The Best Private Schools in Mercer Island, Washington
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Mercer Island. 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. Known for its progressive, student-centered approach, Evergreen emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and social responsibility. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including dedicated science labs, art studios, and technology-integrated classrooms. Their comprehensive STEAM program integrates science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics through project-based learning. With small class sizes and exceptional teacher-student ratios, Evergreen provides personalized attention and has a strong track record of preparing students for top high schools. The school serves families from Mercer Island and throughout the greater Seattle area.
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The Bush School
Independent
The Bush School is a prestigious K-12 independent school with a national reputation for academic excellence. Located in the Madison Valley neighborhood of Seattle, Bush serves many Mercer Island families seeking a rigorous, comprehensive education. The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program in high school and emphasizes experiential learning through its extensive outdoor program. Facilities include modern science laboratories, performing arts centers, athletic facilities, and technology-rich learning spaces. Bush is known for its diverse community, strong college counseling program, and commitment to developing students as ethical leaders and critical thinkers. The school maintains small class sizes and has exceptional faculty retention rates.
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Open Window School
Independent
Open Window School specializes in serving academically gifted students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. Located in Bellevue, the school attracts many Mercer Island families seeking an accelerated, challenging curriculum tailored to gifted learners. The school's project-based approach emphasizes deep conceptual understanding and real-world application. Facilities include dedicated innovation labs, science classrooms, art studios, and collaborative learning spaces. Open Window maintains small class sizes with differentiated instruction and offers extensive enrichment programs in STEM, humanities, and arts. The school has a strong community focus and comprehensive social-emotional learning program that supports the unique needs of gifted students.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Mercer Island, Washington
What are the main private school options available for families living on Mercer Island, WA, and are there any located directly on the island?
While Mercer Island is renowned for its top-rated public school district, several highly-regarded private schools serve island families, though most are located in nearby Seattle. Directly on Mercer Island, options are limited, but the island is centrally located to access prestigious institutions. The most prominent include The Evergreen School (Shoreline, WA, serving Pre-K-8), The Bush School (Seattle, WA, serving K-12), and Open Window School (Bellevue, WA, serving K-8). Many Mercer Island families also consider other Seattle-area schools like University Prep and Lakeside School. The commute across the I-90 floating bridges is a common consideration for Mercer Island parents.
How does the tuition for top private schools near Mercer Island, WA, compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Washington State?
Tuition for the leading private schools accessible from Mercer Island is significant, often ranging from approximately $35,000 to over $40,000 per year for middle and upper schools. For example, The Bush School and Lakeside School have tuitions in this upper tier. Washington State does not have state-funded voucher or tax-credit scholarship programs for private K-12 education. However, all major independent schools offer robust need-based financial aid programs funded by their endowments. It's crucial to apply for aid simultaneously with admission, as deadlines are strict. Some schools also offer payment plans to help manage the annual cost.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Mercer Island offer that differentiate them from the excellent public schools on the island?
Private schools in the greater Seattle area often provide specialized educational approaches and programs that differ from the standard public curriculum. For instance, The Evergreen School is known for its gifted education focus and project-based learning. The Bush School emphasizes experiential education and global citizenship, with mandatory outdoor trips and community engagement. Open Window School specializes in teaching highly capable students with a curriculum designed for accelerated learners. These schools often feature smaller class sizes, more individualized attention, and distinct pedagogical philosophies (e.g., progressive, inquiry-based) compared to Mercer Island's traditional, high-performing public model.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools serving Mercer Island, WA, families?
The admission process for Seattle-area private schools is highly structured and begins early. The timeline typically starts in the summer or early fall a full year before desired enrollment. Key steps include: attending open houses (often September-November), submitting applications (usually due in January), student visits/testing/interviews (January-February), and notification dates in March for the following fall. Given the competitiveness, especially for entry points like Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th grades, Mercer Island families are advised to start research 18-24 months in advance. Many schools also require the ISEE or SSAT standardized tests for middle and upper school admission.
For families considering both, what are the primary factors when choosing between Mercer Island's public schools and nearby private options?
This is a significant decision for island residents. Mercer Island School District (MISD) is consistently ranked among the best public districts in Washington, offering a rigorous, comprehensive education with high academic outcomes. The primary factors for considering private alternatives include: seeking a specific educational philosophy (e.g., progressive, gifted-focused), desiring a smaller, more intimate school community, or wanting a particular religious or values-based education (though secular options dominate the top local list). The trade-offs involve the substantial financial cost of private school versus the "free" high-quality public option, as well as the daily commute off the island. Many families choose MISD for its excellence and community integration, while others seek the tailored fit a private environment can provide.
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