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Island Christian Academy is one of the best kept secrets on Whidbey Island, in my opinion. I started my Son at the public school for Kindergarten. Unfortunately he was a bit lost in the large class, overwhelmed by the routine, he was a bit small and already experienced being picked on by the bigger boys, and unfortunately just stayed quiet most of the year in class. Once I toured ICA, met teachers, heard from other parents, and reassessed our budget, I enrolled my Son for the next year. I never thought I would pay for school since we really have some quality schools on the island, but I know how important early intervention is for our kiddos and how much they absorb and take home from their school environment. It did mean some extra work hours and cuts in our budget, but in comparison to other private schools on or off the island, it was very reasonable. We are now entering our third year in this school. I feel like this is my "best spent money." My kiddo has learned so much, his teachers are beyond amazing, and the comfort I feel dropping him off and knowing he is so well nurtured and cared for makes all the difference. I`m not as involved in the school since I`m working a bit more, but it`s ok since the teachers are in such close contact and the quarterly lunches, awards include all of us parents/grandparents in such a special way. It is a small school, so there are often a couple of grades combined, which is a nice benefit for learning. The kids get to advance a bit if they are not quite challenged with their work or might need a little more help if they aren`t ready to move on yet-not everyone has to be at the same level at all times. It is a classical model and the expectation is high, but with constant positive reinforcement and guidance along the way. The kids are all about a year ahead in math without really realizing it. The school puts on quarterly awards and the kids will receive special recognition quite often- it could for behavior, grades, kindness, leadership, or whatever the teacher sees that they are doing well towards. It`s also a time when they might recite/perform something as a class, getting a bit of experience from an early age of being in front of an audience. This is such a nice way to ease them into public speaking and presentations as they get older, and since they start from an early age with friends and family in the audience it`s usually fun and not so scary. One of my favorite aspects of the school is how the older kids become mentors to the younger kids. The kids are divided up into 4 groups that work together throughout the year-made up of all ages. They compete with games, points, projects and are rewarded with a special fieldtrip at the end of the year. The younger kids are not so intimidated by the older kids and look up to their example. The older kids are taught service of the community and school so they lead by example. They have band, electives, and it's easy to join in sports/activities at the public school or the sports/rec program for their age at the park nearby. I could go on as I feel that I`m so blessed to have this opportunity for my Son and am part of such a special community.