The Best Private Schools in Latah, Washington
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Latah. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Oaks Classical Christian Academy
Classical Christian Education
The Oaks Classical Christian Academy provides a distinctive classical Christian education to families in the Spokane area, serving students from Latah and surrounding communities. Utilizing the time-tested classical trivium method, the school emphasizes grammar, logic, and rhetoric across all subjects. Students study Latin from an early age and engage with great books and classical texts. The school maintains small class sizes and high academic standards while integrating Christian worldview throughout the curriculum. The Oaks is known for its strong sense of community, dedicated faculty, and excellent college preparation outcomes.
Programs:
St. George's School
Independent
St. George's School is a highly-regarded independent college preparatory school serving the greater Spokane area, including Latah. The school offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes, extensive Advanced Placement offerings, and a comprehensive athletics program. Known for its beautiful campus spanning over 100 acres, St. George's provides state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with a strong track record of college placements at top universities nationwide.
Programs:
Northwest Christian Schools
Northwest Christian Schools
Northwest Christian Schools is a respected Christian educational institution serving families throughout the Spokane region, including Latah. The school offers a comprehensive PreK-12 program with a strong college preparatory focus integrated with Christian values. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. The curriculum emphasizes academic rigor while nurturing spiritual development, with strong programs in STEM, fine arts, and competitive athletics. Parent satisfaction is consistently high, with families appreciating the supportive community and quality education.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Latah, Washington
What are the primary private school options available for families in Latah, Washington, and what are their core educational philosophies?
In the Latah, WA area, families have a few distinct private school choices, each with a different focus. **St. George's School** is an independent, secular college-preparatory school known for its rigorous academics and expansive campus. **Northwest Christian Schools** (located in nearby Colbert/Spokane area) offers a Protestant Christian education from a Reformed perspective, integrating faith across all subjects. **The Oaks Classical Christian Academy** in Spokane Valley provides a Classical Christian education, emphasizing the trivium (grammar, logic, rhetoric) and teaching from a Christian worldview. Given Latah's rural setting, most options require a commute into the greater Spokane area, making transportation a key consideration for local families.
How does tuition for private schools in the Latah, WA area compare, and are there any Washington-state specific financial aid options?
Tuition varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-25 academic year, St. George's School has the highest tuition, often exceeding $25,000, reflecting its extensive facilities and programs. Northwest Christian Schools and The Oaks Classical Christian Academy generally have lower tuition, typically ranging from $8,000 to $15,000 annually. Washington state offers the **Washington State Opportunity Scholarship** for eligible students pursuing certain high-demand fields, but more relevant for K-12 is the potential use of a **Washington State 529 Plan** for future tuition. Most schools offer their own need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. Importantly, Washington does not have a statewide private school voucher or tax-credit scholarship program, so funding primarily comes from family resources, aid, and sometimes employer-sponsored tuition benefits.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Latah, Washington, offer that leverage the Inland Northwest environment?
Schools in the Spokane region accessible to Latah families often incorporate the Inland Northwest's natural and cultural resources. **St. George's School** utilizes its 110-acre riverfront campus for environmental science programs, outdoor leadership, and a renowned robotics program that competes regionally. **Northwest Christian Schools** often emphasizes outdoor education and service projects within the local community. **The Oaks Classical Christian Academy** integrates the study of local history, such as the Spokane Tribe and regional pioneers, into its classical curriculum. All may take advantage of proximity to Spokane's museums, Gonzaga University, and Whitworth University for enrichment. For a Latah-based family, these programs add value but come with the trade-off of travel time to access them.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Latah, Washington, families, and how competitive is admission?
The timeline is crucial due to limited spaces. Most schools (like St. George's, Northwest Christian, and The Oaks) begin their admission cycles in the fall for the following academic year, with application deadlines typically between January and March. St. George's, being the most selective, requires standardized testing (ISEE or SSAT), interviews, and a thorough application. Northwest Christian and The Oaks also have application processes that include family interviews, student assessments, and often a statement of faith alignment. For Latah residents, it's vital to start early—often 12-18 months in advance for sought-after grades—due to both competitiveness and the need to plan for the daily commute. Many schools host open houses in the fall, which are highly recommended for families to attend.
For a family living in rural Latah, what are the key factors to weigh when considering a private school in the Spokane area versus the local public school?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. **Latah's local public school** (Latah School District) offers the convenience of proximity, a tight-knit community, and no tuition or lengthy commute. In contrast, **private schools in the Spokane area** (a 30-45 minute drive) offer specialized curricula (college-prep, classical, faith-based), often smaller class sizes, and broader extracurricular options. Key considerations include: the daily time and cost of commuting to Spokane or Spokane Valley; the alignment of the school's religious or pedagogical philosophy with your family's values; and the long-term academic goals for your child. Many Latah families choose private options for a specific educational approach not available in a small rural district, but they must realistically budget for both tuition and significant transportation logistics.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities