The Best Private Schools in Mcchord Afb, Washington
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Mcchord Afb. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Charles Wright Academy
Independent
Charles Wright Academy is a prestigious independent day school serving the greater Tacoma area, including military families from McChord AFB. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum from preschool through 12th grade, with small class sizes and individualized attention. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes global citizenship and character development, with strong college counseling and a 100% college acceptance rate. Extracurricular programs include robotics, debate, and championship athletics.
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Annie Wright Schools
Independent
Annie Wright Schools offer both day and boarding options, making it particularly suitable for military families at McChord AFB. The school features the International Baccalaureate program at all levels and provides a globally-focused education. The Upper School for boys and girls includes boarding facilities, while the Lower and Middle Schools maintain gender-specific classrooms. The campus features modern academic buildings, athletic facilities, and arts spaces. The school has a strong track record of college placements and offers comprehensive support for students transitioning from military families.
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Bellarmine Preparatory School
Jesuit Network
Bellarmine Preparatory School is a Jesuit Catholic college preparatory school that serves students from throughout the South Sound region, including McChord AFB families. The school offers a comprehensive academic program with honors and AP courses, complemented by a strong emphasis on service learning and character formation. Facilities include modern science and technology labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic complexes. The school has a diverse student body and provides robust support systems for military-connected students, with a strong college counseling program and nearly 100% college acceptance rate.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Mcchord Afb, Washington
What are the primary private school options available to families living at McChord AFB, Washington, and how accessible are they?
Families stationed at McChord AFB have access to several highly-regarded private schools in the greater Tacoma area, though none are located directly on base. The top options include Charles Wright Academy in University Place (approx. 15-20 min drive), Annie Wright Schools in Tacoma (approx. 20-25 min drive), and Bellarmine Preparatory School in Tacoma (approx. 20 min drive). Accessibility is primarily by car, and families should factor in commute times around I-5 traffic, especially during peak hours. These schools are accustomed to serving military families and often have processes to support transitions during PCS moves.
How does tuition for private schools near McChord AFB, WA, compare, and are there financial aid options for military families?
Tuition for the leading private schools near McChord AFB varies. For the 2024-2025 academic year, high school tuition ranges from approximately $25,000 to $35,000+ annually. Charles Wright Academy and Annie Wright Schools are at the higher end of this range, while Bellarmine Preparatory, as a Catholic school, may have a slightly lower base tuition. All these schools offer robust financial aid programs, and military families are strongly encouraged to apply. Aid is typically need-based, and some schools may also offer specific scholarships. Washington State does not have voucher or tax-credit scholarship programs, so financial aid directly from the school is the primary resource.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near McChord AFB offer that cater to a mobile military student population?
Schools in the Tacoma area are well-versed in supporting military-connected students. Charles Wright Academy offers a strong college preparatory curriculum with extensive arts and global programs, which can provide continuity for students coming from other rigorous private schools. Bellarmine Preparatory has a dedicated JROTC program, which can be a significant draw for military families. Annie Wright Schools offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, a globally recognized curriculum that eases transitions to schools worldwide. All three schools have active counseling departments experienced in helping students navigate frequent moves and college applications from a non-traditional "home" state.
What is the enrollment timeline and process like for private schools near McChord AFB, and how should military families plan for a mid-year PCS move?
The standard admission timeline for these schools involves applications due in January or February for the following fall, with decisions released in March. However, military families facing Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders are a common exception. Schools like Charles Wright, Annie Wright, and Bellarmine typically have rolling admission policies for qualified students arriving mid-year, provided there is space available. The key is to contact the admission office immediately upon receiving orders. They will often expedite tours, testing, and records review. Having educational and immunization records readily available is crucial for a smooth transition.
How do the private school environments near McChord AFB differ from the on-base public schools or the Clover Park School District, and what are the key considerations for choosing between them?
The key difference lies in class size, curriculum, and community. On-base schools (like Hillside Elementary) and the surrounding Clover Park School District are public, tuition-free, and serve a high concentration of military children, offering inherent peer support and understanding of military life. The private schools (Charles Wright, Annie Wright, Bellarmine) offer smaller class sizes, distinct educational philosophies (e.g., IB, Catholic college-prep), and often more extensive facilities and extracurriculars. The trade-off is cost and commute. For families seeking a specific religious education, a particular academic intensity, or a consistent environment unaffected by district zoning changes upon moving off-base, private school may be worth the investment. It often comes down to prioritizing peer military community versus a specific independent school culture and program.
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