The Best Private Schools in Kent, Washington
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Kent. 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 regarded independent school serving the greater Seattle area, including Kent families. Known for its innovative, project-based learning approach and rigorous college preparatory curriculum, the school emphasizes critical thinking and interdisciplinary studies. The campus features state-of-the-art science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. With small class sizes averaging 14 students, the school maintains a 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities including robotics, debate, and championship athletic teams.
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Holy Names Academy
Holy Names Academy
Holy Names Academy is Washington's oldest continuously operating school and serves students from throughout the region, including Kent. As an all-girls Catholic college preparatory school offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, HNA provides an academically challenging environment with a 100% college acceptance rate. The school features modern science laboratories, extensive arts facilities, competitive athletics programs, and a strong emphasis on leadership development. Located in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood, the school attracts students from across the Puget Sound region through its reputation for academic excellence and character formation.
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The Bear Creek School
The Bear Creek School
The Bear Creek School is a premier private Christian school serving students from Kent and surrounding communities across two campuses. The school offers a classical education model combined with modern teaching methods, featuring a comprehensive STEM program, competitive athletics, and extensive arts offerings. The 43-acre Redmond campus includes science laboratories, performance spaces, athletic fields, and technology-enhanced classrooms. Bear Creek maintains a strong college placement record with graduates attending top universities nationwide, and offers bus service from multiple locations including Kent.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Kent, Washington
What are the primary private school options for families living in Kent, WA, and are they actually located within the city limits?
While Kent itself has a limited number of standalone private schools, families in Kent commonly look to high-performing institutions in nearby cities within the broader South King County and Eastside regions. Notable schools drawing Kent residents include The Bear Creek School in Redmond (a K-12 Christian college-prep school), Eastside Preparatory School in Kirkland (a secular 5-12 school known for innovative curriculum), and Holy Names Academy in Seattle (an all-girls Catholic high school). Within Kent, options include more local parochial schools and smaller academies. This means commuting is a significant consideration for Kent families seeking top-tier private education.
How does tuition for private schools in the Kent, WA, area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition for the premier private schools accessible to Kent families is typically above the Washington state average for private education. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition at schools like The Bear Creek School or Eastside Preparatory School often ranges from $30,000 to $40,000+ for upper grades. However, most of these schools offer robust need-based financial aid programs. Additionally, Washington state does not have a private school voucher program, but it does allow for tax-free 529 plan savings to be used for K-12 private school tuition (up to $10,000 per year per beneficiary), which can provide a state tax advantage for Washington residents.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving Kent, WA, students that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Kent area often provide specialized programs that may be less available in the public system. For example, Eastside Prep emphasizes interdisciplinary, project-based learning with a strong focus on technology and design thinking. The Bear Creek School offers extensive outdoor education and a comprehensive arts program integrated with its Christian worldview. Holy Names Academy provides a rigorous STEM curriculum specifically designed for young women, along with renowned visual and performing arts. These schools also typically feature smaller class sizes, more individualized attention, and distinct educational philosophies that cater to specific family values and learning styles.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Kent, WA, region?
The timeline for most top private schools near Kent is highly structured and begins early. The admissions cycle for the following fall typically opens in August or September, with application deadlines between January and February. The process almost always includes a completed application, student and parent interviews, teacher recommendations, standardized testing (like the ISEE or SSAT), and a campus visit or shadow day. For schools like Holy Names Academy, which is highly selective, early preparation is crucial. Families in Kent should start researching and visiting schools at least 12-18 months before the desired enrollment date, especially for entry into middle or high school grades where spots are most competitive.
For a family living in Kent, what are the key considerations when deciding between the highly-rated Kent School District public schools and seeking a private school education?
The decision often hinges on several Kent-specific factors. The Kent School District offers some acclaimed specialty programs (like the Kentwood High School International Baccalaureate program), which provide a challenging public option. Choosing a private school often involves a desire for a specific religious foundation, a more consistent academic environment across all grades, or a pedagogical approach like progressive or classical education not fully available in the public system. Practical considerations include the daily commute to schools in Redmond, Kirkland, or Seattle, which can be significant from Kent, and the financial commitment. Families should also consider the social and community aspect—whether they prefer a neighborhood-based public school community or a private school community drawn from a wider geographic area.
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