Seattle Country Day School (Top Ranked Private School for 2026)

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Quick Facts (2026)

Top Ranked WA School
School Type: Special Program Emphasis
Grades: Kindergarten-8
Enrollment: 420 students
Yearly Tuition: $37,000
Average class size: 18 students
Application Deadline: Jan. 13
Source: ✓Verified school update

School Rankings

Seattle Country Day School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Washington for:

School Facts

School Type

School with Special Program Emphasis

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
NWAIS (Northwest Association of Independent Schools)

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades Kindergarten-8

Students By Grade

View Data

Distribution of Students By Grade
Grade	Seattle Country Day School
Kind	36
1	48
2	53
3	55
4	57
5	52
6	37
7	45
8	37

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Year Founded

1964

Student Body

Total Students

420 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

66%

State avg.: 32%

Academics & Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

54 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

8:1

National avg.: 11:1

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

75%

Average Class Size

18 students

Classroom Dress Code

Casual

Tuition & Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

Jan. 13

Yearly Tuition Cost

$37,000

View national tuition avg.

Tuition Notes

Grades K–3: $36,815 Grades 4–5: $40,391 Grades 6–8: $43,074

% on Financial Aid

13%

Admissions Director

Matt Stenovec

Admissions Associate

Matthew Ropp

Application URL

Online Application

Sports

Total Sports Offered

12 sports

Sports

Alpine SkiingBasketball

Cross CountryMartial Arts

Nordic SkiingRock Climbing

SnowboardingSoccer

TennisTrack and Field

Ultimate FrisbeeVolleyball

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.

7 extracurriculars

ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.

Club or Organization:

Beginner and Advanced Computer ProgrammingChess Club

DebateSewing Club

Arts and Music Programs:

Art ClubFocus Choir

Music Lessons

School Notes

At Seattle Country Day School, we know gifted children can be intense, verbal, and imaginative.
They can have wildly different interests, from reading, to coding, to art.
And they come from every community.
At SCDS, your child will find warm, welcoming classrooms, ones based around the concept of inquiry - a method where teachers encourage students to explore, to ask questions, to experiment, and to create.
It's a method that brings out the best in our students, stokes their passion for learning, and helps them develop critical-thinking skills that last a lifetime.

School Mascot: Wildcats

At Seattle Country Day School, your gifted child will find a warm, welcoming classroom, one based around the concept of inquiry - a method where teachers encourage K8 students to explore, ask questions, experiment, and create. It's a method that brings out the best in all our students, stokes their passion for learning, and helps them develop critical-thinking skills that last a lifetime. Learn more about our rich curriculum offerings, small class sizes, and emphasis on social-emotional learning (including self-knowledge, social awareness, and empathy for others) at our website. We look forward to hearing from you.

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Seattle Country Day School cost?

Seattle Country Day School's tuition is approximately $37,000 for private students.

What sports does Seattle Country Day School offer?

Seattle Country Day School offers 12 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Basketball, Cross Country, Martial Arts, Nordic Skiing, Rock Climbing, Snowboarding, Soccer, Tennis, Track and Field, Ultimate Frisbee and Volleyball. Seattle Country Day School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Washington for most sports offered.

What is Seattle Country Day School's ranking?

Seattle Country Day School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Washington for: Highest percentage of students of color, Largest student body and Most sports offered.

When is the application deadline for Seattle Country Day School?

The application deadline for Seattle Country Day School is Jan. 13.

In what neighborhood is Seattle Country Day School located?

Seattle Country Day School is located in the North Queen Anne neighborhood of Seattle, WA.

School Calendar

View the Seattle Country Day School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:

Event

Date

First Day of School

September 02, 2026 (Wednesday)

Labor Day: School Closed

September 07, 2026 (Monday)

Indigenous Peoples' Day/Columbus Day: School Closed

October 12, 2026 (Monday)

Veterans Day: School Closed

November 11, 2026 (Wednesday)

Thanksgiving Break: School Closed

November 25, 2026 (Wednesday)

School Reviews

5.00 out of 5 (2 reviews)

5 4/14/2023

I think SCDS is one of 3 schools that requires testing to enter their elementary school. Thus the caliber of students tends to be very good. Some view this school as a link to Lakeside which I don't necessarily agree with. Several students do get into Lakeside and they seem to have a good relationship. However, I think the students that get into Lakeside are just very qualified deserving students. I currently have 2 kids at SCDS. My kids aren't tested academically. They both like the school and make friends easily at this school. I do think many students get some type of extra learning outside of the class. I did this as well with my kids. SCDS's reputation for 4-8th grade is excellent. However, the pressures of getting into a K-12 school have led me to accept the Overlake School offer. After the pandemic private schools became extremely competitive. If it wasn't so competitive I think I would let my daughter finish 8th grade at SCDS. It has excellent middle school teachers. Sports wise my older daughter pretty much competed in all the activities. SCDS is not a sports-driven school. It is supposed to be a gifted school. However, my daughter had fun in soccer, basketball, cross country, and ultimate frisbee. During winter, almost all the students participate in skiing class trips. They go to Snoqualmie in K-3 and Crystal Mountain from 4-8. Would I recommend SCDS? Yes. It's an excellent school. Open Window is patterned after SCDS. Open Window is newer and has a nicer campus. And was closer to us (we live on the Eastside). But we chose SCDS for the extra club and sports activities. However, I think students who live near the school will get a better experience since we had to travel farther for school activities. The 3rd school that does gifted testing is Evergreen School located near Shoreline. All 3 gifted schools have excellent reputations in my humble opinion. The major difference is location.

- Posted by Parent - Parent

5 7/21/2021

Amazing school with a truly super head of school. Teachers are caring and dedicated. My child loves to learn and has developed more confidence than ever.

- Posted by Parent - Catherine

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Seattle, WA is $22,298 for elementary schools and $24,673 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

The average acceptance rate in Seattle, WA is 69% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).