The Best Private Schools in Shaw Island, Washington
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Shaw Island. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Spring Street International School
Independent
Spring Street International School is a highly-regarded independent day and boarding school serving the San Juan Islands, including Shaw Island families. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes (average 12:1 student-teacher ratio) and emphasizes global citizenship. Students benefit from unique marine science programs, international exchange opportunities, and extensive outdoor education that leverages the island environment. The school has strong college placement records and serves students from Shaw Island via ferry connections.
Programs:
Orcas Island Christian School
Independent Christian
Orcas Island Christian School serves families throughout the San Juan Islands, including Shaw Island residents who commute via ferry. The school provides a comprehensive K-8 education with a Christian worldview while maintaining strong academic standards. Features include dedicated STEM labs, integrated arts programs, and extensive use of the island's natural environment for hands-on learning. The school is known for its tight-knit community, experienced faculty, and personalized attention with small class sizes.
Programs:
St. Mary Catholic School
Archdiocese of Seattle
St. Mary Catholic School in Anacortes serves as a regional private school option for Shaw Island families, accessible via the ferry system. This established Catholic school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education with strong emphasis on academic excellence, character development, and faith formation. The school features modern STEM labs, comprehensive arts programs, and competitive sports. Many island families choose St. Mary for its structured environment, experienced faculty, and proven track record of preparing students for high school success.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Shaw Island, Washington
Given Shaw Island's small population, what are the practical private school options available to resident families, and how do students typically commute?
Shaw Island itself does not host a private K-12 school on the island. Resident families looking for private education primarily consider schools on neighboring islands, most notably Orcas Island. The top options include Spring Street International School (college-prep, grades 6-12), Orcas Island Christian School (K-8), and St. Mary Catholic School (Pre-K-8) in Anacortes on the mainland. Commuting involves the Washington State Ferries system, and many families coordinate carpools. Some older, independent students may commute via ferry independently, making the island's ferry schedule a critical factor in daily logistics for Shaw Island families.
How does the Washington State Charter School or "School Choice" landscape affect private school options for Shaw Island families compared to those on the mainland?
Washington state does not have voucher or tax-credit scholarship programs that directly subsidize private school tuition, which is a key financial consideration for Shaw Island families. However, the state does have a small number of charter schools, none of which are located in the San Juan Islands. This means the "choice" for island families is essentially between the local public school (which is very small) and commuting to a private school. Some financial aid is available directly from the private schools, like Spring Street International, and families should investigate those options thoroughly, as the additional cost of ferry commuting adds to the overall expense.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the accessible private schools offer that might be particularly valuable for a student from a remote island community like Shaw Island?
Schools like Spring Street International School on Orcas Island offer programs uniquely suited to island life. Their emphasis on global studies, environmental science, and outdoor education aligns well with the San Juan Islands' ecosystem. They also run travel-based interim programs, which can provide crucial cultural and academic exposure that complements a somewhat isolated home environment. Orcas Island Christian School integrates outdoor learning and local stewardship. These programs help Shaw Island students deeply connect their education to their unique surroundings while also broadening their horizons beyond the archipelago.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Spring Street International, and how should Shaw Island families plan for the logistics of interviews and visits?
Enrollment timelines for schools like Spring Street International School (SSIS) often begin in the fall for the following academic year, with priority deadlines in January or February. The process usually includes an application, student records, teacher recommendations, a student visit day, and a family interview. For Shaw Island families, planning is paramount. Ferry schedules must be carefully coordinated for visit days and interviews, often requiring a full-day commitment. It's highly recommended to initiate contact with admissions offices early (even a year in advance) to schedule visits around ferry timetables and potentially inclement weather that can disrupt travel.
For a family living on Shaw Island, what are the key factors in deciding between the very small local public school and commuting to a private school on another island?
The decision hinges on several Shaw Island-specific factors. The local public school is part of the Shaw Island School District, one of the smallest in Washington, offering a close-knit, multi-age classroom environment but with limited course variety, especially in higher grades. Choosing a private school like SSIS offers a broader curriculum, more extracurriculars, and a larger peer group, but at the cost of tuition, daily ferry commutes (1-2 hours round trip), and less family time. Parents must weigh the value of academic breadth and social opportunities against the community intimacy of the island school and the significant time and financial investment required for an off-island education.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities