The Best Private Schools in Issaquah, Washington
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Issaquah. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Eastside Preparatory School
Eastside Preparatory School
Eastside Preparatory School is a highly selective independent school serving students from Issaquah and throughout the Eastside region. Founded in 2003, EPS has quickly established itself as one of the top college preparatory schools in Washington state. The school offers an innovative, project-based curriculum with strong emphasis on critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world problem solving. With exceptional faculty-to-student ratios and state-of-the-art facilities, EPS provides outstanding STEM programs alongside rigorous humanities and arts education. The school serves grades 5-12 and boasts nearly 100% college acceptance to selective universities. Families from Issaquah appreciate the school's intellectual rigor and progressive educational approach.
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The Overlake School
The Overlake School
The Overlake School is a prestigious independent day school serving grades 5-12 that draws students from Issaquah and across the Eastside. Established in 1967, Overlake has built a strong reputation for academic excellence and holistic student development. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement options, complemented by outstanding arts programs including visual arts, theater, and music. The 75-acre campus features exceptional facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. Overlake emphasizes community service, environmental stewardship, and character development alongside academic achievement, making it a top choice for Issaquah families seeking a well-rounded independent school education.
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The French American School of Puget Sound
French American School of Puget Sound
The French American School of Puget Sound is a highly-regarded bilingual independent school serving the greater Eastside area including Issaquah. Founded in 1992, FASPS offers a comprehensive French-English immersion program from preschool through 8th grade, culminating in the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme. The school is known for its rigorous academic curriculum, diverse international community, and strong emphasis on global citizenship. Students benefit from small class sizes, experienced bilingual faculty, and a well-rounded education that includes robust arts, athletics, and technology programs. The school's location on Mercer Island makes it accessible to Issaquah families seeking a premier bilingual education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Issaquah, Washington
What are the primary private school options for families living in Issaquah, WA, and are they located within the city limits?
While Issaquah itself has a limited number of standalone private campuses, families commonly look to highly-regarded schools in the broader Eastside region. Notable options include The Overlake School in Redmond (a secular, grades 5-12 college preparatory school), Eastside Preparatory School in Kirkland (known for its innovative, project-based curriculum for grades 6-12), and The French American School of Puget Sound in nearby Mercer Island (offering a bilingual, international curriculum from preschool through 8th grade). Many Issaquah residents choose these schools for their specialized programs, and commuting to neighboring cities is a standard part of the private school experience in this area.
How does the tuition for top private schools near Issaquah, WA, compare, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition for the leading private schools in the Issaquah area is significant and aligns with the region's cost of living. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect tuition ranges of approximately $45,000 to $48,000 for upper schools at institutions like Overlake and Eastside Prep. Washington State does not have voucher or tax-credit scholarship programs that directly reduce private school tuition. However, all these schools offer substantial need-based financial aid funded by their endowments. It is crucial to apply for aid simultaneously with admission, as funds are limited. Some schools also offer payment plans to help manage the annual cost.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Issaquah area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools near Issaquah distinguish themselves through specialized curricula and deep resources. For example, The French American School provides full bilingual immersion and an International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme. Eastside Preparatory School is renowned for its integrated, trimester-based curriculum emphasizing critical thinking and student-driven projects, with a particularly strong STEM and humanities focus. The Overlake School offers a traditional yet rigorous college-prep curriculum with exceptional arts and athletics facilities, along with a unique "Interim" week for experiential learning. These programs often feature smaller class sizes and more individualized attention than the highly-rated but larger Issaquah School District public schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools serving Issaquah, WA, families?
The admission process for schools like Overlake, Eastside Prep, and the French American School is highly structured and begins well over a year in advance. Key steps include: attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting applications by early January (for the following fall), student visits and interviews (January-February), and notification dates in mid-March. Standard requirements include teacher recommendations, transcripts, standardized test scores (like the ISEE or SSAT), and student essays. Given the competitiveness, starting the process in the summer or early fall of the year before desired entry is essential. Sibling and legacy applicants may have slightly different timelines.
For families in Issaquah, what are the key considerations when deciding between the high-performing public school district and a private school on the Eastside?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, specific student needs, and logistical factors. The Issaquah School District is consistently top-ranked in Washington, offering robust Advanced Placement (AP) programs, excellent facilities, and diverse extracurriculars at no direct cost. Choosing a private school involves a significant financial investment for potentially smaller class sizes, specialized curricula (like bilingual or progressive education), distinct community cultures, and often a more defined path to selective colleges. Transportation is a major practical consideration, as private schools require daily commuting. Many families value the tailored approach and specific programmatic strengths of private options, while others find the comprehensive, community-based public system perfectly meets their needs.
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