MSE Whidbey

In-Person Learning Reimagined

Clinton, Washington • Studio-Based Micro High School

A Different Kind of High School

MSE Whidbey brings Market Square Education’s proven personalized learning approach to life in a creative studio environment where students earn full high school credits while pursuing their interests and connecting with their community.

Personalized Learning

Each student co-designs their learning journey with experienced facilitators. No two pathways are exactly alike—because no two students are exactly alike.

Studio-Based Environment

Our space feels more like a creative workshop than a traditional classroom. Students move between focused study, collaborative projects, and hands-on exploration.

Full Academic Credit

Earn all 24 credits required for a Washington State diploma. OSPI-aligned curriculum meets rigorous standards while adapting to your learning style.

Community Integration

Learning extends beyond our walls. We leverage Clinton’s parks, library, local businesses, and Island Transit to create real-world learning experiences.

Flexible Rhythms

Forget rigid class periods. Our emergent scheduling allows students to dive deep when engaged and shift gears when needed—honoring natural learning rhythms.

Relationship-Centered

Built on HARP principles (Honor, Acceptance, Respect, Practice), we create a learning community where every student is known, valued, and supported.

How MSE Whidbey Works

A hybrid model combining the best of in-person learning with powerful digital tools

Assessment & Planning

We start by understanding your student’s interests, strengths, and goals. Together, we create a personalized learning plan aligned with diploma requirements.

Studio Learning

Students work in our Clinton studio space, moving between individual study, small group projects, and facilitator-guided exploration.

Digital Integration

We use adaptive tools like Toddle LMS, Khanamigo, and OpenStax to personalize academic content and track progress toward credit completion.

Community Experiences

Learning happens beyond our studio through community projects, local partnerships, and real-world application of academic concepts.

Is MSE Whidbey Right for Your Student?

We serve students who thrive in flexible, relational, and purpose-driven environments

Perfect for Students

Seeking an alternative to traditional high school
Self-motivated with emerging interests
Value relationships and small community settings
Want to balance structure with autonomy
Ready to take ownership of their learning
Live on or near Whidbey Island

Learning Styles We Support

Project-based learners who learn by doing
Students who need flexible pacing
Those who connect learning to real-world contexts
Creative thinkers seeking hands-on experiences
Students who thrive with personalized attention
Learners who benefit from community connection

A Day at MSE Whidbey

Every day is different, but here’s what a typical Tuesday might look like

9:00 AM – Check-In

Community Circle & Goal Setting

Students arrive, share intentions for the day, and review individual learning plans with facilitators.

9:30 AM – Academic Focus Time

Core Subject Work

Students work on credit-bearing coursework (Math, English, Science, History) using adaptive digital tools and facilitator support.

11:00 AM – Project Work

Collaborative Learning

Small groups work on interdisciplinary projects connecting academic content to community needs or personal interests.

12:30 PM – Lunch & Community Time

Flexible Break

Students might walk to local eateries, use the nearby park, or engage in informal conversations and games.

1:30 PM – Exploration Block

Deep Dive or Field Work

Students pursue passion projects, conduct community research, or dive deep into areas of curiosity with facilitator mentorship.

3:00 PM – Reflection & Wrap-Up

Progress Review

Students reflect on their learning, update progress trackers, and preview tomorrow’s goals before departing.

Frequently Asked Questions

MSE’s online programs allow students to learn from anywhere, anytime with asynchronous coursework. MSE Whidbey is our in-person micro high school located in Clinton, Washington, where students attend our studio space with facilitators and peers. Both offer full WA State credits, but MSEW provides the structure and community of an in-person learning environment with the personalization MSE is known for.

Absolutely! Many students blend in-person studio time with MSE’s online course offerings to accelerate learning, explore electives, or work ahead during summer. We’ll help you design the right mix for your student’s needs.

We use rolling admissions and welcome high school students of all backgrounds. The admission process includes a family interview, student questionnaire, and learning needs assessment to ensure MSE Whidbey is the right fit. We’re looking for students and families ready to embrace a nontraditional approach to high school.

Tuition information is shared during the inquiry process. We’re committed to making MSE Whidbey accessible and offer flexible payment options. Contact us to learn more about current tuition and any available financial assistance.

Yes! Students earn a fully accredited Washington State high school diploma upon completing all 24 required credits. Our curriculum is OSPI-aligned and meets all state graduation requirements. Credits are transferable to other schools.

Currently, MSE Whidbey is our only in-person location, serving as a prototype for Market Square Education’s “school-in-a-box” model. We’re testing and refining this approach in Clinton before considering expansion. Stay connected to learn about future locations!

One of the benefits of being part of the MSE ecosystem is flexibility. If your family relocates, your student can seamlessly transition to MSE’s online programs to continue earning credits toward their diploma. We make transitions smooth and student-centered.

Ready to Reimagine High School?

Join the founding families of MSE Whidbey and be part of something special.

Schedule a Visit Call us

Bob Hagin, Ed.D.: Founder, Head of Schools, Lead of MSE Whidbey
Heidi Nelson: Program Coordinator

4777 Commercial St, A103 Clinton, WA 98236 | Part of the Market Square Education family