The Best Private Schools in Cle Elum, Washington
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Cle Elum. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Andrew's School
Catholic Schools of the Yakima Diocese
St. Andrew's School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving the Cle Elum and greater Kittitas County area. Located just 30 minutes from Cle Elum in Ellensburg, 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 small class sizes, dedicated certified teachers, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes advanced mathematics, science labs, music instruction, and competitive sports programs. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, strong community feel, and excellent preparation for high school.
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St. Joseph-Marquette Catholic School
Catholic Schools of the Yakima Diocese
While located in Yakima (approximately 45 minutes from Cle Elum), St. Joseph-Marquette Catholic School serves as a regional option for families seeking exceptional private education. This established Catholic school offers Pre-K through 8th grade with a classical education approach combined with modern STEM curriculum. The school features extensive facilities including science laboratories, music rooms, art studios, and gymnasium. Academic excellence is demonstrated through consistent above-average standardized test scores and strong high school placement records. The school offers bus service from surrounding areas and has several enrolled students from the Cle Elum region.
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Ellensburg Christian School
Independent Christian School
Ellensburg Christian School serves families throughout Kittitas County, including Cle Elum, with a comprehensive K-8 Christian education program. The school emphasizes academic rigor within a biblical worldview framework, offering strong core academics enhanced by music, art, physical education, and technology integration. With a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, students receive personalized attention and support. The school features modern facilities including science labs, computer labs, and athletic fields. Many families from Cle Elum commute to this school due to its excellent reputation for both academic quality and character development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Cle Elum, Washington
What are the primary private school options for families residing in Cle Elum, Washington, and how accessible are they?
Cle Elum itself has a limited number of private schools within its immediate city limits, with St. Andrew's School being a notable local option. However, families in Cle Elum commonly look to neighboring Ellensburg, about 30 minutes east, for additional choices such as Ellensburg Christian School and St. Joseph-Marquette Catholic School. This regional approach is standard for Kittitas County. Accessibility involves a commute, so transportation planning is a key consideration. Exploring these schools involves understanding their individual missions, as they range from Episcopal (St. Andrew's) to interdenominational Christian and Catholic, offering distinct educational environments.
How does tuition for private schools in the Cle Elum, WA area compare, and are there state-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition in the Cle Elum area varies. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Andrew's School in Cle Elum has a different fee structure than schools in Ellensburg. Washington State offers the "Washington State Opportunity Scholarship" for eligible older students, but more directly relevant for K-12 is the lack of a broad voucher program. However, many schools offer need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. Additionally, Washington has a robust "School Choice" ethos, and some families utilize state-approved Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) for special needs students, which can be applied at private schools. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school about their tuition, fees, and available aid packages.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Cle Elum, WA offer that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in the Cle Elum and greater Kittitas County area often integrate the unique Pacific Northwest and Central Washington environment into their curricula. St. Andrew's School, for example, may emphasize outdoor education and environmental science, taking advantage of its proximity to the Cascade Mountains and the Yakima River. Ellensburg Christian School might incorporate agricultural science due to the region's farming heritage. Furthermore, given Cle Elum's location near major ski areas and hiking trails, schools often have strong outdoor club activities or physical education programs that utilize these local resources, fostering a connection between classroom learning and the surrounding natural world.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Cle Elum, Washington families?
The enrollment process for schools like St. Andrew's in Cle Elum or those in Ellensburg generally begins in the winter for the following fall semester, often with open houses held between January and March. Application deadlines typically fall in early spring (March/April), with admission decisions communicated by late spring. Given the smaller size of these communities and limited seats, applying early is strongly advised. The process usually involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, a family interview, and for some, a student assessment or visit day. Some schools may have rolling admission if spaces remain, but planning a year in advance is the most reliable strategy for Cle Elum-area parents.
For a family in Cle Elum, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district (Cle Elum-Roslyn School District) and a private school option?
The decision often hinges on several local factors. The Cle Elum-Roslyn School District offers a well-regarded, tuition-free education with strong community ties and programs. Choosing a private school like St. Andrew's or commuting to Ellensburg involves a significant financial investment but may offer smaller class sizes, a specific religious or values-based education, and alternative pedagogical approaches (like St. Andrew's Episcopal tradition). Parents should consider the daily commute to Ellensburg (approx. 30 mins), the alignment of the school's mission with family values, and the desired learning environment. For some, the specialized community and programs of a private school justify the cost and travel, while others prefer the comprehensive, localized offerings of the public district.
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