The Best Private Schools in Union, Washington
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Union. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Crosspoint Academy
Independent Christian School
Crosspoint Academy is a highly-rated private Christian school serving the Kitsap Peninsula and surrounding areas, including Union. It offers a rigorous academic curriculum with a focus on college preparation, supported by dedicated faculty and modern facilities. The school emphasizes spiritual growth, character development, and a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and community service. Parents consistently praise its strong community feel and academic excellence.
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Shelton Valley Christian School
Independent Christian School
Shelton Valley Christian School provides a nurturing environment with a strong academic and faith-based education for students from preschool through 8th grade. Located in nearby Shelton, it serves the Union area with small class sizes, individualized attention, and committed teachers. Programs include core academics, music, art, and physical education, fostering well-rounded development. The school is known for its family-oriented atmosphere and high parent satisfaction.
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Bremerton Christian School
Independent Christian School
Bremerton Christian School is a respected private institution offering kindergarten through 8th grade education with a Christ-centered approach. Serving the broader region, including Union, it features a comprehensive curriculum that integrates faith and learning, along with enrichment programs in arts, technology, and physical education. The school is praised for its dedicated staff, safe environment, and strong emphasis on academic and spiritual growth, making it a popular choice for families in the area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Union, Washington
What are the private school options for families living in Union, Washington, and are there commuting considerations?
Union itself is a small, rural community, so there are no private schools physically located within the town limits. Families in Union typically look at schools in surrounding areas within Mason and Kitsap Counties. The primary options include Crosspoint Academy in Bremerton (K-12, non-denominational Christian), Shelton Valley Christian School in Shelton (K-12, Christian), and Bremerton Christian School in Bremerton (K-8, Christian). Commuting is a significant factor; the drive to Bremerton can take 30-45 minutes via Highway 106 and 3, while Shelton is about a 25-minute drive south. Many families form carpools to manage the commute.
How does tuition at private schools near Union, WA, compare, and are there state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Crosspoint Academy's tuition ranges from approximately $9,500 for elementary to $11,500 for high school. Shelton Valley Christian School is generally lower, often between $6,000-$8,000. Bremerton Christian School is similarly priced for its K-8 program. Washington State does not have a large-scale voucher or tax-credit scholarship program, but these schools offer need-based financial aid and payment plans. Additionally, Washington's "School Choice" law allows for some flexibility, but parents should inquire directly with each school about their specific aid packages and any available local church subsidies.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Union offer that cater to the local environment?
Reflecting the natural surroundings of the Hood Canal and Olympic Peninsula, schools near Union often integrate environmental science and outdoor education. Crosspoint Academy, for instance, has strong STEM programs and may offer outdoor leadership activities. Shelton Valley Christian School, being in the timber industry region, might emphasize hands-on learning and agricultural science. Smaller class sizes across all these schools allow for personalized attention, which is a significant draw for Union families seeking an alternative to larger, more remote public school districts. Many also emphasize character education and community service aligned with the tight-knit values of the area.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Union, WA, families?
The enrollment process for schools like Crosspoint Academy and Shelton Valley Christian School usually begins in January or February for the following fall. Key steps include: 1) Attending an open house or tour (often scheduled in winter), 2) Submitting an application by March or April for priority consideration, 3) Providing academic records and teacher recommendations, and 4) For some, a family interview or student assessment. Due to the limited seats in these smaller schools, especially in specific grade levels, early application is strongly advised. Some schools may have rolling admission if spaces remain. It's crucial to contact the admissions office directly, as timelines can differ.
For a family in Union, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school (like Union Elementary) and a private school in Bremerton or Shelton?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. The local public option, Union Elementary (part of the Hood Canal School District), offers the convenience of a very short commute and deep community integration. However, for grades 7-12, students are bussed to the middle and high schools in Shelton. Choosing a private school like Crosspoint or SVCS involves a substantial daily commute but offers consistent K-12 education, often with a specific religious or values-based curriculum, smaller class sizes, and potentially different academic or extracurricular emphases. Families must weigh the commute time and cost against their educational priorities, desired class size, and the importance of a faith-based environment. The rural setting of Union makes the logistics of transportation a primary practical consideration.
Private Education Insights
Find the Best Private Pre-K in Union, WA: Your Local Guide
When you find yourself searching for "private pre k near me" in Union, Washington, you're embarking on a journey that is about so much more than just finding childcare. You are seeking a foundational educational experience for your child, set within the unique, close-knit community of the Hood Canal region. The decision for a private Pre-K program here is deeply personal, often intertwined with values, a desire for small class sizes, and a specific approach to early learning that fosters curiosity and growth in a nurturing environment. For families in Union and the surrounding areas like Belfair, Shelton, and Bremerton, the options, while limited in number, offer distinct philosophies to consider.
Local institutions such as Crosspoint Academy in Bremerton, Shelton Valley Christian School, and Bremerton Christian School represent the primary private options accessible to Union families, though it's important to note their specific locations and offerings. While not all may have a dedicated Pre-K program every year, they often serve as feeder systems into highly regarded private elementary education. This makes your search for "private pre k near me" a potential first step in a longer-term educational pathway. The commute is a very real factor for Union residents; driving to Bremerton or Shelton is part of the daily consideration. However, many parents find the structured, values-based education and the continuity of staying within the same school community from Pre-K onward to be worth the travel.
What truly defines the private Pre-K experience in this area is the emphasis on holistic development within a small community setting. In a region surrounded by the natural beauty of the Olympic Peninsula, the best programs often integrate outdoor exploration and a connection to the local environment into their curriculum. You’ll want to look for programs that balance academic readiness—like early literacy and numeracy skills—with ample time for play-based learning, social skill development, and character building. Given the community-oriented nature of Union, visiting a potential school will give you a feel not just for the classroom, but for the family community you might be joining. Ask about parent involvement opportunities and how the school communicates with families.
Your search for "private pre k near me" in Union, WA, ultimately leads to questions about fit. Schedule tours, observe classrooms in session, and talk to teachers about their approach to discipline, socialization, and kindergarten readiness. Inquire about schedules, as some private Pre-K programs may offer half-day options which can be ideal for young learners. Remember, you are choosing the environment that will introduce your child to the formal world of learning. It’s about finding a place where your child feels safe, engaged, and excited to learn, and where the school’s mission aligns with your family’s values. Taking the time to research and visit will help you find that perfect starting point for your child’s educational journey right here in our own corner of Washington.
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