The Best Private Schools in Burbank, Washington
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Burbank. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
DeSales Catholic High School
Catholic Diocese of Spokane
DeSales Catholic High School is a highly-regarded private Catholic school located approximately 15 miles from Burbank. Founded in 1971, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and personalized attention. The school features comprehensive STEM programs, competitive athletics, and robust fine arts offerings. With strong academic results and a supportive faith-based community, DeSales serves students from throughout Walla Walla County including the Burbank area. The campus includes modern science labs, technology resources, and athletic facilities.
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Tri-Cities Prep
Jesuit Schools Network
Tri-Cities Prep is a prestigious Jesuit college preparatory school located approximately 25 miles from Burbank in Pasco. Founded in 1997, the school offers a rigorous academic program with 100% college acceptance rate and numerous Advanced Placement courses. The school features state-of-the-art science and technology labs, competitive robotics program, and comprehensive performing arts offerings. As part of the Jesuit educational tradition, the school emphasizes intellectual excellence, moral development, and service to others. Tri-Cities Prep serves students from throughout the Tri-Cities region and surrounding communities including Burbank.
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Walla Walla Catholic Schools
Catholic Diocese of Spokane
Walla Walla Catholic Schools represents one of the oldest and most established private education systems in southeastern Washington. Serving students from preschool through 8th grade, the school offers a comprehensive educational experience with strong academic foundations, character development, and faith formation. The institution includes specialized Montessori programs for younger students and transitions to traditional classroom settings for elementary and middle school. Located in nearby Walla Walla, the school serves families from Burbank and surrounding communities with transportation options available.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Burbank, Washington
What are the private school options for families living in Burbank, WA, and are there any schools actually located within the town?
Burbank itself is a small, unincorporated community, so there are no private schools physically located within its boundaries. However, families in Burbank typically look to nearby cities for excellent private options. The most prominent are DeSales Catholic High School in Walla Walla, Walla Walla Catholic Schools (which include elementary and middle schools), and Tri-Cities Prep in Pasco. These schools are within a reasonable commuting distance (20-45 minutes) and serve the broader region, including Burbank residents. Transportation is often a key consideration, as carpooling or parent driving is usually necessary.
How does Washington state's lack of income tax impact tuition assistance and financial aid for private schools near Burbank?
Washington's lack of a state income tax means families have different disposable income calculations, but it also means there are no state tax credit or deduction programs for private school tuition. However, the private schools serving Burbank, like DeSales and Tri-Cities Prep, have their own need-based financial aid programs and often work with diocesan scholarship funds (for Catholic schools) or private scholarship organizations. It's crucial to apply for financial aid directly through the school's process, as aid is typically funded by the schools themselves, endowments, and charitable donations rather than state mechanisms.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools accessible from Burbank, WA, offer that leverage the local region?
Schools in this area often integrate the unique characteristics of Southeastern Washington into their programs. For example, Tri-Cities Prep, with its proximity to the Hanford site and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, emphasizes a strong STEM curriculum with potential for science partnerships. DeSales Catholic High School, located in the agricultural heartland of Walla Walla, may offer programs related to environmental science and sustainability. Additionally, many schools have robust outdoor education and athletics programs that take advantage of the nearby Blue Mountains and Columbia River for activities like hiking, rowing, and skiing.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for the leading private schools near Burbank, WA, such as DeSales or Tri-Cities Prep?
Enrollment timelines for these schools are critical due to limited seats. Most operate on an annual cycle beginning in the fall (October-November) for the following academic year. For instance, Tri-Cities Prep often holds open houses in the fall and has application deadlines in early winter. DeSales and Walla Walla Catholic Schools typically have similar timelines, with placement testing and interviews scheduled in winter. Given the regional demand, applying early is strongly advised. Sibling and parish member (for Catholic schools) priorities often apply, so contacting the admissions office a full year in advance is a common strategy for Burbank families.
For a family in Burbank deciding between the local public schools and a private school commute, what are the key comparative factors specific to this area?
The decision hinges on several local factors. Academically, private options like Tri-Cities Prep offer a consistent, college-prep curriculum with smaller class sizes, which can be appealing compared to the larger, more varied programs in the Columbia (Burbank) School District. The commute (up to 45 minutes each way) is a significant daily commitment of time and cost. Culturally, the private schools offer distinct faith-based (Catholic) or classical education environments not available in the public system. For high school, parents often compare the specific extracurriculars (e.g., debate, specific sports) and graduation/college acceptance records of a school like DeSales against the offerings of Columbia-Burbank High School, which may have different vocational or agricultural programs.
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