The Best Private Schools in North Lakewood, Washington
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in North Lakewood. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Bellarmine Preparatory School
Jesuit Network
Bellarmine Preparatory School is a Jesuit Catholic college preparatory school serving students in grades 9-12. Located in Tacoma and easily accessible from North Lakewood, the school combines rigorous academics with character formation and faith development. The comprehensive curriculum includes 24 Advanced Placement courses alongside extensive extracurricular opportunities in athletics, arts, and community service. The 35-acre campus features modern science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. Bellarmine maintains a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top universities nationwide, emphasizing the Jesuit tradition of educating "men and women for others."
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Charles Wright Academy
Independent School
Charles Wright Academy is a prestigious independent day school serving students from preschool through 12th grade. Located just minutes from North Lakewood, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and personalized attention. The 107-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with strong programs in STEM, humanities, and arts. With a diverse student body and dedicated faculty, Charles Wright maintains a 100% college acceptance rate to selective institutions nationwide.
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Annie Wright Schools
Independent School
Annie Wright Schools offer both day and boarding options for students from preschool through 12th grade, with gender-specific learning environments in the Upper School. The school is an International Baccalaureate World School offering the IB Diploma Programme, providing globally-recognized academic rigor. Located in Tacoma's North End, the school serves North Lakewood families with comprehensive academic, athletic, and arts programs. The historic campus features modern academic facilities, performing arts spaces, and athletic amenities. Annie Wright emphasizes leadership development and global citizenship while maintaining small class sizes and individualized student support.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in North Lakewood, Washington
What are the primary private school options serving families in North Lakewood, Washington, and what are their key characteristics?
North Lakewood, WA, is served by several prestigious private schools in the greater Tacoma area. The top options include Charles Wright Academy (University Place), known for its strong college-prep curriculum and 107-acre campus; Annie Wright Schools (Tacoma), which offers single-gender classrooms in Lower and Middle Schools before becoming co-ed in the Upper School's International Baccalaureate (IB) program; and Bellarmine Preparatory School (Tacoma), a Jesuit Catholic college-preparatory school with a robust service-learning component. While not located directly within North Lakewood's boundaries, these schools are the primary private institutions for families in the community, requiring consideration of commute times along the I-5 corridor.
How does tuition at North Lakewood's area private schools compare, and what financial aid options are available under Washington state regulations?
Tuition for the leading private schools near North Lakewood, WA, typically ranges from approximately $25,000 to $35,000 annually for the upper school levels. All three major schools—Charles Wright, Annie Wright, and Bellarmine—offer substantial need-based financial aid programs funded by their endowments and fundraising. Washington state does not have a tax-credit scholarship or voucher program, so aid is primarily school-based. Importantly, Washington's "Employee Giving Program" allows state employees to donate to participating private schools through payroll deduction, which some families may utilize. It is critical to apply for financial aid by each school's early deadline (often in January) as part of the admissions process.
What unique academic programs or specializations are offered by private schools accessible from North Lakewood, WA?
The private schools serving North Lakewood offer distinct academic specializations. Charles Wright Academy features a renowned "Centers of Excellence" program focusing on Global Education, Environmental Stewardship, and Arts & Creativity. Annie Wright Schools is the only school in Tacoma to offer the full continuum of International Baccalaureate (IB) programs from Primary Years through the Diploma, appealing to globally-minded families. Bellarmine Preparatory emphasizes a Jesuit, service-oriented education with a comprehensive STEM program and extensive international immersion trips. For North Lakewood families, these specialized programs provide alternatives to the standard public school curriculum, often with more global perspectives and intensive college preparation.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for families in North Lakewood applying to these competitive private schools?
The enrollment process for top private schools near North Lakewood, WA, is highly structured and begins early. The timeline typically starts in the fall (September-October) with open houses and campus tours. Application deadlines are usually in mid-to-late January for the following academic year. The process involves submitting an application, student essays, teacher recommendations, school transcripts, and often a standardized test (like the ISEE or SSAT). Many schools also require a student interview and/or shadow day. Admission decisions are commonly released in March. Given the competitive nature, North Lakewood families are advised to start research 12-18 months in advance and apply to more than one school.
For North Lakewood residents, what are the key considerations when comparing local public schools in the Clover Park School District to the area's private schools?
North Lakewood parents should consider several local factors. The Clover Park School District offers a standard public education with no tuition, while private schools entail significant cost but often feature smaller class sizes, specialized curricula (like IB or advanced college-prep), and extensive extracurricular resources. A major practical consideration is commute: attending a private school like Bellarmine or Annie Wright involves a daily drive into Tacoma, whereas public schools are neighborhood-based. Additionally, private schools in this area often have more robust arts, athletics, and technology programs due to private funding. The decision may hinge on whether a family seeks a specific religious (e.g., Bellarmine's Jesuit tradition) or pedagogical approach not available in the public system, and their willingness to manage the associated financial and logistical commitments.
Private Education Insights
Understanding K12 Private Academy Costs in North Lakewood, WA: A Parent's Financial Guide
For families in North Lakewood, Washington, considering the educational path for their children, understanding the k12 private academy cost is a crucial, and often daunting, first step. The investment is significant, but it’s one made with a long-term vision for a child’s academic foundation, character development, and future opportunities. Here in the greater Tacoma area, we are fortunate to have several esteemed institutions, each with a distinct mission and corresponding financial structure. Getting a clear picture of what to expect financially involves looking beyond just tuition to the full scope of the commitment.
When examining the k12 private academy cost at local schools like Charles Wright Academy, Annie Wright Schools, and Bellarmine Preparatory School, you’ll find that tuition for the 2024-2025 academic year typically ranges from approximately $25,000 to over $35,000 for upper grades. This variation reflects differences in program offerings, campus facilities, and class sizes. It’s important to note that these figures are often the baseline. The comprehensive cost includes mandatory fees for technology, activities, and sometimes even a building or capital improvement fee, which can add $1,000 to $3,000 annually. For North Lakewood families, factoring in these additional costs from the outset prevents unexpected budget strains later in the school year.
However, the conversation about k12 private academy cost in our community is not complete without discussing the robust financial aid programs these schools offer. A common misconception is that private education is only for the wealthy. In reality, schools like Bellarmine and Charles Wright award millions of dollars in need-based aid each year to create economically diverse student bodies. The process usually involves an application through a third-party service like SSS (School and Student Services) to assess a family’s unique financial situation. Many families in North Lakewood are surprised to find they may qualify for substantial assistance, making a premier private education more accessible than initially assumed.
Beyond tuition and aid, North Lakewood parents should consider the localized costs of private schooling. Transportation is a key factor; while some schools offer bus routes serving areas like ours, many families commit to daily drives to University Place, Tacoma, or North Tacoma. This means budgeting for fuel, time, and potential after-care programs if the commute doesn’t align with a standard workday. Additionally, while extracurriculars are included in tuition at some levels, specialized sports, arts supplies, or international travel programs represent optional but meaningful expenses that can arise.
Ultimately, evaluating the k12 private academy cost is about measuring value, not just price. It’s about the small class sizes where teachers know your child intimately, the college counseling that guides them to their best-fit university, and the community values that align with your family’s. For parents in North Lakewood, the journey begins with transparent budgeting, an open mind toward financial aid, and campus visits to truly feel the environment where your investment will grow—not just in dollars, but in your child’s future. The upfront work to understand the full financial picture empowers you to make a confident, informed decision for your family’s educational journey.
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