The Best Private Schools in Airway Heights, Washington
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Airway Heights. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Oaks Classical Christian Academy
Classical Christian Education
The Oaks Classical Christian Academy provides a distinctive classical Christian education to students from Airway Heights and the greater Spokane area. Founded in 1999, the school employs the time-tested classical trivium method with a strong emphasis on critical thinking, logic, rhetoric, and Latin instruction. The curriculum integrates all subjects through a Christian worldview while maintaining rigorous academic standards. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a strong sense of community. Students benefit from a comprehensive education that includes music, art, and physical education alongside core academic subjects, preparing them for college and lifelong learning.
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St. George's School
Independent
St. George's School is a highly-regarded independent college preparatory school serving the greater Spokane area, including Airway Heights. Established in 1975, the school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with strong emphasis on STEM education, arts integration, and character development. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. The school maintains small class sizes with a 8:1 student-teacher ratio and boasts a 100% college acceptance rate to selective institutions. Extracurricular programs include competitive athletics, robotics, debate, and extensive community service opportunities.
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Northwest Christian Schools
Northwest Christian Schools
Northwest Christian Schools is a comprehensive Christian educational institution serving students from Airway Heights and throughout the Spokane region. Founded in 1977, the school offers a Christ-centered education combined with strong academic preparation. The curriculum includes Advanced Placement courses, robust STEM programs, fine arts, and competitive athletics. The 50-acre campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, athletic fields, and performing arts facilities. The school emphasizes character development and community service while maintaining high academic standards with a focus on college readiness and personal growth.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Airway Heights, Washington
What are the main private school options serving families in Airway Heights, Washington, and are they located within the city limits?
While Airway Heights itself has a limited number of private schools physically within its boundaries, families commonly look to nearby Spokane for established institutions. The top schools serving the Airway Heights area include St. George's School (a prestigious independent college-prep school in Spokane), Northwest Christian Schools (a private Christian school system in Spokane with multiple campuses), and The Oaks Classical Christian Academy (a classical Christian school in Spokane). Many families in Airway Heights commute to these Spokane-area schools, which are typically a 15-25 minute drive. It's important to research each school's transportation policies, as some may offer bus service to outlying areas.
How does tuition for private schools in the Airway Heights/Spokane area compare to the Washington state average, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition for the private schools serving Airway Heights varies significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. George's School has tuition in the upper tier (approximately $30,000+ for upper grades), while Northwest Christian Schools and The Oaks Classical Christian Academy are generally in the mid-range ($8,000 - $15,000). These figures are broadly in line with or slightly below the average for Washington state private schools, which is influenced by higher costs in the Seattle area. Critically, Washington has two key financial aid programs: the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship for higher education and, more relevantly, many schools participate in the state's "School Choice" legislation that allows for certain funding for special services. Additionally, all major schools offer their own need-based financial aid, and some accept funds from the Washington State Empowerment Scholarship (ESA) program for eligible students.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Airway Heights offer that leverage the Inland Northwest environment?
Private schools in the Spokane/Airway Heights corridor often integrate the Inland Northwest's natural and cultural resources into their programs. St. George's School is renowned for its extensive outdoor education and wilderness trips, utilizing the nearby mountains and lakes for leadership training. Northwest Christian Schools often emphasize agricultural and environmental science programs, sometimes partnering with local farms. The Oaks Classical Christian Academy incorporates regional history and literature into its classical curriculum. Furthermore, proximity to Fairchild Air Force Base means several schools have strong communities of military families and may offer specific support programs. Many also participate in athletic leagues and arts collaborations unique to the Eastern Washington and North Idaho region.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Airway Heights, and how competitive is admission?
The enrollment timeline for most private schools in this area begins in the fall, with open houses typically held from September to January. Application deadlines are often in January or February for the following academic year, with admission decisions released by March. St. George's School is the most competitive, requiring standardized testing (ISEE or SSAT), interviews, and a rigorous application. Northwest Christian Schools and The Oaks Classical Christian Academy generally have a more accessible process but may have waiting lists for popular grades, especially kindergarten and early elementary. A key step for Airway Heights families is to attend open houses early, as commuting distance is a factor in planning. Sibling and legacy preferences are common, so applying early is advised.
For an Airway Heights family, what are the primary considerations when choosing between the local public schools (like Cheney School District) and a private school in Spokane?
The decision often hinges on commute, educational philosophy, and specific student needs. Airway Heights is served by the Cheney School District, which offers the convenience of neighborhood schools and no tuition. Choosing a private school in Spokane adds a daily commute but may provide smaller class sizes, a specific religious or pedagogical foundation (like classical Christian education at The Oaks), or a more intensive college-preparatory environment (like St. George's). Families should also consider extracurricular accessibility; a student in Airway Heights may find it harder to participate in after-school activities at a Spokane school due to transportation. Financially, they must weigh tuition costs against potential savings on supplemental services they might otherwise seek. Visiting both local public schools and the private options is crucial to feel the difference in community and program offerings.
Private Education Insights
Discover Top Independent Secondary Schools Near Airway Heights, WA
For families in Airway Heights considering the next step in their child’s education, the search for the right independent secondary school is both exciting and significant. You’re not just looking for a “private school near me,” but for a community and an academic environment that aligns with your family’s values and your student’s aspirations. The good news is that the Spokane County area, with Airway Heights as a convenient hub, offers several distinctive options that provide compelling alternatives to the public school pathway. These schools emphasize smaller class sizes, dedicated faculty, and often, a strong foundational philosophy that guides everything from curriculum to character development.
When exploring independent secondary schools near you, it’s essential to consider the unique educational models available locally. For instance, St. George’s School, located a reasonable drive away in Spokane, is a prestigious, secular independent school known for its rigorous college-preparatory curriculum and exceptional facilities. It represents a classic independent school model focused on developing well-rounded leaders through academics, arts, and athletics. Meanwhile, institutions like Northwest Christian Schools offer a faith-based education, integrating Christian principles with a strong academic program. This can be a vital consideration for families in Airway Heights seeking an environment where spiritual growth is nurtured alongside intellectual development.
Closer to home, The Oaks Classical Christian Academy presents another profound choice. Its classical model, centered on the trivium of grammar, logic, and rhetoric, offers a time-tested approach that emphasizes critical thinking, eloquent communication, and a deep engagement with great books and ideas. This is more than just a curriculum; it’s a method of forming how students learn and view the world. For parents in Airway Heights, the practical consideration involves balancing the school’s educational philosophy with logistics like commute times. Being situated near the I-90 and US-2 corridor, Airway Heights provides relatively good access to these Spokane-area schools, but visiting each campus is crucial to understanding the daily reality of the journey.
Your search for the best independent secondary schools near you should involve deep reflection on what “education” means for your family. Is it primarily about college acceptance lists, or is it about fostering specific virtues and worldview? We encourage you to move beyond an online search and experience these schools firsthand. Attend open houses, schedule shadow days for your child, and speak directly with teachers and administrators. Ask about how they support students through the pivotal adolescent years, their approach to technology and community service, and their track record of guiding graduates to their next steps. The investment in an independent secondary education is significant, but for many families in the Airway Heights community, the return—measured in prepared, confident, and purpose-driven young adults—is invaluable. Your ideal school is out there, offering a unique community ready to partner with you in this most important endeavor.
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