The Best Private Schools in Walla Walla, Washington
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Walla Walla. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
DeSales Catholic School
Diocese of Spokane
DeSales Catholic School is a highly-regarded PreK-12 Catholic institution serving the Walla Walla Valley. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on faith formation and character development. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a supportive community environment. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology integration, and athletic facilities. DeSales maintains strong academic outcomes with graduates consistently gaining admission to competitive colleges and universities.
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Walla Walla Catholic Schools
Catholic Schools System
Walla Walla Catholic Schools provides a comprehensive faith-based education from early childhood through middle school. The school emphasizes academic excellence within a nurturing Christian environment, featuring dedicated teachers and modern learning facilities. The curriculum includes strong foundations in literacy, mathematics, and religious education, complemented by art, music, and physical education programs. Parents consistently praise the school's strong community atmosphere, individualized attention, and commitment to developing well-rounded students with strong moral character.
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Tri-Cities Prep
Jesuit Network
Tri-Cities Prep is a highly-regarded Jesuit college preparatory school that serves students from throughout southeastern Washington, including Walla Walla families. Located approximately 45 minutes from Walla Walla, this school offers a rigorous academic program with 100% college acceptance rate. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, moral development, and service learning. Students have access to extensive Advanced Placement courses, competitive athletics, and comprehensive arts programs. The school maintains small class sizes and provides personalized college counseling, making it a popular choice for families seeking exceptional college preparation in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Walla Walla, Washington
What are the primary private school options available for K-12 education in Walla Walla, Washington?
Walla Walla offers a few key private school options, primarily with a religious affiliation. The most prominent is the Walla Walla Catholic Schools system, which includes Assumption Elementary School (PreK-5) and DeSales Catholic High School (9-12). DeSales is a well-established college-preparatory school. For families open to a short commute, Tri-Cities Prep, a Jesuit college-preparatory school in Pasco (about 45 minutes away), serves students in grades 6-12 and draws some families from the Walla Walla Valley. There are also smaller, independent or faith-based preschools and elementary options. The private school landscape in Walla Walla is intimate, emphasizing close-knit communities and values-based education.
How does tuition at Walla Walla's private schools compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Washington state?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, DeSales Catholic High School tuition is approximately $9,000-$10,000, while elementary grades at Assumption are lower. Tri-Cities Prep's tuition is higher, around $13,000, reflecting its different operational model. All these schools offer need-based financial aid and actively encourage families to apply. A key Washington-state-specific opportunity is the "Washington State Opportunity Scholarship" for eligible high school students pursuing STEM or healthcare degrees, which private school students can access. Additionally, many schools have parish subsidy programs for active church members and offer flexible payment plans to help manage costs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Walla Walla area offer that leverage the local community?
Walla Walla's private schools integrate the region's unique character into their programs. DeSales Catholic High School, for instance, has a strong emphasis on agricultural science and sustainability, reflecting the area's farming and viticulture prominence. Some programs partner with local wineries for science projects or with Whitman College for advanced coursework. Extracurricularly, DeSales has a notable history of success in state-level sports, particularly in football and basketball, within the small-school B classification. Theater and arts programs often collaborate with the local Walla Walla Symphony and community theaters. The smaller class sizes allow for individualized projects that can tap into the valley's rich cultural and agricultural resources.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Walla Walla, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for Walla Walla Catholic Schools typically begins with an open house in the fall (October-November) for the following academic year. Priority application deadlines are often in early winter (January-February), with rolling acceptance thereafter. Due to the limited number of seats, especially in popular early grades at Assumption Elementary, it is common for there to be waitlists. The process usually includes submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, a family interview, and a placement assessment for some grades. For Tri-Cities Prep, the timeline is similar, but families must factor in the commute. It's highly advisable to initiate contact with admissions offices a full year in advance.
For families considering both public and private options, what are the defining characteristics of the private school experience in Walla Walla, Washington?
The defining characteristic of Walla Walla's private school experience is its tight-knit, values-driven community within a smaller rural city. Compared to the larger Walla Walla Public Schools district, private schools like DeSales offer significantly smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students), a unified college-prep curriculum from a faith-based perspective, and a consistent environment from elementary through high school. The trade-off includes tuition costs and less diversity in program offerings compared to the public high school's extensive AP course catalog or specialized career tracks. The private school community often functions as an extended family, with deep multi-generational ties and high levels of parent involvement, which can be a major draw for families seeking that specific environment in the Walla Walla Valley.
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