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West Sound Academy is an independent private school in Poulsbo, Washington, United States, offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP). The school serves students in grades 6 through 12 and operates as an IB World School. The campus is located at 16571 Creative Drive NE, Poulsbo, WA 98370. With a focus on the IB DP, the school provides a continuous program for middle and high school students within the United States. This arrangement supports a consistent IB experience as students progress from early adolescence to late adolescence within the same IB framework. As an independent school, West Sound Academy emphasizes its IB curriculum within a U.S. educational setting. Prospective families seeking an internationally oriented preparation for secondary education will find the DP central to the school's offerings. The campus environment supports collaboration, guided inquiry, and global citizenship as part of West Sound Academy's commitment to preparing students for education paths.
West Sound Academy has 100 pupils, typical class sizes of 15, instruction in English.
Location
16571 Creative Dr NE, Poulsbo, WA 98370. The campus sits on 20 acres with views of Liberty Bay.
Stages
Grades 6–12; middle and high school; offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in the junior and senior years.
Type
An independent school in Washington state.
Country affiliation
United States
Bus service
Daily bus service to Bainbridge Island; transportation for students from Bainbridge Island and Port Townsend.
Fees
Application fees - There is a $60 fee to submit the sliding-scale (Clarity) tuition application. - No separate, mandatory admissions application fee is published in the school's publicly posted admissions/tuition materials.
Tuition — structure and amounts (by academic year / year group) - Tuition is set using a sliding-scale model and is stated as an annual amount that is assigned to each family based on financial information; families who do not apply to the sliding scale pay the maximum rate. - Published annual tuition range for the upcoming year: USD 4,900 – USD 29,600 (annual). - Program fee (charged per student, per academic year): USD 300 for Grades 6–8; USD 500 for Grades 9–12. The program fee covers bound and digital textbooks, student planners and binders, online subscriptions, IB exam fees, club fees, and most school trips (optional June TREC trips are not included). - Homestay (for international students needing a host family) is charged separately: USD 18,000 (annual). This is not an on-campus boarding charge but a homestay accommodation charge when a host family placement is required. - Summary: tuition is expressed as an annual charge falling somewhere in the stated sliding range; the program fee and homestay fee are in addition to annual tuition. Payments are arranged through the school's billing system (see Billing schedule and Payment Terms).
Billing schedule and payment terms - The school's billing and family account portal is managed through the FACTS Family Portal. Families enroll in the school's FACTS account to receive invoices and to set up payment plans. - Annual tuition is charged as a single annual obligation; families choose a FACTS payment plan to divide that annual obligation according to the plan they select (examples commonly supported by FACTS include pay-in-full, semi-annual, or monthly installment plans). The billing dates and any FACTS plan setup fees or convenience fees are determined at the time the family enrolls in the FACTS payment plan. - Payment responsibility: the annual tuition obligation is the family's responsibility; selecting a FACTS plan divides the payment schedule but does not change the annual amount assigned. Specific due dates and consequences for late or missed payments are managed through the FACTS agreement and the school's billing policies.
Boarding / Homestay fees - The school does not operate on-campus boarding dormitories. For students requiring placement with a host family, a homestay fee of USD 18,000 is charged. This homestay charge is distinct from the annual tuition and from the program fee.
Other costs and recurring fees - Required additional costs (family responsibility beyond tuition and program fee): a laptop or Chromebook, a scientific calculator, and routine school supplies. - Optional/ancillary expenses that families commonly incur: hot lunches (available two days per week), school spirit gear, van transportation, admission fees for events, and optional June TREC trips. These are charged separately from tuition and the program fee. - Incidental charges covered by the program fee: bound and digital textbooks, student planners and binders, online subscriptions, IB exam fees, club fees, and most school trips (excluding certain optional trips such as June TREC).
Refunds and withdrawal - The school's published tuition and affording materials do not include a detailed public refund or withdrawal schedule within the tuition/affording pages; explicit refund and withdrawal terms are not specified in those public tuition summaries. Families are billed according to the annual assignment and their chosen FACTS payment plan.
Fee payment options - The school uses the FACTS Family Portal for billing and account management; FACTS supports multiple payment methods (for example, automatic bank draft/ACH and credit or debit card payments) and multiple plan types (pay-in-full, semi-annual, monthly installments) as part of its tuition-management services. Payment method selection and any card convenience fees are handled through FACTS when the family enrolls in a payment plan.
Notes for families - Tuition is assigned annually within the published sliding range; the program fee is charged per student each year; homestay accommodation is a separate annual charge when required. Families who wish to be considered for reduced tuition must submit the Clarity sliding-scale application (USD 60 submission fee).
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The Middle School program weaves self-management and social-emotional awareness throughout the curriculum. Upper School emphasizes social and emotional growth alongside intellectual development, encouraging the whole person to flourish. The IB Diploma Programme emphasizes social-emotional balance and well-being, with Health and Wellness offered as a course. Students participate in a range of clubs and activities—such as peer tutoring and student leadership—that foster social development.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
A Learning Support Specialist is part of the staff. The student population includes neurodiversity, and the community emphasizes inclusion and a welcoming environment for the whole student.
Mental Wellbeing
Health and Wellness is offered as part of the Upper School curriculum. The IB core emphasizes social-emotional balance and well-being as students develop through inquiry and collaboration.
Safeguarding
The admissions policy states non-discrimination and equal access for all applicants. The school emphasizes inclusion and a welcoming environment for the whole student. International students have access to health-insurance guidance and related support as part of the program.
FAQs
Where is West Sound Academy located and what is its campus like?
West Sound Academy is located at 16571 Creative Dr NE, Poulsbo, WA 98370. The 20-acre campus sits with views of Liberty Bay and includes space for technology, design, music and theater, plus science labs and outdoor amenities.
What grades does West Sound Academy serve and what type of school is it?
The school serves Grades 6–12 and operates as an independent, co-educational IB World School offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in the junior and senior years.
What curriculum does West Sound Academy offer besides the IB Diploma Programme?
In addition to the IB Diploma Programme in the upper years, Spanish is taught as a language, with sequences from Introduction to Spanish in 8th grade through Upper School Language Acquisition.
What is the tuition range for the upcoming year and how is it determined?
Annual tuition is published as a range from USD 4,900 to USD 29,600 and is set on a sliding-scale basis based on family financial information. Families who do not apply for the sliding scale pay the maximum rate.
Are there additional costs beyond tuition I should plan for?
Yes. There is a program fee of USD 300 (Grades 6–8) or USD 500 (Grades 9–12) per student per year; a separate USD 18,000 homestay fee if a host family is needed; and required items like a laptop, calculator and school supplies. Optional costs include hot lunches, gear, transport, event fees, and some trips.
How does the school handle tuition payments?
Tuition is invoiced through the FACTS Family Portal. The annual amount is paid via a selected plan (pay-in-full, semi-annual, or monthly), while the total annual charge remains the same.
What are the class sizes like at West Sound Academy?
Average class size is about 15 students, with typical ranges from 8 to 21. The data also notes a student-to-teacher ratio of 8:1, though exact ratios are not published for every class.
Does the school publish IB exam results or university destinations?
IB exam results and higher-education destinations are not published in the provided information.
Are on-campus housing or boarding options available?
The school does not operate on-campus boarding. For international students, a homestay option with a host family is available for an additional USD 18,000 per year.
What facilities does the campus include for academics and recreation?
Facilities include light-filled classrooms and studios for technology, design, music and theater, two science labs, a sports field, a basketball court, walking trails, an amphitheater and a maker's playground.
What extracurricular activities or clubs exist at the school?
The school offers a range of clubs and activities, including peer tutoring and student leadership opportunities, along with a Brain Sports Knowledge Bowl team.
What leadership or service opportunities are available to students?
Student leadership and club activities provide opportunities for leadership development and social growth beyond class time.
What does the program fee cover in terms of trips and resources?
The program fee covers bound and digital textbooks, student planners and binders, online subscriptions, IB exam fees, club fees, and most school trips (with some exceptions like certain June trips).
How is student wellbeing addressed at the school?
Wellbeing is a clear focus: the Middle School emphasizes self-management and social-emotional learning, while the Upper School emphasizes social-emotional growth alongside academics; Health and Wellness is a course within the IB programme.
Is there any support for students with learning differences or neurodiversity?
A Learning Support Specialist is on staff, and the school emphasizes inclusion and a welcoming environment for neurodiverse learners.
Is there language support beyond English for international students?
Spanish is offered as a language, with a progression from Introduction to Spanish in 8th grade to Emerging Spanish in 9th and Intermediate Spanish in 10th; English is taught as English Language and Literature.
What is the school governance structure?
West Sound Academy is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization governed by a Board of Trustees, with an active Parent Guardian Association (PGA) that engages parents in school life.
Is there a school uniform, and what about school meals?
Uniform policy is not published in the provided information. Hot lunches are available two days per week; other meals are not specified.
What accreditations or awards does the school have?
No accreditations or awards are listed in the available information.
What languages are taught at the school and how are they structured in the IB context?
Spanish is taught as a language through structured courses: Introduction to Spanish (8th grade), Emerging Spanish (9th grade) and Intermediate Spanish (10th grade); English is taught through English Language and Literature.
