The Best Private Schools in Vashon, Washington
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Vashon. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Vashon Island Cooperative School
Independent
Vashon Island Cooperative School is a highly-regarded independent school serving preschool through 5th grade with a progressive, child-centered approach. The school emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning and strong community values. With small class sizes and dedicated teachers, students benefit from individualized attention and a curriculum that integrates academic rigor with social-emotional development. The school's beautiful campus features outdoor learning spaces and gardens, supporting their commitment to environmental education. Parent involvement is central to the cooperative model, creating a tight-knit educational community.
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The Evergreen School
Independent
Located in nearby Shoreline, The Evergreen School serves gifted and talented students from preschool through 8th grade and attracts families from Vashon Island seeking specialized programming. The school offers an International Baccalaureate curriculum with strong emphasis on STEM education, critical thinking, and creative arts. With exceptional teacher-student ratios and state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, maker spaces, and performing arts centers, Evergreen provides an intellectually challenging environment. The school's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, along with comprehensive extracurricular offerings, makes it a top choice for families throughout the Puget Sound region.
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The Bush School
Independent
The Bush School is a prestigious K-12 independent school in Seattle's Madison Valley that serves families from Vashon and throughout the region. Known for its rigorous college preparatory curriculum and commitment to experiential learning, Bush emphasizes academic excellence while fostering character development and community engagement. The school features exceptional facilities including science laboratories, art studios, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. With a diverse student body and dedicated faculty, Bush offers comprehensive programs in academics, arts, athletics, and outdoor education. The school's location in Seattle makes it accessible to Vashon families via ferry connections.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Vashon, Washington
What are the primary private school options available directly on Vashon Island, and how do they differ from each other?
Vashon Island has a limited number of private schools directly on the island, with the most prominent being the Vashon Island Cooperative School (VICS). VICS is a progressive, independent school serving preschool through 8th grade, emphasizing experiential, place-based learning rooted in the island's unique environment. The Evergreen School and The Bush School, while often considered by Vashon families, are located off-island in Seattle, requiring a significant ferry commute. This makes VICS the primary on-island private option, distinct for its small, community-focused model. Families seeking a traditional preparatory secondary program must typically look to mainland schools.
How does the cost of private school tuition in Vashon compare to the broader Seattle area, and are there any Washington-state specific financial aid resources?
Tuition for the on-island Vashon Island Cooperative School is generally lower than its prestigious Seattle-area counterparts like The Bush School or The Evergreen School. For the 2023-2024 year, VICS tuition ranges significantly by grade but is often several thousand dollars less annually. However, all private schools in Washington are eligible to participate in the state's "Opportunity Scholarship" program for middle-income families, and many offer their own need-based financial aid. Vashon families must also factor in the potential cost of a ferry commute (both time and money) if choosing an off-island school, which can add thousands of dollars in annual transportation expenses.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Vashon's private schools offer that leverage the island's setting?
The Vashon Island Cooperative School deeply integrates the island's natural and social landscape into its curriculum. This includes robust outdoor and environmental education programs utilizing local beaches, forests, and the Vashon Heritage Museum. Students engage in sustainable agriculture in school gardens and partnerships with local farms. The school's "Island Studies" and community-based projects connect students directly with local artists, scientists, and businesses, offering an education deeply contextualized by the Vashon community. This place-based approach is a defining feature not as easily replicated by larger off-island private schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for Vashon Island Cooperative School, and how does the island's geography impact admissions?
VICS typically begins its admissions process in the fall for the following academic year, with key deadlines in winter. The process includes a school tour, application, family interview, and often a classroom visit for the student. Due to limited space and high demand from both on-island and a small number of off-island families seeking its unique model, applying early is advised. The island's geography creates a self-selecting applicant pool; most enrolled families are Vashon residents. For families moving to Vashon, coordinating a housing search with the school admissions timeline is a crucial local consideration.
For families considering both public and private education on Vashon Island, what are the key decision factors specific to this community?
The decision on Vashon often centers on educational philosophy, scale, and logistics. The Vashon Island School District public schools are well-regarded but larger. VICS offers a specific progressive, project-based model in a small, multi-age classroom setting. A major practical factor is the daily ferry commute: choosing an off-island private school like Bush or Evergreen adds 2-3 hours of daily travel, impacting family life and extracurricular participation. Conversely, choosing VICS or public school keeps children in the immediate community. Many Vashon families value an education that keeps their children connected to the island's tight-knit social fabric, which is a strength of both the public system and the local private option.
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