The Best Private Schools in Olympia, Washington
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Olympia. 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, while located in Tacoma, serves families throughout the South Sound region including Olympia, offering both day and boarding options. As an International Baccalaureate World School, it provides the IB continuum from Preschool through Grade 12. The school features exceptional facilities including state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts centers, athletic complexes, and modern residential halls. With a legacy dating back to 1884, Annie Wright combines tradition with innovation, offering rigorous academics alongside extensive extracurricular programs. The school's strong college preparatory focus and personalized attention make it a top choice for families seeking premium private education in the region.
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The Evergreen School
Independent
The Evergreen School is a highly-regarded independent school serving the greater Olympia area with a progressive educational approach. Founded in 1979, the school offers education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on project-based learning, critical thinking, and community engagement. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, art studios, and extensive outdoor learning spaces. The school's curriculum integrates STEM education with arts and humanities, creating well-rounded students. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Evergreen maintains a strong reputation for academic excellence and student development.
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Olympia Waldorf School
Waldorf Education
Olympia Waldorf School offers a comprehensive Waldorf education from early childhood through 8th grade, serving families throughout Thurston County. Established in 1989, the school follows the developmental approach of Waldorf education, emphasizing creativity, imagination, and hands-on learning. The curriculum integrates academics with practical arts, music, movement, and foreign language instruction. The school campus includes beautiful classrooms, gardens, and play areas designed to support holistic child development. With a focus on nurturing each child's individual potential, Olympia Waldorf School has built a strong reputation for its caring community and innovative educational approach.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Olympia, Washington
What are the main types of private schools available in Olympia, WA, and how do they differ in educational philosophy?
Olympia offers a diverse range of private schools, each with distinct educational approaches. The Evergreen School provides a progressive, project-based learning environment focused on critical thinking and creativity. The Olympia Waldorf School follows the Waldorf pedagogy, emphasizing arts, imagination, and developmental stages in a holistic curriculum. Annie Wright Schools, while located in nearby Tacoma and serving many Olympia-area families, offer prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) programs and a strong college-preparatory focus. This variety allows Olympia parents to choose a philosophy that aligns closely with their child's learning style and family values, from experiential learning to structured international curricula.
How does tuition for private schools in Olympia, WA, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are locally available?
Tuition in Olympia's private schools is generally competitive within Washington State. For the 2024-2025 academic year, day school tuition typically ranges from approximately $15,000 to $30,000 annually, depending on the grade level and institution. Most schools, including those listed, offer robust financial aid programs funded through their own budgets. Additionally, Washington State has the "Washington Opportunity Scholarship" and various local charitable foundations that some families may qualify for. It's crucial to apply for financial aid directly through each school's admissions office, as deadlines are often early in the enrollment cycle (usually January-February). Many Olympia-area schools also participate in state-supported programs for part-time shared services, though full voucher programs are not available in WA.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Olympia private schools offer that leverage the local environment and community?
Olympia's private schools uniquely integrate the region's natural and governmental resources into their programs. Given Olympia's status as the state capital, schools like The Evergreen School often incorporate civic engagement and government internships into their middle school curricula. The Olympia Waldorf School heavily utilizes the surrounding Pacific Northwest landscape for outdoor education, gardening, and environmental science. Furthermore, proximity to the Puget Sound and Capitol Lake allows for specialized marine biology and ecology studies. Several schools also have partnerships with The Evergreen State College and local arts organizations, providing enhanced STEM and arts opportunities not always available in standard curricula.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Olympia area?
The enrollment timeline for Olympia's sought-after private schools is rigorous and begins early. Most schools (e.g., The Evergreen School, Olympia Waldorf) open applications in September for the following academic year. Key deadlines for applications and financial aid requests typically fall between January and February. The process often includes a parent interview, student visit or assessment day, and submission of teacher recommendations and records. Notification of admissions decisions is usually communicated in March, with enrollment contracts due by mid-April. Given the limited seats, especially in entry-level grades like Kindergarten, it is highly advised for Olympia families to begin research and attend open houses in the fall, a full year before desired enrollment.
For families in Olympia, what are the key considerations when deciding between a top-rated public school in the Olympia School District and a local private school?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, class size, and specific program offerings. Olympia School District has several highly-rated public schools, but private options offer smaller class sizes (often 15-18 students vs. 25+ in public) and specialized curricula like Waldorf or IB. Private schools may also have more flexibility in curriculum design and fewer standardized testing mandates. However, this comes at a significant financial cost. Transportation is another factor; while Olympia public schools provide busing, private schools usually require personal transportation or carpool arrangements. Many Olympia families value the close-knit community and consistent philosophical approach found in private schools, while others prefer the diverse, tuition-free, and resource-rich environment of the public system, which also offers advanced programs like the Olympia Regional Learning Academy (ORLA).
Private Education Insights
Find the Best Private Pre-K in Olympia: A Parent's Guide to Early Education
As you begin the search for a “private pre k near me” in Olympia, you’re not just looking for a classroom; you’re seeking a foundational community for your child that aligns with your family’s values amidst our unique Pacific Northwest setting. The journey can feel overwhelming, but understanding the distinct educational philosophies of our local institutions can provide a clear path forward. Olympia offers a remarkable concentration of high-quality private early childhood programs, each with its own approach to nurturing young minds during these critical developmental years.
In the heart of our capital city, you’ll find options that emphasize everything from nature-based learning to structured academic preparation. The Evergreen School, for instance, is renowned for its progressive, project-based approach that connects deeply with our local environment. Their pre-kindergarten program often integrates the lush forests and shorelines of the Puget Sound into daily exploration, fostering a sense of wonder and stewardship from the very start. This is a perfect fit for families who value outdoor play and experiential learning, rain or shine. Meanwhile, the Olympia Waldorf School offers a distinctly different path, focusing on imaginative play, artistic expression, and a rhythmically structured day that minimizes media and maximizes hands-on creativity. Their holistic model is designed to nurture the whole child—head, heart, and hands—in a warm, home-like atmosphere that feels like a sanctuary.
For families considering a longer-term educational journey, Annie Wright Schools present a compelling option with their continuum of learning from preschool through high school. Their pre-kindergarten program, part of the Lower School, introduces a blend of play-based and intentional literacy and numeracy foundations within a vibrant, supportive community. The stability of a known campus and consistent educational philosophy can be a significant comfort for both children and parents. As you evaluate these choices, consider practical Olympia-specific factors. Our traffic patterns mean a school close to your Capitol neighborhood, Eastside, or Westside home can greatly simplify daily routines. Visit during a typical gray, drizzly day to see how indoor play spaces are utilized. Ask about how the school fosters community among families; in a city of our size, these connections often become a valuable support network.
Ultimately, finding the right “private pre k near me” in Olympia is about matching your child’s temperament and your family’s educational vision with a program’s philosophy. We encourage you to schedule tours, observe classrooms in action, and trust your instincts. The right environment will feel like a place where your child can confidently take their first steps into the world of learning, surrounded by dedicated teachers and potential lifelong friends. This investment in their early years sets a powerful trajectory, rooted in the community and natural beauty that makes living here so special.
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