The Best Private Schools in Mill Creek, Washington
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Mill Creek. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
Located directly in Mill Creek, The Goddard School provides exceptional early childhood education for children from six weeks to six years old. The school offers a play-based learning approach integrated with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) curriculum. Features include secure facilities, age-appropriate playgrounds, and highly qualified teachers with low student-teacher ratios. The program focuses on developing foundational academic and social skills through hands-on learning experiences and individualized attention.
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St. Thomas More Catholic School
Archdiocese of Seattle
St. Thomas More Catholic School serves families from Mill Creek and the broader South Snohomish County area with a comprehensive K-8 education rooted in Catholic values. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a well-rounded curriculum including Spanish language instruction from kindergarten, comprehensive technology integration, and robust music and arts programs. The campus includes modern classrooms, science lab, library, and gymnasium. The school prepares students for success in high school and beyond with strong academic foundations and character development.
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Archbishop Murphy High School
Archdiocese of Seattle
Archbishop Murphy High School is a Catholic college-preparatory school serving students in grades 9-12 from Mill Creek and surrounding communities. The school features a rigorous academic curriculum with 17 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and competitive athletic teams. Facilities include modern science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic fields. The school emphasizes character development and community service alongside academic excellence, with 99% of graduates attending college.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Mill Creek, Washington
What are the main types of private schools available in Mill Creek, Washington, and how do they differ?
Mill Creek offers a few distinct types of private schools. You'll find faith-based institutions like Archbishop Murphy High School (Catholic, co-ed, grades 9-12) and St. Thomas More Catholic School (Catholic, Pre-K-8), which integrate religious education with college-prep academics. There are also early childhood-focused schools like The Goddard School, which provides a play-based learning foundation for young children. Notably, Mill Creek does not have a large number of independent, non-sectarian K-12 day schools within its immediate city limits, so many families also consider options in neighboring communities like Bothell, Everett, and Snohomish County. This makes understanding each school's educational philosophy and commute essential.
How does tuition for private schools in Mill Creek, WA, compare to the state average, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition in Mill Creek's private schools is generally at or above the Washington state average for private education, reflecting the area's higher cost of living. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $10,000-$15,000+ for elementary schools like St. Thomas More and $15,000-$20,000+ for high schools like Archbishop Murphy. Preschools like The Goddard School often charge monthly tuition comparable to these annual rates. Importantly, Washington state does not offer tax-credit scholarships or vouchers, but most schools provide need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. Additionally, the state's "School Choice" law allows for the creation of charter schools, but these are public and distinct from private options.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Mill Creek area?
Private schools in the Mill Creek area leverage their smaller sizes and specific missions to offer distinctive programs. Archbishop Murphy High School is known for its strong STEM curriculum, competitive athletics in the Wesco League, and a robust theater arts program. St. Thomas More Catholic School emphasizes character education and service learning integrated with its academic core. While The Goddard School focuses on early childhood development, many private institutions in the broader Snohomish County region offer specialized tracks, such as International Baccalaureate (IB) or advanced placement (AP) capstones, which are worth exploring if you're willing to commute. A key local advantage is the proximity to tech industries, which some schools partner with for internships or programs.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Mill Creek, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for Mill Creek private schools typically begins in the fall, one year prior to desired entry, with application deadlines between January and March. Schools like Archbishop Murphy and St. Thomas More often require entrance exams (e.g., HSPT), student interviews, teacher recommendations, and prior school records. Due to limited seats and high demand, especially in the lower grades and popular high schools, waitlists are common. It's highly advisable to attend open houses (usually held in the fall) and apply early. Some preschools, like The Goddard School, may have rolling admissions but also maintain waitlists due to high demand in this family-oriented community.
For families moving to Mill Creek, how do the local public schools compare to the private school options, and what factors should guide this decision?
Mill Creek is served by the highly-rated Everett Public Schools and Northshore School Districts, which offer strong academic programs, extensive extracurriculars, and new facilities. Choosing private here often comes down to specific values and needs. Private schools offer smaller class sizes, religious education (if desired), and a particular community ethos. The decision may hinge on whether you seek the faith-based environment of St. Thomas More or Archbishop Murphy, a specific pedagogical approach for early learners, or a alternative to the larger public high schools like Jackson or Glacier Peak. Many families in Mill Creek choose private schools for continuity from elementary through high school in a faith-based context, which the local public system does not provide.
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