| History and Vision |
The school follows the vision of our founders, Dr. Ed Frodel and Dr. Gordon Parke. Although from different backgrounds, both men recognized the need for a college preparatory community that cultivates a high level of scholarship and artistic expression. Dr. Frodel brought to the discussion a clear picture of educational needs based on his expertise gained in over thirty-seven years as a professional educator in schools and colleges, an Advanced Placement instructor, an Advanced Placement Examination Reader, and as an Advanced Placement Inservice Lecturer. Dr. Gordon Parke came to the task with a similar love of children but a different background. His experience as a Presbyterian minister working with youth and families demonstrated the strong role of culture in child development and school communities. This shared vision, created from two disparate perspectives, came to life when West Sound Academy opened in 1998, in space leased from the Methodist Church Camp in Indianola, WA. Quickly outgrowing the space, the next year the school moved to a cleverly renovated hardware store in the Karsten Suquamish shopping center. In 2005 faculty, staff, and students moved to the new 20-acre campus, designed for the school, near Poulsbo, Washington. West Sound Academy has graduated ninety students who are finding their place in education, science, medicine, drama, dance, and literary arts at the colleges of their choice. West Sound Academy is the only independent middle and high school in the west Puget Sound region. Our approach to education is based on current research, uses inquiry to develop critical thinking, effectively integrates academics and arts, enhances curiosity, and goes beyond each discipline’s typical boundaries to study the philosophical and ethical aspects of content. Though a relatively new school, our graduates are achieving success at institutions as diverse as University of the Arts in Philadelphia and West Point Academy. Our work with volunteers on campus and in the community in wide-ranging projects has earned us a reputation as public-spirited and involved. Heads of School:
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