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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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