Original Research by School Decision on Student Link
Student Link is an alternative high school serving grades nine through twelve on Vashon Island, part of the Vashon Island School District. With a total enrollment that is small for a high school, it operates as a distinct option within a district that otherwise runs a conventional comprehensive high school. The school’s alternative designation means it is designed for students who may benefit from a smaller, more flexible learning environment, though the specific academic or behavioral criteria for enrollment are not detailed in the available data.
The student body is predominantly white, with a smaller share of Hispanic students and a very small number of Black students and students identifying as two or more races. A majority of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating that the program serves a population with above-average economic need relative to many schools in the region. Data on students with disabilities and English learners was not reported.
State testing results are available for a single recent year, providing a snapshot rather than a trend. In English language arts, a strong majority of test takers met the state proficiency bar. In mathematics, about two-thirds met that bar. In science, roughly three in ten met the bar. These results come from a small number of test takers, which is typical for a school of this size, so year-to-year fluctuation can be large. Graduation rate data was not reported for Student Link, which is not uncommon for a small alternative program that may have non-traditional completion pathways. The comparison fact-set that would place the school’s performance relative to other King County districts could not be applied because the necessary metrics were missing.
What is known about instruction and program offerings is limited. No information on Advanced Placement, career and technical education, dual credit, or specialized courses was available. Alternative schools often have different curricular structures—such as self-paced learning, project-based instruction, or credit recovery—but the data does not confirm any particular model here. A parent considering Student Link would want to ask the school directly about its academic approach, graduation requirements, and postsecondary supports.
The school sits on Vashon Island, a rural, ferry-dependent community in Puget Sound. The island has no bridge connection; travel on and off requires a Washington State Ferry or a King County Water Taxi, which adds a layer of logistical consideration for any family living off-island. The island’s population is a mix of artists, small business owners, and retirees, and the community has actively resisted large-scale development to preserve its rural character. Housing values in the island’s zip code are high, well above national and state medians, reflecting the desirability of island living and its limited supply. The district itself had no recent major changes reported publicly, so there is no indication of administrative turmoil or significant new initiatives.
Student Link is a niche placement within a small island district. For a family whose student is already on Vashon and needs a non-traditional high school setting, it may be the only local alternative. Families considering moving to the island specifically for this program would face a high-cost housing market and a commute that depends on ferry schedules. The academic data offers a partial picture; the lack of graduation rates, staffing details, and course offerings means a thorough school visit and conversation with staff are essential to understand whether this setting fits a particular student’s needs.
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