Education/Workshops

The Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce recognizes that a community’s vitality is due in large part to its educational system and ongoing learning opportunities. We are lucky to have schools on the island that provide outstanding programs, with high state rankings. There are also a diverse set of organizations that provide classes and workshops of all kinds for all ages.

Organizations

  • Council on International Educational Exchange
  • Anna Hadley
  • 106 Beartooth Court
  • Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730
  • Phone: 406-995-3094
  • Send an Email
  • CIEE is a non-profit organization designated by the U.S. Department of State to sponsor international students for the J-1 Visa. Established in 1947, CIEE is a world leader in international exchange services. The Work & Travel USA program was designed to help U.S. companies meet their seasonal staffing needs, while enabling international students to experience the U.S. firsthand, as both employees and tourists. For more information, visit ciee.org/hire.

  • Orcas Island Children's House
  • Susan Anderson, Executive Director
  • 36 Pea Patch Lane
  • Eastsound, WA 98245
  • Phone: 360-376-4744
  • Hours: 8:30 am to 3:00 pm
  • Send an Email
  • Children's House is an exceptional early learning center on Orcas Island. We utilize a play-based curriculum for toddlers and preschool children that fosters their cognitive, physical, social-emotional and language development. Experiential learning in a safe, nurturing and respectful environment creates a vital foundation for life-long success.

  • Orcas Island Education Foundation
  • Janet Brownell (President)
  • PO Box 782
  • Eastsound, WA 98245
  • Send an Email
  • A non-profit 501(c)3 organization established in 1984 which sole purpose is to secure and distribute tax deductible contributions to benefit students in the Orcas Island Public Schools. To learn more about OIEF, click on our link above and visit our website.

  • Orcas Island Farm to Cafeteria Program (F2C)
  • Madie Murray, Chair
  • Eastsound, WA 98245
  • Phone: 360-376-3371
  • Send an Email
  • Supported entirely by community dollars and dedication, Orcas Island F2C is committed to helping students learn about nutrition, food differences, how to eat proper foods for healthy bodies, see how food is grown, visit farms and meet farmers, learn to cook...all aspects of an effective Farm to Cafeteria Program. They are the aspects we are binding together and disseminating through our classrooms, the school garden, the school cafeteria, the community and our local farms.

  • The Funhouse Commons
  • Pete Moe
  • 30 Pea Patch Lane
  • Eastsound, WA 98245
  • Phone: 360-376-7177
  • Phone (2): 360-376-4010
  • Fax: 360-376-7639
  • A not-for-profit community center that fosters fun and learning with dozens of hands-on kid-friendly science exhibits, complete audio and video production studios, huge library of educational films and documentaries, pitching cage, art studio, climbing wall and a half dozen DSL computers to surf the Net or check your e-mail! Video pods for viewing one of our 800 videos, a small library, and a lounge and gaming area with pool table. Most importantly, The Funhouse provides the Orcas Island community with a safe place for kids to hang out, learn, play and explore their creativity.

    • Schools

  • Kaleidoscope
  • Amber Minnis
  • PO Box 1476
  • 1292 North Beach Road
  • Eastsound, WA 98245
  • Phone: 360-376-2484
  • Send an Email
  • Kaleidoscope provides a high quality Preschool and Childcare environment serving many of our hard working families who are the backbone of our community.

  • Orcas Christian School
  • 107 Enchanted Forest Road
  • Eastsound, WA 98245
  • Phone: 360-376-6683
  • Orcas Christian School is a private Seventh-day Adventist K-12 school on Orcas Island. Established in 1998, the goal of OCS is to change the world of individual students by providing excellent academics, opportunities to serve others and a friendship with God in an emotionally, physically and spiritually safe environment.

  • Orcas Island School District
  • Barbara Kline (Superintendent/High School Principal); Kyle Freeman (Principal K-8)
  • 557 School Road
  • Eastsound, WA 98245
  • Phone: 360-376-2284
  • Send an Email
  • The Orcas Island School District offers the best in public education. Our schools consistently perform at the top of all state rankings. They provide a dynamic and diverse curriculum to meet the needs of each student. From one of Washington’s few all-Day kindergarten classes, to an elementary Montessori program, to a sequential Marine Biology program, to AP classes in the High school – Orcas Island public schools has it all! 2007-2008 Washington State School of Distinction Award Winning Middle and High Schools. Excellent Elementary with low student-teacher ratio and superb music and arts program.

  • Orcas Montessori School
  • Teresa Chocano
  • 1147 North Beach Road
  • Eastsound, WA 98245
  • Phone: 360-376-5350
  • Fax: 360-376-5356
  • Send an Email
  • Founded in 1988, Orcas Montessori School on Orcas Island offers a dynamic learning environment for preschoolers and kindergartners, based on the educational philosophy and method of Dr. Maria Montessori, Italy's first female physician and a pioneer in childhood education. Her first classroom was in Rome in 1907. "Our goal is to provide the children with a classroom and curriculum that promote their natural and spontaneous physical, intellectual and social growth," says head guide Tom Rubottom. Visit orcasmontessori.org.

  • Salmonberry School
  • 867 North Beach Road
  • Eastsound, WA 98245
  • Phone: 360-376-6310 (Elementary School)
  • Phone (2): 360-376-4310 (Preschool)
  • Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  • Send an Email
  • An accredited, independent school serving children from preschool through grade 6. Strong academics integrate with experiential learning, mutual respect and environmental awareness to challenge and inspire students.

    • Classes/Workshops

  • Natural Horsemanship on Orcas
  • 1260 Channel Road
  • Deer Harbor, WA 98243
  • Phone: 360-376-4642
  • Send an Email
  • Start your Natural Horsemanship journey by learning to communicate as horses do in the wild; through eye contact, movement and touch, in an easy to learn method that will develop a magical bond and a harmonious relationship. Experience working with mustangs from the wild in a safe, supportive setting. Lessons/Clinics/Farm Intensives. Visit us at NaturalHorsemanshipOnOrcas.com.

  • Preparing for Childbirth
  • Laurie Gallo, RN, CD(DONA), SNM
  • Phone: 360-376-4490
  • Phone (2): 360-302-0998
  • Send an Email
  • Laurie Gallo, registered nurse, certified doula and childbirth educator, and nurse-midwife in training, has worked with over 200 women to prepare for their labors, deliveries, and postpartum care of mothers and babies. I work with midwives and obstetricians at Island Hospital, Skagit Valley Medical Center, and St. Joseph Hospital, birth centers and home births.

    I teach weekend intensive classes once a season, individual classes in between, refresher, sibling and grandparent classes. Sliding scale fees. Email for class dates, fees, references, and more. Come to "Birth Works" our monthly drop-in birth/babies class every first Monday of the month - for all who are pregnant, or hope to be, and all others interested in pregnancy and birth, and it's free!

    • Full Random List

  • The Funhouse Commons
  • Pete Moe
  • 30 Pea Patch Lane
  • Eastsound, WA 98245
  • Phone: 360-376-7177
  • Phone (2): 360-376-4010
  • Fax: 360-376-7639
  • A not-for-profit community center that fosters fun and learning with dozens of hands-on kid-friendly science exhibits, complete audio and video production studios, huge library of educational films and documentaries, pitching cage, art studio, climbing wall and a half dozen DSL computers to surf the Net or check your e-mail! Video pods for viewing one of our 800 videos, a small library, and a lounge and gaming area with pool table. Most importantly, The Funhouse provides the Orcas Island community with a safe place for kids to hang out, learn, play and explore their creativity.

  • Orcas Montessori School
  • Teresa Chocano
  • 1147 North Beach Road
  • Eastsound, WA 98245
  • Phone: 360-376-5350
  • Fax: 360-376-5356
  • Send an Email
  • Founded in 1988, Orcas Montessori School on Orcas Island offers a dynamic learning environment for preschoolers and kindergartners, based on the educational philosophy and method of Dr. Maria Montessori, Italy's first female physician and a pioneer in childhood education. Her first classroom was in Rome in 1907. "Our goal is to provide the children with a classroom and curriculum that promote their natural and spontaneous physical, intellectual and social growth," says head guide Tom Rubottom. Visit orcasmontessori.org.

  • Orcas Christian School
  • 107 Enchanted Forest Road
  • Eastsound, WA 98245
  • Phone: 360-376-6683
  • Orcas Christian School is a private Seventh-day Adventist K-12 school on Orcas Island. Established in 1998, the goal of OCS is to change the world of individual students by providing excellent academics, opportunities to serve others and a friendship with God in an emotionally, physically and spiritually safe environment.

  • Orcas Island Children's House
  • Susan Anderson, Executive Director
  • 36 Pea Patch Lane
  • Eastsound, WA 98245
  • Phone: 360-376-4744
  • Hours: 8:30 am to 3:00 pm
  • Send an Email
  • Children's House is an exceptional early learning center on Orcas Island. We utilize a play-based curriculum for toddlers and preschool children that fosters their cognitive, physical, social-emotional and language development. Experiential learning in a safe, nurturing and respectful environment creates a vital foundation for life-long success.

  • Natural Horsemanship on Orcas
  • 1260 Channel Road
  • Deer Harbor, WA 98243
  • Phone: 360-376-4642
  • Send an Email
  • Start your Natural Horsemanship journey by learning to communicate as horses do in the wild; through eye contact, movement and touch, in an easy to learn method that will develop a magical bond and a harmonious relationship. Experience working with mustangs from the wild in a safe, supportive setting. Lessons/Clinics/Farm Intensives. Visit us at NaturalHorsemanshipOnOrcas.com.

  • Salmonberry School
  • 867 North Beach Road
  • Eastsound, WA 98245
  • Phone: 360-376-6310 (Elementary School)
  • Phone (2): 360-376-4310 (Preschool)
  • Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  • Send an Email
  • An accredited, independent school serving children from preschool through grade 6. Strong academics integrate with experiential learning, mutual respect and environmental awareness to challenge and inspire students.

  • Orcas Island Education Foundation
  • Janet Brownell (President)
  • PO Box 782
  • Eastsound, WA 98245
  • Send an Email
  • A non-profit 501(c)3 organization established in 1984 which sole purpose is to secure and distribute tax deductible contributions to benefit students in the Orcas Island Public Schools. To learn more about OIEF, click on our link above and visit our website.

  • Preparing for Childbirth
  • Laurie Gallo, RN, CD(DONA), SNM
  • Phone: 360-376-4490
  • Phone (2): 360-302-0998
  • Send an Email
  • Laurie Gallo, registered nurse, certified doula and childbirth educator, and nurse-midwife in training, has worked with over 200 women to prepare for their labors, deliveries, and postpartum care of mothers and babies. I work with midwives and obstetricians at Island Hospital, Skagit Valley Medical Center, and St. Joseph Hospital, birth centers and home births.

    I teach weekend intensive classes once a season, individual classes in between, refresher, sibling and grandparent classes. Sliding scale fees. Email for class dates, fees, references, and more. Come to "Birth Works" our monthly drop-in birth/babies class every first Monday of the month - for all who are pregnant, or hope to be, and all others interested in pregnancy and birth, and it's free!

  • Orcas Island Farm to Cafeteria Program (F2C)
  • Madie Murray, Chair
  • Eastsound, WA 98245
  • Phone: 360-376-3371
  • Send an Email
  • Supported entirely by community dollars and dedication, Orcas Island F2C is committed to helping students learn about nutrition, food differences, how to eat proper foods for healthy bodies, see how food is grown, visit farms and meet farmers, learn to cook...all aspects of an effective Farm to Cafeteria Program. They are the aspects we are binding together and disseminating through our classrooms, the school garden, the school cafeteria, the community and our local farms.

  • Orcas Island School District
  • Barbara Kline (Superintendent/High School Principal); Kyle Freeman (Principal K-8)
  • 557 School Road
  • Eastsound, WA 98245
  • Phone: 360-376-2284
  • Send an Email
  • The Orcas Island School District offers the best in public education. Our schools consistently perform at the top of all state rankings. They provide a dynamic and diverse curriculum to meet the needs of each student. From one of Washington’s few all-Day kindergarten classes, to an elementary Montessori program, to a sequential Marine Biology program, to AP classes in the High school – Orcas Island public schools has it all! 2007-2008 Washington State School of Distinction Award Winning Middle and High Schools. Excellent Elementary with low student-teacher ratio and superb music and arts program.

  • Council on International Educational Exchange
  • Anna Hadley
  • 106 Beartooth Court
  • Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730
  • Phone: 406-995-3094
  • Send an Email
  • CIEE is a non-profit organization designated by the U.S. Department of State to sponsor international students for the J-1 Visa. Established in 1947, CIEE is a world leader in international exchange services. The Work & Travel USA program was designed to help U.S. companies meet their seasonal staffing needs, while enabling international students to experience the U.S. firsthand, as both employees and tourists. For more information, visit ciee.org/hire.

  • Kaleidoscope
  • Amber Minnis
  • PO Box 1476
  • 1292 North Beach Road
  • Eastsound, WA 98245
  • Phone: 360-376-2484
  • Send an Email
  • Kaleidoscope provides a high quality Preschool and Childcare environment serving many of our hard working families who are the backbone of our community.

    • Full A-Z List

  • Council on International Educational Exchange
  • Anna Hadley
  • 106 Beartooth Court
  • Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730
  • Phone: 406-995-3094
  • Send an Email
  • CIEE is a non-profit organization designated by the U.S. Department of State to sponsor international students for the J-1 Visa. Established in 1947, CIEE is a world leader in international exchange services. The Work & Travel USA program was designed to help U.S. companies meet their seasonal staffing needs, while enabling international students to experience the U.S. firsthand, as both employees and tourists. For more information, visit ciee.org/hire.

  • Kaleidoscope
  • Amber Minnis
  • PO Box 1476
  • 1292 North Beach Road
  • Eastsound, WA 98245
  • Phone: 360-376-2484
  • Send an Email
  • Kaleidoscope provides a high quality Preschool and Childcare environment serving many of our hard working families who are the backbone of our community.

  • Natural Horsemanship on Orcas
  • 1260 Channel Road
  • Deer Harbor, WA 98243
  • Phone: 360-376-4642
  • Send an Email
  • Start your Natural Horsemanship journey by learning to communicate as horses do in the wild; through eye contact, movement and touch, in an easy to learn method that will develop a magical bond and a harmonious relationship. Experience working with mustangs from the wild in a safe, supportive setting. Lessons/Clinics/Farm Intensives. Visit us at NaturalHorsemanshipOnOrcas.com.

  • Orcas Christian School
  • 107 Enchanted Forest Road
  • Eastsound, WA 98245
  • Phone: 360-376-6683
  • Orcas Christian School is a private Seventh-day Adventist K-12 school on Orcas Island. Established in 1998, the goal of OCS is to change the world of individual students by providing excellent academics, opportunities to serve others and a friendship with God in an emotionally, physically and spiritually safe environment.

  • Orcas Island Children's House
  • Susan Anderson, Executive Director
  • 36 Pea Patch Lane
  • Eastsound, WA 98245
  • Phone: 360-376-4744
  • Hours: 8:30 am to 3:00 pm
  • Send an Email
  • Children's House is an exceptional early learning center on Orcas Island. We utilize a play-based curriculum for toddlers and preschool children that fosters their cognitive, physical, social-emotional and language development. Experiential learning in a safe, nurturing and respectful environment creates a vital foundation for life-long success.

  • Orcas Island Education Foundation
  • Janet Brownell (President)
  • PO Box 782
  • Eastsound, WA 98245
  • Send an Email
  • A non-profit 501(c)3 organization established in 1984 which sole purpose is to secure and distribute tax deductible contributions to benefit students in the Orcas Island Public Schools. To learn more about OIEF, click on our link above and visit our website.

  • Orcas Island Farm to Cafeteria Program (F2C)
  • Madie Murray, Chair
  • Eastsound, WA 98245
  • Phone: 360-376-3371
  • Send an Email
  • Supported entirely by community dollars and dedication, Orcas Island F2C is committed to helping students learn about nutrition, food differences, how to eat proper foods for healthy bodies, see how food is grown, visit farms and meet farmers, learn to cook...all aspects of an effective Farm to Cafeteria Program. They are the aspects we are binding together and disseminating through our classrooms, the school garden, the school cafeteria, the community and our local farms.

  • Orcas Island School District
  • Barbara Kline (Superintendent/High School Principal); Kyle Freeman (Principal K-8)
  • 557 School Road
  • Eastsound, WA 98245
  • Phone: 360-376-2284
  • Send an Email
  • The Orcas Island School District offers the best in public education. Our schools consistently perform at the top of all state rankings. They provide a dynamic and diverse curriculum to meet the needs of each student. From one of Washington’s few all-Day kindergarten classes, to an elementary Montessori program, to a sequential Marine Biology program, to AP classes in the High school – Orcas Island public schools has it all! 2007-2008 Washington State School of Distinction Award Winning Middle and High Schools. Excellent Elementary with low student-teacher ratio and superb music and arts program.

  • Orcas Montessori School
  • Teresa Chocano
  • 1147 North Beach Road
  • Eastsound, WA 98245
  • Phone: 360-376-5350
  • Fax: 360-376-5356
  • Send an Email
  • Founded in 1988, Orcas Montessori School on Orcas Island offers a dynamic learning environment for preschoolers and kindergartners, based on the educational philosophy and method of Dr. Maria Montessori, Italy's first female physician and a pioneer in childhood education. Her first classroom was in Rome in 1907. "Our goal is to provide the children with a classroom and curriculum that promote their natural and spontaneous physical, intellectual and social growth," says head guide Tom Rubottom. Visit orcasmontessori.org.

  • Preparing for Childbirth
  • Laurie Gallo, RN, CD(DONA), SNM
  • Phone: 360-376-4490
  • Phone (2): 360-302-0998
  • Send an Email
  • Laurie Gallo, registered nurse, certified doula and childbirth educator, and nurse-midwife in training, has worked with over 200 women to prepare for their labors, deliveries, and postpartum care of mothers and babies. I work with midwives and obstetricians at Island Hospital, Skagit Valley Medical Center, and St. Joseph Hospital, birth centers and home births.

    I teach weekend intensive classes once a season, individual classes in between, refresher, sibling and grandparent classes. Sliding scale fees. Email for class dates, fees, references, and more. Come to "Birth Works" our monthly drop-in birth/babies class every first Monday of the month - for all who are pregnant, or hope to be, and all others interested in pregnancy and birth, and it's free!

  • Salmonberry School
  • 867 North Beach Road
  • Eastsound, WA 98245
  • Phone: 360-376-6310 (Elementary School)
  • Phone (2): 360-376-4310 (Preschool)
  • Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  • Send an Email
  • An accredited, independent school serving children from preschool through grade 6. Strong academics integrate with experiential learning, mutual respect and environmental awareness to challenge and inspire students.

  • The Funhouse Commons
  • Pete Moe
  • 30 Pea Patch Lane
  • Eastsound, WA 98245
  • Phone: 360-376-7177
  • Phone (2): 360-376-4010
  • Fax: 360-376-7639
  • A not-for-profit community center that fosters fun and learning with dozens of hands-on kid-friendly science exhibits, complete audio and video production studios, huge library of educational films and documentaries, pitching cage, art studio, climbing wall and a half dozen DSL computers to surf the Net or check your e-mail! Video pods for viewing one of our 800 videos, a small library, and a lounge and gaming area with pool table. Most importantly, The Funhouse provides the Orcas Island community with a safe place for kids to hang out, learn, play and explore their creativity.