• Is an Alternative Learning Experience right for your student?                    

    When it comes to education, some families focus on preparation for post-high school education, like college or trade school. Others prioritize preparing students for the workforce, developing social skills, or encouraging them to participate in civic life. The dedicated educators at GBS truly believe alternative learning experiences can accommodate all approaches, and they look forward to serving the various needs of families all over Washington State.

     

    Frequently Asked Questions.....

     

    What is Griffin Bay School?

    Griffin Bay School is a public school within the San Juan Island School District, offering flexible, personalized education options for students from kindergarten through high school. It provides both remote learning and hybrid models, allowing students to access online courses, attend weekly check-ins, and engage in coursework at their own pace.

     

    Who can enroll at Griffin Bay School?

    • Residency: Griffin Bay School welcomes all Washington state resident students, including those in San Juan Island School District and students from other districts through the Choice Transfer program for multi-district enrollment.
    • Age: Students ages 5-21 who have not graduated high school.
    • Commitment: Requires at least one semester of enrollment and regular participation in weekly check-ins.

     

    How to Enroll:

    • Visit the Griffin Bay website and click on the "How to Enroll" tab.
    • Griffin Bay School is part of the San Juan Island School District in San Juan County, WA. Please note, this is not the Griffin School District located in Thurston County.

     

    How is Griffin Bay School different from traditional schools?

    Griffin Bay offers a personalized, flexible learning environment with options for full remote enrollment, partial remote enrollment, and in-person attendance. This allows students to learn at their own pace, engage with the curriculum through various platforms (like Edgenuity), and meet individual educational needs.

     

    Is Griffin Bay School 100% remote?

    Griffin Bay offers flexible learning options, including full remote enrollment for all Washington state resident students and a hybrid model for San Juan County residents. Students can work entirely online, attend in-person check-ins, or combine both approaches based on individual needs.

     

    Is there a minimum number of hours students need to log in each week?

    There’s no strict weekly login requirement, but students are expected to engage with coursework and submit assignments regularly. For fitness or health courses, specific activity logs are required (e.g., minimum minutes of physical activity per week).

     

    Does Griffin Bay offer support for Multilingual Learners or students with IEPs?

    Yes, Griffin Bay provides accommodations for Multilingual Learners and students with IEPs. Teachers work with these students to provide necessary support, such as modified assignments, extra time, or language resources, based on individual needs.

     

    How quickly can a student recover credits?

    Motivated students may be able to complete around 0.5 to 0.75 credits per month, depending on their progress and the course load. Credit recovery is available for high school students who need to retake courses or catch up on missing credits.

     

    How do students access curriculum materials?

    Students typically access their curriculum materials online, based on their written student learning plan. In some cases, additional materials may be available for pickup or mailed upon request.

     

    What does remote learning at Griffin Bay look like?

    Remote learning involves completing coursework online, with weekly check-ins to monitor progress. Students can use online platforms like Edgenuity and engage in personalized learning. Students can meet teachers through email, phone, or Zoom, or in person if preferred.

     

    What does a weekly check-in look like?

    Weekly check-ins with teachers are mandatory to ensure academic progress and provide guidance. These check-ins can be completed in person, via text, email, or video chat, depending on what works best for the student and family. For K-5 students, we expect parent participation during check-ins and encourage student participation to support their learning. For grades 6-8, check-ins can be completed by a parent or guardian, while high school students must check in themselves.

     

    What does a typical weekly schedule look like?

    Students are expected to engage in 27.5 hours of educational activities per week, though this can vary based on their written student learning plan.

     

    What is an Alternative Learning Experience (ALE)?

    ALE at Griffin Bay refers to a flexible education model where instruction takes place outside the traditional classroom. It includes fully remote options or hybrid approaches, allowing students to learn at their own pace with personalized support.

     

    Does Griffin Bay offer support for homeschooled students?

    Yes, Griffin Bay supports homeschool families by offering part-time enrollment options for specific courses, allowing students to benefit from public school resources while continuing their home-based education.

     

    What options does Griffin Bay have for K-3 students?

    Griffin Bay offers a flexible learning plan for K-3 students, with weekly check-ins, personalized instruction, and curriculum provided. Families work with certified teachers to create an individualized plan, allowing students to learn at their own pace.

     

    What options are available for grades 4-8?

    For grades 4-8, Griffin Bay offers flexible, personalized learning. Students can work remotely or attend in-person for part of their courses, and parents continue to play an active role in supporting their child’s education.

     

    What options are available for high school students?

    High school students can complete coursework online, participate in career and technical education (CTE) programs, and receive guidance for college and career readiness. Each course earns credits toward graduation, and personalized support is provided to help students succeed.

     

    Can I borrow a Chromebook from Griffin Bay School?

    Yes! The San Juan Island School District can provide a loaned Chromebook and charger for student use.

     

    How long does it take to receive a Chromebook?

    It may take several weeks to set up and mail the Chromebook to you. If you need immediate access to coursework, we recommend using a personal computer in the meantime.

     

    Do I need a school Chromebook, or can I use my own device?

    You can use your own computer! All Griffin Bay School’s online materials are fully accessible through the internet, so a personal device works just as well.

     

    How do I request a Chromebook?

    Let us know if you’d like to start the process, and we will arrange for a Chromebook to be set up and sent to you.

    For a deeper dive into Griffin Bay School, click on our Extended FAQs!