Home values in the area average $531,200, reflecting Bellingham's appeal as a college town. Explorations Academy's small size and exceptional student-teacher ratio make it an intriguing option for families seeking a more personalized educational experience in Bellingham's vibrant small city setting.
What Parents Should Know
With an enrollment of 40 students, Explorations Academy is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.
With a student-teacher ratio of 5:1, Explorations Academy offers a notably low ratio compared to the national average. This typically means smaller class sizes and more opportunities for one-on-one interaction between students and teachers.
As a private school, Explorations Academy operates independently from the local public school district. Families considering this school should inquire about tuition costs, financial aid availability, and the admissions process. Private schools are not required to follow the same curriculum standards as public schools, which can be either an advantage or a consideration depending on your priorities.
Compare to Public Schools
BetaHow Explorations Academy compares to 19 public schools serving similar grades in Bellingham, WA
Student Demographics
Nearby High Schools
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Explorations Academy (this school) | 7.9 |
| Bellingham High School | 6.2 |
| Options High School | 5.7 |
| Whatcom Co Detention Center | — |
| Whatcom Middle School | 5.6 |
| Bellingham Re-Engagement Program | 6.0 |
| Visions (Seamar Youth Center) | — |
| Sehome High School | 5.5 |
| Kulshan Middle School | 8.1 |
| Meridian Impact Re-Engagement | — |
| Shuksan Middle School | 6.1 |
| Intergenerational High School | 4.1 |
| Bellingham Family Partnership Program | 3.1 |
| Fairhaven Middle School | 7.5 |
| Squalicum High School | 7.2 |
| Meridian High School | 5.1 |
| Meridian Parent Partnership Program | 6.0 |
| Harmony Elementary | 5.5 |
| Lummi Nation Tribal School | 7.7 |
| Lummi High School | — |
Demographics sourced from NCES Private School Survey (PSS) and Common Core of Data (CCD). Comparisons are based on enrollment-weighted averages.
Score Breakdown
What This Rating Measures
This rating reflects classroom size, instructional time, student diversity, community resources, and school characteristics. Private schools are ranked against other private schools in WA.
Data Unavailable
View data sources
Score basis: Private school model
Data coverage: 80% of scoring components had data
Components scored: 4 of 5
Ranking pool: Private schools in WA
Test Scores
Test score data not yet available for this school.
Student Demographics NCES PSS (SY 2021-22)
Source: NCES Private School Survey (PSS)
Location
1701 ELLIS ST # 215, Bellingham, WA 98225
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Explorations Academy may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Bellingham High School (rated 6.2/10, 0.3 miles away), a more accessible option. Another option is Bellingham Re-Engagement Program (rated 6.0/10, 0.8 miles away), a more accessible option. Additionally, Options High School (rated 5.7/10, 0.3 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Bellingham, see our Bellingham schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 2.1 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Bellingham High School Bellingham | 0.3 mi | 6.2 |
| Options High School Bellingham | 0.3 mi | 5.7 |
| ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC SCHOOL Bellingham | 0.4 mi | 8.4 |
| Whatcom Co Detention Center Bellingham | 0.4 mi | — |
| Whatcom Middle School Bellingham | 0.6 mi | 5.6 |
| Carl Cozier Elementary School Bellingham | 0.7 mi | 7.8 |
| CEDAR TREE MONTESSORI Bellingham | 0.8 mi | 6.7 |
| Bellingham Re-Engagement Program Bellingham | 0.8 mi | 6.0 |
| Sunnyland Elementary School Bellingham | 1.1 mi | 6.5 |
| Parkview Elementary School Bellingham | 1.3 mi | 8.2 |
| INDEPENDENCE HIGH SCHOOL Bellingham | 1.1 mi | — |
| GARDENVIEW MONTESSORI Bellingham | 1.0 mi | — |
| Columbia Elementary School Bellingham | 1.2 mi | 6.5 |
| Visions (Seamar Youth Center) Bellingham | 1.4 mi | — |
| ST PAUL'S ACADEMY Bellingham | 1.5 mi | 6.9 |
| Sehome High School Bellingham | 1.8 mi | 5.5 |
| THE FRANKLIN ACADEMY Bellingham | 1.5 mi | 7.9 |
| BELLINGHAM CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Bellingham | 1.7 mi | 6.0 |
| MONTESSORI AT SAMISH WOODS Bellingham | 2.1 mi | 5.8 |
| BLUE HERON MONTESSORI SCHOOL Bellingham | 2.1 mi | — |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 98225 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$62,220
Median Home Value
$588,800
Median Rent
$1,430/mo
Population
50,355
College Educated
48.3%
Homeownership
41%
Avg Commute
19.5 min
Poverty Rate
22.3%
Median Age
32
Community Profile
The community surrounding Explorations Academy has a median household income of $62,220. It is a well-educated community where 48% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $588,800, with a median rent of $1,430/month. The area has a poverty rate of 22.3%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. The average commute for residents is 20 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Alan T. Sugiyama High School Seattle, WA | 7.9 |
| Leaders In Learning Monroe, WA | 8.0 |
| Palouse High School Palouse, WA | 7.8 |
| Lacrosse High School Lacrosse, WA | 8.1 |
| WASHINGTON PREPARATORY SCHOOL Bothell, WA | 8.1 |
| Choice Academy Kingston, WA | 7.7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Explorations Academy
What grades does Explorations Academy serve?
Explorations Academy serves students in grades 6th through 12th.
How many students attend Explorations Academy?
Explorations Academy has an enrollment of approximately 40 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Explorations Academy?
The student-teacher ratio at Explorations Academy is 5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 11:1 for private schools.
How does Explorations Academy rank in WA?
Explorations Academy is ranked #28 out of 381 private schools in WA.
What is Explorations Academy's MySchoolScout rating?
Explorations Academy has a composite rating of 7.9 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
Is Explorations Academy a private school?
Yes, Explorations Academy is a private coeducational school with a Nonsectarian affiliation. Private schools are not required to participate in state standardized testing, so academic performance data may be limited compared to public schools.
Is Explorations Academy a religious school?
No, Explorations Academy is a nonsectarian (non-religious) private school.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES PSS (SY 2021-22)
- Grades
- 6th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 40
- Gender Split
- 50% M / 50% F
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 5:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 8
- Type
- private
- Coed Status
- coed
- Affiliation
- Nonsectarian
- School Day
- 7 hours
- Days Per Year
- 180 days
- Setting
- Small City
- County
- WHATCOM
- Phone
- (360) 671-8085
- Data Year
- 2022–2023
Resources & Links
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
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