The Best Private Schools in Montesano, Washington
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Montesano. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary School
Catholic Schools of Southwest Washington
St. Mary School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving the Montesano and greater Grays Harbor area. Founded in 1949, this established institution offers comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on faith-based learning combined with rigorous academics. The school features modern classrooms, dedicated faculty with an average of 15+ years teaching experience, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes advanced STEM programs, music education, and competitive sports. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, small class sizes, and strong community values that prepare students for high school success.
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The Evergreen School
Independent Private School
The Evergreen School is a prestigious independent private school serving students from preschool through 8th grade, with many families commuting from the Montesano area for its exceptional educational experience. Founded in 1996, the school is renowned for its innovative project-based learning approach and beautiful 15-acre campus featuring state-of-the-art facilities. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and character development through hands-on learning experiences. The school boasts a 8:1 student-teacher ratio, extensive arts programs, competitive athletics, and a technology-integrated curriculum that prepares students for academic excellence in high school and beyond.
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Olympia Regional Learning Academy
ORLA Educational Services
Olympia Regional Learning Academy is a highly-rated private hybrid school serving students from Montesano and throughout Thurston County. Established in 2006, ORLA offers a unique blend of in-person and independent learning for grades K-12, providing flexibility while maintaining academic rigor. The school features a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with strong STEM programs, advanced placement courses, and extensive arts education. Facilities include modern science labs, technology centers, and performing arts spaces. Parent reviews consistently highlight the school's dedicated teachers, personalized learning plans, and successful college placement record, making it a popular choice for families seeking academic excellence with scheduling flexibility.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Montesano, Washington
What are the specific private school options available for families residing in Montesano, Washington?
Within Montesano itself, the primary private option is St. Mary School, a Catholic K-8 institution. For broader regional choices, families often look to neighboring areas. The Evergreen School, located in Tacoma, is a highly-regarded independent school but involves a significant commute. More practically, the Olympia Regional Learning Academy (ORLA) in nearby Olympia is a public, tuition-free alternative school with a specialized project-based curriculum that some parents consider as a private-like option. It's important to note that Montesano's private school landscape is limited, so exploring schools in Aberdeen, Hoquiam, or Olympia is a common necessity for many families seeking private education.
How does tuition at Montesano's St. Mary School compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are available for Washington families?
St. Mary School in Montesano typically has tuition rates below the state average for private elementary schools, often ranging between $5,000-$7,000 annually for parishioners, with slightly higher rates for non-parishioners. Washington State offers specific financial aid opportunities that Montesano families can access. The most significant is the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship, though it's primarily for higher education. More directly, many families utilize the state's 529 plan for K-12 expenses. Locally, St. Mary School offers parish subsidies, need-based financial aid, and multi-child discounts. Additionally, some regional private schools participate in programs like the Fulcrum Foundation for tuition assistance.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Montesano area offer that leverage the local environment?
Private and specialized schools in the Montesano region often integrate the unique Pacific Northwest environment into their curricula. St. Mary School incorporates local history and environmental science tied to the Chehalis River watershed and nearby Olympic National Forest. Regional schools like ORLA in Olympia emphasize project-based learning that can include forestry, marine biology studies at the nearby coast, and sustainability projects. This focus on hands-on, environmental learning is a distinctive feature of education in this part of Washington, preparing students with a deep connection to their regional ecosystem and economy.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for St. Mary School in Montesano, and how does it differ from larger urban private schools in Washington?
The enrollment process for St. Mary School in Montesano is generally less competitive and more community-oriented than in major urban centers like Seattle. Applications are typically accepted on a rolling basis, but priority is given by February for the following fall, especially for parish families. The process involves submitting an application, student records, and often a family interview. Unlike larger schools, there is usually no entrance exam for lower grades. Due to the smaller community size, spaces can fill in certain grades, so early inquiry is recommended. Open houses are often held in the winter, and the timeline is more flexible compared to the strict November-January deadlines common in big-city private schools.
For a family in Montesano, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private option like St. Mary School or a commute to a regional academy?
The key considerations for Montesano families include educational philosophy, community, cost, and logistics. Montesano School District's public schools are well-regarded and offer robust programs, including strong athletics and extracurriculars, with no tuition. Choosing St. Mary School offers a faith-based education, smaller class sizes, and a tight-knit community, but requires tuition and may have fewer specialized high school-level resources. Opting for a regional school like ORLA or a private school in Olympia involves a daily commute of 30-60 minutes, which impacts family time and costs. Parents must weigh the value of a specific educational approach against the financial and time investments, considering Montesano's somewhat rural location which makes access to a wide variety of private schools a challenge without significant travel.
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