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Student shows project with dungeons and dragons figures on table
Design Thinking

Our complex and dynamic world needs people who can take initiative, think critically, persevere through failures, and collaborate in diverse communities. For this reason, we use Stanford University’s “design thinking” model as a framework for student projects.

Gibson Ek High School
Welcome to Gibson Ek High School!

Located in Issaquah, WA, Gibson Ek is a choice high school offering an innovative educational model for students looking for a more personalized, authentic, project-based approach to learning.

Read more about our school

Upcoming Events

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Virtual

📱 How do screens and social media impact students’ mental health and well-being? Join the Issaquah PTSA Council 2.6 and Issaquah School District for a virtual community conversation exploring this important topic. 💬



🗓️ Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025 | 6–8 p.m. | Virtual Event

🔗 Register: bit.ly/screensconvo



Families will:

✨ Learn the latest research on youth screen use and social media

🤝 Connect with other families to share ideas and strengthen home-to-school connections

🧠 Access tools and a take-home guide to support healthy screen habits



All families are welcome! 🌍 Instant Language Assistance (ILA) will be available in 200+ languages, and accommodations can be requested at isdcommunications@issaquah.wednet.edu.



 

Graphic: Community Conversation November 12

 

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Virtual

Please join us for the ISD Online Open House at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 12!

We will share more about our new virtual high school, which opens in the fall of 2026, including details about how our full-time school will offer flexibility, meaningful support from teachers and mentors, and a welcoming community that encourages students to learn, grow and find balance in their academic journey!

Those who attend will also have the chance to hear about our learning center; what our personalized, high-quality instruction will be like; how students can participate in extracurricular activities; and more. Students will have the chance to help us vote on a mascot for our new school, which will serve grades 9-12. 

Register for the virtual open house or for an in-person tour using this form.

If you missed our original announcement about the new school, read more on our website.

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Administration Building, 5150 220th Ave SE, Issaquah, WA

Please note the agenda and materials may be modified up to 24 hours prior to the meeting; after that time, any agenda modifications will be addressed at the meeting.

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Administration Building, 5150 220th Ave SE, Issaquah, WA

Members of the Issaquah School Board plan to meet with administrators from ISD schools to discuss School Improvement Plans. These meetings will take place at the Administration Center Boardroom at 5150 220th Avenue SE, Issaquah, WA 98029.

SIP meetings are open to the public, however there will be no public input and no board action will be taken.  Any action resulting from the discussions will take place at a future board meeting.  The public is always welcome to send any comments to the Board at schoolboard@issaquah.wednet.edu.

Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, 1:00 – 4:00 PM

Cascade Ridge Elementary

Challenger Elementary

Endeavour Elementary

Discovery Elementary

Creekside Elementary

Sunny Hills Elementary

Beaver Lake Middle School

Pine Lake Middle School

Skyline High School

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Happening Now at Gibson Ek

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By the Numbers

182

Students enrolled in the 2022-23 school year.

Our small student body in grades 9-12 reflects a wide diversity of goals, from college to entrepreneurship to careers in a trade or the arts.

500+

Mentors

Hundreds of working professionals have volunteered to mentor our students through on-site internships and remote career-related projects.

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Competency Areas

With no traditional classes or grades, students learn through self-directed projects, incorporating competencies in reading, writing, science, social studies and math.

8

Innovation Spaces

“Exploration time” allows students to dive hands-on into 3-D printing, visual arts, science, woodworking, music and audio recording, cooking, digital media, gardening, & more.

Image shows the building of Gibson Ek High School

School Highlights & Programs

Gibson Ek students commit to a personal vision through authentic new learning that empowers them to contribute their knowledge and skills to meaningfully influence the school and community.

Gibson Ek High School Principal Tonja Reischl

Meet Principal Tonja Reischl!

Hi, Gibson Ek families! I am excited for all of the ways our students will push their creativity and get involved in community initiatives to tackle big challenges. I'm inspired by the many community-builders who are working to make communities healthy, accessible and vibrant – and that list of community-builders includes our students! A few fun facts about me: I love anything outdoors, such as cross country skiing, mountain biking, hiking, paddleboarding, etc. I also enjoy learning about the outdoor ecosystems, including all of the creative ways people are restoring them, solving big problems, and ensuring access and accessibility for everyone.

Lathe

Project-Based Model

Gibson Ek High School is a choice school open to any Issaquah School District student looking for a more independent, project-based approach to learning. With no traditional classes or grades, Gibson Ek students learn through self-directed projects, using the design thinking process to guide their work. Projects incorporate reading, writing, science, social studies and math along the way. Certificated teachers guide and assess students as they work independently. As a Big Picture school, we develop students to live lives of their own design, supported by caring mentors and equitable opportunities to achieve their greatest potential. Students graduate from Gibson Ek with the skills, knowledge and qualities necessary to be activists in their world.

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Learning Through Internship

Learning Through Internship

Gibson Ek High School students learn from working professionals whose careers match the students’ interests. Mentors have the opportunity to teach a student about the job, coach soft skills, and make a lifelong impact on a teen. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, Gibson Ek students are mentored by adult professionals, either in-person at a workplace or remotely while the student completes a project from home. Well over 100 volunteers mentor our students, from local shop owners to professionals across the country and the world.

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