Whatcom Academy is a newly-founded, non-faith-based private school, located in northwest Bellingham.
The school's mission is to provide a high-quality education for ALL children at a more affordable cost than most private schools in the local area.
This new school is still growing in numbers and has a current teacher-student ratio of 4:1.
Whatcom Academy is open to ALL children in grades Preschool-Grade 5.
Students are safely cared for, nurtured and challenged to reach their highest academic and social potential.
Children are taught the value of perseverance, hard work, kindness and respect.
Small class sizes allow for each student to receive ongoing one-on-one and small group interventions throughout the day, to assure that they receive just what they need to continue to make steady learning progress.
ALL children are challenged daily to work up to their fullest academic, social and emotional potential.
The low tuition fees allow ALL families equal access to an excellent education. Whatcom Academy has an ongoing open enrollment.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 9 students
- Yearly Tuition: $5,000
- Acceptance rate: 100%
- Average class size: 5 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Whatcom Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Washington for:
Category
Attribute
Affordability
Diversity
School Overview
Student Body
Total Students
9 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
100%
State avg.: 31%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
2 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
5:1
National avg.: 11:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
50%
Average Class Size
5 students
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Acceptance Rate
100%
National avg.: 82%
Admissions Director
Janis Cornelsen
School Notes
- Preschool to open in fall of 2026; full day and half day options available Whatcom Academy is very newly-founded and still in its early growing years. PLEASE COME GROW WITH US!
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Whatcom Academy cost?
Whatcom Academy's tuition is approximately $5,000 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Whatcom Academy?
The acceptance rate of Whatcom Academy is 100%, which is higher than the national average of 82%.
When is the application deadline for Whatcom Academy?
The application deadline for Whatcom Academy is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
Nearby Private Schools
The nearest high school to Whatcom Academy is Explorations Academy (6.2 miles away)
The nearest elementary school and preschool is Lynden Christian School Evergreen Campus (3.0 miles away)
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
Lynden Christian School Evergreen Campus ![Lynden Christian School Evergreen Campus Photo - Preschool Classroom 1]( "Lynden Christian School Evergreen Campus Photo - Preschool Classroom 1")
Special Program Emphasis (Calvinist)
567 E. Kellogg Road
Bellingham, WA 98226
(360) 988-3473
Bellingham, WA 98226
(360) 988-3473
3 miles
Gr: PK-4 | 61 students Avg. class size: 12 students
Pioneer Meadows Montessori School
Montessori School
2377 Douglas Road
Ferndale, WA 98248
(360) 788-3681
Ferndale, WA 98248
(360) 788-3681
3.3 miles
Gr: PK-6 | 82 students Avg. class size: 25 students Tuition listed
Trinity Classical School
Special Program Emphasis (Presbyterian)
2826 Birchwood Ave
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 733-2695
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 733-2695
4.2 miles
Gr: K-8 | 112 students
The Franklin Academy
(Christian)
1509 E. Victor Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 733-1750
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 733-1750
4.7 miles
Gr: NS-8 | 403 students Sports: 4 Tuition listed
Cedar Tree Montessori
Montessori School
2114 Broadway
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 714-1762
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 714-1762
5.4 miles
Gr: PK-6 | 79 students Avg. class size: 24 students Tuition listed
School Reviews
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