Private Schools

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Private Schools Manager

A private school in Washington is a non-public school offering kindergarten and at least one grade, or any combination of grades one through twelve. Approximately 500 private schools operate statewide, serving over 80,000 students. 

Important Update: The private schools phone number has changed to 360-791-5605. 

Overview of Private School Approval 

The Washington State Board of Education (SBE) annually approves private schools. This approval confirms that a school meets minimum requirements for health, safety, and a basic educational program that aligns with state graduation standards. Note: Approval by the Board does not carry with it an endorsement of the school or its programs. 

Online-Only Private Schools 

According to RCW (Revised Code of Washington) 28A.195.090, an approved Washington private school may have an online program. However, completely online schools or schools with physical facilities only outside Washington cannot be approved. Washington private school law assumes a physical facility in the state of Washington where students are enrolled and regularly attend (RCW (Revised Code of Washington) 28A.195.010(6)). 

Note: The State Board office does not oversee the issuance of educator licenses or certificates, General Educational Development (GED) test results or high school transcripts. The Board does not receive copies of any student records. 

Lists of Approved Private Schools

Washington State law requires private schools to be approved by the Washington State Board of Education (SBE). Accreditation is optional, granted by an external accrediting organization, and involves a separate, rigorous process. 

Private School Approval Certificates

 

 

Private School Enrollment Data

The Washington State Board of Education (SBE) collects private school enrollment data annually. While reporting is not required for approval, enrollment numbers may be used to verify information during the approval process and in the distribution of federal funds. 

The Board has published a research brief on enrollment trends from 2018 – 2019 to 2023 – 2024. 

Private schools are encouraged to submit their enrollment data. Though self-reported and not verified by the Board, efforts are ongoing to improve accuracy. In the 2019 – 2020 school year, 88% of approved private schools reported their enrollment. 

Year Total Approved Schools Total Reporting Total K-12 Enrollment
2024 - 2025 559 510 81,825
2023 - 2024 552 546 81,898
2022 - 2023 560 538 81,473
2021 - 2022 528 421 73, 203
2020 - 2021 500 450 74,448

Enrollment Data by School: 

Annual Reporting Requirements

Private schools must submit yearly reports to comply with Washington state law. The State Board of Education (SBE) requires two: 

  • Enrollment Reporting: The official count day is typically on or around October 1, with reports due November 1. 

Additional reports may be required by other state agencies, including the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and the Department of Health (DOH). 

Information and Resources

Washington State Board of Education (SBE) 

Washington Federation of Independent Schools (WFIS) 

The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) 

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) 

School and Child Care Immunizations 

Facility Health Guidelines