Frequently Asked Questions

Groundbreaking and construction on IslandWood’s site began in 2000. The first class of students graduated in 2002.

As a small community, we are discerning about who is accepted and find that the design of the program attracts a self-selected group of individuals who value education in and for the planet. The admissions committee looks at applicants holistically and seeks to admit a diverse group of learners with a variety of backgrounds and expertise. As we build a professional learning community, some of the dispositions that are valued include:

• A demonstrated commitment to equality, equity, and inclusion.
• A willingness to embrace adventure in learning and in teaching.
• Resilience, stamina, and perseverance.
• Collaboration to advance and improve practice.

We require applicants to have:

• An undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university.
• A demonstrated interest or experiences in culturally-responsive teaching, environmental and social justice issues, experiential education, and working with youth.

There is no prerequisite coursework required and we welcome those from all academic backgrounds to apply.

We admit students with a variety of backgrounds and interests and find that this diversity enriches the learning community. While our students come from many different academic and professional backgrounds, successful candidates share a love and appreciation for the outdoors, experience working with youth in some capacity, and a desire to improve their skills in equitable education. We have found that the candidates who are most fulfilled are excited to dive into the time-intensive, immersive nature of the program. If this sounds like you, we would encourage you to apply!

Students can use a combination of loans, scholarships, and education awards to pay for the program. As matriculated students through an accredited university, IslandWood graduate program participants are eligible for federal loans and grants as awarded through the FAFSA and University of Washington’s Financial Aid office. Similarly, University of Washington acts as the qualifying institution when using military discounts and education awards.

In our effort to make graduate school more accessible, IslandWood also offers a stipend for all students, as well as tuition discounts, service awards, and scholarships. To see the current list of funding opportunities, visit the Cost & Aid page.

The practicum is a key element of the EEC program, allowing graduate students to plan and prepare lessons, set personal teaching goals and student learning goals, develop assessment tools, and apply theory from graduate coursework.

Traditionally, graduate students have participated in a 600-hour teaching practicum as field instructors in IslandWood’s School Overnight Program. Depending on COVID-19 guidelines, this practicum may take a different form, but will always provide a space for students to learn and grow as educators in an integrated, experiential setting.

Our practices and philosophy are based in research but IslandWood as an institution does not conduct research currently. Research projects often play a part in coursework for the program’s Natural History & Ecology and Education Research Methods courses. University of Washington is known for being one of the top research universities in the country and there are opportunities to pursue a more formal research project during the second year of the Master’s program.

A thesis is one of three options for M.Ed. completion. The other options includee additional coursework or a curriculum project.

Apart from service animals, IslandWood does not allow pets in graduate housing. We can recommend housing options on the island for people with pets.

Housing is for graduate students only. However, we can recommend several housing options on the island for students wanting to live with their partners and/or children.

Although sleepier than Seattle, Bainbridge Island is home to many restaurants, bars, two movie theaters, stores, wineries, a brewery (brewery trivia has been very popular with grads in the past!), bike paths, beaches, and parks with many trails for walking and hiking.

If your schedule doesn’t align with any of our virtual information sessions, we have a pre-recorded option for you! Learn more about the IslandWood Graduate Program through the video below.