The Best Private Schools in Ellensburg, Washington
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ellensburg. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Andrew's Catholic School
Diocese of Yakima
St. Andrew's Catholic School is the premier private school in Ellensburg, serving students from preschool through 8th grade. Founded in 1985, this accredited Catholic school offers a comprehensive academic program with strong emphasis on faith formation, character development, and academic excellence. The school features small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes advanced mathematics, science, language arts, and religious studies. Facilities include modern classrooms, a library, computer lab, and gymnasium. Extracurricular offerings include basketball, volleyball, robotics, choir, and various community service opportunities. The school is known for its tight-knit community and strong parent involvement.
Programs:
Yakima Valley School
Independent
While located in nearby Selah (approximately 30 miles from Ellensburg), Yakima Valley School serves students from throughout Central Washington, including Ellensburg families. This specialized private residential school provides comprehensive educational and therapeutic services for children and young adults with developmental disabilities. The school offers individualized education programs, life skills training, vocational preparation, and extensive therapeutic services including physical, occupational, and speech therapy. With a highly trained staff and modern facilities, the school creates supportive learning environments tailored to each student's unique needs. The campus features specialized classrooms, therapy rooms, residential cottages, and recreational facilities.
Programs:
St. Paul Cathedral School
Diocese of Yakima
Located in Yakima (approximately 35 miles from Ellensburg), St. Paul Cathedral School has been serving Central Washington families for over seven decades. This accredited Catholic school offers education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong academic foundation rooted in Catholic values. The school features a rigorous curriculum that includes advanced mathematics, science, language arts, and religious education. Students benefit from small class sizes, experienced faculty, and comprehensive extracurricular programs including band, choir, sports teams, and academic competitions. The campus includes modern classrooms, science labs, a library, computer lab, gymnasium, and outdoor play areas. Many Ellensburg families choose this school for its established reputation and comprehensive educational program.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ellensburg, Washington
What are the primary private school options available for families in Ellensburg, Washington, and what grade levels do they serve?
Ellensburg's private school landscape is anchored by faith-based institutions. The primary local option is **St. Andrew's Catholic School**, which serves students from Pre-K through 8th grade. For families seeking options in nearby communities, **St. Paul Cathedral School** in Yakima (about 40 minutes away) offers Pre-K through 8th grade. It's important to note that **Yakima Valley School** is a state-operated residential facility for individuals with developmental disabilities, not a traditional private K-12 school. Many Ellensburg families also consider private schools in the broader Kittitas County or make the commute to Yakima for high school options, as local private high schools are limited.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Ellensburg, WA, area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition for Ellensburg's private schools tends to be below the state average for Washington, reflecting the region's cost of living. For example, St. Andrew's Catholic School has a more accessible tuition structure compared to many Seattle-area privates. Washington State offers the **Washington Opportunity Scholarship** for eligible students attending private schools, and many local schools have parish or diocesan-based financial aid, scholarships, and multi-child discounts. It's crucial to inquire directly with the school's office about need-based aid and any local Ellensburg business-sponsored scholarship programs that may be available.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Ellensburg offer that leverage the local environment or community?
Ellensburg's private schools often integrate the region's unique character into their programs. **St. Andrew's Catholic School**, for instance, may leverage Central Washington University's (CWU) proximity for educational partnerships or science fairs. Programs might emphasize agricultural science, reflecting Kittitas County's farming heritage, or outdoor education tied to the nearby Cascade Mountains and Yakima River. Furthermore, the tight-knit community allows for strong character education programs and community service projects directly benefiting Ellensburg, such as partnerships with the local food bank or historical society.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. Andrew's in Ellensburg, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for Ellensburg private schools typically begins in January or February for the following academic year. For **St. Andrew's Catholic School**, priority is often given to active parishioners of St. Andrew's Parish, then to other Catholic families, and then to the general community. Due to the limited number of private seats in Ellensburg, it's common for certain grade levels to have waitlists, especially in early elementary grades. We highly recommend contacting the school by early winter, attending an open house (often held in fall), and submitting applications promptly. Some schools may require a family interview or student assessment as part of the process.
For families considering both public and private education in Ellensburg, what are the key differentiating factors?
The key differentiators in Ellensburg often center on class size, religious education, and specific program continuity. The **Ellensburg School District** offers robust public programs, including the Ellensburg High School STEM program. Private options like **St. Andrew's** provide smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students), a faith-based curriculum integrated throughout the day, and a single-campus experience from Pre-K to 8th grade. A significant consideration for Ellensburg families is the K-8 structure of the local private school, versus the public system's elementary (K-5), middle (6-8), and high school model. The private school community can offer a consistent, close-knit environment through these formative years.
Private Education Insights
Discover Top Non-Religious Private Schools in Ellensburg, WA for Your Child
For parents in Ellensburg beginning the search for the right educational environment for their child, the phrase "non religious private schools near me" often comes to mind. It reflects a desire for a private education that aligns with specific family values, perhaps focused on secular academics, specialized teaching philosophies, or a particular kind of community, without a religious curriculum. Understanding the landscape here in the Kittitas Valley is the first step in navigating this important decision. While Ellensburg is home to several excellent private institutions, including St. Andrew’s Catholic School and St. Paul Cathedral School, which provide outstanding faith-based education, the search for a non-sectarian option requires looking at a slightly broader map and considering what "near me" truly means for your family.
The immediate Ellensburg area presents a unique scenario. Our city’s private school offerings are predominantly religiously affiliated, a common characteristic in many smaller, close-knit communities. This doesn’t mean your search ends here; it simply means redefining "near" to include the wider Central Washington region. For many Ellensburg families, this involves considering commutes to neighboring cities. Yakima, for instance, is about a 40-minute drive and may offer more diverse private school options, including potential non-religious or independent schools. It’s crucial to research each school’s mission statement and curriculum thoroughly, as some schools may have historical religious ties but operate with a primarily secular academic focus today. Direct conversations with admissions directors are invaluable for clarifying these nuances.
When evaluating schools, consider what draws you to a private education. Is it smaller class sizes, a specific approach like Montessori or project-based learning, or a strong emphasis on arts or STEM? Defining these priorities will help you assess whether a slightly longer commute is worthwhile for the exact program you seek. For Ellensburg parents, this also means factoring in our distinct rhythms—the snowy passes in winter, the bustling rodeo season, and the agricultural calendar that shapes many of our lives. A school’s schedule, holiday breaks, and understanding of our local context can significantly impact daily logistics and your child’s sense of connection.
Furthermore, don’t overlook the potential of hybrid models or specialized programs. Some families find that coupling the strong foundational public education in Ellensburg with after-school enrichment programs, private tutoring, or online academies for specific subjects creates a tailored, secular educational experience. Engaging with local parent networks, both online and in community centers, can yield personal recommendations and insights about smaller, home-based educational pods or emerging independent programs that may not have a large web presence.
Ultimately, your search for non religious private schools near Ellensburg is a journey of matching your child’s needs with the right educational philosophy. It may require flexibility and a willingness to explore options within a reasonable driving radius. The investment of time in this search is profound, as finding the right environment where your child can thrive academically and socially is the ultimate goal. By approaching your search with clear priorities and an understanding of our regional landscape, you can make a confident and informed choice for your family’s educational path right here in Central Washington.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities