Harbor School, a private school for K-8 students on Vashon, implemented a testing program in late September and since that time has screened all its students for COVID once a week. To date, the school has administered approximately 425 tests — approximately 85 per week which includes all students, staff and volunteers at the school.

Testing at the school takes place each Monday morning, using rapid antigen tests, and is funded by Health Commons Washington.

So far, said Head of School Teri Rutledge, zero teachers, volunteers or students have tested positive for COVID, and indeed, the school has experienced no cases since March of 2020.

“We’re really pleased with how well our safety protocols and testing program are working,” said Rutledge. “We know that part of our success is due to our small size, but we are also working hard and doing everything we can to keep our community safe and healthy.

In addition to screening testing on Monday mornings, the school also offers point-of-care rapid tests to students who present with symptoms at school, or to students who stay home with symptoms. To date, said Rutledge, the school has used 78 tests for that purpose. The school is paying for those tests.

“It’s expensive, but it’s worth it,” said Rutledge. “It helps us find out more quickly if something is COVID versus the common cold.”