The Best Private Schools in Kittitas, Washington
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Kittitas. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Ellensburg Christian School
Independent Christian School
Ellensburg Christian School is a highly-regarded private institution serving Kittitas County with a comprehensive Christian education program. Located just 6 miles from Kittitas in nearby Ellensburg, the school offers small class sizes, individualized attention, and a strong academic foundation integrated with biblical principles. The school features modern facilities, dedicated certified teachers, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes STEM education, fine arts, and competitive sports programs. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, academic rigor, and strong community values.
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St. Andrew's Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Yakima
St. Andrew's Catholic School is a highly-rated private institution serving families throughout Central Washington, including Kittitas residents. With over seven decades of educational excellence, the school provides a comprehensive Catholic education from preschool through 8th grade. The curriculum emphasizes academic achievement, character development, and faith formation. Features include modern technology integration, Spanish language instruction, robust music and arts programs, and a strong sense of community. Many families from Kittitas commute to this respected institution for its proven track record of preparing students for high school success.
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Yakima Valley School
Private Independent School
Yakima Valley School is a well-established private institution serving students from throughout Central Washington, including Kittitas families seeking comprehensive K-12 education. The school offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, small class sizes, and individualized learning plans. The campus features modern academic facilities, science labs, technology resources, and athletic facilities. The school is known for its strong academic outcomes, dedicated faculty, and diverse extracurricular offerings including competitive sports, performing arts, and community service programs that serve the broader Kittitas County area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Kittitas, Washington
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Kittitas, Washington?
Families in the Kittitas area have a few key private school options, though many are located in the larger neighboring city of Ellensburg, about 10 miles away. The most prominent are Ellensburg Christian School (K-8) and St. Andrew's Catholic School (Preschool-8), both in Ellensburg. It's important to note that Yakima Valley School is a state-operated residential school for individuals with developmental disabilities, not a traditional private K-12 option. Some families also consider private schools in Yakima or explore homeschooling cooperatives. Given the rural setting, private school choices are more limited than in major metropolitan areas, making early research and visits essential.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Kittitas area compare to the state average, and are there any Washington-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition for schools like Ellensburg Christian School and St. Andrew's Catholic School typically ranges from $5,000 to $8,000 annually for elementary grades, which is generally below the state average for private schools. Washington State does not have voucher or tax-credit scholarship programs, but families can utilize the state's 529 plan for K-12 tuition expenses. Both local schools offer need-based financial aid and parish subsidies for members. Additionally, Washington's "School Choice" law allows for the creation of charter schools, though none are currently in Kittitas County, making traditional private schools the main alternative to public districts.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Kittitas area offer that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in the Kittitas Valley often integrate the region's agricultural, outdoor, and cultural resources into their programs. For example, Ellensburg Christian School may incorporate local ecology and Central Washington University's science resources into its curriculum. St. Andrew's Catholic School emphasizes community service within the Kittitas County area. Given the proximity to the Cascade Mountains and Yakima River, outdoor education and environmental science are natural focal points. However, specialized programs like advanced STEM labs or extensive world language offerings are more limited compared to larger cities, emphasizing a strong core curriculum and character education instead.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Ellensburg Christian or St. Andrew's in Kittitas County?
The enrollment process for these schools usually begins in January or February for the following fall, with priority often given to siblings of current students and church members. St. Andrew's Catholic School gives preference to active parishioners of St. Andrew's Parish. Both schools require an application, student assessment or records review, family interview, and often a pastoral reference (for faith-based schools). Due to the small size of these schools, spaces are limited, and grades can fill quickly, especially in kindergarten. We recommend contacting the schools directly by November to schedule a tour and receive application materials. Rolling admission may be available if spots remain.
For families considering a move to rural Kittitas, how do the local private schools compare to the public Kittitas School District?
The Kittitas School District (#403) operates a single K-12 campus known for small class sizes and a strong sense of community. The primary advantages of local private schools are specific religious education (Christian or Catholic) and potentially even smaller, single-grade classrooms. Public schools in Kittitas offer no-cost education, broader extracurricular options like sports and FFA (reflecting the agricultural community), and specialized services (e.g., special education, ELL). Private schools offer an alternative for families seeking a faith-based environment or a different pedagogical approach. A key consideration is transportation, as the private options are in Ellensburg, requiring a daily commute from Kittitas.
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