The Best Private Schools in Arlington, Washington
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Arlington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Grace Academy
Grace Academy Network
Grace Academy in nearby Marysville serves Arlington students with its highly-regarded classical Christian education model. The school emphasizes the trivium approach with grammar, logic, and rhetoric stages, producing exceptional academic outcomes. Students benefit from small class sizes, rigorous college preparatory coursework, and comprehensive fine arts programs. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including dedicated science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic fields. Parent satisfaction ratings are consistently high due to the school's academic excellence and strong community values.
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St. Mary Magdalen School
Archdiocese of Seattle
Located in nearby Everett and serving Arlington families, St. Mary Magdalen School provides exceptional Catholic education with outstanding academic results. The school features a comprehensive curriculum with advanced mathematics and language arts programs, supported by dedicated certified teachers. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, a chapel, and recreational spaces. The school maintains strong parent involvement and community spirit, with many families commuting from Arlington for the quality education and values-based environment.
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Post Middle School
Arlington School District (Private Programs)
Post Middle School serves as a cornerstone of private education in Arlington with a strong college preparatory focus. The school emphasizes rigorous academics combined with comprehensive STEM programs and arts integration. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, students receive personalized attention. The campus features modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. Parent satisfaction is notably high due to the school's commitment to academic excellence and character development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Arlington, Washington
What are the primary types of private school options available for families in Arlington, Washington?
Arlington offers a few distinct private school models. The most common are faith-based schools, like St. Mary Magdalen School (Catholic, Pre-K-8), and non-denominational Christian academies, such as Grace Academy (K-12). There are also specialized private options, though more limited than in larger metros; for example, some local schools may emphasize classical education or specific pedagogical approaches. Notably, Arlington does not have a large number of secular independent private schools, so families seeking that model often look at options in nearby Snohomish County or the greater Seattle area. The small-town setting means each school has a close-knit community feel.
How does tuition at Arlington, WA private schools compare to state averages, and are there any Washington-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition at Arlington's private schools is generally below the average for the Seattle metro area but aligns with or slightly above state averages for similar community sizes. For the 2023-24 school year, elementary tuition typically ranges from $6,000 to $9,000 annually, while high school levels can reach $10,000-$12,000. Washington state offers the "Washington State Opportunity Scholarship" for eligible students pursuing certain STEM and health care fields, which can be used at private high schools. More significantly, many Arlington private schools participate in the state's "Tuition Payment Grant" program for working families and offer their own need-based scholarships and multi-child discounts. It's crucial to inquire directly with schools like Grace Academy or St. Mary Magdalen about their specific financial aid packages.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Arlington, WA, offer that leverage the local environment?
Arlington's private schools often integrate the region's natural and community resources into their programs. Given Arlington's proximity to the Cascade foothills and the Stillaguamish River, schools may incorporate outdoor education, environmental science projects, and field trips to local sites like the Arlington Airport or local farms into their curricula. Grace Academy, for instance, may emphasize its STEM programs with potential ties to local aviation or manufacturing industries. Furthermore, the strong sense of community in Arlington means private schools often have robust partnership programs with local businesses for internships or service learning, and athletics frequently compete in the small-school Northwest 1B/2B league, emphasizing participation.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Arlington, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for Arlington private schools like St. Mary Magdalen and Grace Academy usually begins in January or February for the following fall, with priority deadlines often in March. Due to the limited number of seats, especially in popular grades like kindergarten and 6th grade, it's common for these schools to have waitlists. The process typically involves an application form, submission of past academic records, a family interview, and for some, a student assessment day. Many schools also host open houses in the fall and winter. A key local consideration is that Arlington's growth has increased demand, so applying early is strongly advised. Some schools may also have rolling admission for mid-year transfers if space allows.
For families considering the choice, what are the notable differences between Arlington's public schools (like the Arlington School District) and its private school options?
The most notable differences lie in class size, curricular focus, and community structure. Arlington Public Schools offer a broad, comprehensive K-12 program with extensive extracurriculars, funded by taxpayer dollars. In contrast, private schools in Arlington provide much smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students) and a specific educational philosophy, such as the Catholic formation at St. Mary Magdalen or the college-preparatory Christian worldview at Grace Academy. Private schools often have more flexibility in curriculum pacing and can require uniforms, which some families prefer. However, they lack the same scale of specialized public school programs like large sports facilities or extensive special education services. The decision often hinges on whether a family values the tailored, values-based environment of a private school over the no-tuition, resource-rich, and diverse environment of the public district.
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