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2022 Best Private Schools in the Seattle Area

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481 results

  1. Lakeside School

    • Private School
    • SEATTLE, WA
    • 5-12
    • 102 reviews
    #1 Best Private High Schools in Seattle Area

    Senior: The education was amazing, and the teachers really care about each student's individual progress. There are so many opportunities to explore what you're interested in! Our electives are in-depth and curiosity-nourishing, and are taught by very qualified teachers who are clearly passionate about what they do. There are a million clubs (and ways to create your own club), plenty of sports, and an overall abundance of ways to make lifelong friends. Independent and self-driven students can really thrive here. The only thing I was not a fan of was the college counseling experience around financial aid specifically. I had to figure out how to manage the FAFSA and CSS profiles on my own, and I wish I had had more help picking out affordable schools...Read 102 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 838 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. The Overlake School

    • Private School
    • REDMOND, WA
    • 5-12
    • 89 reviews
    #2 Best Private High Schools in Seattle Area

    Freshman: It is an amazing experience to go to Overlake! Coming in as a new student, it was amazing how inclusive the students and faculty are. The teachers hold office hours and really want you to succeed. They even write extensive recommendations for outside school projects and applications. The teachers are honestly amazing and the coursework is challenging. For more advanced student they offer Honors and AP classes and the teachers will always push you regardless. The student body is amazing and since the campus is large you meet people from multiple different grades. A wide range of electives, clubs and hangout spots make the Overlake experience one to remember...Read 89 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 529 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Eastside Preparatory School

    • Private School
    • KIRKLAND, WA
    • 5-12
    • 20 reviews
    #3 Best Private High Schools in Seattle Area

    Senior: EPS is a great school for students who are willing to work hard for a supportive atmosphere. It is very heavy on homework and finals, but the teachers are supportive and flexible. They do not have an expansive sports program, but the sport teams offered are very supported and have great team dynamic. It has a learning disabilities center with Guided Study Hall and accommodation organizing and is therefore an outstanding school for students with learning disabilities...Read 20 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 428 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. Annie Wright Schools

    • Private School
    • TACOMA, WA
    • PK, K-12
    • 111 reviews
    #4 Best Private High Schools in Seattle Area

    Senior: 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...Read 111 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 673 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. University Prep

    • Private School
    • SEATTLE, WA
    • 6-12
    • 62 reviews
    #5 Best Private High Schools in Seattle Area

    Parent: UPrep has been such a great place for our family. Our sons began in 6th grade and while they are very different students, they each found great friends and lots of ways to engage and learn at UPrep. UPrep’s fantastic teachers have created a culture where kids feel free to experiment with new things. Academics are both rigorous and collaborative so it feels really positive rather than overly competitive. The school embraces cutting edge curriculum like their intensives program where kids spend 3 weeks focusing completely on one area of study. The athletics program has an inclusive no-cut policy. The parent/guardian community is welcoming and we have enjoyed volunteering and making lots of lasting friendships. Finally, the outstanding college counseling office expertly guided our son successfully through the college search process! So clearly we love UPrep and highly recommend it!...Read 62 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 604 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. The Bush School

    • Private School
    • SEATTLE, WA
    • K-12
    • 80 reviews
    #6 Best Private High Schools in Seattle Area

    Senior: Bush feels like a small liberal arts college in Seattle. And the academics feel like college too! Round table discussions, experience project learning, high teacher to student ratio.Read 80 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 629 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. Charles Wright Academy

    • Private School
    • TACOMA, WA
    • PK, K-12
    • 84 reviews
    #7 Best Private High Schools in Seattle Area

    Parent: My two children have very different learning styles and needs and they are both challenged, supported, and thriving at Charles Wright. We are grateful for the school's commitment to caring for students and families and faculty who care deeply for their students. Charles Wright stands by and infuses the school's values of integrity, compassion, excellence, respect, and perseverance into the daily life and it is reflected in the school's culture. My children started in Lower School and I now have one in Middle School and one in Lower School and their experience has been transformational. We will stay through grade 12 and look forward to their educational journey ahead!...Read 84 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 557 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Seattle Academy

    • Private School
    • SEATTLE, WA
    • 6-12
    • 103 reviews
    #8 Best Private High Schools in Seattle Area

    Junior: I am a junior at SAAS and I love it. I have been at SAAS since middle school. The amazing science and arts electives are something that is unique to here. I can take neuroscience right after ceramics right after psychology if I want! Theater and visual arts are particularly strong. All academic classes have different levels to them so that each student can choose how much they would like to challenge themselves. The most challenging classes are American Studies (joint Honors English/Honors History) and Advanced Chemistry. The teachers are great and have diverse teaching styles, so there's always someone who teaches the way you learn. While SAAS has excellent sports teams (soccer, volleyball, golf, and ultimate frisbee are the strongest), the school doesn't revolve around sports like a traditional high school. The college prep is amazing, they have answered all of my questions incredibly well and I have total faith in them going into college applications. I've enjoyed my time at SAAS!...Read 103 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,050 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. The Northwest School

    • Private School
    • SEATTLE, WA
    • 6-12
    • 66 reviews
    #9 Best Private High Schools in Seattle Area

    Parent: Our youngest child is in the 4th year at NWS. Our oldest child is in a different school (senior) and that school has a very high rank with this site. The ranking is only as relevant as your child and family fit. NWS has a strong social justice and sustainability focus, integrated with a thoughtful curriculum. ...One distinction is their Humanities program. The curriculum integrates language arts, social studies, and geography in Middle School and history, English, philosophy, art history, and literature in Upper School. I did not realize the full meaning of the benefits until I was in a debate with my student with a very integrative argument! The real world is integrative, so why not educate our students that way. ...The teachers and administrators are passionate about building a whole child and cultivating a caring school culture. When a significant event happens in the real world, the teachers allow time for reflection. I love how they teaches through the child's eyes...Read 66 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 452 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. The Bear Creek School

    • Private School
    • REDMOND, WA
    • PK, K-12
    • 76 reviews
    #10 Best Private High Schools in Seattle Area

    Parent: This school has provided our three children an incredible foundation since preschool. Our children are now in 5th, 3rd and 1st grade and have developed a love for learning in all aspects of the curriculum. The community is incredibly special and the administration and faculty deeply cares for students and it show each & every day. Navigating school through this covid era is not easy, but the school has done an incredible job to continue the mission, education and social and emotional needs of students. Highly recommend!...Read 76 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 893 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  13. Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart

    • Private School
    • BELLEVUE, WA
    • 5-12
    • 55 reviews
    #11 Best Private High Schools in Seattle Area

    Parent: My daughter has thrived in the middle school at Forest Ridge. Her teachers care deeply not only about her academic development and achievement, but also about her as a person. You won't find a team of teachers and administrators who are more caring and who know how girls learn and operate, especially during the difficult middle school years. While no one wants to be doing digital learning, this school was able to pivot seamlessly during this pandemic, and we have been beyond thrilled with level of academics that have continued at home, which is a testament to the wonderful teachers...Read 55 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 300 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. Seattle Preparatory School

    • Private School
    • SEATTLE, WA
    • 9-12
    • 96 reviews
    #12 Best Private High Schools in Seattle Area

    Senior: I went into Seattle Prep not knowing a single person. I came from a public middle school far away so it really was a new world. I was nervous because of that, but Prep really provided so many resources and opportunities for me to get involved and meet new people. By the first day of school I had already met new friends! Prep allowed me to discover new things about myself and meet so many new people. I do not regret going to Prep one bit!...Read 96 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 720 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Holy Names Academy

    • Private School
    • SEATTLE, WA
    • 9-12
    • 252 reviews
    #13 Best Private High Schools in Seattle Area

    Parent: My daughter grew from a fourth grader wanting to attend Holy Names Academy because its building looked like Hogwarts, to a rising ninth grader wanting to attend for the all-girls academic excellence, to now a high school senior with a nuanced understanding of an all-girls high school experience. Her confidence and sense of self as a young woman has grown impressively. The faculty and staff transitioned to 100% online during the pandemic without skipping a beat, and bent over backwards to accommodate the students during the many months of online school. Our experience has been wonderful!...Read 252 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 660 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. Eastside Catholic School

    • Private School
    • SAMMAMISH, WA
    • 6-12
    • 126 reviews
    #14 Best Private High Schools in Seattle Area

    Junior: It’s a super great school! I’m not just saying this, I really mean it. EC has something for everyone. We have great sports teams, we are mainly known for our football team. But all of our sports do pretty well as well. We have a wide range of clubs ranging from A to Z club, Creative writing, anime club, color Guard, the fishing club, finding kind, etc. Our education is amazing, we have great teachers who are always willing to help and you really gain a close connection to them. Our community is smaller compared to most high schools and middle schools, but we really get to know each other and form close bonds. There are also fun retreats that bring us closer to our peers as well. Personally I’ve had an amazing experience and I really love the education, sports, and clubs we have here. I’ve really been able to make a lot of close friends over my years here. And I’m not saying we are this perfect school, no school is, but our school really comes close to it...Read 126 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 865 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  17. Bishop Blanchet High School

    • Private School
    • SEATTLE, WA
    • 9-12
    • 203 reviews
    #15 Best Private High Schools in Seattle Area

    Alum: I loved my experience at Blanchet! I discovered so much about myself and the aspirations I want to pursue in life because of opportunities I received at BBHS. I grew up in Catholic schools but left my freshman year of high school because I was seeking a new experience. I realized after that year that the best way I could prepare myself for college and a future job was attending Bishop Blanchet. If not for the faculty, who are so passionate about their students, and the clubs, which are so vast and well supported, I would be lost. There is a lack of diversity at BBHS, and while this is influenced by the general demographics of Seattle, it’s undeniable that the student body could be more representative. Bishop Blanchet is very much aware of this issue which is why a dedication to inclusion and knowledge about discrimination and prejudice is held paramount to the administration, faculty, and many students. As one of those students, I was always encouraged to do more for the community...Read 203 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 854 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  18. Northwest Yeshiva High School

    • Private School
    • MERCER ISLAND, WA
    • 9-12
    • 16 reviews
    #16 Best Private High Schools in Seattle Area

    Parent: This is a really an amazing school. We have so much appreciation for the teachers and staff. In difficult times, my child is getting such a good education with such care. I should know as I get to be witness to many of the classes when my child is at home learning from the kitchen! The kids go to campus a couple days a week and on those days I miss the classes. In the summer we weren’t sure what we’d do for this school year but this was the right decision...Read 16 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 44 Students
    • 2:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. West Sound Academy

    • Private School
    • POULSBO, WA
    • 6-12
    • 17 reviews
    #17 Best Private High Schools in Seattle Area

    Freshman: Incredible academics and school environment. A rigorous and challenging program, but with super supportive teachers and students. I know that the people I've met, and connections I've made will last me for beyond my WSA career. I've also been able to pursue sports outside of the school and balance taking University courses while still having time for clubs and hanging out with friends. The schedules are flexible to meet your needs with a study hall for students who take language or other classes outside of WSA. The IB program is amazing preparation for college and all the teachers truly care about the students that they are teaching. You can even start up your own clubs or organizations while pursuing other interests!...Read 17 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 96 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. Bellarmine Preparatory School

    • Private School
    • TACOMA, WA
    • 9-12
    • 197 reviews
    #18 Best Private High Schools in Seattle Area

    Senior: Bellarmine has given me many opportunities I otherwise wouldn't have had at any other school. Despite this, I'm not certain it has been worth the cost. Bellarmine's course catalog is decent, with a fair selection of AP and honors classes. Some important courses are missing, like AP Bio and AP Euro, but altogether a decent selection. Its true strength lies in its co-curricular programs: Model UN, Robotics, and Marine Chemistry. Model UN and Robotics can be had at other schools, but Marine Chem is unique to Bellarmine. The opportunity it provides for high schoolers to get involved in real research is unparalleled, and has opened so many doors for me. Bellarmine's Junior Encounter is fantastic and actually changed my life. Go on Encounter! One more thing: the teachers are a mixed bag. I've had some fantastic teachers during my time here, especially in the English and History departments and others who are either lazy or downright cruel, though COVID was likely the cause of this...Read 197 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 897 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. Bellevue Christian School

    • Private School
    • CLYDE HILL, WA
    • PK, K-12
    • 70 reviews
    #19 Best Private High Schools in Seattle Area

    Parent: We never dreamed our 3 kids (1st, 5th and 7th grades) would attend private school, but Covid quickly changed that, so we decided to look into it more. I would encourage others to do the same. You never know until you get all the details and take a tour what is possible. What do you have to lose?...Now our eyes are opened to a new world that fits our family so well! We were fitting in less and less in the changing public school culture and academics, at BCS our family feels at home, equipped and cared for. It feels natural...Our kids are noticed, loved and guided by quality staff and teachers. They found friends quickly and now have less social anxiety and more focus. They keep asking if they can stay, and of course, our answer is YES!...Read 70 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,050 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  24. Hillside Student Community School

    • Private School
    • BELLEVUE, WA
    • 5-12
    • 45 reviews
    #20 Best Private High Schools in Seattle Area

    Parent: My daughter joined Hillside as a 6th grader and is now in her senior year. She has developed critical thinking skills, writing skills, and the ability to work on projects. Through her time here, she has made many mistakes, corrected course, and has been gently guided, mentored, and coached by the excellent teachers at hillside. I am so thankful we chose this school!...Read 45 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 37 Students
    • 3:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  25. Archbishop Murphy High School

    • Private School
    • EVERETT, WA
    • 9-12
    • 89 reviews
    #21 Best Private High Schools in Seattle Area

    Senior: My time at Archbishop Murphy High School was absolutely amazing! I met some of the best teachers and administrators here. When I first stepped onto AMHS's campus, I felt like I was home. The environment is very welcoming; you will never feel like an outsider. Class sizes are small and perfect. The resources I had at my hands were great. If I did not have the Academic Resource Center, I would have felt lost. They truly helped me feel more confident in myself that I could achieve my goals. I will never forget the experience I had at Archbishop Murphy High School...Read 89 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 432 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. Seattle Waldorf School

    • Private School
    • SEATTLE, WA
    • PK, K-12
    • 22 reviews
    #22 Best Private High Schools in Seattle Area

    Senior: Seattle Waldorf high school is very community-oriented. The teachers become your mentors and aren't just there for the job. Because we are a small school, classes become tight-knit units where peers rely on each other. Throughout my 16 years attending Seattle Waldorf school, I have learned that community is vital to a good education. I am comfortable with all of my peers and have made deep connections with people I might not have outside of school. The material we learn grows with us. For example, we started reading in third grade because that was when our brains were ready to learn how to read. My Waldorf experience has made me who I am today. Because our school is small, I am working on diversifying our school starting with the curriculum as president of the DEI club. I love my SWS community and will be sad to leave it when I graduate...Read 22 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 370 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Shoreline Christian School

    • Private School
    • SHORELINE, WA
    • PK, K-12
    • 15 reviews
    #23 Best Private High Schools in Seattle Area

    Parent: Shoreline Christian is a fabulous school! My son started at SCS in kindergarten. I wasn't totally sure about private school when we started, but now that he is there, I can't imagine him anywhere else. He is on the autism spectrum, and the teachers and staff have been so caring and encouraging of him. They take the time to do what is needed to provide support in the areas that are challenging for him, but they always see him from the viewpoint of recognizing and nurturing his strengths. The smaller class sizes make it possible for teachers to really individualize their teaching to meet each kid where they are, whether needing extra support or extra challenge. The parent community is hard-working, kind, and honestly accepting--I feel like we care about one another's kids and their well-being as we care about our own. It's a wonderful community for students and their families!...Read 15 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 215 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. King's Schools

    • Private School
    • SEATTLE, WA
    • PK, K-12
    • 142 reviews
    #24 Best Private High Schools in Seattle Area

    Freshman: Wonderful school! I love King's, they have inspired me to be a better person and they have great academics and teachers!Read 142 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,346 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. O'Dea High School

    • Private School
    • SEATTLE, WA
    • 9-12
    • 85 reviews
    #25 Best Private High Schools in Seattle Area

    Parent: O'Dea has been a great experience for my son. My son rows crew so he did not participate with the school's team since he is with a private rowng club. The boys are very congenial with each other and strive to be inclusive whether or not you are a school athlete because the school is a brotherhood. They have a house system (like Harry Potter) that reinforces these bonds. The teachers have been amazing and supportive and also stress character development. If your son has learning challenges the school goes above and beyond providing academic support with a whole department focused on student support for individual learning challenges. The school is oustanding in integrating technology with learning and when distance learning happened due to the pandemic the education was SEAMLESS, the technology and training were already in place. It is a great school and very happy that my son's high school experience was so positive...Read 85 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 490 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  30. Sponsored

    BASIS Independent Bellevue

    • Opening September 2022, Private School
    • BELLEVUE, WA
    • 2-7
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    Commonwealth Academy

    • Private School
    • ALEXANDRIA, VA
    • 3-12
    • 12 reviews

    Parent: Commonwealth Academy is above and beyond what anyone could possibly imagine for their child. We needed to find a small, specialized school so that our daughter could thrive and succeed. It was a thrill to find such an inclusive atmosphere filled with dedicated administrators and teachers. My daughter has an anxiety disorder and OCD. Every single teacher CARES. The combination of education, creativity and fun that they have created is unmatched. The classrooms are small and kids with every learning difference are treated with respect and patience. Without the chaos and fear of a big school, our daughter got past the nerves that held her back and learned to speak to adults and advocate for herself. She had warm and nurturing advisors who saw her potential and appreciated her strengths - they gave her CONFIDENCE. The education and unparalleled college prep she received from C/A is why she's thriving in college today, and why our younger daughter is now a C/A student...Read 12 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 150 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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    Gig Harbor Academy

    • Private School
    • GIG HARBOR, WA
    • PK, K-5
    • 1 review

    Parent: GHA is an amazing place for early childhood/elementary education. We have been members of the school since 2015, and have loved every moment here! GHA has a great faculty who is able to utilize the natural surroundings and modern technology to provide a unique academic experience. My daughter's teacher told us she had found an interesting object on the playground during recess. The kids were interested in researching the item, so upon return to the classroom, the teacher and assistant pulled out the microscopes and held an impromptu science lab!...GHA has talented Specialists in Spanish, Music, Art and P.E. My six year old knows about Picasso and Modigliani and how to recognize traits specific to their work. They have Specialist classes 2-3 times a week for each discipline!...GHA offers enrichment activities to include: cross country, track, soccer, yoga and robotics to name a few. There is also a licensed child care on site that offers full-time or before and after care.Read 1 Review

    • 139 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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