The Best Private Schools in Toledo, Washington
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Toledo. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Pope John Paul II High School
Catholic Diocese of Olympia
Pope John Paul II High School is a premier private Catholic high school that serves students from Toledo and the broader South Sound area. Established in 2003, it offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses, robust STEM programs, and extensive arts offerings. The school features state-of-the-art facilities, including science and technology labs, a performing arts center, and athletic fields. With a focus on character formation and academic success, it has earned high parent satisfaction for its supportive community, experienced faculty, and strong graduation and college acceptance rates. Reviews often praise its inclusive environment and comprehensive student support services.
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Centralia Christian School
Independent Christian School
Centralia Christian School is a highly-rated private institution serving the Toledo area with a focus on academic excellence and spiritual development. Founded in 1979, it offers a comprehensive K-8 program featuring small class sizes, individualized instruction, and a strong emphasis on core subjects integrated with Christian values. The school boasts modern facilities, including science labs and technology resources, and provides extracurricular activities such as music, sports, and community service. Parent reviews frequently highlight the dedicated teachers, safe environment, and high student achievement, making it a top choice for families in Lewis County and surrounding regions.
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Olympia Waldorf School
Waldorf Education Network
Olympia Waldorf School provides a unique, holistic education for students from early childhood through 8th grade, serving families in Toledo and Thurston County. Founded in 1980, it follows the Waldorf educational model, emphasizing creative arts, hands-on learning, and developmental appropriateness. The school's programs include foreign language, music, gardening, and outdoor exploration, supported by spacious classrooms and natural playgrounds. Highly rated for its nurturing environment and innovative approach, parent feedback consistently applauds the school's dedicated teachers, strong community ties, and success in fostering well-rounded, confident learners. It is accredited and maintains a reputation for academic and personal growth.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Toledo, Washington
What are the private school options for families living in Toledo, Washington, and do I need to commute to neighboring cities?
Toledo itself is a small community, so most private school options require a short commute to nearby areas. The primary options include Centralia Christian School (in Centralia, about a 15-minute drive), which offers a Protestant Christian education from preschool through 12th grade. Pope John Paul II High School (in Lacey, about a 45-minute drive) is a Catholic diocesan high school. For an alternative educational philosophy, the Olympia Waldorf School (in Olympia, about a 40-minute drive) serves students from early childhood through 8th grade. There are no private schools physically located within Toledo's city limits, so transportation planning is a key consideration for Toledo families.
How does tuition at private schools near Toledo, WA, compare, and are there state-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Centralia Christian School's tuition ranges from approximately $6,500 for elementary to $8,500 for high school. Pope John Paul II High School tuition is around $13,000-$14,000. The Olympia Waldorf School has a tiered tuition model based on family income. Washington State offers the "Washington Opportunity Scholarship" for eligible high school students pursuing certain STEM or health care fields, which can be used at private schools. More commonly, families utilize need-based financial aid directly from the schools, and many participate in the "Fulcrum Foundation" tuition assistance program for Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Seattle.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving Toledo students?
Schools in the region offer distinct programs shaped by their missions. Centralia Christian School emphasizes agricultural science and hands-on learning, which resonates with the rural Toledo community, and often participates in local FFA chapters. Pope John Paul II High School provides a strong college-prep curriculum with notable robotics and drama programs, leveraging its location near the state capital. The Olympia Waldorf School's curriculum is unique to the area, focusing on experiential, arts-integrated learning, gardening, and outdoor education that aligns with the Pacific Northwest environment. None of these specialized programs are typically found in the public Toledo School District.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Toledo, WA, area?
For schools like Centralia Christian and Olympia Waldorf, the application process often begins in January or February for the following fall, with rolling admissions afterward if spaces remain. Pope John Paul II High School, as a regional Catholic high school, has a more structured timeline with applications due in early February for incoming freshmen. Given the limited seats, especially in the smaller schools, Toledo families are advised to begin inquiries a full year in advance. Most schools require a campus tour, application forms, student records, teacher recommendations, and a family interview. It's crucial to contact schools directly, as their timelines can differ, and commuting distance from Toledo is sometimes a factor in admission discussions.
How do the class sizes and student-teacher ratios in nearby private schools compare to the Toledo School District?
The Toledo School District offers very small class sizes due to the rural community, often with 15-20 students in elementary grades. Private alternatives offer similarly small or even smaller settings. Centralia Christian School averages 15-18 students per class. Pope John Paul II High School maintains an average class size of 18-22. The Olympia Waldorf School often has multi-age classrooms with ratios around 1:12. The key difference is not necessarily the size but the educational approach and specific resources. For example, the private schools may offer specialized religious education, Waldorf pedagogy, or different elective and advanced placement options that a small, rural public district cannot provide due to funding and scale.
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