The Best Private Schools in Kirkland, Washington
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Kirkland. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Lake Washington Girls Middle School
Independent School
Located in downtown Kirkland, Lake Washington Girls Middle School provides an exceptional all-girls education for grades 6-8. The school focuses on building confidence, leadership skills, and academic excellence in young women. With a strong emphasis on STEM education and hands-on learning, LWGMS features small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a supportive community environment. The curriculum includes innovative programs in robotics, engineering, and environmental science, complemented by arts, athletics, and community service opportunities.
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The Overlake School
Independent School
The Overlake School is a highly regarded independent college preparatory school serving the Eastside communities including Kirkland. Founded in 1967, it offers a rigorous academic program for grades 5-12 with small class sizes and exceptional faculty. The 75-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and athletic facilities. Overlake emphasizes experiential learning, community service, and character development alongside strong academics, with graduates consistently attending top-tier universities nationwide.
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Eastside Preparatory School
Independent School
Eastside Preparatory School is an innovative independent school serving grades 6-12 with a focus on critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world problem solving. The school's unique curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary studies and project-based learning, preparing students for success in college and beyond. EPS features modern facilities, advanced technology integration, and a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. The school offers robust arts programs, competitive athletics, and numerous extracurricular opportunities while maintaining small class sizes and personalized attention.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Kirkland, Washington
What are the main types of private schools available in Kirkland, WA, and how do they differ?
Kirkland offers a diverse range of private schools, primarily centered on the Eastside of Seattle. The top tier includes prestigious independent college-preparatory schools like The Overlake School in Redmond (serving Kirkland residents) and Eastside Preparatory School, which are known for rigorous academics and innovation. There are also unique single-gender options like the Lake Washington Girls Middle School. Additionally, Kirkland has several faith-based schools (e.g., St. John's School) and Montessori programs. The key differences lie in educational philosophy, with some schools emphasizing project-based learning, others a traditional liberal arts core, and varying sizes and campus cultures.
How does the tuition for private schools in Kirkland, WA, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition at Kirkland's top private schools is generally at or above the Washington state average for independents. For the 2024-25 school year, upper school tuition at schools like Overlake and Eastside Prep ranges from approximately $45,000 to $48,000. Washington does not have state-funded voucher programs, but these schools typically offer substantial need-based financial aid, often funded through endowments and annual giving. It's common for 20-30% of the student body to receive aid. Parents should apply for financial aid simultaneously with admissions, using platforms like Clarity or the School and Student Services (SSS). Some schools also offer merit scholarships, though need-based aid is more prevalent.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are notable at private schools in the Kirkland area?
Kirkland-area private schools leverage their proximity to tech giants like Microsoft and Google to offer standout STEM and entrepreneurship programs. For example, Eastside Preparatory School has a renowned Integrated Studies program and advanced computer science courses. The Overlake School features extensive robotics teams, environmental science programs utilizing its 75-acre campus, and strong arts. Many schools also emphasize outdoor and experiential education, taking advantage of Washington's natural landscape with trips to the Cascades or Puget Sound. Unique offerings like engineering design labs, interdisciplinary humanities courses, and global online academies are common differentiators.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in Kirkland, WA?
The process for Kirkland-area private schools is highly structured and begins early. For fall admission, key steps typically start 12-18 months in advance. Open houses and tours occur from September to November. Application deadlines are often in early January (e.g., January 10th), with required components including standardized testing (ISEE or SSAT), student and parent essays, teacher recommendations, and student interviews or visit days. Admissions decisions are released in mid-March. Due to high demand, especially for middle and high school entry points, early planning is crucial. Many families also apply to multiple schools given the competitive nature of institutions like Overlake and Eastside Prep.
How do the class sizes and student-teacher ratios in Kirkland private schools compare to the highly-rated Lake Washington School District public schools?
While the Lake Washington School District (LWSD) is one of the top public districts in Washington, with average class sizes in the mid-to-high 20s, Kirkland's private schools offer significantly smaller settings. Private schools in the area typically maintain student-teacher ratios between 8:1 and 12:1, with average class sizes of 12-18 students. This allows for highly personalized attention, differentiated instruction, and deeper student-teacher relationships. The trade-off, of course, is tuition cost versus free public education. Parents often choose private options for this tailored environment, specific pedagogical approaches, and often more extensive arts and advanced course offerings at the individual student level.
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