The Best Private Schools in Longview, Washington
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Longview. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Helens Academy
Independent Private School
St. Helens Academy provides innovative education for students in grades K-8 with a focus on project-based learning and outdoor education. The school emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning with small class sizes and individualized instruction. Their unique curriculum integrates environmental science, outdoor exploration, and community projects while maintaining strong academic foundations. The school features modern classrooms, dedicated art and science spaces, and utilizes local parks and natural areas for outdoor learning. Parent reviews highlight the school's engaging approach to education and strong sense of community.
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Crosspoint Academy
Independent Christian School
Crosspoint Academy is a comprehensive Christian private school serving grades K-12 with a strong college preparatory focus. The school offers small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, providing personalized attention. Their curriculum includes Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, competitive athletics, and extensive fine arts offerings. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic fields. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and academic rigor that prepares students for college success.
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Columbia Adventist Academy
Seventh-day Adventist School System
Columbia Adventist Academy is a regional private high school located in nearby Battle Ground that serves students from Longview and surrounding communities. As a Seventh-day Adventist institution, the school offers comprehensive college preparatory education integrated with spiritual development. The 40-acre campus features modern academic facilities, agricultural programs, music studios, and athletic facilities. The school maintains small class sizes and offers a range of extracurricular activities including music ensembles, sports teams, and community service opportunities. Many Longview families choose this school for its strong academic reputation and values-based education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Longview, Washington
What are the primary private school options available for K-12 education in Longview, Washington, and what are their educational affiliations?
Longview, WA, offers a few established private school options, each with distinct affiliations. Crosspoint Academy is a prominent interdenominational Christian school serving grades K-12. St. Helens Academy is a private, non-religious school focusing on a college-preparatory curriculum. Columbia Adventist Academy, located just outside Longview in Battle Ground, is a Seventh-day Adventist boarding and day school for grades 9-12. This limited selection means parents often also consider schools in nearby Kelso or across the river in Oregon, making it important to research each school's specific mission and community fit for your child.
How does tuition for private schools in Longview, WA, compare to the state average, and are there state-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition at Longview-area private schools is generally below the Washington state average for private education, reflecting the local cost of living. For the 2024-2025 school year, expect ranges from approximately $6,000 to $12,000 annually for day schools. Washington state offers the "Opportunity Scholarship" for eligible students attending private high schools, and some families may qualify for the "Washington State Work-Study" program for high school students. Crucially, Washington does not have a private school voucher or tax-credit scholarship program, so most aid is school-based. Each Longview school, like Crosspoint Academy, typically has its own need-based financial aid and occasional scholarship funds supported by local donors and churches.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Longview area offer that leverage the local environment or community?
Private schools in the Longview area often integrate the region's natural and industrial landscape into their programs. Given its location near the Columbia River and forestry industry, schools may emphasize environmental science, outdoor education, and related STEM projects. For example, Crosspoint Academy incorporates service learning projects within the Cowlitz County community. Columbia Adventist Academy, with its rural campus, often has strong agricultural and sustainability programs. While specific arts and athletics programs are smaller than in large urban schools, they often foster high participation rates and leverage partnerships with local organizations like the Columbia Theatre for performing arts.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Longview, and are there waitlists for certain grades?
The enrollment process for Longview private schools typically begins in January or February for the following fall, with priority deadlines by March. Crosspoint Academy and St. Helens Academy usually host open houses in the winter. The process involves an application, student assessment or shadow day, records review, and often a family interview. Due to the limited number of seats, especially in popular entry grades like Kindergarten and 6th grade, waitlists are common. It's highly advisable to initiate contact by December. Columbia Adventist Academy, as a boarding school, has a separate process that includes international students and may have different deadlines.
For families considering both public and private options in Longview, what are the key decision-making factors specific to this community?
In Longview, key factors include class size, specialized learning environments, and educational philosophy. Longview Public Schools offer certain programs like the RAIN (Regional Access to Innovative National Resources) program for highly capable students. Private options offer smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students) and distinct values-based education. Transportation is a practical consideration; while Longview School District does not provide busing for private school students, some private schools organize carpools. For high school, the choice may involve comparing specific athletic leagues (like the 1B/2B leagues for smaller private schools) or specialized college counseling resources. Many local families value the close-knit, consistent community found in Longview's private schools from K-12.