The Best Private Schools in Milton, Washington
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Milton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Annie Wright Schools
Independent
Annie Wright Schools is a prestigious independent day and boarding school located just 15 minutes from Milton in Tacoma. The school offers International Baccalaureate programs for all grade levels, from preschool through high school. With small class sizes averaging 12 students, the school provides personalized attention and rigorous academic preparation. The 10-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic facilities. The school is known for its diverse international community and strong college preparatory program, with graduates consistently attending top universities worldwide.
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Charles Wright Academy
Independent
Located just 10 minutes from Milton in University Place, Charles Wright Academy is a highly-regarded independent school serving students from preschool through 12th grade. The school emphasizes a balanced education with strong academics, arts, and athletics. The 107-acre campus features modern classrooms, science and technology labs, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic facilities. The curriculum includes numerous Advanced Placement courses, and the school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty and inclusive community atmosphere.
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Bellarmine Preparatory School
Catholic/Jesuit
Bellarmine Preparatory School is a renowned Jesuit college preparatory school located approximately 15 minutes from Milton in Tacoma. Serving grades 9-12, the school combines rigorous academics with character formation and service learning. The comprehensive curriculum includes 24 Advanced Placement courses and extensive STEM programs. The 42-acre campus features modern academic buildings, science and technology centers, and excellent athletic facilities. Known for its strong community values and academic excellence, Bellarmine consistently sends graduates to prestigious colleges and universities across the nation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Milton, Washington
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Milton, WA, and how accessible are they?
While Milton itself is a smaller city, it is part of the greater Tacoma area and benefits from proximity to several highly-regarded private institutions. The top schools often considered by Milton families include Charles Wright Academy (in Tacoma), Bellarmine Preparatory School (in Tacoma), and Annie Wright Schools (in Tacoma). These schools are typically a short 10-20 minute commute from Milton. It's important to note that there are very few, if any, private schools physically located within Milton's city limits, so planning for transportation to neighboring Tacoma is a key consideration for parents in this area.
How does tuition at private schools like Charles Wright or Annie Wright compare to the Washington state average, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition at premier Tacoma-area private schools accessible from Milton is generally at or above the Washington state average for private education. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect tuition ranges of approximately $25,000 to $35,000 for day schools, with upper schools often at the higher end. Washington state does not have voucher or tax-credit scholarship programs, so financial aid is primarily provided directly by the schools through need-based grants. Schools like Bellarmine, Charles Wright, and Annie Wright have substantial financial aid budgets. It is crucial to apply for aid simultaneously with admission, as funds are limited. Some schools also offer merit scholarships for specific talents or academic excellence.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Milton, WA, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Schools in this region offer distinctive programs that leverage the Pacific Northwest environment and institutional history. For example, Charles Wright Academy has a strong outdoor and experiential education program, while Annie Wright Schools offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum from Preschool through Grade 12, a rare offering in the South Sound. Bellarmine Preparatory, a Jesuit school, emphasizes a rigorous college-prep curriculum combined with a strong commitment to service and justice. Many of these schools also have robust arts, robotics, and athletic programs that rival those of larger districts, providing specialized opportunities that may be more limited in Milton's public school system.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools like Bellarmine Prep that serve Milton, WA, families?
The enrollment process for top South Sound private schools begins early. For a fall start, the key timeline is: September-December (attending open houses and tours), January (application deadline, often including testing like the ISEE or SSAT, essays, and teacher recommendations), February (student interviews and shadow days), and March (admission and financial aid decisions released). Waiting lists are common at these competitive schools. Milton families should initiate research and campus visits a full year in advance. Some schools, like Annie Wright, have rolling admission for certain grades if space is available, but applying by the priority deadline is always recommended.
For a family in Milton, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local public schools and a private school in Tacoma?
The decision involves several Milton-specific factors. First is **commute and logistics**: Attending a private school means daily travel to Tacoma, impacting family schedules and potentially involving carpools or transportation services. Second is **cost**: Weighing the significant financial investment of private tuition against the no-cost option of public schools, which in the Fife School District (serving Milton) have their own strengths. Third is **educational approach**: Milton's public schools offer a standard curriculum, while private options provide specific pedagogical models (IB, Jesuit, progressive). Finally, consider **community**: Private schools offer a defined, often close-knit community, whereas public schools connect your child directly with neighborhood peers in Milton. Visiting both types of schools is essential to feel the difference.
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