The Bear Creek School

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The Bear Creek School Photo #1 - The Bear Creek School was founded in 1988.
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The Bear Creek School Photo #1 - The Bear Creek School was founded in 1988.
The Bear Creek School Photo #2 - There are 45-70 graduates of The Bear Creek School each June.
The Bear Creek School Photo #3 - In fall, 2015, The Bear Creek School opened a 52,000 square foot Upper School and Fine & Performing Arts Center. Designed for grades 9-12, the building echoes a collegiate environment, with a central commons and separate floors for the humanities and for math and science.
The Bear Creek School Photo #4 - Bear Creek Preschool for P3 (preschool) as well as P4 and P5 (prekindergarten) students features individualized, accelerated learning in math, reading, and writing and fosters a community that shapes character and kindness.
The Bear Creek School Photo #5 - Our goal at Bear Creek is to embrace students at their own level, acknowledging the uniqueness of the Middle School years, while nurturing them to become the people God intends. Our small, gender-separated classes permit individualized attention.
The Bear Creek School Photo #6 - All students in grade 5 learn to play a band instrument.
The Bear Creek School Photo #7 - Bear Creek offers volleyball, soccer, cross country, basketball, cheer, baseball, lacrosse, golf, and track & field.
The Bear Creek School Photo #8 - Every January Upper School students act in a Shakespearean production open to the public. Lower School students take part in a Shakespeare production during the grades 4 and 6.
The Bear Creek School Photo #9 - 99% of Bear Creek graduates attend college within one year of graduation.
The Bear Creek School Photo #10 - 80% of all Middle School and Upper School students participate in athletics at Bear Creek.
The Bear Creek School provides a challenging Christian Liberal Arts education which develops student leaders through integrated instruction in STEM, the Arts, and the Humanities.
Small class sizes create a safe and nurturing environment.
Bear Creek`s college preparatory academics include honors and Advanced Placement courses taught by dedicated teachers in a supportive Christian community. Our graduates qualify for acceptance into the finest colleges and universities, and are prepared to engage the world with wisdom, compassion, and courage.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked WA School
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-12
  • Enrollment: 878 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $26,970
  • Acceptance rate: 30%
  • Average class size: 16 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 22 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

School News

  • Four Bear Creek Student-Athletes Sign National Letters of Intent - 11/21/2023
    On November 15, 2023, four Bear Creek seniors participated in a celebratory signing event, indicating their intent to play next year for Kenyon College, Bellevue College, Gorden College, and Duke ...moreUniversity. hide
  • Leading the Pack - 11/01/2023
    Hear from Bear Creek's track & field phenom Braelyn B. '24 on goal-setting and race strategy and becoming one of the fastest girls her age.

Top Rankings

The Bear Creek School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Washington for:

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-12
Year Founded
1988
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
Awards
 Blue Ribbon School - Selected in 2014

Student Body

Total Students
878 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
52%
State avg.: 32%
Students by Grade
The Bear Creek School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
74 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
69%
Average Class Size
16 students
Number of AP Courses
13 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, Computer Science A, English Language and Composition, English Literature and Composition, Environmental Science, European History, Music Theory, Physics 1, Statistics, United States History
Average SAT score
1380
Average ACT score
30
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Khaki/Navy pants or skirt and sweater

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Jan. 22 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Tuition for K-6 listed. Please see website for Preschool, Middle School, and Upper School rates.
Summer Program Cost Notes
Cost varies by program.
% on Financial Aid
25%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$14,200
Acceptance Rate
30%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Christie Hazeltine
Admissions Associate
Rachael Urban

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
14 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Boy Scouts, Chess Club, Forensics Team, Girl Scouts, International Club, Mandarin Chinese, Math Team, National Honor Society, Robotics, Student Government

Arts and Music Programs:
Art, Choir, Drama, Jazz Band

School Notes

  • Challenging curricululm for highly capable students.
  • Classical Christian education.
  • Small classes. Many enrichment opportunities as part of the curriculum.
  • Honors courses in biology, chemistry, European literature, European history, world history, Western civilization, world literature, etc.
  • World Languages include: Spanish, French, Latin
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does The Bear Creek School cost?
The Bear Creek School's tuition is approximately $26,970 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of The Bear Creek School?
The acceptance rate of The Bear Creek School is 30%, which is lower than the national average of 85%. The Bear Creek School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Washington with low acceptance rates.
Does The Bear Creek School offer a summer program?
Yes, The Bear Creek School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does The Bear Creek School offer?
The Bear Creek School offers 10 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball. The Bear Creek School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Washington for most sports offered.
What is The Bear Creek School's ranking?
When is the application deadline for The Bear Creek School?
The application deadline for The Bear Creek School is Jan. 22 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 22 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (10 reviews)
5  
The Bear Creek school is a perfect combination of superior academics and a Christian nurturing environment. I really feel like this community of professional faculty, fabulous teachers and supporting parents are doing missional work here. This unique community is investing in future leaders.
- Posted by
5  
We came to Bear Creek when our oldest was in 6th Grade. We have been there for 5 years and now have experienced lower school, middle school, and upper school. We can't imagine a more perfect environment for our children. They are each so unique in terms of academic interests and challenges and personalities yet Bear Creek truly educates them individually and nurtures their spirits.
- Posted by
5  
Hands down - the best decision we ever made for our kids. The list of pros is extensive:- Small class sizes- Teachers who care and are engaged with the welfare of both students and parents (parents need support too! :-)- A Christian education with Christian educators - which helps take a lot of the "ick" that you experience in the public schools out of the equation- Solid sports curriculum to choose from along with the flexibility built in by WIAA (public school sports) that allow you to play sports for your local public school if that sport isn't offered by Bear Creek- Honors & A/P curriculum- High school guidance counselors that know you by name and help you plan for the future- And, hoping this isn't something that will matter in the future - but for now, a solid Learn From Home curriculum that is optimized for this COVID-19 environment
- Posted by
5  
Our son is attending the preschool program and it is amazing. The teachers work with the students to meet them where they are at to help them grow. We have been impressed with the way the school is able to bring both academics and a Christian world view together to help teach the whole child.
- Posted by
5  
We couldn't be more impressed with the Bear Creek Lower School. For children in grades K-4, I couldn't imagine a better environment for learning and growing. Each student is known and cared about. The teachers, classroom aids, staff, and administration care about each student, taking the time to get to know each student and each family. Lesson plans are crafted with individual levels in mind and each student goes at their own pace. The children are encouraged to grow and learn at the pace that makes them feel successful. Our children are strong in different areas and this is the perfect school for both of them. Teachers and administrators are 100% available for speaking with parents any time about any topic that parents wish to discuss. And the community of parents and families is phenomenal, parent and family social events are abundance, as well as sport and other teams and activities. The families at The Bear Creek School truly believe in community. Each time our children pass to a new grade, we continue to be impressed.
- Posted by
5  
The Bear Creek School has had an incredible impact on our family. Not only are our kids thriving academically, socially, and spiritually, but as parents we have greatly benefited from the resources, tools and close community the school provides. It is well worth the investment! Faculty and staff are available, engaged and welcome feedback. They view the educational experience as a partnership. So grateful for our school!
- Posted by
5  
Our kids came to Bear Creek from public school. We are blown away by how invested the teachers are in the students and how passionate they are about their subject matter. At Bear Creek, it is cool to be smart and work hard. Yet they balance the work load and encourage every student to participate in activities, sports, & leadership. My kids have tried and excelled at new sports and loved the coaching emphasis on character and sportsmanship along with the skills. The college advising program is outstanding. The college advisor organizes career panels, mock interviews, college visits and meets 1:1 to help students find their best fit university.
- Posted by
5  
We have been impressed with the Preschool and Lower School. The curriculum is individually-paced so each child feels both successful and challenged every day. The teachers genuinely care for each child and celebrate their unique gifts as they gently guide them to develop a love of learning. Our children have flourished here academically, spiritually and socially and we are so glad we chose The Bear Creek School.
- Posted by
5  
In looking for a selective Christian school, I was amazed at the amount of positive recommendations and accolades from other parents. After attending the school a little less then a year now, I can clearly say this is the most organized and well run organization I''ve been involved with. The staff from teachers to admin run a tight ship on curriculum, agenda, goals, and accountability. They support the education and learning at each grade level combined with the K thru 12 program. We''re blessed to have found this school this early on and the teachers really strive to develop the best students possible. I would give the highest recommendation to others when considering The Bear Creek School.
- Posted by
5  
My children are receiving an excellent education at Bear Creek. They have been attending since kindergarten and 1st grade and now are in 6th and 10th grade. The classical approach in a Christian environment is giving them an excellent foundation. The teachers truly care about the students and the overall sense of community is great.
- Posted by

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Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked WA School
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-12
  • Enrollment: 878 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $26,970
  • Acceptance rate: 30%
  • Average class size: 16 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 22 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in King County, WA is $19,698 for elementary schools and $22,426 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in King County, WA is 78% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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