The Best Private Schools in Kalama, Washington
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Kalama. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Rose School
Catholic Schools of Southwest Washington
St. Rose School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving the Kalama area from nearby Longview. With over 70 years of educational excellence, the school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade program emphasizing faith-based education combined with strong academic foundations. The school features modern classrooms, dedicated teachers with an average of 15+ years experience, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes advanced STEM programs, music, art, and physical education. Parents consistently praise the tight-knit community atmosphere and the school's commitment to developing well-rounded students with strong moral character.
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Seton Catholic College Preparatory High School
Catholic Schools of Southwest Washington
Seton Catholic College Preparatory is a premier private high school serving students from Kalama and throughout Southwest Washington. Located in Vancouver, this college-preparatory institution offers a rigorous academic program with multiple Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM education, and competitive athletic programs. The school features state-of-the-art science labs, modern athletic facilities, and dedicated college counseling services. With small class sizes averaging 18 students, personalized attention ensures academic success. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence.
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Northwest Christian High School
Northwest Christian Schools
Northwest Christian High School serves students from Kalama and surrounding regions with a comprehensive Christian education program. This established private school offers a robust college-preparatory curriculum with honors and Advanced Placement courses, competitive athletic programs, and outstanding fine arts opportunities. The campus features modern academic facilities, regulation athletic fields, and dedicated performing arts spaces. The school emphasizes spiritual development alongside academic achievement, with a strong track record of graduates attending top colleges and universities. Parents appreciate the safe, nurturing environment and the school's commitment to developing leaders with strong moral character.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Kalama, Washington
What are the private school options for families living in Kalama, Washington, and are there options for all grade levels?
Kalama itself has a limited number of private schools, with St. Rose School being the primary local option, offering a Catholic education from preschool through 8th grade. For high school, families in Kalama typically look to nearby communities within Cowlitz County. Popular choices include Seton Catholic College Preparatory High School in Vancouver (about a 30-minute drive) and Northwest Christian High School in Lacey (a longer commute). This means Kalama residents often consider a commute for private secondary education, and exploring transportation options or carpool networks is an important local consideration.
How does tuition at private schools serving Kalama, WA, compare, and are there state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition varies significantly. St. Rose School, as a parish-affiliated elementary/middle school, generally has a lower tuition rate, often in the range of $5,000-$7,000 annually. Seton Catholic and Northwest Christian High Schools, as college-prep institutions, have higher tuitions, typically ranging from $12,000 to $16,000 per year. Washington State does not have a voucher program, but it does have the **Washington Opportunity Scholarship** for eligible students attending private high schools. Additionally, all these schools offer their own need-based financial aid, and many families utilize payment plans. The **Washington State Employee Credit Union (WSECU)** and other local credit unions also offer education loan products specifically for state residents.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible to Kalama students?
Schools serving the Kalama area provide distinct programs. St. Rose School emphasizes a faith-based curriculum with community service integrated at all levels, which is a cornerstone of its identity. Seton Catholic High School is known for its strong **Advanced Placement (AP)** course offerings and a dedicated **Engineering and Design Program**. Northwest Christian High School offers a notable **Fine Arts Academy** and competitive athletic programs in the 2B classification. For Kalama families, a key differentiator from local public schools is the ability to choose a school based on a specific specialization, whether it's rigorous college prep, arts, or faith-based learning, even if it requires travel.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Kalama, WA, area?
The enrollment process for schools like St. Rose, Seton Catholic, and Northwest Christian typically begins in January or February for the following fall. **Open houses and shadow days** are crucial and are usually scheduled in the winter months. St. Rose, having limited space, may have a waiting list for certain grades, so early inquiry is advised. For the high schools, especially Seton Catholic which draws from a wide area, application deadlines are often in early spring. Most require application forms, transcripts, teacher recommendations, and an entrance exam or interview. Given Kalama's location, attending these events requires planning for travel to Vancouver or Lacey.
How do private schools accessible to Kalama families compare to the Kalama School District public schools in terms of class size and community environment?
The most pronounced difference is class size. Kalama Public Schools, while highly regarded, have larger class sizes typical of public districts. Private options like St. Rose School offer much smaller, single-classroom grades, often with 15-20 students, allowing for highly individualized attention. The community environment also differs; private schools foster tight-knit, mission-driven communities centered on specific values (e.g., Catholic identity at St. Rose/Seton). Kalama's public schools offer a broader, community-wide environment with extensive extracurriculars. For parents, the choice often hinges on whether they prioritize a small, value-specific setting (with a potential commute) versus the comprehensive, local "Home of the Chinooks" experience of the Kalama public system.
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