The Best Private Schools in Matlock, Washington
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Matlock. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Evergreen School
Independent
The Evergreen School is a highly-regarded independent school serving students from preschool through 8th grade. Located approximately 90 minutes from Matlock, it serves families throughout the greater Puget Sound region. The school is renowned for its progressive educational approach that emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and hands-on learning. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, art studios, and extensive outdoor learning spaces. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 8:1 and offers robust extracurricular programs including robotics, drama, and outdoor education. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and academic rigor.
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Olympia Community School
Independent
Olympia Community School is a progressive independent school located approximately 60 minutes from Matlock, serving students from preschool through 5th grade. The school emphasizes project-based learning and environmental education, with a strong focus on developing the whole child. Their curriculum integrates arts, music, and outdoor education throughout all academic subjects. The campus features dedicated art studios, music rooms, and extensive natural play areas. The school is known for its inclusive community and commitment to social justice education. Parent reviews highlight the exceptional teacher dedication and the school's success in fostering lifelong learners.
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St. David School
Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Seattle
St. David School is a Catholic parochial school located approximately 30 minutes from Matlock, serving students from preschool through 8th grade. As the closest private school option to Matlock, it serves families throughout Mason County. The school provides a comprehensive education grounded in Catholic values while offering strong academic programs including dedicated STEM instruction and music education. Facilities include modern classrooms, a science lab, computer lab, and gymnasium. The school emphasizes character development and community service alongside academic excellence. Parents appreciate the strong sense of community, individualized attention, and the school's commitment to developing well-rounded students.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Matlock, Washington
What are the realistic private school options for families living in Matlock, WA, given its rural location?
Due to Matlock's small, rural nature, there are no private schools physically located within the town itself. Families typically look to schools in surrounding areas, with a commute often required. The schools you've listed, like The Evergreen School and Olympia Community School, are located in the Olympia/Tumwater area, approximately a 45-60 minute drive from Matlock. St. David School is in Olympia. This means transportation logistics are a primary consideration for Matlock residents, and many families form carpools or utilize extended care programs to manage the commute.
How does Washington State's lack of income tax impact tuition assistance and financial aid for private schools accessible from Matlock?
Washington's lack of a state income tax means families do not receive state-level tax credits or deductions for private school tuition, which are available in some other states. However, many private schools in the Olympia area accessible to Matlock families offer robust need-based financial aid programs funded by the schools themselves and private donations. It's crucial to apply for aid directly through each school's financial aid office using tools like the SSS (School and Student Services) by NAIS. Additionally, Washington has a small, state-funded program called the "EdChoice" scholarship for certain special needs students, which may be applicable.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Matlock offer that might justify the commute?
Schools like The Evergreen School are known for their progressive, project-based learning and strong focus on social-emotional learning, which can be a stark contrast to more traditional rural public school models. Olympia Community School emphasizes experiential, place-based education often utilizing the South Sound's natural environment. For families in Matlock seeking a specific pedagogical approach (Montessori, progressive, religious) or specialized arts/STEM programs not available locally, these schools provide options. Their urban locations also offer easier access to museums, theaters, and science centers for enrichment.
What is the typical enrollment timeline for private schools in the Olympia area, and how should a Matlock family plan ahead?
The admission cycle for competitive private schools in the Olympia region typically begins in the fall, with application deadlines between January and February for the following academic year. Open houses and tours are held in the fall and early winter. For a family in Matlock, planning should start a full year in advance. Key steps include: attending virtual or in-person open houses in the fall, submitting applications by winter deadlines, scheduling student visits (factoring in commute time), and preparing for any required assessments. Early planning is essential to coordinate travel for multiple visits and interviews.
How do the class sizes and community environments of private schools near Matlock compare to the local public school experience in the Griffin School District?
The Griffin School District, which serves Matlock, is very small and rural, often featuring multi-grade classrooms and very small class sizes out of necessity. Private schools in Olympia like St. David School (Catholic) or The Evergreen School offer intentionally small class sizes (e.g., 12-18 students) with dedicated single-grade teachers and specialized instructors for arts, languages, and PE. The community environment shifts from a close-knit, geographically-defined rural community to a mission-driven or faith-based community that families choose. This means your child's peer group and social network will be drawn from across the wider region, not just the immediate Matlock area.
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