The Best Private Schools in Federal Way, Washington
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Federal Way. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Evergreen School
Independent
The Evergreen School is a highly-regarded independent school serving students from preschool through 8th grade. While located in Shoreline, it attracts families from throughout the Puget Sound region including Federal Way due to its exceptional academic reputation. The school emphasizes progressive education with strong STEM programming, dedicated arts education, and extensive outdoor learning opportunities. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and extensive playgrounds. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, experienced faculty, and challenging curriculum that prepares students for top high schools.
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Annie Wright Schools
Independent
Annie Wright Schools is a prestigious independent day and boarding school located in Tacoma that serves families throughout the South Sound region, including Federal Way. The school offers International Baccalaureate programs at all levels and is known for its rigorous academic curriculum. The Upper School features separate gender-specific classrooms while maintaining co-educational activities. The 10-acre campus includes state-of-the-art facilities, athletic fields, performing arts spaces, and boarding accommodations. Families from Federal Way choose Annie Wright for its exceptional college preparation, diverse student body, and comprehensive extracurricular programs including competitive athletics and extensive arts offerings.
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St. Vincent de Paul School
Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle
St. Vincent de Paul School is a well-established Catholic school serving students from preschool through 8th grade in Federal Way. The school provides a faith-based education combined with strong academic programming, including a dedicated STEM lab, comprehensive music education, and Spanish language instruction. The campus features modern classrooms, a gymnasium, library, and outdoor play areas. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the school's community atmosphere, dedicated teachers, and balanced approach to spiritual and academic development. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes character education alongside academic excellence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Federal Way, Washington
What are the primary private school options available within Federal Way, Washington, and what are their key educational approaches?
Federal Way, WA, is home to several notable private schools, each with a distinct philosophy. The Evergreen School, located just north in Shoreline but serving many South Sound families, is a highly regarded independent school for preschool through 8th grade, known for its gifted education and project-based learning. Within Federal Way city limits, St. Vincent de Paul School offers a Catholic, faith-based education from preschool to 8th grade, emphasizing community service and traditional academics. While Annie Wright Schools are in Tacoma, they are a major draw for Federal Way families seeking rigorous day and boarding programs; the Upper School offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. Parents in Federal Way often consider this mix of local parochial, regional independent, and nearby college-preparatory options.
How does tuition for private schools in the Federal Way, WA, area compare, and are there state-specific financial aid resources available?
Tuition in the Federal Way area varies significantly by school type and grade level. For the 2024-25 academic year, St. Vincent de Paul School typically ranges from approximately $8,000 to $10,000 annually for parishioners. The Evergreen School's tuition is higher, often between $30,000 and $35,000, reflecting its independent school model. Annie Wright Schools' day student tuition is comparable to other elite independents, often exceeding $30,000. Washington State offers specific financial resources: the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship does not apply to K-12, but many schools offer need-based aid. Crucially, Washington does not have a private school voucher or tax-credit scholarship program, so financial assistance is primarily through the individual schools' funds. Some families also utilize the state's 529 plan for K-12 tuition expenses.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving Federal Way students that leverage the Pacific Northwest environment?
Private schools in the South Puget Sound region, including those serving Federal Way, often integrate the local environment into their curricula. The Evergreen School emphasizes environmental science and outdoor education, with students utilizing nearby parks and shorelines for ecological studies. St. Vincent de Paul incorporates service learning projects that connect with local Federal Way community organizations. Annie Wright Schools, with its coastal location, offers unique programs like marine science and utilizes its proximity to Tacoma's museums and the Port for experiential learning. Many of these schools also have strong outdoor education trips to locations like Mount Rainier and the Olympic Peninsula, which are easily accessible from Federal Way, fostering a deep connection to the regional landscape.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Federal Way, WA, area, and how competitive is admission?
The timeline and competitiveness vary. For schools like The Evergreen School and Annie Wright, the process is highly structured and can be competitive, especially for entry points like kindergarten, 6th, and 9th grades. Their admission cycles typically begin in the fall (September-October) for the following academic year, with application deadlines in January or February. Decisions are often released in March. St. Vincent de Paul School in Federal Way may have a more rolling admissions process but encourages early application, as spaces in certain grades can fill. A common first step for all is an open house or tour, often held in the fall. Given Federal Way's location between Seattle and Tacoma, families are competing for spots not only with local peers but also with applicants from a broader regional pool.
For a family living in Federal Way, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school district with area private schools?
Key considerations include academic focus, class size, and specific program offerings. Federal Way Public Schools (FWPS) is a large, diverse district offering a standard curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP), and some specialized academies. Private options offer smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students vs. 25-30+ in public) and distinct pedagogical approaches (e.g., gifted, IB, or faith-based). Transportation is a major factor; FWPS provides busing, while private schools may offer limited shuttle services from central locations, placing the onus on parents for daily commutes, especially to schools in Tacoma or Shoreline. Financially, it's a direct tuition cost versus tax-supported free public education. Many Federal Way families also consider the community environment, seeking a smaller, more close-knit setting that a private school can provide compared to the larger, comprehensive public high schools.
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