FAQs and Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

Your school sounds really great.  But isn't it prohibitively expensive?

Tuition is a definitely a budget concern for many Explorations families.  Small classes, customized curriculum, frequent outings, and other key features of Explorations require substantial resources, as well as providing excellent educational value.  That said, we are very proud of our 15-year track record of never having turned a student away for financial reasons.  If a student is appropriate for Explorations, we will do everything we can to ensure that they can attend.

Isn't there a bias toward wealthy families, though?

No.  A diverse range of students -- including income diversity -- serves all students well.  That is why we specifically work to ensure that all appropriate students can attend.  While the typical scholarship ratio at independent schools in Washington is around 15%, our scholarship ratio averages around 45% -- fully three times the average.

What kind of students attend Explorations Academy?

Our target population is bright and bored young people who are capable of excelling but don't find traditional schools to provide the relevance and stimulation they need.  Among our students, there is a high percentage of individualistic students, those with a desire to understand the contemporary world, and those who have strong individualistic and creative tendencies.  Because we emphasize relationships as a core part of our school, our students also either have or develop strong interpersonal skills.

What kinds of factors guide admissions decisions at Explorations ?

The two essential criteria for prospective students are an open mind and the willingness to work hard.   While we require applicants to provide transcripts from past schools, we place less weight on the student's past academic record than we do on personal motivation.  That is, when a young person is clearly committed to achieving her or his full potential, and that commitment is backed up by effort, a successful outcome is highly likely.

Are Explorations students college-bound?

In nearly all cases, yes -- though many of our graduates take a year off before pursuing higher education.  We work to ensure that students have access to  the greatest possible range of colleges and get the support they need to gain admission to their first choice college.  (See Accreditation and College Preparation.)

Do you require the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Examination) or other tests for admission?

No.  We make our admissions decisions on a case-by-case basis, focusing on the individual student's needs and interests.  If the student has taken the ISEE already, though, please do submit the results when applying.  We also welcome the submission of any other materials that you think would help us to know the student and make a good decision.

Testimonials

• "The size of the school is an important factor for me. I get more help and attention. I can express my individuality and not be subdued by numbers. The teachers are another reason I attend Explorations. They care about my future and challenge me to reach my full potential."        
  
• "I’ve never been more content with my schooling and with life in general since I began at Explorations.
• "Explorations has turned learning from an obligation into a privilege."                
  

• "Academically rigorous and mentally challenging, Explorations sends our son back to us daily with assignments that are designed to make him think. He is required to express opinions and back them up with analysis and reasoning. He is required to interact with other students with honesty and empathy."    
  
• "In contrast to the hierarchical public school model, the students are empowered to help create a meaningful learning environment. They consistently are taught to treat their peers with a genuine sensitivity and caring."
  
• "The instructors and administrators of Explorations Academy are dedicated not only to teaching, but to interacting personally with their students. Each of them is a mentor. In a small school, everyone knows everyone. This provides an intimacy unequaled in public school, and their passion for their work is evident."
  
• "Explorations and its hard-working staff provide an atmosphere and learning environment that is challenging, inspiring and supportive. It has brought out the best in our son."       
  

• “I am a proud supporter of Explorations Academy. It’s a place where the leaders of tomorrow can grow and learn to become responsible stewards of our rapidly changing world. It’s a place where my investment has tremendous value.”  - Pete Wolkin, Vacationaland RV
• “My company partners with Explorations Academy as a way to make a difference, both locally and in  the larger global community. Students learn about current events in a way that allows them to directly experience their relevance. I’m proud to help Explorations give students the tools they need to be effective citizens and to make a difference in the world.”  - Keith D’Angelo, D’Angelo International
•  “We offer our support to Explorations Academy because we believe that educating young people is more that simply memorizing numbers, events, and habits. Explorations allows young people the freedom to open their eyes and minds to the world around them. I believe that if and when all students are allowed this type of personal education, the world and our country will be a better place to live.”  - Kirk Norkoski, Angler Automotive

• "When I interview applicants to Harvard, absolutely nothing impresses me as much as international experience. I immediately assume that such students have the mental agility and political awareness that prepare for study of complex issues."  – Harvard University admissions officer