The Best Private Schools in Silverlake, Washington
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Silverlake. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Evergreen School
Independent
The Evergreen School is a highly acclaimed independent school serving gifted and talented students from Silverlake and the greater Seattle area. While located in Shoreline, the school actively serves families throughout the region with its specialized program for academically advanced students. The curriculum emphasizes project-based learning, critical thinking, and creativity across all grade levels (Pre-K through 8th). The school features exceptional facilities including dedicated science laboratories, innovation spaces, art studios, and extensive outdoor learning environments. With a student-teacher ratio of 8:1 and faculty who specialize in gifted education, the school provides an intellectually challenging yet supportive environment that consistently produces outstanding academic outcomes.
Programs:
Archbishop Thomas J. Murphy High School
Archdiocese of Seattle
Archbishop Murphy High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving the Silverlake area and greater Snohomish County. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 17 Advanced Placement courses and a comprehensive STEM academy. Students benefit from small class sizes averaging 18 students, with 85% of faculty holding advanced degrees. The campus features state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development and community service alongside academic excellence, with graduates consistently attending top universities nationwide.
Programs:
Northshore Christian Academy
Northshore Christian Church
Northshore Christian Academy is a premier private Christian school serving Silverlake and the surrounding communities with a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade program. The school features a strong academic foundation integrated with Christian values, offering specialized programs in STEM, fine arts, and technology. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic spaces. The school is known for its dedicated faculty, with over 70% holding advanced degrees, and maintains small class sizes for personalized attention. Parent satisfaction is exceptionally high due to the school's nurturing environment and strong community involvement.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Silverlake, Washington
What are the main types of private schools available to families in the Silverlake, WA area, and how do they differ?
Silverlake, located in Snohomish County, offers a few distinct types of private schools within a short commute. The options include faith-based institutions like **Northshore Christian Academy** (Pre-K-8) and **Archbishop Thomas J. Murphy High School** (9-12), which integrate religious education with college-prep academics. For families seeking a secular, gifted-focused education, **The Evergreen School** in nearby Shoreline provides a specialized, project-based curriculum for preschool through 8th grade. This mix allows parents in Silverlake to choose between parochial, general Christian, and highly accelerated independent school models, all without needing to commute into downtown Seattle.
How does tuition for private schools near Silverlake, WA typically compare to state averages, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition for private schools in the Silverlake/Seattle metro area is generally higher than the Washington state average due to the region's higher cost of living. For the 2024-25 school year, expect ranges from approximately $10,000-$15,000 for elementary grades at schools like Northshore Christian Academy to over $20,000 for high school at Archbishop Murphy. Washington State does not offer voucher or tax-credit scholarship programs. However, most schools have robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need, and some, like The Evergreen School, offer substantial merit-based scholarships. Additionally, Washington's "School Choice" law allows for the creation of charter schools, but these are public and distinct from private institutions.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are emphasized by private schools serving Silverlake, WA students?
Private schools in this region leverage their independence to offer specialized programs. **Archbishop Murphy High School** features strong STEM pathways and a renowned theater arts program, along with extensive competitive sports leagues (Wesco). **Northshore Christian Academy** emphasizes leadership development and integrated technology from a young age. **The Evergreen School** is nationally recognized for its gifted education model, with a focus on social justice, innovation labs, and deep, thematic learning projects. For Silverlake families, proximity to the tech corridor also influences programs, with many schools incorporating coding, robotics, and environmental science that take advantage of Washington's natural and industrial landscape.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Silverlake, WA area?
The timeline is critical and often begins over a year in advance. For schools like The Evergreen School and Northshore Christian Academy, applications for the following fall typically open in September, with deadlines between January and February. The process usually includes an application, student assessments or classroom visits, parent interviews, and records review. Archbishop Murphy High School holds entrance exams (HSPT) in the winter for 8th graders. Rolling admissions may be available, but waiting lists are common. Silverlake parents should note that many families from across Snohomish and North King Counties compete for these seats, so initiating inquiries in the fall of your child's prior year is strongly advised.
For a Silverlake resident, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school district (Everett School District) to nearby private options?
Silverlake is served by the Everett School District, which includes well-regarded schools like Silver Lake Elementary. Key considerations include: **Class Size** (private schools often have smaller ratios, e.g., 15:1 vs 25:1), **Curriculum Flexibility** (private schools can offer specialized or faith-based instruction not available in public schools), and **Cost** (public schools are free, while private tuition is significant). Transportation is another factor; Everett School District provides buses, while private schools may require carpooling. Many Silverlake families choose private options for specific academic rigor (gifted programs), religious education, or a perceived safer/more consistent environment, while others value the diversity, no-cost advanced programs, and community connection of their local public schools.
Private Education Insights
Exploring Non-Religious Private Schools in Silverlake, WA: A Parent's Guide
For families in Silverlake, Washington, the search for the right educational environment is deeply personal, often balancing academic rigor, community values, and philosophical alignment. While our area is home to excellent faith-based institutions like Archbishop Thomas J. Murphy High School and Northshore Christian Academy, a growing number of parents are specifically exploring the landscape of non religious private schools. This path offers a distinct approach, focusing on secular academic excellence, inclusive communities, and often, innovative pedagogies, all within the context of our Pacific Northwest values.
Understanding what "non religious" means in practice is crucial. In Silverlake, this typically signifies that the school's curriculum, community events, and overall mission are not affiliated with any religious doctrine. The educational philosophy is grounded in humanistic, scientific, or progressive principles. This can be particularly appealing for families of diverse or interfaith backgrounds, or those who wish to separate moral and character education from specific religious teachings. It’s important to note that these schools are not devoid of values; rather, they often emphasize universal principles like empathy, integrity, and civic responsibility through a secular lens. When visiting schools, asking about their core values and how they are integrated into daily school life is a key step.
While Silverlake itself has a strong presence of religiously affiliated options, the broader Snohomish and King County region provides access to notable non religious private schools that many local families consider. The Evergreen School, though not in Silverlake proper, is a prime example frequently discussed in our community circles. Renowned for its gifted education program and project-based learning, it embodies the secular, inquiry-driven model. For Silverlake parents, this means evaluating commute times to such schools in nearby areas like Shoreline or Seattle, weighing the unique programming against the practicalities of daily travel. The local context also includes considering how a school’s culture fits with the outdoor-oriented, innovative spirit of our region. Many non religious private schools heavily incorporate environmental science, STEM, and creative arts—areas that resonate deeply with Washington families.
Your research should involve deep inquiry. Beyond curriculum, explore how these schools handle community gatherings, holidays, and ethical education. Visit campuses, not just to see facilities but to feel the culture. Do you see evidence of critical thinking, student voice, and inclusive play? Talk to current parents, perhaps connecting through local community centers or online forums specific to Silverlake and the wider Northshore area. The investment in a non religious private school is significant, so ensuring the philosophy aligns with your family’s worldview is paramount. Ultimately, the choice is about finding a place where your child will be intellectually challenged and socially supported in a manner consistent with your family’s beliefs. In Silverlake’s diverse educational ecosystem, understanding this secular option ensures you are making the most informed decision for your child’s unique journey.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities