People/Products

With a reputation for liberal politics, picturesque landscapes, and a relaxed dress code, 28-square-mile Bainbridge Island in Washington's Puget Sound is viewed by many as an idyllic spot to raise a family. Once dominated by logging and ship building and, later, agriculture, the island has evolved into an affluent bedroom community of Seattle, just a 35-minute ferry ride away. Given its tight control on development and its promotion of green space, it is no surprise that the island—which prides itself on its small-town charm and progressive values—has high expectations for its schools, which reflect and promote the way of life here.