The Best Private Schools in Preston, Washington
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Preston. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Overlake School
Independent
The Overlake School is a highly respected independent day school serving grades 5-12, located approximately 15 minutes from Preston. Known for its rigorous college preparatory curriculum and beautiful 75-acre campus, Overlake emphasizes experiential learning and character development. The school offers robust STEM programs, comprehensive arts education, and competitive athletics. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, students receive personalized attention. The school's commitment to diversity, inclusion, and community service makes it a top choice for families in the greater Eastside area.
Programs:
Eastside Catholic School
Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle
Eastside Catholic School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving grades 6-12, located about 20 minutes from Preston. The school offers both traditional college prep and International Baccalaureate programs, providing students with multiple pathways to academic excellence. With state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes, Eastside Catholic provides a comprehensive educational experience. The school emphasizes faith formation, academic rigor, and character development while maintaining a diverse and inclusive community.
Programs:
The Bear Creek School
Independent Christian
The Bear Creek School is a distinguished classical Christian school serving students from preschool through grade 12, located approximately 15 minutes from Preston. The school's classical approach integrates faith and learning through the trivium model of grammar, logic, and rhetoric stages. Bear Creek offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on both STEM subjects and humanities. The school features modern facilities, competitive athletics, and extensive arts programs. Known for its strong community and academic excellence, Bear Creek consistently prepares students for top colleges and universities.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Preston, Washington
What are the main private school options for families living in Preston, Washington, and are they located directly in town?
While Preston itself is a small, unincorporated community, it is part of the greater Issaquah/Sammamish area with access to several highly-regarded private schools. The most prominent options near Preston include The Overlake School (in Redmond), Eastside Catholic School (in Sammamish), and The Bear Creek School (in Redmond). These schools are all within a 15-25 minute commute. There are no major private school campuses physically located within the Preston town limits, so families should plan for transportation to these neighboring cities. This proximity to multiple top-tier institutions is a significant benefit of the Preston location.
How does Washington's lack of income tax impact tuition and financial aid at private schools near Preston?
Washington state does not have a personal income tax, which can affect family budgeting for private education. Tuition at schools like Overlake, Eastside Catholic, and Bear Creek is significant, often ranging from $35,000 to $45,000+ annually for upper grades. However, these schools typically offer robust need-based financial aid programs funded through their endowments and annual giving. The aid process is separate from state tax credits or deductions available in some other states. Families should apply for financial aid simultaneously with admissions, as these schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity and may offer substantial grants to qualified students.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are emphasized by private schools in the Preston, WA, area due to the local tech industry?
Reflecting the innovative culture of the greater Seattle-Eastside region, private schools near Preston strongly emphasize STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) alongside robust humanities programs. The Overlake School, for example, has a renowned Applied Science and Engineering program. Eastside Catholic features a comprehensive STEM pathway and entrepreneurship courses. The Bear Creek School integrates a classical Christian education with advanced science and computer science offerings. Additionally, these schools often have partnerships with local tech companies for internships, speaker series, and project mentorship, providing students with unique real-world connections.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and key deadlines for private schools serving Preston, WA, families?
The admissions cycle for the leading private schools in this area is highly structured and begins early. For entry in the following fall, the process typically starts in August or September with open houses and campus tours. Application deadlines are usually in early to mid-January. Standardized testing (like the ISEE or SSAT) should be completed by January. Admissions decisions and financial aid awards are communicated in mid-March, with a family reply deadline in early April. It is crucial to start the process at least a year in advance, especially for competitive entry grades like 6th and 9th. We recommend contacting admissions offices at your target schools by the summer before you intend to apply.
How do the class sizes and community environments of private schools near Preston, WA, compare to the local public school options in the Issaquah School District?
The private schools near Preston offer a distinctly different scale and educational approach compared to the highly-rated Issaquah School District public schools. While Issaquah's public schools are large and comprehensive (e.g., Liberty High School), private options like Overlake, Eastside Catholic, and Bear Creek have much smaller student populations, resulting in lower student-to-teacher ratios and more individualized attention. The private school communities often foster a specific ethos—be it secular progressive, Catholic, or classical Christian—that unifies the curriculum and campus culture. Choosing between them often comes down to a family's preference for a large, diverse public school environment versus a smaller, mission-driven private community with a tailored educational philosophy.
Private Education Insights
Discover Preston's Top Private Catholic Schools: A Parent's Guide to Local Education
If you're a parent in Preston, Washington, searching for "private catholic schools near me," you're likely seeking more than just an academic institution. You're looking for a community that aligns with your family's values, offering a holistic education that nurtures character, faith, and intellect. While Preston itself is a quiet, unincorporated community nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, it provides a wonderful residential base with access to some of the region's most respected private schools, including those with a Catholic foundation. Understanding the local landscape is key to finding the right fit for your child.
The immediate Preston area offers a unique setting. Families here often appreciate the balance of a more rural, family-oriented atmosphere with the convenience of being just a short drive from the educational and cultural resources of the greater Eastside and Seattle. This means your search for "private catholic schools near me" will naturally extend to neighboring communities like Sammamish, Redmond, and Bellevue. The commute is a practical consideration; morning traffic on I-90 can be a factor, so exploring schools with transportation options or flexible start times can be beneficial. One standout option easily accessible from Preston is Eastside Catholic School in Sammamish. This school is often at the top of local lists for families seeking a rigorous, faith-based education from grades 6 through 12. Its comprehensive program integrates Catholic teachings with exceptional academics, arts, and athletics, creating a vibrant community for students to grow.
While your search may begin with Catholic schools, it's valuable to also consider the broader spectrum of excellent private education in the area. For instance, The Overlake School in Redmond and The Bear Creek School in Redmond both offer outstanding college-preparatory environments with strong ethical frameworks, though they are independent rather than Catholic-affiliated. Exploring these options allows you to compare educational philosophies, campus cultures, and specific programs to see what truly resonates with your child's needs. When researching, we always recommend looking beyond the website. The true feel of a school comes from a campus visit. Schedule a tour, observe classes in session, and talk to current parents and students. Ask specific questions about how faith is integrated into daily life at a Catholic school, or how character education is emphasized at an independent school.
Ultimately, finding the right private school near Preston is about matching your child's unique personality and learning style with a school's mission and community. The process requires thoughtful reflection on what matters most to your family: the depth of religious instruction, the size of the student body, the strength of a particular academic department, or the scope of extracurricular opportunities. The good news is that living in Preston places you within reach of several nationally recognized institutions. Take your time, do the visits, and trust your instincts. The perfect educational environment for your child is out there, offering a foundation that will support them through their academic journey and beyond.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities