Gig Harbor Academy

I have two kids at GHA, one in PreK and one in Elementary. Preschool and PreK at GHA have an amazing reputation. It is really hard to get into unless you have an older child already at the school. But I feel that the Elementary program is the best-kept secret in Gig Harbor. The teachers are amazing, and so dedicated. The school has been growing in the last couple of years, now they have a school counselor and learning support along with all the other specialist subjects, art, science, Spanish, etc. Hearing from my friends who have their kids in public, makes me so grateful for GHA. Their time there is spent so intentionally, and not wasted on classroom management, or behavior issues.

Our family is new to Gig Harbor Academy. After my first phone call, speaking with Mrs. Snow, I knew the school sounded the like perfect fit for our boys, and our family. With smaller class sizes, students are afforded a more personal approach to accommodate various learning styles. There are so many small practices that are implemented on a daily and weekly basis that really gives students a top tier elementary experience, from being mentored by older students, weekly public speaking opportunities, the various specialist that come on a weekly basis, it's exceptional all around. I would highly recommend Gig Harbor Academy to all who are looking for an environment that is intentional, caring, safe and has a high emphasis on creating learning opportunities beyond the classroom.

My kids joined Gig Harbor Academy in the fall of 2022. GHA is just what our family needed, after a poor experience at another private school. The whole community welcomed us and provided a wonderful year for our family. The school was great working with my kids as they both were diagnosed with ADHD during the year. Prior to coming to GHA I was concerned about the academic rigor at the school, but it did not take long for me to realize that this school was not just providing my students with knowledge, but also challenging them to use that knowledge. At GHA my kids are not just learning how to take a test, they are learning how to be a productive part of the community. As the world is changing, just knowing facts and being able to take a test well is not as important as knowing how to apply the knowledge you have and GHA gave my kids the structure to begin developing these skills. In addition, the teachers at the school have also been able to challenge my highly intelligent kids to expand their knowledge base and develop their own interests. The small community and classes at the school allow the teachers to teach individual students, not just a class. My kids have also loved the after-school enrichment opportunities and the wonderful summer camps offered by GHA. As a non-traditional family, we have loved how supportive and accepting the whole GHA community has been. It is an amazing opportunity for my children to attend a school where they are celebrated for who they are and not expected to fit into a perfect box.

Both my daughters have been enrolled at GHA for the last 3 and 2 years, respectively. They absolutely love it! The school is very good about fostering an environment of respect and community with its "take care of yourself, take care of others, take care of this place" philosophy. Both are excelling in academics thanks to the small class sizes (10-18 students) and caring teachers and specialists. My oldest daughter has ADHD and ASD. She is what many would consider high-functioning, but she faces sensory and emotional challenges like all kids on the spectrum. GHA has been very active in listening to us as parents and implementing strategies to help her succeed. As an independent school, GHA certainly doesn't have all the resources that public schools have, but they have been responsive and just this year, added a counselor to the staff. It originally was a difficult decision between the extensive special education resources of public school and the advantages of GHA's smaller classes and culture, but I can confidently say that GHA has risen to the needs of my child and she couldn't be in a better place.

I can't recommend GHA enough. My kids have gone here for 2 years, and have greatly benefitted from the personalized teaching and sense of community. They get specialized instruction that pushes them in math and reading beyond their actual grade level so that they're continuously engaged and being challenged. They get exposure to older and younger grade levels as "buddies" too, creating a stronger sense of community. Lastly, the campus and opportunities to be outside and be exposed to nature and explore (and frequent field trips!) are an experience they'd never get at a traditional public school.

This is a wonderful school to send your kids to. The staff goes above and beyond in all aspects of education, safety, and building community. You can be assured that your children will be more than ready for middle school. I highly recommend this school to any family looking for a unique, special learning environment to send their children.

All four of my children have attended GHA. My 5th grade son will be the last. SInce 2005 we have been impressed by the superb quality of the teachers - GHA's primary strength. The setting is a nature oasis; a great spot to learn, study, and yes play. The specialist classes are icing on the cake for learning and exposure. My 3 children who are graduates - VERY WELL prepared for the next phase of education and public or private school.

We enrolled our 2nd grade granddaughter in GHA in Jan. It has been a wonderful experience and a great "fit" for our needs....small class size, caring community, access to technology, robotics, nature experiences, just to mention a few of strengths of GHA.