The Best Private Schools in Raymond, Washington
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Raymond. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Lawrence School
Catholic Schools of Southwest Washington
St. Lawrence School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving the Raymond community for over six decades. The school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on faith-based learning combined with rigorous academics. Features include small class sizes, individualized attention, modern technology integration, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes STEM programs, music, arts, and competitive sports. The school is known for its strong community involvement and high parent satisfaction rates, with many families traveling from surrounding areas for its exceptional educational environment.
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Sound to Harbor Montessori
Independent Montessori School
Located in nearby Aberdeen, Sound to Harbor Montessori serves families throughout Grays Harbor County including Raymond. This accredited Montessori school offers authentic Montessori education for children ages 3-12, emphasizing hands-on learning, independence, and individualized academic pacing. The school features beautifully prepared classrooms, extensive Montessori materials, and a strong focus on developing the whole child. With mixed-age classrooms and highly trained Montessori guides, the school has earned excellent reviews for its nurturing environment and academic outcomes. Many Raymond families choose this school for its exceptional early childhood and elementary programs.
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Three Rivers Christian School
Independent Christian School
Three Rivers Christian School serves students from across Southwest Washington, including many from the Raymond area. This comprehensive Christian school offers education from preschool through 12th grade with a strong college preparatory focus. The school features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. Academic programs include Advanced Placement courses, dual enrollment opportunities, and comprehensive extracurricular offerings. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school maintains high academic standards while integrating biblical principles throughout the curriculum. The school's robust transportation system makes it accessible to families throughout the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Raymond, Washington
What are the primary private school options available for families in Raymond, Washington, and what are their core educational philosophies?
Raymond, WA, offers a few distinct private school options, each with a unique approach. St. Lawrence School is a private Catholic school offering a faith-based, traditional education for grades Pre-K through 8. Sound to Harbor Montessori provides education based on the Montessori method, emphasizing child-led learning in a prepared environment. Three Rivers Christian School offers a Protestant Christian education with a college-preparatory focus for students in grades K-12. These schools represent the main private alternatives to the Raymond School District, catering to different religious and pedagogical preferences within the local community.
How does tuition at private schools in Raymond, WA, typically compare to state averages, and are there any Washington-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition at Raymond's private schools is generally below the average for major Washington metropolitan areas but is a significant consideration for local families. For the 2024-2025 year, expect ranges from approximately $5,000 to $8,000 annually, varying by grade level and school. Washington state offers the "Washington Opportunity Scholarship" for eligible students pursuing STEM or health care degrees, which can be a future benefit. More immediately, all three Raymond schools offer need-based financial aid, and some participate in the state's "Employee Giving Program" where state employees can donate directly to a school of choice. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school about their specific tuition rates, parish subsidies (for St. Lawrence), and internal scholarship opportunities.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Raymond offer that leverage the local environment of the Willapa Harbor?
Private schools in Raymond often integrate the unique coastal and rural environment of Willapa Harbor into their programs. Three Rivers Christian School may incorporate local ecology, forestry, and marine studies into its science curriculum, potentially including field trips to the nearby Willapa National Wildlife Refuge. Sound to Harbor Montessori's hands-on learning philosophy can easily extend to nature-based education in the surrounding area. St. Lawrence School's community service projects often engage with local Raymond and South Bend organizations. While not all have specialized "marine biology" tracks, the small class sizes allow for flexible, place-based learning that connects students directly to the industry and natural resources of Pacific County.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Raymond, and are there waitlists given the limited number of seats?
The enrollment process in Raymond's private schools often begins in the winter (January-February) for the following fall, with deadlines typically in March or April. However, due to the small size of these schools, it is highly advisable to contact them a year in advance, especially for sought-after early childhood programs like Sound to Harbor Montessori's primary class. The process usually involves an application form, student records, family interviews, and for the faith-based schools, an understanding of the religious curriculum. Waitlists are common, particularly for specific grade levels with very small class sizes. Unlike in larger cities, a personal visit and conversation with the administrator are incredibly important steps in the Raymond context.
For families considering both, what are the key decision factors when comparing the Raymond School District public schools to the local private school options?
The decision in Raymond often centers on class size, educational philosophy, and religious instruction. Raymond public schools offer a comprehensive K-12 system with standard extracurriculars like sports and music. The private options provide much smaller class sizes (often 10-15 students), which allows for highly individualized attention. The core differentiator is mission: St. Lawrence and Three Rivers integrate religious education throughout the day, while Sound to Harbor offers a specific, alternative pedagogical model (Montessori). For families seeking a college-prep environment with a Christian worldview through high school, Three Rivers is the only local private option that goes through 12th grade. Transportation is also a key factor, as public district busing is not typically available for private school students in this rural area.
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