CWA is an independent school committed to active, joyful learning on a beautiful 107-acre campus in Tacoma. Students in Preschool Grade 12 are nurtured and challenged to develop the character, creativity, and skills to successfully navigate the future with confidence.
CWA is a respectful, inclusive, and supportive community of teachers and students who love to learn and value integrity, respect, compassion, perseverance, and excellence. At CWA, active, experiential, and joyful learning includes art, music, science, language, and athletics for all students. Small classes are led by talented and caring faculty offering academic challenge and support at every stage. Students grow as real-world problem solvers and innovators to thrive in the 21st century.
Extensive bus service is available from surrounding communities, including Gig Harbor, Tacoma, Des Moines, Federal Way, Kent, Auburn, Puyallup, DuPont, and Olympia. We welcome you to schedule a personal tour!
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked WA School
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-12
- Enrollment: 578 students
- Yearly Tuition: $27,590
- Acceptance rate: 61%
- Average class size: 14 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Charles Wright Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Washington for:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
Student Body
AP Courses
Sports offered
Extracurriculars
School History
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Year Founded
1957
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
578 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
27%
State avg.: 29%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
49 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
67%
Average Class Size
14 students
Number of AP Courses
15 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, Computer Science A, English Literature and Composition, European History, Macroeconomics, Music Theory, Physics 1, Physics 2, Spanish Language and Culture, Statistics, United States History
Average SAT score
1330
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
31
(Out of 36)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Beginning and Lower School students wear uniforms.
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$27,590
Tuition Notes
Beginning School: $23,000
Lower School K-4: $27,600
Middle School 5-8: $30,100
Upper School 9-12: $31,100
% on Financial Aid
35%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$16,400
Acceptance Rate
61%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Steve Rudolf
Admissions Associate
Brooke Judge
Sports
Total Sports Offered
10 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
47 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
AAPI Affinity Group, Black Student Affinity Group, Challengers, Charity Knitting Club, Charles Wright Golfer's Association, Charles Wright Interplanetary Society, Children of Immigrants Alliance, Co-Ed Volleyball, Coloring Club, Community Service Club, Creative Writing Club, Current Events Club, CWA Tibetan Club, CWASpirit Club, ECO Club, Ethical Animal and Pet Owner Club, Field Sports, Gender and Sexuality Alliance, GeoBee Prep Club, Green Key Club, Hiking Club, Innovation Lab Club, International Club, International Friends Club, Japanese Club, Jewish Culture Club, Knitting Club, Knowledge Bowl, Literary Magazine Club, Mental Health Alliance, Mindfullness Club, National History Day Club, Operation Smile Club, Photography/Yearbook Club, Ping Pong Club, Reading club, Running Club, Science Fiction Book Club, South Asian Culture Club, Student Leadership, Tarrier Times, Tarriers of Wall Street, Theatre Guild, Ultimate Disc Club, Wellness Club, Women’s Empowerment Club, Write & Sketch Outside Club
AAPI Affinity Group, Black Student Affinity Group, Challengers, Charity Knitting Club, Charles Wright Golfer's Association, Charles Wright Interplanetary Society, Children of Immigrants Alliance, Co-Ed Volleyball, Coloring Club, Community Service Club, Creative Writing Club, Current Events Club, CWA Tibetan Club, CWASpirit Club, ECO Club, Ethical Animal and Pet Owner Club, Field Sports, Gender and Sexuality Alliance, GeoBee Prep Club, Green Key Club, Hiking Club, Innovation Lab Club, International Club, International Friends Club, Japanese Club, Jewish Culture Club, Knitting Club, Knowledge Bowl, Literary Magazine Club, Mental Health Alliance, Mindfullness Club, National History Day Club, Operation Smile Club, Photography/Yearbook Club, Ping Pong Club, Reading club, Running Club, Science Fiction Book Club, South Asian Culture Club, Student Leadership, Tarrier Times, Tarriers of Wall Street, Theatre Guild, Ultimate Disc Club, Wellness Club, Women’s Empowerment Club, Write & Sketch Outside Club
School Notes
- Step into our classrooms and you'll feel a sense of excitement, discovery, and innovation. Watch as lifelong learning habits and study skills are honed. Hear passionate, versatile students engage in independent thought and original expression. It's all possible in small classes with teachers who are specialists in their fields and given the time to work with each and every student.
- We offer the broadest and deepest learning experience and the support to meet higher expectations. In our classes, you'll hear as much laughter as lecturing. You'll see that college prep means building skills and confidence, not just knowledge. Even for our youngest students, we believe world languages, science labs, athletics, and arts are an absolute must.
- A child's heart and mind grow dramatically between ages 3 and 18, and our teachers are highly invested in that growth. We know students work harder for people about whom they care and in whom they trust. That's why our teachers earn their students' respect-by being trustworthy and always available.
- While virtually 100 percent of our students are college-bound, a college degree is not where the journey ends. This is a challenging, rewarding, and joyous training for life! Our students earn top scores on the SAT and are accepted by the most selective schools, but we're proud that the schools they choose are as diverse as our students themselves.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Charles Wright Academy cost?
Charles Wright Academy's tuition is approximately $27,590 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Charles Wright Academy?
The acceptance rate of Charles Wright Academy is 61%, which is lower than the national average of 86%. Charles Wright Academy's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Washington with low acceptance rates.
Does Charles Wright Academy offer a summer program?
Yes, Charles Wright Academy offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Charles Wright Academy offer?
Charles Wright Academy offers 10 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball. Charles Wright Academy is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Washington for most sports offered.
What is Charles Wright Academy's ranking?
Charles Wright Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Washington for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Largest student body, Most AP courses offered, Most sports offered, Most extracurriculars offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Charles Wright Academy?
The application deadline for Charles Wright Academy is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
5 4/4/2020
What I love about the school is that I know my kids love going to CWA!! They have a very well-rounded program, small class sizes and highly qualified teachers!!! The outdoor education program is engaging, educational and age appropriate throughout all grades. Best decision we ever made was to enroll the kids at this school!
5 3/9/2020
Charles Wright exceeds my expectations! It is our ninth year at the school and this should speak volumes as to how much we love it there. The teachers are highly qualified and actively engaged. The community of the school is warm and welcoming with many ways to be involved. The grounds are gorgeous and one can always find students outside in classes or in sports. I can't imagine a better school for my children.
5 10/1/2019
Our experience at CWA has been wonderful. The quality of education, leadership, communication, and more has exceeded our expectations, and we look forward to a long relationship with the school extending through high school for both our children.
5 5/4/2016
Charles Wright has been the perfect place for my child. She is able to be challenged academically and thrive socially. She is in the lower school and there is a great sense of community there. I highly recommend Charles Wright Academy!
5 5/4/2016
We absolutely recommend Charles Wright Academy!! Our child's experience has been great! We feel he receives great education and support.
5 9/18/2014
Our son has been going to this school since kindergarten. We love it! He is in 7th grade now and so so happy.
Endorse Charles Wright Academy. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
Early Childhood Education Approaches: A Guide for Parents of 1 and 2 Year Olds
In this article we explore three popular approaches to early childhood education: Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf. It provides parents of toddlers with essential information about each method, helping them make informed decisions about their child's early education.
Making the Right Choice: A Parent's Guide to Private School Selection
We explore the reasons to consider private school education, compares boarding and day school options, and outlines essential factors in choosing the right school. It provides parents with valuable insights to make informed decisions about their child's education, drawing from real-world scenarios and expert advice.
Navigating Private School Finances: A Parent's Guide
This comprehensive guide explores the intricacies of private school tuition and financing options. Divided into three chapters, it covers understanding private school tuition, various payment methods, and seven specific options for managing educational expenses. The article aims to provide parents and guardians with valuable insights and practical strategies to make private education more accessible and affordable.