The Best Private Schools in Seahurst, Washington
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Seahurst. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Holy Family Parish School
Archdiocese of Seattle
Holy Family Parish School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school located in nearby White Center, serving families throughout the Burien/Seahurst area. The school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education with strong emphasis on faith formation, academic excellence, and character development. Features include modern classrooms, dedicated faculty with an average of 15+ years teaching experience, robust STEM programs, music and arts education, and extensive extracurricular activities. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 18:1 and has consistently high parent satisfaction ratings for its community atmosphere and academic outcomes.
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Annie Wright Schools
Independent
Annie Wright Schools is a prestigious independent day and boarding school serving students from preschool through grade 12, with many families commuting from the Seahurst area. The school offers the International Baccalaureate program across all grade levels and is known for its rigorous college preparatory curriculum. The 10-acre campus features historic buildings, modern academic facilities, athletic centers, and arts spaces. Programs include comprehensive arts education, competitive athletics, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. With small class sizes, experienced faculty, and a strong track record of college placements, Annie Wright provides a world-class education with both day and boarding options.
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The Seattle Girls' School
Independent
The Seattle Girls' School is an innovative independent middle school serving grades 5-8, attracting students from Seahurst and throughout the greater Seattle area. The school is renowned for its STEM-focused curriculum, social justice education, and leadership development programs. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, technology centers, and collaborative learning spaces. The school emphasizes project-based learning, outdoor education, and community engagement. With a diverse student body and dedicated faculty, SGS prepares students for success in high school and beyond while fostering confidence, critical thinking, and social responsibility.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Seahurst, Washington
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Seahurst, Washington, and are they located within the city limits?
While Seahurst itself is a small residential community, families have access to several highly-regarded private schools in the immediate South Seattle and Burien area. The most prominent options include Holy Family Parish School (a Catholic K-8 in nearby White Center), The Seattle Girls' School (a 5-8 all-girls school in Seattle's Central District), and Annie Wright Schools (a Pre-K through 12 day and boarding school in Tacoma, with separate Upper Schools for boys and girls). It's important to note that no major private school campuses are physically located within Seahurst's boundaries, so commuting to neighboring cities is a standard expectation. Many families also consider schools in West Seattle, Burien, and central Seattle, which are within a reasonable drive.
How does the tuition for private schools near Seahurst, WA, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for private schools in the greater Seattle area, including those accessible from Seahurst, is generally higher than the Washington state average due to the region's higher cost of living. For the 2023-2024 academic year, K-8 tuition like that at Holy Family Parish School often ranges from $10,000 to $15,000, while secondary schools like Annie Wright can exceed $40,000 for upper school day students. Washington State does not offer voucher or tax-credit scholarship programs. However, most schools offer robust need-based financial aid, and some, like The Seattle Girls' School, have a stated commitment to socioeconomic diversity. It is crucial to apply for financial aid simultaneously with admission, as funds are limited. Additionally, Washington's "School Choice" law allows for the creation of charter schools, but these are public and not private.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Seahurst that leverage the Pacific Northwest environment?
Schools in this region often integrate the unique Pacific Northwest setting into their curricula. For example, The Seattle Girls' School emphasizes STEM and leadership with a social justice lens, often incorporating local environmental and civic issues. Annie Wright Schools' International Baccalaureate (IB) program for all grades encourages global engagement, which can include studies of local marine biology in Puget Sound or the region's indigenous cultures. Many schools also have strong outdoor education programs, with trips to the Cascade or Olympic Mountains. While not a formal program, the proximity to Seattle's tech industry, museums, and ports provides unparalleled enrichment and internship opportunities for secondary students that are actively utilized by these schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools near Seahurst, Washington?
The admission timeline for sought-after private schools in the Seattle area is highly structured and begins early. For entry in the fall, the process typically starts in September or October of the prior year with open houses. Application deadlines are often in January (e.g., early January for The Seattle Girls' School and Annie Wright). The process usually includes a completed application, student assessments or visits, parent interviews, teacher recommendations, and school records. Admission decisions are commonly released in March. For a kindergarten seat at a popular school like Holy Family, applying a full year in advance is advisable. Given Seahurst's location, families should carefully plan for potential commute times as part of the school visit and daily logistics during the decision process.
For a family in Seahurst comparing local public schools in the Highline School District to private options, what are the key considerations?
Families in Seahurst are served by the Highline Public Schools district, which is known for its diverse student population and community-focused programs. Key considerations when comparing include: **Class Size:** Private schools often offer smaller class sizes (e.g., 15-1 student-teacher ratios) compared to public schools. **Specialized Focus:** Private schools may offer specific pedagogies (IB, religious, single-gender) not available in the comprehensive public system. **Resources:** Public schools are tuition-free and funded by tax dollars, while private schools rely on tuition and donations, which can fund different resources. **Community:** Seahurst's neighborhood public schools offer a hyper-local community, whereas private schools draw from a wider geographic area, which can affect social connections and carpool logistics. The decision often hinges on a family's educational philosophy, budget, and the value placed on a specific program versus the community-centered, tuition-free public option.
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