The Best Private Schools in Lake Stevens, Washington
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lake Stevens. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Archbishop Thomas J. Murphy High School
Archdiocese of Seattle
Archbishop Murphy High School is a comprehensive Catholic college preparatory school serving students throughout Snohomish County, including Lake Stevens. The school offers rigorous academics with 16 Advanced Placement courses, strong STEM programs, and competitive athletics in the Wesco League. The 72-acre campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. With a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, the school emphasizes character development and community service alongside academic excellence.
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The Northwest School
Independent
The Northwest School in Snohomish serves students from Lake Stevens and surrounding communities with a progressive, student-centered approach to education. The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for high school students and emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning. The curriculum integrates arts throughout all subjects and features extensive outdoor education programs. The school's small class sizes (average 12:1 student-teacher ratio) allow for personalized attention and strong student-teacher relationships.
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St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School
Archdiocese of Seattle
St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School provides comprehensive Catholic education from preschool through 8th grade, serving families from Lake Stevens and the greater Everett area. The school features a dedicated STEM lab, comprehensive Spanish language program starting in kindergarten, and strong emphasis on faith formation. The campus includes modern classrooms, science facilities, and extensive playground areas. The school maintains small class sizes and offers before/after school care, making it accessible for working families in the Lake Stevens community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lake Stevens, Washington
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Lake Stevens, Washington?
While Lake Stevens itself has a limited number of standalone private campuses, families commonly consider schools in the broader Snohomish County and North Puget Sound region. The most frequently referenced options include Archbishop Thomas J. Murphy High School (a Catholic, co-ed high school in Everett), St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School (a K-8 Catholic school in Everett), and The Northwest School (a prestigious 6-12 independent school in Seattle). Lake Stevens parents often also explore private academies in nearby cities like Marysville, Snohomish, and Mill Creek. Transportation or carpooling is a significant consideration for Lake Stevens families opting for these out-of-district private schools.
How does tuition for private schools in the Lake Stevens, WA area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition in the Lake Stevens area's accessible private schools varies widely. For the 2024-25 school year, area Catholic schools like St. Mary Magdalen may have tuition in the range of $8,000-$12,000 annually, while Archbishop Murphy High School is approximately $18,000. The Northwest School in Seattle is significantly higher, often exceeding $45,000. Washington state does not have a voucher program, but these schools typically offer need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. Additionally, Washington's "School Choice" law allows for the creation of charter schools, but these are public and distinct from private institutions. Many families use Washington's 529 Plan for future education expenses, which can be used for K-12 private tuition.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools accessible from Lake Stevens, WA offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the region provide specialized tracks that may not be as available in Lake Stevens School District. Archbishop Murphy High School offers a strong college-prep curriculum with distinctive Engineering and Biomedical Science pathways through the Project Lead The Way program. St. Mary Magdalen integrates Catholic faith throughout its standard curriculum. The Northwest School, though a commute to Seattle, offers a globally focused, interdisciplinary curriculum with renowned arts and language immersion programs. For Lake Stevens families, these options can provide targeted academic environments, often with smaller class sizes, that cater to specific religious, STEM, or liberal arts interests not fully replicated in the comprehensive public high school.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Lake Stevens, Washington families?
The process is school-specific but generally follows a regional pattern. For schools like Archbishop Murphy and St. Mary Magdalen, the application window often opens in the fall (October-November) for the following academic year, with deadlines in January or February. These schools usually require application forms, transcripts, teacher recommendations, entrance exams (like the HSPT for high school), and a family interview. The Northwest School in Seattle has an even earlier timeline, with applications due in January. Admissions notifications are typically sent in March. Given the competitive nature and limited seats, especially for non-parishioners at Catholic schools, Lake Stevens parents are advised to begin research and tours at least a year in advance.
For a family living in Lake Stevens, what are the key practical considerations when choosing between the highly-rated Lake Stevens public schools and a private school option?
The decision hinges on several Lake Stevens-specific factors. The Lake Stevens School District is well-regarded, offering a robust, tuition-free education with extensive athletics and activities. Choosing a private school often involves a significant financial commitment plus a daily commute to Everett or beyond, impacting family logistics. Key considerations include: the desire for a faith-based education (not offered in public schools), seeking a specific academic focus (e.g., intensive STEM or arts), needing a different learning environment (smaller classes, alternative teaching styles), or preparing for a particular college pathway. For high school, some families weigh the environment of a large, diverse public high school against the more intimate, mission-driven community of a private school, despite the commute.
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