About Our School

Orcas Island Elementary School is housed in the Nellie S. Milton Building, the historic home to the Orcas Island School District. The Milton building at one time housed all K-12 students on Orcas Island. Today Preschool through 5th grade students begin their educational experience in this classic school building. Both the Milton Building and the 100+ year old maple tree in front of the school are community landmarks.

Currently OIES offers one half-time special needs preschool, one full-time Kindergarten class, two 1st/2nd grade classes, a 3rd grade class and a 1st-3rd grade Montessori class in the lower elementary along with a 4th and 5th grade program featuring multiple teachers.

Beyond the basic academic programs offered to all OIES students, the school also features music education (including music theory, choir, band, and strings), physical education, arts education, and a unique Farm-to-Classroom program. Many of these programs are made possible by the continued generous support of the Orcas Island community.

The students at Orcas Island Elementary consistently perform at the state average on student assessments in all grade levels and content areas. For a more in-depth look at OIES scores along with demographic information click here.

Orcas Island Elementary features an experienced and highly educated teaching staff with an average of 16 years teaching experience and over half of the teachers holding masters' degrees. 

The school benefits from wonderful parent and community support with an active PTSA. Both the Orcas Island Education Foundation and the Orcas Island Community Foundation provide support for the school along with numerous other community organizations.