Westside School (Top Ranked Private School for 2026)

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Quick Facts (2026)

Top Ranked WA School
Grades: Nursery/Preschool-8
Enrollment: 360 students
Yearly Tuition: $24,200
Acceptance rate: 75%
Average class size: 18 students
Application Deadline: Jan. 14 / rolling
Source: ✓Verified school update

School Rankings

Westside School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Washington for:

School Facts

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

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

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades Nursery/Preschool-8

Students By Grade

View Data

Distribution of Students By Grade
Grade	Westside School
Nursery	20
Pre-K	31
Kind	27
1	34
2	37
3	27
4	37
5	38
6	40
7	39
8	30

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ADD/ADHD Support

Yes

Learning Difference Programs

Yes

Learning Programs Supported

Dyslexia and other reading-based learning differences, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, ADHD and executive functioning challenges, Mild language-based learning differences, Students who benefit from organizational or study-skills support

Year Founded

1981

Colors

Blue & Green

First Day of School

Wed. Sep 2, 2026

Last Day of School

Fri. Jun 11, 2027

Student Body

Total Students

360 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

36%

State avg.: 32%

Academics & Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

52 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

7:1

National avg.: 11:1

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

85%

Average Class Size

18 students

List of Courses Offered

Link to List of Courses

Classroom Dress Code

Casual

Tuition & Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

Jan. 14 / rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$24,200

View national tuition avg.

Tuition Notes

PS and PK Tuition is $23,500 Kindergarten-4th Grade is $26,900 Middle School Tuition is $29,900

% on Financial Aid

25%

Average Financial Aid Grant

$14,500

Acceptance Rate

75%

National avg.: 82%

Admissions Director

Clem Leek

Admissions Associate

Alysse Mastrude

Application URL

Online Application

Sports

Total Sports Offered

6 sports

Sports

BasketballCross Country

DanceSoccer

Track and FieldVolleyball

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.

3 extracurriculars

ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.

Club or Organization:

Garden ClubStudent Leadership Council

Arts and Music Programs:

Middle School Theater Club

School Notes

Westside School is an independent Preschool8th grade school in West Seattle where students learn to think critically and act with compassion in a joyful, supportive community.
We believe every child deserves to be known, challenged, and encouraged to grow into a confident learner.
Our student-centered program combines strong academics with experiential learning, outdoor education, and social-emotional growth.
Students build a deep understanding of core subjects while exploring world languages, the arts, athletics, and hands-on learning experiences that connect the classroom to the world around them.
Our Preschool8th grade model creates a close-knit community where students grow over time, younger children are inspired by older role models, and older students develop leadership through mentoring and service.
Small class sizes and caring teachers ensure every child is known as an individual and supported throughout their educational journey.
From Preschool through Lower School, classrooms are led by dedicated teachers and supported by instructional assistants, allowing for personalized instruction and strong relationships.
In Middle School, students experience a challenging academic program, advisory, exploratory electives, athletics, and a robust outdoor education program that helps them build independence, resilience, and leadership.
At Westside, students graduate with strong academic foundations, confidence in themselves as learners, and the skills to thrive in high school and beyond.

School Mascot: Wolf

Westside School is an independent Preschool8th grade school in West Seattle where students learn to think critically and act with compassion in a joyful, supportive community. For more than 45 years, we've partnered with families to provide a student-centered education rooted in strong academics, experiential learning, and a caring community.
Every child is known by caring teachers who challenge, support, and encourage them to ask thoughtful questions, make connections, solve real problems, and grow into confident learners. Small class sizes and strong relationships allow teachers to understand each student's strengths, interests, and learning style, creating an environment where every child feels seen, supported, and encouraged to do their best.
Our academic program builds a strong foundation in literacy, mathematics, science, and humanities while engaging students in world languages, visual and performing arts, music, physical education, technology, and outdoor education. Hands-on learning, interdisciplinary projects, and real-world experiences help students develop critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication skills that extend beyond the classroom.
As a Preschool8th grade school, Westside offers a unique opportunity for students to grow within one connected community. Younger students learn alongside positive role models, while older students develop leadership through mentoring, service, advisory, and school traditions. This continuity allows teachers and families to build lasting partnerships that support students throughout their educational journey.
Westside is committed to educating the whole child through intentional social-emotional learning woven into everyday school life. Students build resilience, empathy, self-awareness, and the skills to navigate challenges, build healthy relationships, and contribute positively to their communities. A dedicated Student Support Team-including school counselors and learning specialists-partners with teachers and families to provide personalized support and help students develop the confidence and independence to succeed.
From Preschool through Lower School, classrooms are led by dedicated teachers and supported by instructional assistants, allowing for individualized attention and meaningful connections. In Middle School, students experience a challenging academic program complemented by exploratory electives, athletics, advisory, leadership opportunities, and outdoor education experiences that foster independence and personal growth.
Graduates leave Westside with strong academic foundations, confidence in themselves as learners, and the character to lead with curiosity, compassion, and integrity. They are well prepared for the opportunities and challenges of high school and beyond.

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Westside School cost?

Westside School's tuition is approximately $24,200 for private students.

What is the acceptance rate of Westside School?

The acceptance rate of Westside School is 75%, which is lower than the national average of 82%. Westside School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Washington with low acceptance rates.

What sports does Westside School offer?

Westside School offers 6 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Dance, Soccer, Track and Field and Volleyball.

What is Westside School's ranking?

Westside School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Washington for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees and Largest student body.

When is the application deadline for Westside School?

The application deadline for Westside School is Jan. 14 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 14 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

In what neighborhood is Westside School located?

Westside School is located in the West Seattle neighborhood of Seattle, WA. There are 2 other private schools located in West Seattle.

School Calendar

View the Westside 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)

Veterans Day. School Closed.

November 11, 2026 (Wednesday)

Last Day of the Westside School Fund

November 20, 2026 (Friday)

Fall Break. No School.

November 23, 2026 (Monday)

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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).