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Needs Improvement

#2086 of 2,228 schools in WA

South Whidbey Academy

High School · South Whidbey School District

5675 Maxwelton Road, Langley, WA 98260

Enrollment

43

Student-Teacher

43:1

Score

3.8

Grades

10th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Washington schools

#2,086 of 2,228

In Langley

#4 of 4

public schools

In district

#4 of 4

South Whidbey School District

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South Whidbey Academy

3.8/10

High School in Langley · grades 10th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

South Whidbey Middle

6.1/10

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

South Whidbey High School

7.6/10

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

About South Whidbey Academy

South Whidbey Academy is a public high school in Langley, WA, part of South Whidbey School District. South Whidbey Academy serves approximately 43 students, and covers grades 10th-12th, and has a 43:1 student-teacher ratio. South Whidbey Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.8 out of 10 and ranks #2,086 of 2,228 schools in WA.

Structured state assessment records for South Whidbey Academy show 29% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2010-2019) and 62% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2010-2024).

How it compares1.9 pts below district
  • This school 3.8 · Needs Improvement
  • District avg 5.7
  • WA avg 5.8

What Parents Should Know

At 43 students, South Whidbey Academy is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.

South Whidbey Academy runs 43:1 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.

South Whidbey Academy sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress3.2Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data12
Annual Change-2.5 pts/yr
Data Period2010–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics2.9Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency10% (2019 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency38.5% (2024 SBA)
Reading vs. State Avg-22.7 pts
Overall Proficiency24% (2024 SBA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)42% (model expectation from 2024 SBA)
vs. Expected-17.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile11th
College Readiness6.8Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment1.1Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio43:1
Per-Pupil Spending$18,378
Chronic Absenteeism93%

South Whidbey Academy — Students at South Whidbey Academy score 24% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 42%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

55.8%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores WA SBA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 28.6% (multi-year average, 2010-2019)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 61.6% (multi-year average, 2010-2024)
School
State
55.9% (2024 SBA)

Based on 23 test records from WA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2010
Math
24.5%
ELA
75%
2011
Math
75%
ELA
75%
2012
Math
49.5%
ELA
49.5%
2013
Math
24.5%
2014
Math
24.5%
ELA
44.5%
2015
Math
15%
ELA
54.5%
2016
ELA
75%
2017
Math
24.5%
ELA
75%
2018
Math
10%
ELA
69.5%
2019
Math
10%
ELA
69.5%
2022
ELA
75%
2024
ELA
38.5%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 3.2/10.

How South Whidbey Academy Compares

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

Overall Score
3.8/10
6th percentile in WA
Academic
2.9/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
3.2/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
1.1/10
Needs Improvement
Advanced STEM
2/5
Subjects offered

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
56%
Teaching Staff
43:1 student-teacher ratio
1 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
93.0%

Programs & Offerings

Advanced STEM Courses2 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22

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

Location

5675 Maxwelton Road, Langley, WA 98260

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering South Whidbey Academy may also want to explore other high schools in the area. South Whidbey High School (rated 7.6/10), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Kamiak High School (rated 5.8/10, 8.7 miles away, in nearby Mukilteo), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Langley, see our Langley schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 10.1 mi
School Distance Rating
South Whidbey Middle Langley 0.0 mi 6.1
South Whidbey High School Langley 0.0 mi 7.6
South Whidbey Special Services Langley 0.2 mi
ISLAND CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Langley 0.6 mi 6.5
South Whidbey Elementary Langley 0.6 mi 5.8
WHIDBEY ISLAND WALDORF SCHOOL Clinton 1.8 mi 5.2
Mukilteo Elementary Mukilteo 7.0 mi 8.2
Olympic View Middle School Mukilteo 7.2 mi 6.8
Columbia Elementary Mukilteo 8.6 mi 6.6
Kamiak High School Mukilteo 8.7 mi 5.8
Harbour Pointe Middle School Mukilteo 8.7 mi 6.3
Elger Bay Elementary Camano Island 10.0 mi 4.9
Endeavour Elementary Mukilteo 9.5 mi 7.4
NORTHSHORE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Everett 7.9 mi 5.1
Picnic Point Elementary Edmonds 10.2 mi 8.2
Serene Lake Elementary Edmonds 10.6 mi 6.9
ECEAP Mukilteo 10.3 mi 5.3
MUKILTEO ACADEMY Mukilteo 10.4 mi
Fairmount Elementary Everett 10.1 mi 4.8
Pathfinder Kindergarten Center Everett 10.1 mi 7.7

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 98260 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$100,490

Median Home Value

$646,100

Median Rent

$1,455/mo

Population

5,480

College Educated

53.8%

Homeownership

83%

Poverty Rate

6.7%

Median Age

63.7

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
H.e.a.r.t. High School Rochester, WA 4.0
Sky Valley Options Sultan, WA 3.4
Student Link Vashon, WA 4.2
Prescott High School Prescott, WA 4.8
Lyle High School Lyle, WA 4.9
Cowlitz Prairie Academy Toledo, WA 5.0

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about South Whidbey Academy

What grades does South Whidbey Academy serve?

South Whidbey Academy serves students in grades 10th through 12th.

How many students attend South Whidbey Academy?

South Whidbey Academy has an enrollment of approximately 43 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at South Whidbey Academy?

The student-teacher ratio at South Whidbey Academy is 43:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does South Whidbey Academy rank in WA?

South Whidbey Academy ranks #2,086 of 2,228 schools in WA.

What is South Whidbey Academy's MySchoolScout rating?

South Whidbey Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.8 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 South Whidbey Academy?

Based on loaded state assessment records, South Whidbey Academy has 29% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2010-2019) and 62% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2010-2024).

Is South Whidbey Academy a charter school?

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

Is South Whidbey Academy a Title I school?

No, South Whidbey Academy is not currently a Title I school.

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

55.8% of students at South Whidbey 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
9 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
26 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
10th – 12th
Enrollment
43
Student-Teacher Ratio
43:1
Teachers (FTE)
1
Free/Reduced Lunch
55.8%
Type
alternative
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
Island County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
93.0%

District

South Whidbey School District
District Enrollment
1,173
Schools in District
5
Per-Pupil Spending
$18,378
District Rank
#4 of 4

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