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Frequently Asked Questions About Gibson Ek

How is Gibson Ek different from traditional high schools?

Personalized. Staff work with each student to set meaningful goals and design challenging learning to meet those goals. Our small school (200 students) and advisory model offer a strong sense of community and belonging for everyone.
Project-based. Focusing on experimenting and revising instead of completing assignments, students use design thinking to complete projects that let them study challenges and create solutions in their areas of interest.
Real World. Students spend two days each week off campus at internships. They also work closely with community members on independent projects and design labs to contribute to authentic challenges and needs.
Mastery-based. Instead of grades, students create a portfolio with evidence of mastering communication, math, science, humanities and personal skills and knowledge. Students have time to deeply explore their curiosities. They work with advisors and experts on how to improve their work to master their learning goals.

Who can apply to Gibson Ek?

Students who will be in grade 9 (Class of 2029) during the 2025-26 school year can apply. Gibson Ek is part of the Issaquah School District and is a public high school. Applicants must live within the ISD service area.

How does the application process work?

Applications are open Jan. 13 to Mar. 14, 2025. The March 17 lottery determines admission for 60 students and waitlist placement for all others.

Admitted students are notified March 17 and have two weeks to commit. Then seats are offered to students based on their position on the waitlist.

What does a typical day look like?

On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, students are on campus in our innovation spaces during student-led "exploration" (open work & collaboration time) and teacher-led labs, with additional time for writing, online math, and other skill development. Students pursue the arts, technology, sciences, humanities, engineering, social justice, trade skills, health and wellness, writing and more.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, students intern all over the region, mentored by professionals as they observe career options, work on soft skills and tackle a related project. Internship start and stop times vary, so students also build independent project work time into those days.

How do the internships work?

Students work with advisors in the fall to identify and pursue internship opportunities from our menu of community partners, through their own family connections, or through cold-contacting. While the district does not provide transportation, students may walk or take a city bus. Internships typically span four hours each Tuesday and Thursday, and most continue through May.

If there are no grades, can I still go to college?

Absolutely! Most Gibson Ek students attend a four-year university upon graduation. Our transcripts show courses and mastered knowledge, but also highlight project work and internships, providing schools with a unique perspective of our students’ learning and potential. See “College Acceptances” on our Counseling webpage to learn where Gibson Ek students have earned admission.

If I want to explore a path other than a 4-year college, can I do that at Gibson Ek?

Absolutely! Many Gibson Ek graduates use their experiences from internships and projects to pursue technical colleges, apprenticeships, military enlistment or immediate work in a field they experienced during high school.

Have more questions?

Visit our About Us page, attend the virtual information sessions, and don't miss our Open House (Feb. 5, 6-7:30 p.m.).