St. Alphonsus Parish School is an accredited Catholic School which welcomes families of all backgrounds. Founded in Ballard in 1907, the school provides an excellent education from preschool through eighth grade by developing the whole student in a caring environment enriched by the faith of the Church and commitment of families.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked WA School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 231 students
- Average class size: 17 students
- Application Deadline: Feb. 18 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
St. Alphonsus School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Washington for:
Category
Attribute
School History
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Dyslexia and other reading difficulties. Offers MSL class.
Year Founded
1907
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
231 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
17%
State avg.: 29%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
19 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
50%
Average Class Size
17 students
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
School uniform for K-8 students
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Feb. 18 / rolling
Tuition Notes
Please refer to our website for current tuition rates.
Summer Program Cost Notes
Please go to stalseattle.org for information about preschool summer school.
Admissions Director
Melissa Rodriguez-Murphy
Admissions Associate
Charleen Sweet
Sports
Total Sports Offered
5 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
7 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Chess Club, Coding Club, Homework Club, VEX Robotics
Arts and Music Programs:
Children's Church Choir, Middle School Drama Program, Percussion Ensemble
Chess Club, Coding Club, Homework Club, VEX Robotics
Arts and Music Programs:
Children's Church Choir, Middle School Drama Program, Percussion Ensemble
School Notes
- St. Alphonsus is focused on academic excellence founded in tradition, faith, and community. Offering full-day Preschool, a K-4 elementary program, and single-gender classrooms for our 5-8 middle school, St. Al`s features a strong core curriculum, along with music, art, P.E., Spanish, and STEM. Beyond the classroom, St. Al's offers Service Learning opportunities, chess club, Lego Robotics, drama, coding club, sewing club, and more.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
Does St. Alphonsus School offer a summer program?
Yes, St. Alphonsus School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does St. Alphonsus School offer?
St. Alphonsus School offers 5 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Soccer, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is St. Alphonsus School's ranking?
St. Alphonsus School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Washington for: Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for St. Alphonsus School?
The application deadline for St. Alphonsus School is Feb. 18 / rolling (applications are due on Feb. 18 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
In what neighborhood is St. Alphonsus School located?
St. Alphonsus School is located in the West Woodland neighborhood of Seattle, WA.
School Reviews
5 10/28/2024
Our family has had a wonderful experience at St. Als over the past two years. The teachers are caring, attentive, and truly invested in the students' growth. Our kids, now ages 4 and 6, have thrived in the nurturing environment, enjoying both the academics and the faith-based values emphasized at the school. We've seen them grow not just in their learning, but also in kindness and character. Special thanks to Mr. Padrnos, the principal, for his leadership and dedication to fostering such a positive atmosphere. We're grateful for the sense of community and would highly recommend St. Alphonsus to other families.
5 5/17/2016
This is our second year at St. Al's, and we are extremely pleased with the school. Our kids are challenged academically and thriving socially. The school staff is amazing; they care so much about the "whole student," and appreciate each child's unique gifts and abilities. LOVE the single-gender middle school. Great concept!
Endorse St. Alphonsus School. 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

Social Emotional Learning: Education's Hidden Symphony
A musician's perspective on Social Emotional Learning reveals how this educational framework orchestrates success through five essential emotional competencies.

A Roadmap For Starting A Private School
Use this roadmap as a set of talking points with your trusted mentors and professionals to start the private school of your dreams. You're not alone. Over the years, hundreds of folks like you have had the same dream. From Quintilian to Maria Montessori to Lucy Madeira Wing, visionary educators have established schools to teach according to their beliefs and methodologies.

December 31, 2024
The Spectrum of Islamic Education: From Secular to OrthodoxThis article explores the importance of Islamic K-12 education in today's secular society, providing a roadmap for parents to nurture their children's faith and academic success. Through a question-and-answer format between a parent and an imam, it addresses key aspects such as the types of Islamic education available, when to start, and how to balance religious and secular learning. The essay emphasizes the spiritual and moral benefits of instilling Islamic values in young people, offering practical advice and inspiration for families seeking to raise well-rounded and faithful individuals.