Vashon Island, located in Puget Sound just off West Seattle, has the smallest of the 27 school districts in the Seattle area, with just one elementary, one middle and one high school. The rural community is connected to the mainland by ferry.

The district's test scores are among the state's top 10 percent, on average, and its small size means it can offer a more personalized education to its students.

The schools enjoy strong community support, with hundreds of volunteers at each school and classroom programs offered by some of the many artists who call Vashon Island home. PIE (Partners in Education) raises money for the schools. The community scholarship foundation also raises money for every student who applies.

Voters have consistently supported levy requests for more than 25 years, but the district, like many others, is facing budget shortfalls and must find ways to save money. It also is beginning to address a long-standing need to renovate its three schools.

Superintendent: Terry Lindquist was appointed interim superintendent in April, 2007.

The numbers: 1.2% African-American, 3% Asian-American, 3.7% Hispanic, 1.2% Native American, 87.5% White, 12% low-income, 8.9% special-education, .8% ESL.

Funding: A $4.97 million construction bond and a two-year, $2.4 million technology and capital levy were approved in 2005. A four-year, $13.4 million operations levy passed in 2006.