The Best Private Schools in Spokane, Washington
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Spokane. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. George's School
Independent
St. George's School is a highly regarded independent college preparatory school serving students from preschool through 12th grade. The school features a rigorous academic program with 18 Advanced Placement courses, extensive arts programs including theater and visual arts, and competitive athletic teams. The 120-acre campus includes state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, and athletic facilities. Known for small class sizes and individualized attention, St. George's consistently sends graduates to top-tier colleges and universities.
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Gonzaga Preparatory School
Jesuit Network
Gonzaga Prep is a Catholic Jesuit college preparatory high school with a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and character formation. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum including 17 AP courses, extensive extracurricular activities, and a strong emphasis on service learning and spiritual development. The campus features modern academic buildings, science labs, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. With a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, Gonzaga Prep provides personalized education while maintaining high academic standards and college placement success.
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Northwest Christian Schools
Northwest Christian Schools
Northwest Christian Schools is a comprehensive Christian educational system serving students from preschool through 12th grade across multiple campuses in Spokane. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum integrated with Christian values, featuring advanced STEM programs, competitive athletics, and comprehensive fine arts offerings. The expansive campus includes modern classrooms, science laboratories, athletic fields, and performing arts facilities. Known for strong community involvement and high parent satisfaction, Northwest Christian maintains small class sizes and emphasizes both academic achievement and character development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Spokane, Washington
What are the main types of private schools available in Spokane, WA, and how do they differ?
Spokane offers a diverse range of private schools, primarily falling into three categories. First, independent college-preparatory schools like St. George's School, which offer a rigorous secular curriculum with a strong emphasis on academics, arts, and athletics. Second, faith-based institutions, such as Gonzaga Preparatory School (Jesuit/Catholic) and Northwest Christian Schools (Christian), which integrate religious teachings with academic programs. Third, there are smaller specialty or Montessori schools. The key differences lie in educational philosophy, religious affiliation, campus culture, and often tuition, with independent schools typically at the higher end of the cost spectrum.
How does the tuition for private schools in Spokane compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are uniquely available in Washington?
Tuition for Spokane's top private day schools ranges from approximately $10,000 to over $25,000 annually, which is generally in line with or slightly below the average for similar schools in major Washington metros like Seattle. A critical financial consideration specific to Washington state is the lack of income tax, which can affect family budgeting for tuition. Most Spokane private schools offer need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. Additionally, Washington has a small, limited program called the "Washington Opportunity Scholarship" for certain fields of study, but significant state-funded voucher or tax-credit programs for K-12 private education do not currently exist.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Spokane private schools offer that leverage the local environment and community?
Spokane private schools often incorporate the Inland Northwest's natural and cultural resources into their programs. For example, schools like St. George's and Gonzaga Prep have robust outdoor education programs utilizing nearby mountains and rivers for hiking, skiing, and environmental science. Many also have strong community service requirements that partner with local organizations like the Second Harvest food bank or the Union Gospel Mission. Gonzaga Prep, with its Jesuit heritage, emphasizes social justice programs connected to Spokane's urban community. Furthermore, several schools have partnerships with local universities like Gonzaga University and Whitworth University for advanced coursework or research opportunities.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools like St. George's or Gonzaga Prep in Spokane?
The enrollment process for Spokane's most sought-after private schools begins early. Applications for the following academic year typically open in September or October, with deadlines between January and February. The process usually involves a completed application, student and parent interviews, teacher recommendations, transcripts, and often a standardized entrance exam (like the ISEE or HSPT). For Gonzaga Prep, a Catholic high school, priority is given to students from affiliated feeder schools. It's highly advisable for Spokane families to attend fall open houses and shadow days, as spaces, particularly in specific grades, can be limited. Admission decisions are commonly released in March.
For families considering both sectors, what are the key practical differences between Spokane Public Schools and the leading private school options?
Key differences include class size, curriculum flexibility, and cost. Spokane Public Schools (SPS) offer diverse programs, including advanced placement and specialty schools (like the Libby Center for gifted students), but average class sizes are larger. Private schools in Spokane boast significantly smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students), allowing for more individualized attention. Privates have more autonomy over curriculum, often enabling faster adoption of new teaching methods or specialized tracks. The most notable difference is cost: SPS is taxpayer-funded, while private tuition is an out-of-pocket expense. However, SPS provides extensive special education services and transportation, which may be more limited in scope at private institutions. The choice often hinges on a family's priorities for educational philosophy, community, and investment.
Private Education Insights
Discover Top-Rated Secular Private Schools in Spokane for Your Child
For parents in Spokane beginning the search for “secular private schools near me,” you’ll find a distinctive educational landscape that blends rigorous academics with the unique character of the Inland Northwest. While our city is home to several excellent faith-based institutions, the quest for a non-religious private education requires a slightly different map. Understanding the local options and what defines a truly secular environment is the first step in finding the right fit for your family.
In Spokane, the term “secular private school” often points toward independent schools that are not affiliated with a religious denomination. Their curricula are not shaped by religious doctrine, and admission and hiring are typically open to all, regardless of personal faith. This can be a primary draw for families seeking a values-based education grounded in community service, ethical reasoning, and critical thinking, without a specific theological framework. It’s important to note that some schools with historical religious affiliations, like Gonzaga Preparatory School, operate with a strong Catholic identity, which is a central part of their community and mission. Therefore, clarifying a school’s current philosophy and daily practice is crucial.
Your search for secular private schools in Spokane will lead you to institutions like St. George’s School, an independent college-preparatory school known for its academic excellence and holistic approach without religious affiliation. Schools in this category often emphasize small class sizes, innovative teaching methods, and programs that leverage our local environment—think outdoor education in the nearby Selkirk Mountains or science projects connected to the Spokane River watershed. They prepare students not just for college, but to be engaged citizens of Spokane and the wider world, often through partnerships with local businesses, universities, and cultural institutions like the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture.
When evaluating options, go beyond the website. Schedule visits and ask specific questions about the school’s core values, the content of its humanities and sciences curricula, and how it fosters an inclusive community. Inquire about how current events or ethical dilemmas are discussed in the classroom. For many Spokane families, the decision also involves practical considerations like the commute from neighborhoods like the South Hill or Five Mile, the availability of extracurriculars that match a child’s interests in robotics or the arts, and the overall culture of the school community. The investment is significant, so ensuring alignment with your family’s educational philosophy is key.
Ultimately, finding the right secular private school near you in Spokane is about matching your child’s needs with an environment that challenges and nurtures them. It’s a personal journey that benefits from early research, campus visits, and conversations with current parents. The vibrant, independent educational options here provide compelling alternatives that celebrate intellectual curiosity, personal integrity, and the unique spirit of our region, offering a strong foundation for students to thrive.
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