The Best Private Schools in Edmonds, Washington
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Edmonds. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Holy Rosary School
Archdiocese of Seattle
Holy Rosary School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving Pre-K through 8th grade students in Edmonds. With over 70 years of educational excellence, the school offers a comprehensive curriculum that balances strong academics with faith formation. The school features modern classrooms, dedicated STEM programs, and robust extracurricular activities including music, arts, and sports. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment, dedicated teachers, and strong community feel. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes character development alongside academic achievement.
Programs:
The Evergreen School
Independent
The Evergreen School, located in nearby Shoreline, is a nationally recognized independent school specifically designed for gifted and academically advanced students from preschool through 8th grade. Serving families from Edmonds and throughout the greater Seattle area, the school offers an innovative, project-based curriculum that challenges students to think critically and creatively. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including dedicated science labs, maker spaces, art studios, and extensive outdoor learning environments. The school is particularly noted for its expert faculty, individualized learning approaches, and outstanding track record of preparing students for top high school programs.
Programs:
Cedar Park Christian School - Northshore Campus
Cedar Park Church
Located just minutes from Edmonds in Bothell, Cedar Park Christian School serves families throughout North King and South Snohomish Counties. This accredited Christian school offers comprehensive education from preschool through high school with a strong college preparatory focus. The campus features modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, extensive athletic facilities, and dedicated arts spaces. The school is known for its rigorous academic program, championship athletics, and vibrant student life. Many Edmonds families choose this school for its strong community values and excellent college acceptance rates.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Edmonds, Washington
What are the primary types of private schools available in Edmonds, WA, and how do they differ?
Edmonds, WA, offers a diverse range of private school options, primarily categorized as faith-based and independent. Faith-based schools, like Holy Rosary School (Catholic) and Cedar Park Christian School - Northshore Campus (Christian), integrate religious teachings with a standard academic curriculum. Independent schools, such as The Evergreen School, are secular and often have a distinct educational philosophy, like a focus on gifted education or project-based learning. This variety allows parents in Edmonds to choose an environment that aligns closely with their family's values and their child's learning style.
How does tuition for private schools in Edmonds, WA, compare, and are there state-specific financial aid options?
Tuition in Edmonds varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect a range from approximately $10,000 to over $30,000 annually. Washington State offers specific financial aid opportunities that Edmonds families can utilize. Most notably, the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship, while often for higher education, signals a supportive environment. More directly, many schools participate in the Fulcrum Foundation Tuition Assistance program for Catholic schools, and most offer their own need-based aid. Additionally, Washington does not have a tax-credit scholarship program, but families can use the state's 529 plan funds for K-12 private school tuition, a key local financial consideration.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Edmonds private schools offer that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in Edmonds, WA, often incorporate the unique Pacific Northwest environment into their programs. For example, The Evergreen School's curriculum for gifted students emphasizes environmental science and outdoor learning, potentially utilizing nearby Puget Sound and Olympic Peninsula ecosystems. Cedar Park Christian School may integrate outdoor education with its spiritual teachings. Furthermore, proximity to Seattle allows schools to facilitate specialized partnerships in STEM, arts, and maritime studies, and many have robust programs in sustainability and environmental stewardship, reflecting Washington's cultural values.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Edmonds area?
The enrollment process for sought-after private schools in Edmonds, such as The Evergreen School, often begins very early. Key timelines include: applications opening in August/September for the following fall, with deadlines typically between January and February. This is followed by assessments, student visits, and family interviews throughout the winter. Admission decisions are usually communicated in March. For schools like Holy Rosary, priority is given to parish members and siblings, so connecting with the community well in advance is crucial. We strongly recommend contacting schools 12-18 months before desired enrollment to understand their specific sequence and requirements.
For families considering both sectors, what are the practical differences between Edmonds public schools and local private school options?
The Edmonds School District offers strong public education, but private schools provide distinct alternatives. Key differences include: **Class Size:** Edmonds private schools typically have significantly smaller class sizes (e.g., 15-20 students) than public schools. **Curriculum Flexibility:** Private schools, like The Evergreen School, can offer specialized, accelerated curricula not bound by all state standards. **Transportation:** The Edmonds School District does not provide bus service for private school students, so transportation logistics are the family's responsibility. **Community:** Private schools often foster a close-knit community based on shared values (faith or educational philosophy). Public schools offer broader diversity and extensive extracurricular programs funded by taxpayer dollars. The choice often hinges on prioritizing specialized attention and mission alignment versus the comprehensive, no-tuition option of the public system.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities