Island County Schools & Education
Island County, Washington
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
58/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
87.7%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
87.7%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 81.4%
Per-Pupil Spending
$9,045
National avg $13,239
State avg $9,250
School Score
58/100
Higher = better
State avg 51/100
Student-Teacher Ratio
N/A
National avg 15.8 : 1
Free Lunch (Median)
N/A
National median 48.2%
State School Rank
#7
of 39 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Island County
School Verdict
Island County performs at an average level with a school score of 58/100 and a solid graduation rate of 87.7%.
Funding Context
Island County spends $9,045 per student, which is on the lower end of adequate and may require careful resource allocation to maintain quality.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Island County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 14% above the Washington average, and its graduation rate exceeds the state average by 6.3 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 2% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Island County, Washington
Comprehensive Education Across Three Districts
Island County provides education for 8,629 students through 26 public schools managed by three primary districts. The county’s facilities include 10 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 8 high schools. Specialized needs are met by 5 alternative schools and 3 special education centers.
Excellent Outcomes and Academic Scores
The county features a strong 87.7% graduation rate, exceeding both state and national averages. With a school score of 56.7, Island County ranks well above the state average of 53.9. These results are achieved with a per-pupil spend of $9,045, showcasing high efficiency in educational delivery.
Oak Harbor Dominates the Island
Oak Harbor School District is the largest by far, serving 5,730 students across 12 different schools. South Whidbey and Coupeville districts manage the rest of the island’s student population with 1,202 and 1,055 students respectively. Charter schools do not currently operate within the county.
A Blend of Towns and Rural Beauty
The county’s schools are split between 14 town locations and 12 rural settings, offering a quintessential island experience. The average school size is 360 students, though Oak Harbor High School stands out with 1,566 students. This allows for both small-community feels and larger, comprehensive high school experiences.
Invest in a Community with Great Schools
Island County’s high graduation rates and academic scores make it a top choice for families moving to the region. Proximity to Oak Harbor or Coupeville schools is often a major factor in local home-buying decisions. Discover the benefits of island living combined with a high-performing public school system.
School Overview
Total Schools
26
in Island County
Total Enrollment
8,629
students
School Districts
3
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
3 School Districts in Island County
Oak Harbor School District
South Whidbey School District
Coupeville School District
26 Public Schools in Island County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oak Harbor High School | Oak Harbor School District | 9–12 | High | 1,566 |
| Oak Harbor Intermediate School | Oak Harbor School District | 5–6 | Middle | 768 |
| North Whidbey Middle School | Oak Harbor School District | 7–8 | Middle | 721 |
| South Whidbey Elementary | South Whidbey School District | KG–6 | Primary | 571 |
| Hillcrest Elementary | Oak Harbor School District | KG–4 | Primary | 502 |
| Coupeville Elementary School | Coupeville School District | PK–5 | Primary | 491 |
| Crescent Harbor Elem | Oak Harbor School District | KG–4 | Primary | 481 |
| Olympic View Elem | Oak Harbor School District | KG–4 | Primary | 443 |
| South Whidbey High School | South Whidbey School District | 9–12 | High | 384 |
| Broad View Elementary | Oak Harbor School District | KG–4 | Primary | 380 |
| Oak Harbor Elementary | Oak Harbor School District | PK–4 | Primary | 369 |
| Elger Bay Elementary | Stanwood-Camano School District | KG–5 | Primary | 355 |
| Coupeville High School | Coupeville School District | 9–12 | High | 289 |
| Utsalady Elementary | Stanwood-Camano School District | KG–5 | Primary | 287 |
| Special Education | Oak Harbor School District | PK | Special Education | 248 |
| Coupeville Middle School | Coupeville School District | 6–8 | Middle | 216 |
| South Whidbey Middle | South Whidbey School District | 7–8 | Middle | 204 |
| Homeconnection | Oak Harbor School District | KG–12 | Alternative | 124 |
| Oak Harbor Virtual Academy | Oak Harbor School District | KG–12 | Alternative | 109 |
| Open Den | Coupeville School District | 9–12 | Alternative | 57 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$9,045
State avg $9,250
Find Homes Near Top Schools
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Island County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Island County?
How much does Island County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Island County, Washington — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Island County, Washington?
Island County provides education for 8,629 students through 26 public schools managed by three primary districts. The county’s facilities include 10 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 8 high schools. Specialized needs are met by 5 alternative schools and 3 special education centers.
How do schools in Island County perform academically?
The county features a strong 87.7% graduation rate, exceeding both state and national averages. With a school score of 56.7, Island County ranks well above the state average of 53.9. These results are achieved with a per-pupil spend of $9,045, showcasing high efficiency in educational delivery.
What are the major school districts in Island County, Washington?
Oak Harbor School District is the largest by far, serving 5,730 students across 12 different schools. South Whidbey and Coupeville districts manage the rest of the island’s student population with 1,202 and 1,055 students respectively. Charter schools do not currently operate within the county.
What is the school experience like in Island County?
The county’s schools are split between 14 town locations and 12 rural settings, offering a quintessential island experience. The average school size is 360 students, though Oak Harbor High School stands out with 1,566 students. This allows for both small-community feels and larger, comprehensive high school experiences.
How can I find homes near good schools in Island County, Washington?
Island County’s high graduation rates and academic scores make it a top choice for families moving to the region. Proximity to Oak Harbor or Coupeville schools is often a major factor in local home-buying decisions. Discover the benefits of island living combined with a high-performing public school system.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.