Charles Wright Academy

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Charles Wright Academy Photo #1 - Charles Wright Academy's Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School are home to more than 550 students from age 30 months to 12th grade. All three schools are situated on a beautiful, wooded 107-acre campus in University Place.
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Charles Wright Academy Photo #1 - Charles Wright Academy's Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School are home to more than 550 students from age 30 months to 12th grade. All three schools are situated on a beautiful, wooded 107-acre campus in University Place.
Charles Wright Academy Photo #2 - CWA's Lower School has been voted "Best Private Elementary School" by the readers of South Sound Magazine for the second year in a row-thank you to all of our community members for voting for CWA!
Charles Wright Academy Photo #3 - ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE: Our graduating seniors consistently place in the top 10% of Washington state students and matriculate to top colleges and universities. A strong college counseling program, academic challenge, access to advanced work, a developmentally appropriate progression of skills, and a commitment to service-learning ensure our students are prepared to navigate the future with confidence.
Charles Wright Academy Photo #4 - A WELCOMING, INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY: CWA welcomes families into a warm and vibrant community of lifelong learners. As an independent, nonsectarian school, we are committed to the values of excellence, compassion, integrity, and respect, perseverance.
Charles Wright Academy Photo #5 - A BREADTH OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS: Our broad curriculum allows students to discover their passions and includes competitive athletics, performing and visual arts, academic electives, student clubs, after school enrichment, technology, robotics, and maker spaces.
Charles Wright Academy Photo #6 - STUDENTS ARE NURTURED AND CHALLENGED: Small class sizes and strong teacher/student relationships mean students are challenged to work hard while being supported every step of the way. We offer differentiated instruction, a strong advisory program, social-emotional learning, counseling support, and learning support in all three of our schools.
Charles Wright Academy Photo #7 - EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION: Hands-on learning extends beyond the classroom. Beginning in Lower School, students study at Mt. Rainier, the Elwha Dam, and later travel to Colonial Williamsburg. Middle and Upper School students hike the Olympic coast, attend the Ashland Shakespeare Festival, and have opportunities to travel internationally.
Charles Wright Academy Photo #8 - We offer extensive bus service from surrounding communities, including Gig Harbor, Tacoma, Des Moines, Federal Way, Kent, Auburn, Puyallup, DuPont, and Olympia.
CWA is an independent school committed to active, joyful learning on a beautiful 107-acre campus in Tacoma. Students in Preschool Grade 12 are nurtured and challenged to develop the character, creativity, and skills to successfully navigate the future with confidence.
CWA is a respectful, inclusive, and supportive community of teachers and students who love to learn and value integrity, respect, compassion, perseverance, and excellence. At CWA, active, experiential, and joyful learning includes art, music, science, language, and athletics for all students. Small classes are led by talented and caring faculty offering academic challenge and support at every stage. Students grow as real-world problem solvers and innovators to thrive in the 21st century.
Extensive bus service is available from surrounding communities, including Gig Harbor, Tacoma, Des Moines, Federal Way, Kent, Auburn, Puyallup, DuPont, and Olympia.   We welcome you to schedule a personal tour!

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked WA School
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-12
  • Enrollment: 578 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $27,590
  • Acceptance rate: 61%
  • Average class size: 14 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 29 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Charles Wright Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Washington for:

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Year Founded
1957
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details

Student Body

Total Students
578 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
49%
State avg.: 32%
Students by Grade
Charles Wright Academy Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
49 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
67%
Average Class Size
14 students
Number of AP Courses
14 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, Computer Science A, English Literature and Composition, European History, Macroeconomics, Music Theory, Physics 1, Physics 2, Spanish Language and Culture, Statistics, United States History
Average SAT score
1330
Average ACT score
31
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Beginning and Lower School students wear uniforms.

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Jan. 29 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Beginning School: $23,000 Lower School K-4: $27,600 Middle School 5-8: $30,100 Upper School 9-12: $31,100
% on Financial Aid
35%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$16,400
Acceptance Rate
61%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Steve Rudolf
Admissions Associate
Brooke Judge

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
47 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
AAPI Affinity Group, Black Student Affinity Group, Challengers, Charity Knitting Club, Charles Wright Golfer's Association, Charles Wright Interplanetary Society, Children of Immigrants Alliance, Co-Ed Volleyball, Coloring Club, Community Service Club, Creative Writing Club, Current Events Club, CWA Tibetan Club, CWASpirit Club, ECO Club, Ethical Animal and Pet Owner Club, Field Sports, Gender and Sexuality Alliance, GeoBee Prep Club, Green Key Club, Hiking Club, Innovation Lab Club, International Club, International Friends Club, Japanese Club, Jewish Culture Club, Knitting Club, Knowledge Bowl, Literary Magazine Club, Mental Health Alliance, Mindfullness Club, National History Day Club, Operation Smile Club, Photography/Yearbook Club, Ping Pong Club, Reading club, Running Club, Science Fiction Book Club, South Asian Culture Club, Student Leadership, Tarrier Times, Tarriers of Wall Street, Theatre Guild, Ultimate Disc Club, Wellness Club, Women’s Empowerment Club, Write & Sketch Outside Club

School Notes

  • Step into our classrooms and you'll feel a sense of excitement, discovery, and innovation. Watch as lifelong learning habits and study skills are honed. Hear passionate, versatile students engage in independent thought and original expression. It's all possible in small classes with teachers who are specialists in their fields and given the time to work with each and every student.
  • We offer the broadest and deepest learning experience and the support to meet higher expectations. In our classes, you'll hear as much laughter as lecturing. You'll see that college prep means building skills and confidence, not just knowledge. Even for our youngest students, we believe world languages, science labs, athletics, and arts are an absolute must.
  • A child's heart and mind grow dramatically between ages 3 and 18, and our teachers are highly invested in that growth. We know students work harder for people about whom they care and in whom they trust. That's why our teachers earn their students' respect-by being trustworthy and always available.
  • While virtually 100 percent of our students are college-bound, a college degree is not where the journey ends. This is a challenging, rewarding, and joyous training for life! Our students earn top scores on the SAT and are accepted by the most selective schools, but we're proud that the schools they choose are as diverse as our students themselves.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Charles Wright Academy cost?
Charles Wright Academy's tuition is approximately $27,590 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Charles Wright Academy?
The acceptance rate of Charles Wright Academy is 61%, which is lower than the national average of 85%. Charles Wright Academy's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Washington with low acceptance rates.
Does Charles Wright Academy offer a summer program?
Yes, Charles Wright Academy offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Charles Wright Academy offer?
Charles Wright Academy offers 10 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball. Charles Wright Academy is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Washington for most sports offered.
What is Charles Wright Academy's ranking?
When is the application deadline for Charles Wright Academy?
The application deadline for Charles Wright Academy is Jan. 29 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 29 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (6 reviews)
5  
What I love about the school is that I know my kids love going to CWA!! They have a very well-rounded program, small class sizes and highly qualified teachers!!! The outdoor education program is engaging, educational and age appropriate throughout all grades. Best decision we ever made was to enroll the kids at this school!
- Posted by
5  
Charles Wright exceeds my expectations! It is our ninth year at the school and this should speak volumes as to how much we love it there. The teachers are highly qualified and actively engaged. The community of the school is warm and welcoming with many ways to be involved. The grounds are gorgeous and one can always find students outside in classes or in sports. I can't imagine a better school for my children.
- Posted by
5  
Our experience at CWA has been wonderful. The quality of education, leadership, communication, and more has exceeded our expectations, and we look forward to a long relationship with the school extending through high school for both our children.
- Posted by
5  
Charles Wright has been the perfect place for my child. She is able to be challenged academically and thrive socially. She is in the lower school and there is a great sense of community there. I highly recommend Charles Wright Academy!
- Posted by
5  
We absolutely recommend Charles Wright Academy!! Our child's experience has been great! We feel he receives great education and support.
- Posted by
5  
Our son has been going to this school since kindergarten. We love it! He is in 7th grade now and so so happy.
- Posted by

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Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked WA School
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-12
  • Enrollment: 578 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $27,590
  • Acceptance rate: 61%
  • Average class size: 14 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 29 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Pierce County, WA is $10,239 for elementary schools and $13,031 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Pierce County, WA is 92% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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