The Best Private Schools in Washington, North Carolina
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Washington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Peter Catholic School
Diocese of Raleigh Catholic Schools
St. Peter Catholic School is a highly-regarded private institution serving Eastern North Carolina, including Washington area families. Established in 1976, the school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education with strong emphasis on faith formation, academic excellence, and character development. The school features modern facilities, small class sizes, and a rigorous curriculum that includes advanced STEM programs, Spanish language instruction, and comprehensive fine arts. With dedicated faculty and strong parent community, St. Peter provides a nurturing environment that prepares students for success in high school and beyond. The school's location in Greenville makes it accessible for Washington families seeking a quality Catholic education.
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St. Paul's Episcopal School
Episcopal Diocese of East Carolina
St. Paul's Episcopal School is a premier independent school serving Eastern North Carolina, including Washington residents. Founded in 1991, the school offers a challenging college-preparatory curriculum from preschool through 8th grade with an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. The school emphasizes global awareness, critical thinking, and character development within an Episcopal tradition. Facilities include state-of-the-art classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. The school maintains small student-teacher ratios and offers extensive extracurricular programs including competitive sports, robotics, drama, and community service opportunities. St. Paul's graduates consistently excel at top regional high schools.
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Calvary Baptist Christian School
Calvary Baptist Church
Calvary Baptist Christian School has been providing quality Christian education to Eastern North Carolina families since 1980, serving students from Washington and surrounding communities. The school offers comprehensive programs from kindergarten through 12th grade with a strong college-preparatory curriculum rooted in biblical principles. Academic programs are enhanced by extensive fine arts offerings, competitive athletic teams, and technology integration across all grade levels. The school features modern facilities including science labs, computer labs, gymnasium, and performing arts spaces. With a focus on academic excellence, spiritual growth, and character development, CBCS prepares students for higher education and lifelong success while maintaining a supportive Christian community environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Washington, North Carolina
What are the primary private school options available for K-12 education in Washington, North Carolina, and what are their core affiliations?
Washington, NC, offers a few established private school options, each with distinct characteristics. St. Peter Catholic School provides a faith-based education rooted in Catholic tradition. St. Paul's Episcopal School offers an independent education with an Episcopal affiliation, often emphasizing a well-rounded, liberal arts approach. Calvary Baptist Christian School delivers education from a Baptist Christian perspective. It's important to note that Washington does not have a large number of private institutions, so these schools cover core grade ranges but may not all offer a full K-12 continuum. Parents are encouraged to contact each school directly to confirm the specific grade levels served, as these can change.
How does tuition at private schools in Washington, NC, typically compare to state averages, and are there financial aid options specific to North Carolina?
Tuition for private schools in Washington, NC, is generally below the average for major metropolitan areas in the state but is consistent with costs in similar-sized Eastern North Carolina towns. For the 2023-2024 academic year, tuition at these schools often ranges from approximately $5,000 to $8,000 annually, though this can vary by grade level and institution. A significant financial aid resource specific to North Carolina is the Opportunity Scholarship Program, a state-funded voucher that provides income-based assistance for eligible families to attend private schools. Additionally, many local schools offer their own need-based financial aid and may have parish or congregation subsidies for members.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Washington, NC, offer that leverage the local coastal environment and community?
Private schools in Washington, NC, often integrate the unique coastal and historical context of the Inner Banks region into their programs. This can include environmental science curricula focused on the Pamlico River estuary, local history projects on Washington's role as an original port of entry, and community service partnerships with local environmental or historical preservation groups. For example, schools may organize field trips to the North Carolina Estuarium or incorporate studies of the local maritime industry. While specific offerings vary by school, this connection to the local environment and heritage is a distinctive feature compared to private schools in more urban or inland areas of North Carolina.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Washington, NC, and are there important local deadlines?
The enrollment process for private schools in Washington, NC, often begins in the winter for the following fall semester, typically between January and March. Key steps usually include submitting an application, providing academic records, completing an entrance assessment (for some grade levels), and a family interview. Given the limited number of seats available in this small market, applying early is strongly advised. Many schools host open houses in the fall and early winter. A critical local consideration is that, unlike in larger cities with rolling admissions, these schools may have firm deadlines due to smaller class sizes. It's also common for sibling and parishioner (for faith-based schools) applications to receive priority.
For families considering both sectors, what are the notable practical differences between the Beaufort County Public Schools system and private schools in Washington, NC?
The primary differences lie in class size, curriculum flexibility, and religious education. Private schools in Washington, such as St. Peter's, St. Paul's, and Calvary Baptist, offer significantly smaller class sizes, often with a 15:1 or lower student-to-teacher ratio, compared to the public schools. This allows for more individualized attention. The curriculum in private schools can be more flexible and is often integrated with a religious or specific value system, whereas Beaufort County Public Schools follow the state-mandated standard course of study. Public schools offer a wider range of extracurricular activities and specialized programs due to larger scale and funding, while private schools provide a consistent, community-oriented environment from a specific worldview. Transportation is another key factor; public schools provide bus services, while private school families typically arrange their own transportation.
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