Hello, welcome to this article on the best schools in Tacoma that are best for your students. Tacoma is home to some of the best schools in the Pacific Northwest, offering families a wide range of educational choices. Whether you’re looking for a rigorous college-prep program, a progressive curriculum, or a school that blends academics with creativity, Tacoma has options to fit every learning style. Many of these schools emphasize innovation, diversity, and global perspectives, ensuring students are prepared for success in an ever-changing world.
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Choosing the right school is a big decision, and it often comes down to more than just academics. Location, class size, extracurricular opportunities, and community values all play an important role. To help you make an informed choice, we’ve highlighted six of Tacoma’s top private schools for 2025—schools known for their strong academic programs, dedicated faculty, and supportive environments.
Best Schools in Tacoma
1. Lakeside School
Location: North Tacoma
Type: Private, Coeducational
Grades: 5–12
Tuition: ~$42,000 annually
Student-Teacher Ratio: ~9:1
Special Notes: Highly competitive admissions process with strong financial aid support
Lakeside School is widely regarded as Tacoma’s premier private school, setting a benchmark for academic excellence and innovation. Known for its rigorous curriculum, Lakeside offers an environment where intellectual curiosity thrives and students are encouraged to challenge themselves across disciplines. The school’s reputation for producing world-class leaders—including alumni like Bill Gates and Paul Allen—underscores its standing as one of the most prestigious institutions in the country.
Academics at Lakeside are designed to prepare students for the most selective colleges and universities worldwide. The school offers an impressive range of advanced coursework, including honors and AP-equivalent classes, alongside robust programs in the arts, athletics, and technology. Beyond the classroom, Lakeside emphasizes character development and leadership, integrating values of diversity, equity, and inclusion into its culture.
One of Lakeside’s standout features is its commitment to experiential learning. Students have access to global programs that allow them to engage with different cultures, languages, and perspectives, fostering a truly international outlook. Extracurricular opportunities are abundant, ranging from championship-level sports teams to performing arts, debate, and cutting-edge STEM clubs.
While admissions are highly competitive, Lakeside is equally dedicated to accessibility. The school offers significant financial aid packages, ensuring that qualified students from all backgrounds can benefit from its exceptional resources. For families seeking an elite, future-focused education in Tacoma, Lakeside remains an unparalleled choice.
2. The Bush School
Location: Madison Valley
Type: Private, Progressive
Grades: K–12
Tuition: ~$41,000 annually
Student-Teacher Ratio: ~8:1
Special Notes: Ideal for students who thrive in inquiry-based, hands-on learning environments
The Bush School stands out as Tacoma’s leading progressive institution, offering an education model that goes beyond traditional academics. Rooted in experiential learning, Bush emphasizes curiosity, exploration, and creativity, making it a top choice for families who value real-world application of knowledge over rote memorization.
One of the school’s defining features is its focus on outdoor education. Students participate in programs that connect classroom concepts to nature and the environment, fostering a deep sense of responsibility for sustainability. This approach not only nurtures critical thinking but also helps students develop problem-solving skills in authentic contexts.
Academically, Bush adopts an interdisciplinary curriculum that blends subjects to encourage holistic understanding. For example, science, history, and art may intersect in a single project, pushing students to think critically and make meaningful connections. This structure prepares graduates to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world.
The arts play a central role at The Bush School, with robust offerings in theater, visual arts, and music. Students also benefit from global education programs, including cultural exchanges and international travel, which broaden their perspective and build cross-cultural competence.
With a low student-teacher ratio and a culture that prioritizes individual growth, Bush provides a supportive yet challenging environment where students are encouraged to find their voice and take intellectual risks. For families seeking an innovative, forward-thinking education in Tacoma, The Bush School offers an exceptional blend of academic rigor, creativity, and experiential learning.
3. Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences (SAAS)
Location: Capitol Hill
Type: Private, College Preparatory
Grades: 6–12
Tuition: ~$41,000 annually
Student-Teacher Ratio: ~10:1
Special Notes: Known for balancing academic rigor with creativity and personal growth
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Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences (SAAS) is a dynamic, college-preparatory school that excels at blending strong academics with a focus on arts, technology, and leadership. Located in the heart of Capitol Hill, SAAS offers students an urban campus experience, giving them access to cultural resources and fostering independence in a vibrant community setting.
Academically, SAAS provides an advanced curriculum that emphasizes both STEM and the humanities. The school features state-of-the-art innovation labs and project-based learning opportunities, helping students develop problem-solving skills and adaptability for future careers. Beyond academics, the school offers professional-level programs in performing and visual arts, enabling students to explore theater, music, and fine arts with creativity and confidence.
Leadership development is central to the SAAS experience. Students engage in experiential learning through outdoor trips, service projects, and global travel programs, helping them grow into socially responsible and culturally aware individuals. These opportunities cultivate resilience, collaboration, and empathy—skills that are invaluable for success in college and life.
The school also provides robust college counseling, ensuring students are well-prepared for the transition to higher education. Combined with its inclusive culture and strong emphasis on personal growth, SAAS creates a well-rounded environment where students can thrive academically while pursuing their passions.
For families seeking a school that values innovation, artistic expression, and real-world readiness, SAAS stands as one of Tacoma’s most forward-thinking educational institutions.
4. University Prep (UPrep)
Location: Northeast Seattle
Type: Private, Coeducational
Grades: 6–12
Tuition: ~$42,000 annually
Student-Teacher Ratio: ~8:1
Special Notes: Focused on preparing students for success at selective colleges and universities
University Prep (commonly known as UPrep) is a highly regarded college-preparatory school committed to delivering an academically rigorous education while fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment. Known for its strong academic standards, UPrep equips students with the skills and mindset needed to thrive at selective colleges and universities.
The curriculum is designed to challenge students across disciplines, offering a wide range of advanced courses and AP options that cater to diverse interests and goals. UPrep places a strong emphasis on critical thinking, collaboration, and communication, ensuring students not only excel academically but also develop essential life skills.
Global awareness is another hallmark of UPrep’s educational approach. Through international programs and cultural exchange opportunities, students broaden their perspectives, learn to engage with different cultures, and develop a sense of global responsibility. These experiences prepare graduates for success in an increasingly interconnected world.
Beyond academics, UPrep offers a robust extracurricular program, including competitive athletics, performing arts, and numerous student-led clubs. This balance of academic rigor and extracurricular opportunities helps students explore their passions and maintain a well-rounded lifestyle.
The school’s personalized college counseling program is a major strength, guiding students and families through every step of the application process. This individualized approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared to attend top colleges that align with their aspirations.
For families seeking a school that combines academic excellence, global education, and personalized support, University Prep stands out as one of Tacoma’s premier choices.
5. The Northwest School
Location: Capitol Hill
Type: Private, Coeducational, Day & Boarding
Grades: 6–12
Tuition: ~$41,000 annually (day), ~$67,000 (boarding)
Student-Teacher Ratio: ~9:1
Special Notes: One of the few Tacoma schools offering a boarding option
The Northwest School is a unique choice in Tacoma’s educational landscape, combining a rigorous academic program with a strong focus on the arts, humanities, and global citizenship. Known for its progressive philosophy, the school emphasizes inquiry-based learning and critical thinking, helping students develop both intellectual and creative skills.
One of its most distinctive features is the international boarding program, which welcomes students from over 10 countries. This diversity creates a culturally rich environment that prepares students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. Day students also benefit from this global perspective, gaining exposure to different cultures and worldviews on a daily basis.
Academically, The Northwest School offers a humanities-centered curriculum balanced with strong science and math instruction. The arts play an integral role, with robust programs in music, theater, and visual arts that encourage creative expression. Beyond academics, the school promotes environmental sustainability through initiatives and projects that inspire students to be responsible global citizens.
Extracurricular opportunities are plentiful, including competitive athletics, student-led clubs, and outdoor education programs that make use of Tacoma’s natural surroundings. These activities help foster teamwork, leadership, and personal growth.
With its blend of academic rigor, artistic innovation, and cultural diversity, The Northwest School provides an environment where students can truly discover their passions. For families seeking a well-rounded education that emphasizes creativity, inclusivity, and global engagement, this school is an excellent option—especially for those considering boarding.
6. Seattle Country Day School
Location: North Capitol Hill
Type: Private, Gifted Education
Grades: K–8
Tuition: ~$35,000 annually
Student-Teacher Ratio: ~8:1
Special Notes: Admissions includes cognitive assessments to ensure the right fit
Seattle Country Day School (SCDS) is one of the few schools in the Tacoma area designed exclusively for gifted learners. Its mission is to provide an environment where intellectually advanced students can thrive through a curriculum that challenges and supports their unique learning needs.
The program at SCDS is inquiry-based, encouraging students to ask questions, think critically, and develop creative solutions to complex problems. Rather than relying on rote memorization, the school emphasizes conceptual understanding, problem-solving, and hands-on learning experiences that make education engaging and meaningful.
STEM subjects are a particular strength, with advanced math and science opportunities woven into the curriculum from an early age. Project-based learning plays a central role, allowing students to collaborate on real-world challenges and showcase their innovative thinking. Humanities and the arts are equally valued, ensuring students receive a well-rounded education that nurtures both intellectual and creative abilities.
Small class sizes and a low student-teacher ratio enable individualized attention, allowing educators to tailor lessons to each student’s pace and interests. The supportive environment helps gifted learners develop social-emotional skills alongside academic excellence, preparing them for future success in high school and beyond.
For families seeking a school that truly understands and celebrates the needs of high-ability children, Tacoma Country Day School offers an exceptional educational experience. Its combination of rigorous academics, creative exploration, and personalized learning makes it a top choice in the Tacoma area.
Final Thoughts
Tacoma offers an outstanding range of private schools, each with its own strengths and educational philosophy. Whether your priority is a rigorous college prep program, a progressive approach that fosters creativity, or a specialized curriculum for gifted learners, these six schools stand out as the best choices for 2025.
Before making your decision, take the time to visit campuses, meet teachers, and think about your child’s unique learning style and future goals. Many schools host open houses and offer virtual tours, making it easier for families to explore their options.
Choosing the right school is an important investment in your child’s future. With the right environment, they’ll have the opportunity to grow academically, socially, and emotionally within Tacoma’s dynamic and innovative community.
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