The Best Private Schools in Selah, Washington
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Selah. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Paul Cathedral School
Catholic Schools of Yakima
St. Paul Cathedral School is a premier Catholic private school serving families throughout the Yakima Valley, including Selah. With over seven decades of educational excellence, the school provides a rigorous academic program rooted in Catholic values for students from preschool through 8th grade. The curriculum emphasizes advanced mathematics, comprehensive language arts, and STEM education while integrating faith formation. Facilities include smart classrooms, a dedicated science lab, library, and gymnasium. The school boasts exceptional parent satisfaction with families noting the strong community atmosphere, dedicated teachers, and outstanding student preparation for high school. Extracurricular offerings include sports, choir, and various clubs.
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Yakima Valley Academy
Seventh-day Adventist Education
Yakima Valley Academy is a highly-regarded Christian private school located just minutes from Selah in nearby Yakima. Serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on academic excellence and character development. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic facilities. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of approximately 12:1, ensuring personalized attention. Extracurricular programs include competitive sports, music ensembles, drama productions, and community service opportunities. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and strong academic foundation.
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St. Joseph-Marquette School
Catholic Schools of Yakima
St. Joseph-Marquette School is another highly-rated Catholic private school conveniently located in Yakima and serving Selah families. The school offers a comprehensive educational program from preschool through 8th grade with a strong focus on academic achievement and faith development. Notable features include advanced technology integration across all grade levels, a robust fine arts program, and Spanish language instruction beginning in elementary grades. The campus features modern classrooms, computer labs, a STEM lab, and outdoor play areas. Parents consistently rate the school highly for its dedicated faculty, safe learning environment, and excellent communication between school and home. The school maintains strong academic outcomes with graduates well-prepared for competitive high school programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Selah, Washington
What are the primary private school options for families living in Selah, Washington, and are there any located directly within the city limits?
While Selah itself has a very limited number of private schools within its municipal boundaries, families commonly look to nearby Yakima for established options. The most frequently considered schools include St. Paul Cathedral School (PreK-8, Catholic), St. Joseph-Marquette School (K-8, Catholic), and Yakima Valley Academy (PreK-10, Seventh-day Adventist), all located in Yakima, approximately a 10-15 minute commute from Selah. There are no major independent private day or boarding schools located directly in Selah, so planning for transportation to Yakima is a key consideration for local parents.
How does tuition at private schools in the Selah/Yakima area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the private schools serving Selah families is generally below the state average for Washington private schools. For the 2023-2024 school year, tuition at the local Catholic schools (St. Paul and St. Joseph-Marquette) typically ranges from $5,000 to $7,000 annually for parishioners, with slightly higher rates for non-parishioners. Yakima Valley Academy's tuition is also competitively priced. All these schools offer need-based financial aid, and Washington state residents should explore the **Washington State Opportunity Scholarship** and tax-advantaged **GET (Guaranteed Education Tuition)** program, which can be used at eligible private K-12 schools. Additionally, many families utilize payment plans to manage costs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Selah, WA, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools accessible to Selah families often provide distinct educational environments rooted in their faith-based missions. St. Paul Cathedral and St. Joseph-Marquette schools integrate Catholic teachings throughout their curriculum and offer sacramental preparation. Yakima Valley Academy provides a curriculum from a Seventh-day Adventist perspective with an emphasis on community service. Academically, these schools often feature smaller class sizes, which can allow for more individualized attention. A notable differentiator is the consistent offering of world language instruction (often Spanish) starting in elementary grades, a program that can be more variable in Selah's public elementary schools due to funding and staffing.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Selah, Washington, and when should parents apply?
The enrollment process for schools like St. Paul, St. Joseph-Marquette, and Yakima Valley Academy usually begins in January or February for the following academic year. Priority is often given to siblings of current students and active parish members (for Catholic schools). The process typically involves submitting an application, providing past academic records, a family interview, and sometimes a student assessment. It is highly advisable for Selah parents to initiate inquiries by the fall prior to the desired enrollment year, as some grades—particularly kindergarten and early elementary—may have waiting lists. Open houses are commonly held in the winter months.
For a family in Selah deciding between the local public schools and a private school in Yakima, what are the key practical and philosophical considerations?
The decision often hinges on values, logistics, and educational approach. Philosophically, Selah's public schools are excellent, tax-funded institutions offering robust programs, while the private options provide a faith-based education and community. Practically, parents must consider the daily commute to Yakima (including weather impacts on the I-82 corridor), the additional financial investment of tuition, and the potential for before/after-school care needs. Conversely, private schools may offer a smaller, more close-knit environment that some families prefer. A key step is to schedule tours at both a Selah public school and a private school in Yakima to directly compare culture, classroom size, and specific program offerings for your child's needs.
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