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Needs Improvement

#2127 of 2,228 schools in WA

Explorer Academy

School · South Kitsap School District

2689 HOOVER AVE SE, Port Orchard, WA 98366

Enrollment

290

Student-Teacher

29:1

Score

3.6

Grades

Kindergarten – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Washington schools

#2,127 of 2,228

In Port Orchard

#17 of 17

public schools

In district

#17 of 17

South Kitsap School District

Academic growth

7.5 / 10

Very Good

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Explorer Academy

3.6/10

School in Port Orchard · grades Kindergarten – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

South Kitsap High School

5.6/10

0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

East Port Orchard Elementary

5.1/10

0.9 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Explorer Academy

Explorer Academy is a public school in Port Orchard, WA, part of South Kitsap School District. Explorer Academy serves approximately 290 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-12th, and has a 29:1 student-teacher ratio. Explorer Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.6 out of 10 and ranks #2,127 of 2,228 schools in WA.

Structured state assessment records for Explorer Academy show 29% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 60% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares3.3 pts below district
  • This school 3.6 · Needs Improvement
  • District avg 6.9
  • WA avg 6.4

What Parents Should Know

Test scores at Explorer Academy sit below average, but its growth scores are strong: students here make above-average progress year over year. The raw numbers haven't caught up, but a school that keeps moving kids forward is doing the harder, more important work.

Explorer Academy runs 29:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress7.5Very Good25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data13
Annual Change-1.17 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics3.3Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency13.3% (2024 SBA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency41.4% (2024 SBA)
Math vs. State Avg-25.1 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-11.2 pts
Overall Proficiency27% (2024 SBA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)47% (model expectation from 2024 SBA)
vs. Expected-19.2 pts
Adjusted Percentile14th
College Readiness1.6Needs Improvement30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation1.4%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment2.1Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio29:1
Per-Pupil Spending$18,543

Explorer Academy — Students at Explorer Academy score 27% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 47%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

47.9%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores WA SBA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 29.3% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
36.1% (2024 SBA)
ELA Proficiency 59.8% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
51.6% (2024 SBA)

Based on 38 test records from WA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
22%
ELA
67%
2010
Math
37%
ELA
67%
2011
Math
57%
ELA
72%
2012
Math
47%
ELA
72%
2013
Math
52%
ELA
72%
2014
Math
37%
ELA
62%
2015
Math
27%
ELA
57%
2016
Math
32%
ELA
72%
2017
Math
32%
ELA
57%
2018
Math
22%
ELA
82%
2019
Math
22%
ELA
82%
2022
Math
32.9%
ELA
67%
2024
Math
12.2%
ELA
41.2%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 7.5/10.

How Explorer Academy Compares

See how Explorer Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
3.6/10
5th percentile in WA
Academic
3.3/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
7.5/10
Very Good
Environment
2.1/10
Needs Improvement
AP Courses
2
State avg: 2.8
Advanced STEM
4/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
48%
Teaching Staff
29:1 student-teacher ratio
10 teachers

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs2 AP courses offered
1.4% participation·State avg: 2.8 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses4 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

2689 HOOVER AVE SE, Port Orchard, WA 98366

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Explorer Academy may also want to explore other schools in the area. Cedar Heights Middle School (rated 8.7/10, 2.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Orchard Heights Elementary (rated 8.1/10, 1.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA CATHOLIC SCHOOL (rated 6.9/10, 2.3 miles away, in nearby Bremerton), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Port Orchard, see our Port Orchard schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.6 mi
School Distance Rating
South Kitsap High School Port Orchard 0.2 mi 5.6
East Port Orchard Elementary Port Orchard 0.9 mi 5.1
DISCOVERY MONTESSORI Port Orchard 0.8 mi
Marcus Whitman Middle School Port Orchard 0.9 mi 6.4
Discovery Port Orchard 1.0 mi 5.7
Madrona Heights Port Orchard 1.0 mi 5.4
Orchard Heights Elementary Port Orchard 1.1 mi 8.1
BETHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH & EARLY LEARNING CENTER Port Orchard 1.5 mi 3.6
OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA CATHOLIC SCHOOL Bremerton 2.3 mi 6.9
Hidden Creek Elementary School Port Orchard 2.5 mi 5.8
Catalyst Public Schools Bremerton 2.6 mi 4.1
Cedar Heights Middle School Port Orchard 2.1 mi 8.7
Bremerton High School Bremerton 2.7 mi 3.0
Naval Avenue Elementary School Bremerton 2.7 mi 5.6
Sidney Glen Elementary School Port Orchard 2.6 mi 5.6
Mountain View Middle School Bremerton 3.2 mi 4.2
Kitsap Co Detention Ctr Port Orchard 2.4 mi
Renaissance Alternative High School Bremerton 2.8 mi 5.0
Special Services Bremerton 2.8 mi
West Hills S.T.E.M. Academy Bremerton 2.6 mi 5.2

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 98366 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$88,807

Median Home Value

$449,700

Median Rent

$1,704/mo

Population

37,692

College Educated

26.2%

Homeownership

66%

Avg Commute

32.5 min

Poverty Rate

11%

Median Age

38.4

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Kelso Virtual Academy Longview, WA 3.4
Pacific Crest Online Academy West Richland, WA 3.4
Bellingham Family Partnership Program Bellingham, WA 3.2
CENTRALIA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Centralia, WA 4.1
UNITED SEATTLE&BELLEVUE KOREAN SCH BELLEVUE CAMPUS Bellevue, WA 3.1
Saratoga School Stanwood, WA 4.2

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Explorer Academy

What grades does Explorer Academy serve?

Explorer Academy serves students in grades Kindergarten through 12th.

How many students attend Explorer Academy?

Explorer Academy has an enrollment of approximately 290 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Explorer Academy?

The student-teacher ratio at Explorer Academy is 29:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Explorer Academy rank in WA?

Explorer Academy ranks #2,127 of 2,228 schools in WA.

What is Explorer Academy's MySchoolScout rating?

Explorer Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.6 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Explorer Academy?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Explorer Academy has 29% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 60% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Explorer Academy a charter school?

No, Explorer Academy is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Explorer Academy a Title I school?

No, Explorer Academy is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Explorer Academy?

47.9% of students at Explorer Academy qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
57 Somewhat Walkable
Bike Score
38 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 12th
Enrollment
290
Student-Teacher Ratio
29:1
Teachers (FTE)
10
Free/Reduced Lunch
47.9%
Type
alternative
Setting
Small City
County
Kitsap County

District

South Kitsap School District
District Enrollment
9,297
Schools in District
17
Per-Pupil Spending
$18,543
District Rank
#17 of 17

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