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Private School

Annie Wright Schools

#1 Best Boarding High Schools in Washington
  • A+
    Overall Grade
  • Private, Boarding
  • PK, K-12
  • Tacoma, WA
  • 106 reviews
    Apply NowVirtual Tour

    COVID-19 Update for Prospective Students and Families:

    Annie Wright Schools are committed to providing the exceptional AWS experience to the fullest extent possible while prioritizing the health and safety of our community. We have made several adjustments to our processes and schedules in order to maintain academic continuity and a strong AWS experience in our new COVID-19 reality. Learn More

    A+
    Overall Niche Grade
    How are grades calculated?Data Sources
    1. Academics
      A+
    2. Diversity
      A+
    3. Teachers
      A
    4. College Prep
      A+
    5. Clubs & Activities
      A+
    6. Sports
      B+
    aw.org
    (253) 272-2216
    827 North Tacoma Avenue
    Tacoma, WA 98403
    Learn More
    About Annie Wright Schools...

    Applying

    Application Deadline
    February 1
    Application Fee
    $80
    Interview Required
    Yes
    Required/Recommended Tests
    TOEFL

    Tuition

    Yearly Tuition
    $29,920
    Tuition is for the highest grade offered and may have changed for the current school year. For more information, please contact the school.
    Boarding (Tuition + Boarding)
    $63,270
    Received Financial Aid
    49%
    Average Financial Aid
    $10,000
    From Annie Wright Schools

    Founded in 1884, Annie Wright Schools serve students from age three through high school. Annie Wright Lower and Middle Schools offer co-ed programs in Preschool-Grade 8, while separate Upper Schools for boys and girls offer day and boarding options in Grades 9-12. Five- and seven-day boarding options attract students from around the world. AWS is proud to be an International Baccalaureate World School, delivering IB programs in every division.

    Annie Wright Schools are nestled in the beautiful North End neighborhood of Tacoma, Washington. The historic campus was recently named Most Beautiful Private School in Washington State by Architectural Digest.

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    Annie Wright Schools Rankings

    Niche ranks nearly 100,000 schools and districts based on statistics and millions of opinions from students and parents.
    See All Annie Wright Schools Rankings

    Academics

    Average Graduation Rate
    100%
    Average SAT
    1330
    67 responses
    Average ACT
    29
    29 responses
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    More About Annie Wright Schools Academics

    Get Inspired With IB

    Inquiry-based learning programs from Preschool to Grade 12 inspire students to make a difference in the world.

    Culture & Safety

    Poll
    85%
    of students agree that they feel safe at their school.20 responses
    Poll
    85%
    of students agree that they like their school and feel happy there.20 responses
    Poll
    What are your favorite school events or traditions?
    Based on 54 responses
    • May Day
      22%
    • Lessons and Carols
      19%
    • Lip Sync
      19%
    • Mountain Day
      13%
    • Scholarship Weekend
      7%
    • Powder Puff Durby
      6%
    • Spirit Week
      6%

      Boarding

      Students Boarding
      20%
      Boarding Days Per Week
      5-day, 7-day
      Top Countries
      Canada, China, Japan, South Korea, Viet Nam
      International Boarding Students
      18%
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      Students

      Diversity
      A+
      Based on racial and economic diversity and survey responses on school culture and diversity from students and parents.
      Students
      582
      74%
      of students and parents agree that students at this school are competitive.19 responses
      74%
      of students and parents agree that students at this school are creative and artsy.19 responses
      68%
      of students and parents agree that students at this school are athletic.19 responses
      Read More About the Students

      Preschool

      Annual Cost
      $21,000
      Cost is for the most complete schedule offered and may have changed for the current school year. For more information, please contact the school.
      Starting Age
      3
      Pre-K Student-Teacher Ratio
      8:1
      Website
      aw.org/academics/lower-school-academics/preschool
      Schedule Options
      • Offers Full Week
        Yes
      • Offers Part Week
        —
      • Offers Full Day
        Yes
      • Offers Part Day
        Yes

      Teachers

      Student-Teacher Ratio
      6:1
      National
      17:1
      Poll
      82%
      of students and parents agree that the teachers give engaging lessons.22 responses
      Poll
      91%
      of students and parents agree that the teachers genuinely care about the students.22 responses
      Poll
      86%
      of students and parents agree that the teachers adequately lead and control the classroom.22 responses

      Homes for Sale

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      View Homes Near Annie Wright Schools

      Clubs & Activities

      Clubs & Activities
      A+
      Based on student and parent reviews of clubs and activities.
      Girls Athletic Participation
      Average
      Boys Athletic Participation
      Very High
      84%
      of students and parents agree that there are plenty of clubs and organizations for students to get involved in.19 responses
      84%
      of students and parents agree that clubs and organizations get the funding they need.19 responses
      74%
      of students and parents agree that lots of students participate in clubs and organizations.19 responses

      Annie Wright Schools Reviews

      106 reviews
      All Categories
      Annie Wright has been such an amazing institution to study at for my high school career. As a full IB Diploma student, I found the courses challenging, thought-provoking, and fascinating! The small community and class sizes are very beneficial to creating the best learning environment. Additionally, community events and traditions build long-lasting connections and memories that you can carry with you through life. Lastly, as a 5-day boarding student, I can confidently say that the dorms added so much to my high school experience, being able to live with your friends across the grade levels.
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      This school cares about kids! While Annie Wright offers a more rigorous program with the International Baccalaureate, they also offer a nurturing program with plenty of attention to social emotional growth. Whether your child is 3 or 18 and ready to graduate, AWS cares about each and every student - and they know them, what makes them tick, what turns the lightbulb on in learning, what they are passionate about. We feel so fortunate to have our kids cared for and taught by such amazing and nurturing teachers.

      Annie Wright provides a safe community, and my kids are able to explore interests through various clubs, athletic opportunities, arts and more. What's even better is that they aren't forced to choose playing basketball over being the school play. The leaders and coaches help them balance it all, while still putting school first.
      This school mostly cares about money! Never expect this school to refund you a dollar if you already signed a contract. They will use collection threats to convince you to pay for a full year, even if you quit on a day one. Teachers love to be spoiled with regular priced gifts. Most classes are comparable to those at the public schools. Nothing is done to alleviate the stress. Very segregated environment. Teacher turnover rates are high, most of teachers feel unappreciated by the administration.
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