St. John XXIII STEM Academy

Serving students 6 weeks through 8th grade, Visitation has been teaching students in Tacoma since 1925.
We are the only Catholic STEM elementary/middle school in the Northwest.The education your child receives at Visitation Catholic STEM Academy offers a unique perspective on the moral, ethical, and responsible use of science, technology, engineering and math.
From programming Finch robots in the STEM lab to challenging language arts lessons to creative outlets such as band, drawing and drama, the school promotes interactive learning with strong Christian values.
VCSA teaches students to integrate Faith and Reason in the study of real-world problems.  Flexible tuition payment plans and need-based scholarships available.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked WA School
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-8
  • Enrollment: 123 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $6,042
  • Acceptance rate: 92%
  • Average class size: 11 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

St. John XXIII STEM Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Washington for:

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-8
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Dyslexia, Mild to Moderate Differences, Language-based
Year Founded
1925

Student Body

Total Students
123 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
60%
State avg.: 32%
Students by Grade
St. John XXIII STEM Academy Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
9 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
40%
Average Class Size
11 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
school uniform

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Discounts for in-parish and multiple children. Tuition assistance available.
% on Financial Aid
42%
Acceptance Rate
92%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Mark Nuno
Admissions Associate
Kelli Bostwick

Sports

Total Sports Offered
4 sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
11 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
After School Care, Robotics (periodically), student council, yearbook

Arts and Music Programs:
advanced band, beginning band, dramatic and musical productions

Recreational Athletic Programs:
Basketball, Cross Country, Track and Field, Volleyball

School Notes

  • Visitation Catholic STEM Academy prepares students to engage the world of today through its focus on science, technology, engineering and math. VCSA students learn to integrate faith and reason in the study of real-world problems, to understand how the world works through science, the arts, and religion, and to live out their Catholic faith in service to the greater community. VCSA and the Visitation parish community work in collaboration with multiple partners to 1) Integrate STEM across all curricula; 2) Solve problems and think critically in all course work; 3) Discover and explore beyond the boundaries of our classrooms; 4) Employ new technologies and design solutions to real-world problems; 5) Inspire connections between questions of faith and reason; 6) Create connections to humanities such as languages, literature, philosophy, religion, and visual and performing arts; and 7) Incorporate affiliations with local businesses, the military, and industries in aerospace and technology throughout the greater Puget Sound. Offering classes in PreKindergarten (with a Reggio Emila-based curriculum) through 8th grade, VCSA has a flexible tuition payment model and need-based scholarships. Before- and after-school care is available.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does St. John XXIII STEM Academy cost?
St. John XXIII STEM Academy's tuition is approximately $6,042 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of St. John XXIII STEM Academy?
The acceptance rate of St. John XXIII STEM Academy is 92%, which is higher than the national average of 85%.
What sports does St. John XXIII STEM Academy offer?
St. John XXIII STEM Academy offers 4 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is St. John XXIII STEM Academy's ranking?
St. John XXIII STEM Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Washington for: Highest percentage of students of color, Most extracurriculars offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for St. John XXIII STEM Academy?
The application deadline for St. John XXIII STEM Academy is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
What neighborhood is St. John XXIII STEM Academy located?
St. John XXIII STEM Academy is located in the South Tacoma neighborhood of Tacoma, WA. There are 1 other private schools located in South Tacoma.

School Reviews

5  
My four children have been attending visitation since they were in pre-K. The diversity of the students, the caring of the staff and the amazing community make it a worthwhile endeavor. Since the stem program has started my kids have done more project-based learning and have grown in their math and science skills more than any of there friends and family in public school. The administration works hard to make tuition affordable and you always know what is going on within your student's classroom because of the constant communication. The new principal is in his second year and is amazing.
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Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked WA School
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-8
  • Enrollment: 123 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $6,042
  • Acceptance rate: 92%
  • Average class size: 11 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Tacoma, WA is $9,572 for elementary schools and $12,277 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Tacoma, WA is 95% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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