The Best Private Schools in Saint John, Washington
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Saint John. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Gonzaga Preparatory School
Jesuit Schools Network
Gonzaga Prep is a premier Jesuit college preparatory school serving students from throughout Eastern Washington, including the Saint John area. Founded in 1887, the school offers a rigorous academic program with 22 Advanced Placement courses and a comprehensive STEM curriculum. The 80-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. With a student-teacher ratio of 13:1, the school emphasizes character formation and academic excellence, with 99% of graduates attending four-year colleges. The school serves as a regional educational hub for families throughout Whitman County and beyond.
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St. George's School
Independent School
St. George's School is an independent, coeducational day school serving students from across Eastern Washington, including the Saint John region. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory program with particular strengths in mathematics, sciences, and humanities. The 120-acre campus features modern academic buildings, athletic facilities, and extensive outdoor learning spaces. St. George's is known for its strong community atmosphere and individualized attention, with an average class size of 15 students. The school's outdoor education program and leadership development initiatives make it particularly appealing to families from rural communities throughout the Palouse region.
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All Saints Catholic School
Diocese of Spokane
All Saints Catholic School provides a comprehensive Catholic classical education serving families from throughout Eastern Washington, including the Saint John area. The school offers a rigorous academic program rooted in Catholic tradition while incorporating modern educational practices. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, moral formation, and academic excellence across all grade levels. The campus features well-equipped classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities. With strong parent involvement and a focus on character development, All Saints has established itself as a regional educational option for families seeking faith-based education combined with strong academic preparation for high school and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Saint John, Washington
What are the main types of private school options available for families in Saint John, Washington?
In Saint John, WA, families have access to a few distinct types of private schools, primarily centered around religious and college-preparatory models. The notable options include Gonzaga Preparatory School (a Jesuit, co-ed college-prep high school), St. George's School (an independent, co-ed college-prep school serving grades 6-12 with a strong emphasis on academics and character), and All Saints Catholic School (providing a faith-based K-8 education). While the selection is more limited than in major metropolitan areas, these schools offer high-quality, structured environments. For broader options, some families in the Saint John area also consider private schools in nearby Spokane.
How does the tuition for private schools in Saint John, WA, compare to state averages, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition for private schools in the Saint John area is generally competitive but can vary. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Gonzaga Prep's tuition is approximately $15,000-$16,000, St. George's is around $22,000-$24,000, and All Saints Catholic School is roughly $6,000-$8,000 for elementary grades. These figures are often slightly below the average for similar private schools in major Washington cities like Seattle. All these schools offer need-based financial aid, and Washington state also has programs like the Washington Opportunity Scholarship (for college) and potential tax benefits for donations to scholarship funds, which can indirectly aid affordability.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Saint John, WA, private schools offer that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in Saint John, WA, often integrate the region's natural and cultural resources into their programs. St. George's School, for instance, is known for its strong outdoor education and robotics programs, taking advantage of Washington's landscape for experiential learning. Gonzaga Prep emphasizes its Jesuit tradition of service and leadership, with many local community service projects in the Spokane County area. While All Saints has a core Catholic curriculum, schools in this area frequently offer outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, and environmental science projects that utilize the nearby natural beauty of the Palouse region and four-season climate.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Saint John, Washington?
The enrollment process for Saint John area private schools typically begins in the fall, about a year before the desired start date. Key dates include open houses from September to November, application deadlines in January or February (especially for St. George's and Gonzaga Prep), and admission decisions released by March. All Saints Catholic School may have a more rolling admission but encourages early application. A common requirement across these schools is a campus tour/interview, submission of previous academic records, and teacher recommendations. Due to the smaller size of these communities, it's advisable to apply early, as some grades, particularly entry-level ones, can fill quickly.
For families considering both public and private education in Saint John, what are the key differentiating factors?
The key differentiators for private schools in Saint John, WA, include smaller class sizes, specialized religious or philosophical education (Jesuit at Gonzaga Prep, independent at St. George's, Catholic at All Saints), and a consistent college-preparatory focus. The public school option for Saint John residents is the Saint John School District, which is a small, rural K-12 system. Parents often choose private schools for more rigorous academic tracking, broader extracurricular offerings (like robotics or specific arts), and a community aligned with their values. The trade-off is cost, as public schools are tuition-free. The decision often hinges on whether a family prioritizes the specific mission and resources of a private institution over the community-centered, no-cost local public school.
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