The Best Private Schools in Pacific, Washington
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Pacific. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Evergreen School
Independent
The Evergreen School is a nationally recognized independent school specifically designed for gifted students from preschool through 8th grade. While located in Shoreline, it serves families throughout the greater Seattle area, including Pacific. The school's innovative curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and hands-on learning with a strong STEAM focus. Small class sizes allow for individualized instruction, and the school features specialized facilities including makerspaces, science labs, and outdoor learning environments. Evergreen is known for its exceptional faculty and nurturing environment that challenges gifted learners.
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Charles Wright Academy
Independent
Charles Wright Academy is a highly-regarded independent day school serving students from preschool through 12th grade. Located just 15 minutes from Pacific, 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 facilities. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with strong programs in STEM, humanities, and arts. With a diverse student body and experienced faculty, Charles Wright consistently sends graduates to top universities nationwide.
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St. Thomas Aquinas School
Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle
St. Thomas Aquinas School provides a comprehensive Catholic education for students from preschool through 8th grade. Located in Tacoma and serving families throughout Pierce County, including Pacific, the school combines strong academic preparation with faith-based values. The curriculum includes advanced math and science programs, Spanish language instruction from early grades, and comprehensive arts and athletics. The school features modern classrooms, a dedicated STEM lab, library, and gymnasium. Parents consistently praise the supportive community, dedicated teachers, and the school's focus on developing well-rounded students with strong moral character.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Pacific, Washington
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Pacific, Washington, and are they located within the city limits?
While Pacific itself is a smaller city, families have access to several highly-regarded private schools in the immediate South King County/Pierce County region. The most prominent options include Charles Wright Academy in University Place (a K-12 independent school), The Evergreen School in Shoreline (a Pre-K-8 independent school), and St. Thomas Aquinas School in Tacoma (a Pre-K-8 Catholic school). None of these top-tier schools are physically located within Pacific's city limits, so commuting is a standard consideration for local families. Many parents in Pacific also consider private schools in neighboring cities like Auburn, Federal Way, and Puyallup, which may offer shorter commute times.
How does tuition for private schools near Pacific, WA, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the leading private schools in the Puget Sound area, like those accessible from Pacific, is generally above the Washington state private school average due to the region's higher cost of living. For the 2024-25 school year, expect tuition ranges of approximately $30,000-$40,000 for schools like Charles Wright Academy and The Evergreen School, while St. Thomas Aquinas, as a parish school, is typically lower, often in the $10,000-$15,000 range. Importantly, Washington state does not have a private school voucher program. However, most established schools offer robust need-based financial aid, and some participate in the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship for upper grades. Additionally, Washington's "School Choice" law allows for the creation of charter schools, which are public and tuition-free, but distinct from traditional private institutions.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Pacific, WA, area offer that might not be available in local public school districts?
Private schools in the South Sound region distinguish themselves with specialized programs. Charles Wright Academy, for instance, features a renowned Global Online Academy affiliation, extensive outdoor and environmental education tied to the Pacific Northwest landscape, and a comprehensive Upper School curriculum with a wide range of Advanced Placement courses. The Evergreen School is celebrated for its gifted education model, project-based learning, and a strong focus on social-emotional learning. St. Thomas Aquinas offers a faith-based curriculum integrated with standard academics and often has strong community service programs. These schools often have smaller class sizes than Pacific's public districts (such as the Auburn School District), allowing for more individualized attention and unique electives.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools near Pacific, Washington?
The admission process for top private schools in the Puget Sound area is highly structured and begins early. The main enrollment cycle for the following fall typically starts with open houses in September or October. Application deadlines are often in January or February, with assessments, student visits, and family interviews occurring in the winter months. Admission decisions are usually communicated in March. It is crucial to plan at least a year in advance. For families in Pacific, it's also important to factor in visit and tour logistics, as traveling to Tacoma, University Place, or Shoreline requires significant planning. We recommend contacting admissions offices the spring before you intend to apply to get on their mailing lists and understand any specific requirements.
For a family living in Pacific, what are the key considerations when deciding between the local public schools (like those in the Auburn School District) and a private school in a neighboring city?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. First is **commute**: Attending a private school often means a daily drive of 20-45 minutes to Tacoma, University Place, or beyond, which impacts family routines and extracurricular participation. Second is **educational approach**: Auburn public schools offer standardized curricula and diverse programs, while private options provide alternative pedagogies (progressive, gifted-focused, or faith-based). Third is **cost**: Weighing the significant financial investment of private tuition against the no-cost public option is paramount. Fourth is **community**: Consider whether you seek a close-knit, often smaller, school community that may draw from a wider geographic area versus a community-based neighborhood school. Finally, assess specific student needs—such as advanced learning programs or special education services—as offerings vary greatly between public and private institutions in the region.
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