The Best Private Schools in Port Townsend, Washington
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Port Townsend. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Swainstone School
Independent
Swainstone School is a highly-regarded independent private school located in the heart of Port Townsend. The school serves students from preschool through 8th grade with a progressive, project-based educational approach. Known for its small class sizes and personalized attention, Swainstone emphasizes hands-on learning, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. The curriculum integrates arts, sciences, and outdoor education, with students regularly participating in field studies throughout the Olympic Peninsula. The school's dedicated faculty and strong parent community contribute to its exceptional educational environment and high parent satisfaction ratings.
Programs:
Seven Cedars School
Independent
Seven Cedars School is a respected Montessori private school located in nearby Sequim, serving families throughout the North Olympic Peninsula including Port Townsend. The school offers authentic Montessori education for students ages 3-12, focusing on individualized learning, hands-on materials, and mixed-age classrooms. Their comprehensive program includes extensive outdoor education, environmental science studies, and arts integration. The school features beautiful campus facilities with dedicated gardens, outdoor learning spaces, and well-equipped classrooms. With a strong emphasis on developing independence, critical thinking, and community responsibility, Seven Cedars has built an excellent reputation for academic quality and student development.
Programs:
St. Andrew's Episcopal School
Episcopal Diocese of Olympia
St. Andrew's Episcopal School is a premier independent school serving the North Olympic Peninsula, including Port Townsend families. As an International Baccalaureate World School, it offers the rigorous IB Diploma Programme for high school students alongside comprehensive college preparatory curriculum for grades 6-12. The school features excellent facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, St. Andrew's provides strong academic preparation while emphasizing character development, community service, and global awareness. The school's established history, strong college acceptance rates, and comprehensive extracurricular programs make it a top choice for families seeking rigorous private education in the region.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Port Townsend, Washington
What are the primary private school options available in Port Townsend, WA, and what educational philosophies do they represent?
Port Townsend offers a small but distinctive set of private schools, each with a unique approach. **Swainstone School** is known for its progressive, project-based learning model that emphasizes outdoor education and the arts, deeply integrated with the local environment. **Seven Cedars School** follows a Waldorf-inspired curriculum, focusing on holistic development, creativity, and experiential learning through a rhythmic daily structure. **St. Andrew's Episcopal School** provides a more traditional college-preparatory education within a values-based framework, incorporating community service and spiritual exploration. This variety allows parents in Port Townsend to choose a philosophy that aligns closely with their child's learning style and family values.
How does the tuition for private schools in Port Townsend, WA, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at Port Townsend's private schools is generally below the average for major Washington metropolitan areas like Seattle but is significant relative to local median incomes. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $8,000 to $15,000 annually depending on the grade level and school. All major schools in the area offer need-based financial aid, and Washington state's unique **"Washington Opportunity Scholarship"** and **"EdChoice"** programs may provide additional support for eligible families. Importantly, many Port Townsend private schools have robust scholarship funds supported by local donors and foundations, recognizing the economic diversity of the community. It's essential to inquire directly with each school's admissions office about their specific aid application process and deadlines.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Port Townsend private schools offer that leverage the local environment and community?
Private schools in Port Townsend excel at integrating the rich local resources into their curricula. Common unique programs include: **Marine and Environmental Science** utilizing the Port Townsend Marine Science Center and nearby beaches; **Maritime Skills and Woodworking**, connecting to the town's historic shipbuilding heritage; and **Arts Immersion** through partnerships with venues like the Port Townsend School of the Arts and the annual Rhododendron Festival. **Swainstone School** often has garden-to-table and forestry programs, while **Seven Cedars** emphasizes farming and handcrafts. This deep community connection provides students with an education that is not only academically sound but also deeply rooted in the unique cultural and natural landscape of the Olympic Peninsula.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Port Townsend, and how competitive is admission?
The enrollment timeline for Port Townsend private schools typically begins in the fall (October-November) for the following academic year, with application deadlines in January or February. Admission decisions are often communicated by March. Due to the small size of these schools (often with single classrooms per grade), the process can be selective but is less intensely competitive than in large cities. The process usually includes a completed application, school records, teacher recommendations, a family interview, and a student visit or assessment. **Early inquiry is strongly recommended**, especially for entry into kindergarten or middle school grades, as spaces are limited. Many schools also host open houses in the autumn, which are invaluable for understanding the community fit.
For families considering both options, what are the key differences between the Port Townsend School District public schools and the local private schools?
The key differences lie in class size, educational approach, and program specialization. **Port Townsend public schools** offer a robust, standardized education with diverse extracurriculars (notably strong arts and sports programs) at no direct cost. The local **private schools** provide much smaller class sizes (often 10-15 students), allowing for highly individualized instruction and closer student-teacher relationships. They also offer distinct pedagogical philosophies (Waldorf, progressive, Episcopal) not available in the public system. While public schools follow state-mandated curricula and testing, private schools have the flexibility to deeply integrate local environmental and cultural studies. The choice often comes down to a family's priority for a specific educational philosophy and personalized learning environment versus the broader program offerings and community scale of the public district.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities