The Best Private Schools in Keller, Washington
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Keller. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. George's School
Independent School
St. George's School is a highly-regarded independent college preparatory school serving the greater Spokane area, including Keller residents. Founded in 1955, the school offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes and exceptional faculty. The 120-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts center, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with a comprehensive curriculum that includes advanced STEM courses, extensive arts programs, and competitive athletics. Parent satisfaction is exceptionally high, with graduates consistently gaining admission to top-tier universities nationwide.
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The Oaks Classical Christian Academy
Classical Christian Education
The Oaks Classical Christian Academy provides a distinctive classical education rooted in Christian principles, serving families throughout Eastern Washington including Keller. Established in 1996, the school employs the time-tested classical trivium method focusing on grammar, logic, and rhetoric stages. The curriculum integrates faith and learning across all subjects, with particular strength in humanities, languages, and critical thinking. The school community is known for its close-knit environment, dedicated faculty, and strong parent partnership. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic spaces, with students consistently achieving above national averages on standardized testing.
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All Saints Lutheran School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
All Saints Lutheran School has been providing quality Christian education to the Spokane region since 1978, serving Keller area families seeking faith-based private education. The school offers comprehensive programs from preschool through 8th grade with a balanced approach to spiritual, academic, and personal development. The curriculum emphasizes core academic subjects enhanced by specialized instruction in music, art, physical education, and technology. The school features modern facilities with smart classrooms, science lab, library, and gymnasium. Parent reviews consistently praise the caring community, experienced teachers, and strong academic foundation that prepares students for high school success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Keller, Washington
What are the primary private school options available for families in Keller, Washington, and what are their educational philosophies?
Keller, Washington, offers a few distinct private school choices, each with a unique approach. St. George's School is a well-regarded independent day and boarding school known for a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum. The Oaks Classical Christian Academy follows a classical, Christian model emphasizing grammar, logic, and rhetoric through a biblical worldview. All Saints Lutheran School provides a faith-based education integrating Lutheran teachings with a standard academic curriculum. Given Keller's smaller, rural setting in Eastern Washington, these schools represent the core of local private education, and many families in the region also consider options in larger nearby cities like Spokane for a broader selection.
How does tuition at private schools in Keller, WA, compare to state averages, and are there any Washington-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition for private schools in Keller generally aligns with or is slightly below the Washington state average for similar institutions, partly due to the lower cost of living in Eastern Washington. For example, local parochial schools like All Saints Lutheran often have more modest tuition than larger independent schools. Washington state offers the Opportunity Scholarship for eligible students attending private schools, but it is primarily need-based and tied to public school district boundaries. More commonly, families utilize school-specific financial aid, payment plans, and, for K-12 schools, Washington's "School Choice" law which allows for more flexible enrollment but does not provide public funds for private tuition (like a voucher system). It's crucial to inquire directly with each Keller school about their aid packages and any local church subsidies.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Keller leverage due to their Eastern Washington location?
Private schools in Keller, WA, often incorporate the region's natural environment and agricultural character into their programs. This might include robust outdoor education, environmental science projects focused on the local steppe ecosystem, and agricultural studies. Given the proximity to the Columbia River and Native American reservations, some curricula may include regional history and cultural studies. Schools like St. George's, with its boarding program, may attract students interested in outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and skiing, which can influence club and athletic offerings. The smaller class sizes common in Keller schools also allow for highly personalized learning, a significant advantage in this close-knit community.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Keller, and how do waitlists work in this smaller market?
The enrollment process for private schools in Keller often begins in the winter (January-February) for the following fall, with application deadlines in early spring. Due to the limited number of seats in a small town, it is advisable to apply early. The process usually includes an application, student records review, family interview, and possibly an assessment. Waitlists are common, especially for popular entry grades, but their movement can be more predictable than in large cities because the applicant pool is smaller and more local. Some schools, particularly faith-based ones like The Oaks or All Saints, may give priority to siblings or members of their affiliated religious communities. Open houses are typically held in fall and winter, and attending these is highly recommended to understand each school's fit.
For families in Keller, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school?
The decision in Keller often centers on class size, educational philosophy, and specific student needs. The Keller School District is very small, which can mean limited advanced coursework, extracurricular variety, and specialized support services compared to larger districts. Private schools in Keller offer smaller, more intimate learning environments with distinct values-based education (classical Christian or Lutheran). However, the private option requires a significant financial commitment and may involve longer commutes, as some families look to schools in Spokane. Parents should consider their child's need for individualized attention, desire for a particular religious foundation, and the importance of specialized programs not available in the rural public system. The tight-knit community feel is a strength of both sectors in Keller.
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