Independent School Fair Revived

The WISE Fair will showcase Whatcom County’s eighteen independent Pre-K, elementary, middle, and high schools, including both secular and religious schools. Representatives from participating schools will present information on curriculum, admission standards, financial aid, and enrollment deadlines. Families interested in learning about alternatives to public schools are encouraged to attend, as well as fellow educators and interested community members.

After a two-year absence, the WISE Fair has been revived through collaboration between Bethany Denton at Explorations Academy, Gina Barrieau-Gonzales at Whatcom Day Academy, and Natalie Smith at St. Paul’s Academy. “Working in admissions, we each found that there are a lot of misconceptions about independent schools,” said Bethany Denton. “The WISE Fair had been a great resource in the past, and we all saw a real benefit in bringing it back; not only to let parents and students in our community know their options, but to build relationships among our schools.” This fair is for anyone interested in learning more about our independent school community options; a directory can be provided to anyone interested, but cannot attend the event. “A fair would have been a great option for our family when were seeking a smaller class size and strong sense of community feel within a school” Kara Crotty an independent school parent at St. Paul’s Academy. For questions about participating in or attending the WISE Fair, please feel free to contact any one of us at the following: