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."
Programs:
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.
Programs:
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.
Programs:
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.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities