The Best Private Schools in Stanwood, Washington
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Stanwood. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary Catholic School
Archdiocese of Seattle
St. Mary Catholic School serves students from preschool through 8th grade with a comprehensive Catholic education program. The school emphasizes faith formation alongside academic excellence, offering small class sizes and individualized attention. Their curriculum includes strong STEM components, music and arts programs, and extensive extracurricular activities. The school community is known for its family-oriented atmosphere and strong parent involvement, with many graduates successfully transitioning to local high schools.
Programs:
Cedar Park Christian School - Mountlake Terrace
Cedar Park Church
Cedar Park Christian School serves families throughout Snohomish County, including Stanwood area residents, with comprehensive K-12 education. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum integrated with biblical worldview teaching. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. The school is known for strong academic outcomes, competitive athletics programs, and extensive fine arts offerings. Transportation options are available for students from surrounding communities.
Programs:
Everett Christian School
Christian Schools International
Everett Christian School provides Christ-centered education for students in preschool through 8th grade, serving families from Stanwood and throughout north Snohomish County. The school features a balanced curriculum that integrates technology with traditional academic subjects, plus specialized programs in Spanish language, music, and physical education. With small class sizes and experienced faculty, the school emphasizes character development and academic excellence. The long-established institution has a strong reputation for preparing students well for high school and beyond.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Stanwood, Washington
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Stanwood, Washington, and how do commuting patterns factor in?
Within the city limits of Stanwood, WA, St. Mary Catholic School (Pre-K through 8th) is the primary local private option. For families seeking K-12 private education, commuting becomes a significant consideration. Popular nearby choices include Cedar Park Christian School in Mountlake Terrace (about a 30-minute drive south) and Everett Christian School (about a 25-minute drive southeast). Many Stanwood families also look north to schools in Skagit County. The availability of carpool networks and school-provided transportation options is a key local factor to investigate when considering these commuter schools.
How does Washington State's "School Choice" landscape, including potential funding programs, impact private school affordability for Stanwood families?
Washington State does not have voucher or education savings account (ESA) programs that provide direct public funding for private school tuition. However, several financial aid mechanisms are important for Stanwood families. First, many private schools, including St. Mary Catholic School and the nearby Christian schools, offer need-based financial aid and parish or congregational subsidies. Second, Washington has a robust charter school system, which is a public school alternative. Third, the state's "Learning Choice" non-profit provides information and advocacy. Ultimately, private school tuition in the Stanwood area is funded primarily by families, with scholarships and payment plans being crucial tools for affordability.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving the Stanwood community offer that leverage the local environment and culture?
Private schools in and near Stanwood often integrate the region's unique Pacific Northwest environment and community values into their programs. St. Mary Catholic School emphasizes stewardship of the local environment, with potential outdoor education tied to the Stillaguamish River and nearby farms. Schools like Cedar Park Christian may offer agricultural science or marine biology elements that connect to the region's farming and coastal heritage. Furthermore, given Stanwood's strong Scandinavian roots (celebrated at the annual Viking Fest), some schools may incorporate local history and cultural studies into their social sciences curriculum, providing a deeply contextualized education.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. Mary Catholic in Stanwood, and how does it differ from the public school district calendar?
For Stanwood's St. Mary Catholic School, the enrollment process typically begins in January or February for the following fall, with priority often given to parish members and siblings of current students. This is significantly earlier than the open enrollment period for the Stanwood-Camano School District. The private school process usually involves an application, family interview, student assessment, and submission of records. Many families from Stanwood applying to commuter schools like Everett Christian or Cedar Park Christian must adhere to similarly early timelines. It's highly recommended to attend open houses in the fall and initiate contact by December to ensure a spot, as classes, particularly in younger grades, can fill quickly.
For a family deciding between the Stanwood-Camano public school district and a private school, what are some key comparative considerations specific to this community?
The decision in Stanwood often centers on educational philosophy, class size, and specific program offerings. The Stanwood-Camano School District provides large, comprehensive programs including a renowned STEM high school and extensive athletics. Private options offer smaller, faith-based environments with consistent values integration. A key local consideration is the grade span; public schools offer a full K-12 continuum in the community, while most local private options end at 8th grade, requiring a high school transition. Furthermore, private school involves tuition and a commute for many options, whereas public schools are tuition-free with neighborhood access. The choice may hinge on whether a family prioritizes the specialized, close-knit environment of a private school or the breadth of programs and extracurriculars in the larger public system.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities