The Bear Creek School provides a challenging Christian Liberal Arts education which develops student leaders through integrated instruction in STEM, the Arts, and the Humanities.
Small class sizes create a safe and nurturing environment.
Bear Creek`s college preparatory academics include honors and Advanced Placement courses taught by dedicated teachers in a supportive Christian community. Our graduates qualify for acceptance into the finest colleges and universities, and are prepared to engage the world with wisdom, compassion, and courage.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked WA School
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-12
- Enrollment: 878 students
- Yearly Tuition: $26,970
- Acceptance rate: 30%
- Average class size: 16 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 22 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
School News
- Leading the Pack - 11/01/2023Hear from Bear Creek's track & field phenom Braelyn B. '24 on goal-setting and race strategy and becoming one of the fastest girls her age.
Top Rankings
The Bear Creek School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Washington for:
Category
Attribute
SAT Score
Acceptance Rate
Student Body
AP Courses
Sports offered
Extracurriculars
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-12
Year Founded
1988
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
Awards
Blue Ribbon School - Selected in n/a
Student Body
Total Students
878 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
14%
State avg.: 29%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
74 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
69%
Average Class Size
16 students
Number of AP Courses
13 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, Computer Science A, English Language and Composition, English Literature and Composition, Environmental Science, European History, Music Theory, Physics 1, Statistics, United States History
Average SAT score
1380
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
30
(Out of 36)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Khaki/Navy pants or skirt and sweater
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 22 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$26,970
Tuition Notes
Tuition for K-6 listed. Please see website for Preschool, Middle School, and Upper School rates.
Summer Program Cost Notes
Cost varies by program.
% on Financial Aid
25%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$14,200
Acceptance Rate
30%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Christie Hazeltine
Admissions Associate
Rachael Urban
Sports
Total Sports Offered
10 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
14 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Boy Scouts, Chess Club, Forensics Team, Girl Scouts, International Club, Mandarin Chinese, Math Team, National Honor Society, Robotics, Student Government
Arts and Music Programs:
Art, Choir, Drama, Jazz Band
Boy Scouts, Chess Club, Forensics Team, Girl Scouts, International Club, Mandarin Chinese, Math Team, National Honor Society, Robotics, Student Government
Arts and Music Programs:
Art, Choir, Drama, Jazz Band
School Notes
- Challenging curricululm for highly capable students.
- Classical Christian education.
- Small classes. Many enrichment opportunities as part of the curriculum.
- Honors courses in biology, chemistry, European literature, European history, world history, Western civilization, world literature, etc.
- World Languages include: Spanish, French, Latin
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does The Bear Creek School cost?
The Bear Creek School's tuition is approximately $26,970 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of The Bear Creek School?
The acceptance rate of The Bear Creek School is 30%, which is lower than the national average of 85%. The Bear Creek School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Washington with low acceptance rates.
Does The Bear Creek School offer a summer program?
Yes, The Bear Creek School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does The Bear Creek School offer?
The Bear Creek School offers 10 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball. The Bear Creek School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Washington for most sports offered.
What is The Bear Creek School's ranking?
The Bear Creek School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Washington for: Highest average SAT score, Lowest average acceptance rates, Largest student body, Most AP courses offered, Most sports offered and Most extracurriculars offered.
When is the application deadline for The Bear Creek School?
The application deadline for The Bear Creek School is Jan. 22 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 22 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
School Reviews
5 11/29/2024
As someone who has gone to Bear Creek since preschool, I am so grateful for the community that it is. I have teachers from elementary school that still smile and wave at me in the hallways, and I have created deep friendships that have lasted for 14 years. I love the small class sizes because I am able to have personal relationships with my teachers and have meaningful discussions with my classmates.
5 2/9/2024
The Bear Creek school is a perfect combination of superior academics and a Christian nurturing environment. I really feel like this community of professional faculty, fabulous teachers and supporting parents are doing missional work here. This unique community is investing in future leaders.
5 12/2/2022
We came to Bear Creek when our oldest was in 6th Grade. We have been there for 5 years and now have experienced lower school, middle school, and upper school. We can't imagine a more perfect environment for our children. They are each so unique in terms of academic interests and challenges and personalities yet Bear Creek truly educates them individually and nurtures their spirits.
5 1/20/2021
Hands down - the best decision we ever made for our kids. The list of pros is extensive:- Small class sizes- Teachers who care and are engaged with the welfare of both students and parents (parents need support too! :-)- A Christian education with Christian educators - which helps take a lot of the "ick" that you experience in the public schools out of the equation- Solid sports curriculum to choose from along with the flexibility built in by WIAA (public school sports) that allow you to play sports for your local public school if that sport isn't offered by Bear Creek- Honors & A/P curriculum- High school guidance counselors that know you by name and help you plan for the future- And, hoping this isn't something that will matter in the future - but for now, a solid Learn From Home curriculum that is optimized for this COVID-19 environment
5 4/7/2017
Our son is attending the preschool program and it is amazing. The teachers work with the students to meet them where they are at to help them grow. We have been impressed with the way the school is able to bring both academics and a Christian world view together to help teach the whole child.
5 4/7/2017
We couldn't be more impressed with the Bear Creek Lower School. For children in grades K-4, I couldn't imagine a better environment for learning and growing. Each student is known and cared about. The teachers, classroom aids, staff, and administration care about each student, taking the time to get to know each student and each family. Lesson plans are crafted with individual levels in mind and each student goes at their own pace. The children are encouraged to grow and learn at the pace that makes them feel successful. Our children are strong in different areas and this is the perfect school for both of them. Teachers and administrators are 100% available for speaking with parents any time about any topic that parents wish to discuss. And the community of parents and families is phenomenal, parent and family social events are abundance, as well as sport and other teams and activities. The families at The Bear Creek School truly believe in community. Each time our children pass to a new grade, we continue to be impressed.
5 4/7/2017
The Bear Creek School has had an incredible impact on our family. Not only are our kids thriving academically, socially, and spiritually, but as parents we have greatly benefited from the resources, tools and close community the school provides. It is well worth the investment! Faculty and staff are available, engaged and welcome feedback. They view the educational experience as a partnership. So grateful for our school!
5 3/22/2017
Our kids came to Bear Creek from public school. We are blown away by how invested the teachers are in the students and how passionate they are about their subject matter. At Bear Creek, it is cool to be smart and work hard. Yet they balance the work load and encourage every student to participate in activities, sports, & leadership. My kids have tried and excelled at new sports and loved the coaching emphasis on character and sportsmanship along with the skills. The college advising program is outstanding. The college advisor organizes career panels, mock interviews, college visits and meets 1:1 to help students find their best fit university.
5 3/19/2015
We have been impressed with the Preschool and Lower School. The curriculum is individually-paced so each child feels both successful and challenged every day. The teachers genuinely care for each child and celebrate their unique gifts as they gently guide them to develop a love of learning. Our children have flourished here academically, spiritually and socially and we are so glad we chose The Bear Creek School.
5 1/31/2013
In looking for a selective Christian school, I was amazed at the amount of positive recommendations and accolades from other parents. After attending the school a little less then a year now, I can clearly say this is the most organized and well run organization I''ve been involved with. The staff from teachers to admin run a tight ship on curriculum, agenda, goals, and accountability. They support the education and learning at each grade level combined with the K thru 12 program. We''re blessed to have found this school this early on and the teachers really strive to develop the best students possible. I would give the highest recommendation to others when considering The Bear Creek School.
5 2/28/2012
My children are receiving an excellent education at Bear Creek. They have been attending since kindergarten and 1st grade and now are in 6th and 10th grade. The classical approach in a Christian environment is giving them an excellent foundation. The teachers truly care about the students and the overall sense of community is great.
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