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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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