The Best Private Schools in Shelton, Washington
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Shelton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's School
Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Seattle
St. Mary's School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving Shelton and surrounding communities 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, dedicated teachers, modern facilities, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes STEM education, music, arts, and competitive sports programs. The school maintains strong community ties and consistently receives high marks from parents for its nurturing environment and academic excellence.
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Holy Family School
Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Seattle
Located in nearby Olympia, Holy Family School serves families throughout the Shelton area with its exceptional private education program. This Catholic school offers preschool through 8th grade education with a reputation for academic excellence and strong moral development. The school features advanced mathematics programs, comprehensive science laboratories, and outstanding performing arts opportunities. With dedicated faculty and modern facilities, Holy Family provides a well-rounded education that prepares students for high school and beyond. Many Shelton families commute to this highly-rated institution for its proven track record of student success.
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Olympia Community School
Independent Private School
Olympia Community School is a highly-respected independent private school that serves families from Shelton and throughout the South Sound region. Founded in 1976, this progressive school offers education from preschool through 5th grade with a unique approach that emphasizes hands-on learning, outdoor education, and arts integration. The school's project-based curriculum fosters critical thinking and creativity while maintaining high academic standards. With small class sizes, experienced teachers, and a strong sense of community, OCS has built a reputation for developing confident, curious learners. The school's beautiful campus and innovative programs make it a popular choice for Shelton families seeking alternative educational options.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Shelton, Washington
What are the primary private school options available for K-8 education in Shelton, WA, and what are their educational philosophies?
Shelton, WA, offers a few distinct private school options, primarily at the K-8 level. St. Mary's School (Pre-K-8) and Holy Family School (K-8) are both Catholic schools offering faith-based education with core academic curricula integrated with religious teachings. Olympia Community School, while based in nearby Olympia, serves many Shelton families and provides a progressive, project-based learning environment focused on social-emotional development and community engagement. The limited number of in-town options means many Shelton parents also consider private schools in neighboring Olympia or Tacoma, which requires factoring in commute times.
How does tuition at Shelton, WA private schools compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at Shelton's private schools is generally below the Washington state average for private education, reflecting the local economic context. For the 2024-2025 school year, annual tuition at St. Mary's and Holy Family typically ranges from $6,000 to $8,000 for parishioners and slightly higher for non-parishioners. Both schools offer need-based financial aid, often funded through parish support and fundraising. Washington state does not have a voucher or tax-credit scholarship program, so aid is primarily school-based. Additionally, many families utilize the state's "School Choice" law which allows students to enroll in non-resident public districts, a relevant financial consideration when comparing options.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Shelton area offer that leverage its local environment?
Private schools in and serving Shelton often integrate the region's natural and cultural resources into their programs. Given Shelton's location near the Olympic Peninsula and Puget Sound, schools like Olympia Community School emphasize outdoor and environmental education, with frequent field studies in local watersheds and forests. St. Mary's and Holy Family may incorporate service learning projects connected to the local Shelton community and its industries, such as forestry. Furthermore, the smaller class sizes allow for specialized attention in areas like STEM and the arts, sometimes utilizing partnerships with local organizations like the Mason County Historical Society.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Shelton, WA, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for Shelton's private schools usually begins in January or February for the following fall, with priority often given to siblings of current students and active parish members for the Catholic schools. Applications typically require submission of records, a family interview, and a student assessment. Due to the limited seats available—especially in specific grade levels—it is common for popular grades to have waitlists by early spring. We strongly recommend contacting St. Mary's or Holy Family directly by December to inquire about open houses and application deadlines. Olympia Community School follows a similar timeline but may have a different lottery or assessment process.
For a family in Shelton, what are the key considerations when deciding between a local private school and the highly-rated public schools in the Shelton School District?
The decision often hinges on several Shelton-specific factors. The Shelton School District offers certain specialized programs, but private schools provide smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students vs. 25+ in public) and a distinct moral or philosophical framework. For faith-based families, the Catholic schools offer daily religious instruction. Logistically, choosing a private school in Shelton means a very short commute, whereas opting for a specialized public program (like an out-of-district choice school) or a private school in Olympia adds significant daily travel. Financially, the cost of private tuition must be weighed against the free public option, though the local private tuition is relatively modest. Ultimately, it's a choice between the tailored, values-based environment of a private school and the broader program offerings and no-cost model of the public district.
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