The Best Private Schools in Lacey, Washington
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lacey. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Olympia Community School
Independent
Olympia Community School is a highly acclaimed independent private school serving the greater Lacey-Olympia region with a progressive, child-centered approach to education. Serving students from preschool through 5th grade, the school emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning in multi-age classrooms. Their innovative curriculum integrates outdoor education, environmental studies, and comprehensive arts programs. The school features intimate class sizes, experienced educators, and a beautiful campus with extensive outdoor learning spaces. Parent reviews consistently highlight the exceptional teacher quality, creative curriculum, and the school's success in nurturing confident, curious learners.
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Saint Michael Parish School
Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle
Saint Michael Parish School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving the Lacey-Olympia area with a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade program. The school emphasizes academic excellence within a faith-based environment, featuring small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a strong community atmosphere. Their curriculum includes robust STEM education, fine arts programs, and comprehensive religious education. The school maintains excellent facilities including modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, academic rigor, and strong sense of community.
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Evergreen Christian Community School
Evergreen Christian Community
Evergreen Christian Community School is a well-established Christian private school serving the Lacey-Olympia area with comprehensive programs from preschool through high school. The school offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum grounded in Christian values, featuring Advanced Placement courses, competitive athletics, and extensive fine arts programs. Their modern campus includes state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts facilities, and athletic complexes. The school is known for its strong academic outcomes, dedicated faculty, and comprehensive student support services. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the school's balanced approach to academic excellence and character development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lacey, Washington
What are the primary private school options available within Lacey, Washington, and what are their educational approaches?
Lacey, WA, offers a few core private school options, each with a distinct philosophy. Saint Michael Parish School is a Catholic institution offering a faith-based, traditional academic curriculum from preschool through 8th grade. Olympia Community School, located just south in Olympia but serving many Lacey families, is a secular, progressive school emphasizing project-based learning and social-emotional development for grades K-8. Evergreen Christian Community School, also in Olympia but a major draw for the Lacey community, provides a Protestant Christian education from preschool through 12th grade, with a college-prep focus. Due to Lacey's proximity to Olympia, many families also consider private schools in the larger Thurston County area.
How does tuition for private schools in the Lacey, WA, area compare, and are there state-specific financial aid options?
Tuition in the Lacey/Olympia area varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $6,000 to $12,000 annually for K-8 programs, with high school often higher. Washington State offers specific financial aid opportunities that Lacey families can utilize. The most notable is the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship, but for K-12, the primary resource is individual school aid and scholarships. Additionally, Washington has an Education Savings Account program, but it is currently limited to specific public school programs. Many local private schools offer need-based financial aid, parish subsidies (for Catholic schools), and multi-child discounts. It's essential to inquire directly with each school about their specific aid packages and deadlines.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Lacey area specialize in?
Private schools in the Lacey/Olympia region often leverage Washington's natural environment and state capital proximity for unique programs. Evergreen Christian Community School offers extensive outdoor education and competitive athletics programs. Saint Michael Parish School emphasizes community service and integrates technology with its core curriculum. Olympia Community School is renowned for its hands-on, experiential learning, often incorporating local ecology studies of the Puget Sound and Capitol State Forest into its curriculum. Furthermore, being near the state capital in Olympia provides unique opportunities for civics education and government internships, particularly at the high school level, which area private schools actively incorporate.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Lacey, Washington?
The enrollment process for Lacey-area private schools generally begins in the winter for the following fall. Many schools, like Saint Michael and Evergreen Christian, host open houses from October through January. Application deadlines often fall between January and March, with notification letters sent in March. A key step for many is the entrance assessment or family interview, typically scheduled after application submission. Due to limited seats, especially in popular grades, early application is strongly advised. Some schools have rolling admissions after priority deadlines, but waiting lists are common. It's crucial to check each school's website for exact dates, as they can differ, and some may offer mid-year enrollment if space is available.
For families in Lacey, what are the key considerations when choosing between the North Thurston Public Schools district and a local private school?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, class size, and specific program needs. North Thurston Public Schools (NTPS) offer diverse programs, including advanced placement and career/technical education, with no tuition. Lacey's private schools offer smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students), distinct religious or value-based education (if desired), and alternative pedagogical approaches like the progressive model at Olympia Community School. Transportation is a key logistical difference; NTPS provides busing, while private schools typically require parent-provided transportation. For families seeking a continuous faith-based education from elementary through middle or high school, or a specific learning environment not available in the public system, the private options in the area provide targeted alternatives, albeit with a financial commitment.
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