The Best Private Schools in Auburn, Washington
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Auburn. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Overlake School
Independent
The Overlake School is a premier independent day school that attracts students from across the Puget Sound region, including Auburn families. The school offers a challenging academic program with strong emphasis on both STEM and humanities. Features include advanced placement courses, innovative technology integration, and extensive arts programs. The 75-acre campus includes modern classrooms, science labs, athletic facilities, and dedicated arts spaces. The school is known for its inclusive community, strong college counseling, and commitment to developing well-rounded students through academic, artistic, and athletic opportunities.
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Charles Wright Academy
Independent
Charles Wright Academy is a highly respected independent day school serving the South Sound region including Auburn. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum from preschool through 12th grade with small class sizes and personalized attention. Known for its strong academic programs, the school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, writing skills, and hands-on learning experiences. Extracurricular offerings include competitive athletics, visual and performing arts, and community service programs.
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Annie Wright Schools
Independent
Annie Wright Schools offer both day and boarding programs serving students from preschool through high school, with many families commuting from Auburn. The school is an International Baccalaureate World School offering the IB Diploma Programme in upper school. The historic campus features modern academic facilities, athletic centers, and dedicated arts spaces. The school emphasizes global perspective, leadership development, and academic excellence. Programs include robust arts offerings, competitive athletics, and extensive extracurricular activities. The school maintains small class sizes and personalized learning approaches while preparing students for top colleges and universities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Auburn, Washington
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Auburn, Washington, and are they located within the city limits?
While Auburn itself has a limited number of standalone private schools, families commonly look to prestigious institutions in the broader South Puget Sound region. The schools often considered include Charles Wright Academy in University Place (Tacoma area), The Overlake School in Redmond, and Annie Wright Schools in Tacoma. These are day schools with some offering boarding, and they typically serve Auburn residents through daily commutes. There are also local private options, such as religiously affiliated schools (e.g., St. Barbara Catholic School), which are situated within Auburn. It's important for Auburn parents to factor in commute times of 30-60 minutes to reach the top-tier regional schools.
How does tuition for top private schools near Auburn, WA, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition for the leading private schools in the Puget Sound area accessible to Auburn families is significantly above the Washington state average for private education. For the 2024-2025 academic year, schools like Charles Wright Academy and The Overlake School have tuition ranging from approximately $40,000 to $45,000 for upper grades. Washington does not have state-funded voucher programs for private school tuition. However, these schools offer substantial need-based financial aid, with many families receiving grants that reduce the cost. It's crucial to apply for aid early, as deadlines often align with admission applications in January. Some schools also offer merit scholarships, though need-based aid is more common.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools serving Auburn, WA, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The premier private schools in the region provide specialized programs not always available in Auburn public schools. For example, Charles Wright Academy offers a globally recognized International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. The Overlake School has a renowned STEM and technology focus with extensive robotics and computer science offerings. Annie Wright Schools provide a single-gender academic environment in the Lower and Middle Schools, with the International Baccalaureate program across all divisions. These schools also typically feature smaller class sizes, extensive outdoor and environmental education leveraging the Pacific Northwest landscape, and robust arts programs, including theater and music, with facilities that rival small colleges.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Auburn, WA, area?
The admission process for the top-tier private schools near Auburn is highly structured and begins almost a year in advance. The key timeline is: September-December (attend open houses and tours), January (submit applications and financial aid forms), January-February (student visits and interviews), and March (admission decisions are released). For example, the application deadline for The Overlake School is typically in early January. It is vital for Auburn families to plan for this schedule, as late applications are rarely considered. Additionally, many schools require standardized testing (like the ISEE or SSAT) and teacher recommendations as part of the application package.
For an Auburn family, what are the major considerations when choosing between the Auburn School District public schools and a private school in the region?
The decision hinges on several factors specific to Auburn. The Auburn School District offers diverse programs, including the highly gifted QUEST program and career and technical education (CTE) pathways. Choosing a local public school means no commute and no tuition. Opting for a private school like those mentioned involves a significant financial investment and daily commute but often provides smaller class sizes, more individualized attention, specialized college preparatory curricula (like IB), and potentially greater resources in arts and technology. Families should assess their child's specific learning needs, the value they place on a particular educational philosophy or community, and their willingness to manage the logistics and cost of a private education outside the city.
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