Common Admissions Questions
We know families often have questions when exploring a new school. Below are answers to some of the questions we hear most often from prospective families as they learn more about Seattle Christian School.
About Seattle Christian School
What type of school is Seattle Christian?
Seattle Christian School is a private, non-denominational, faith-based school. As a private school, SCS is independently operated and funded primarily through tuition and donations rather than public tax dollars.
Because faith is central to our mission, students who attend SCS must have at least one parent or guardian who identifies as a Christian, and families are encouraged to maintain regular involvement in a local church.
What grade levels does Seattle Christian School serve?
Seattle Christian serves students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The school is broken up into the following "schools", which all reside on the same 14 acre campus:
- Seattle Christian Elementary School - Kindergarten through 6th grade
- Seattle Christian Middle School - Grades 7 and 8
- Seattle Christian High School - Grades 9-12
Where is Seattle Christian School located?
Seattle Christian School is located in SeaTac, Washington, just off the I-5 corridor. SCS serves families from across South King County and the surrounding areas, including SeaTac, Federal Way, Auburn, Maple Valley, Covington, Renton, West Seattle, Seattle, Normandy Park, Des Moines, Burien, Tukwila, and Kent.
Our central location makes Seattle Christian accessible to families throughout South King County and the greater Seattle area.
What makes Seattle Christian School different from other private schools in the area?
Seattle Christian School provides a Christ-centered education where faith and learning are intentionally connected through biblical integration, chapel, prayer, and opportunities for discipleship and service. One distinctive feature of SCS is our single K–12 campus. Unlike many schools that separate elementary, middle, and high school onto different campuses, Seattle Christian brings all grades together in one location, creating a connected school community and providing added convenience for families with multiple students.
At the same time, our campus is thoughtfully structured so that elementary students learn in their own area, separate from the middle and high school spaces. This allows younger students to thrive in an age-appropriate environment while still benefiting from being part of the larger K–12 community. Students also have opportunities to participate in athletics, fine arts, leadership roles, and service experiences that begin as early as kindergarten and continue to grow throughout their time at SCS.
Families often share that what stands out most at Seattle Christian is the sense that students are truly known, valued, and encouraged to grow in both faith and purpose.
Admissions Process and Tuition
How do I apply to Seattle Christian School?
Families interested in Seattle Christian School begin the admissions process by completing an online application. The process includes creating an online account, completing the application, and uploading the required paperwork for your student. Once materials are reviewed and a student is accepted, families complete the enrollment step to secure their child’s spot.
Applications for the following school year typically open on November 1. While Seattle Christian does not have strict application deadlines, families are encouraged to apply early as space in some grades can fill quickly.
We also encourage prospective families to schedule a campus tour, attend an Open House, or have their student participate in Warrior for a Day to experience the SCS community firsthand.
To begin the application process or learn more about each step, click below.
Does Seattle Christian School offer financial aid or tuition assistance?
Yes. Seattle Christian School offers financial assistance through our Indexed Tuition (IT) program, which adjusts tuition based on a family’s financial circumstances. The goal of the program is to make a Christ-centered education accessible to more families.
There is not a specific income range required to qualify for Indexed Tuition. Families who feel that full tuition would be difficult to afford are encouraged to apply, as many families discover they qualify for some level of adjustment. Applying for Indexed Tuition does not impact a family's admissions decision, and all applications are reviewed confidentially as part of the process. Depending on a family's financial situation, Indexed Tuition can reduce tuition by up to 25% for elementary students and up to 35% for secondary students.
To learn more about how Indexed Tuition works and how to apply, click below.
Campus Life and Communication
What are the class sizes like at Seattle Christian School?
Seattle Christian School values small class sizes so teachers can build strong relationships with students and provide meaningful support for their learning and growth.
At the same time, research suggests that class sizes should grow gradually as students get older in order to provide broader social opportunities and a wider range of perspectives in the classroom. At SCS, we seek to optimize class sizes so students benefit from personalized learning while also experiencing the advantages of a dynamic classroom community.
Kindergarten classes typically have about 17–18 students. In first and second grade we aim for about 20 students per class, third and fourth grade about 22, fifth grade around 24, and sixth grade caps at 25 students. Secondary classes are designed with the same goal in mind, averaging just under 20 students per class in both middle school and high school.
These class sizes allow teachers to know their students well while still creating a vibrant classroom community where students can learn, collaborate, and grow together.
What does the school day look like at Seattle Christian School?
In elementary school, students learn in a classroom community with one primary teacher and a consistent group of classmates. Each grade level has two classrooms with one teacher in each, allowing teachers to build strong relationships with students in a small classroom environment while getting to know each child well.
In addition to their core classroom learning, students rotate through specialist classes taught by teachers with expertise in those areas. These include physical education, music, art, library, and technology, giving students opportunities throughout the week to explore different subjects and develop a variety of skills.
Middle school and high school students follow a block schedule with eight total classes. Students attend four classes each day, alternating between even numbered classes (2, 4, 6, and 8) and odd numbered classes (1, 3, 5, and 7). Longer class periods allow for deeper learning, discussion, and project-based work.
Secondary students also take two elective courses, which range from visual and performing arts to technical and career-focused classes. High school students may also pursue Advanced Placement (AP), dual credit, or dual enrollment opportunities. Click below to learn more about these college credit opportunities.
How does Seattle Christian School communicate with parents?
Seattle Christian School values a strong partnership between school and home. Teachers and staff communicate regularly with parents to keep them informed about student progress, classroom activities, and important school updates.
Families receive school news through our Thursday email newsletter, the Warrior Weekly, which highlights upcoming events and key information for the week ahead. Parents also stay connected through Canvas, our learning management system, where they can view assignments, grades, and classroom updates, as well as through the My SCS app, which provides convenient access to school information and resources. From time to time, families may also receive text messages highlighting important reminders or time-sensitive information.
We believe strong communication between school and home helps families stay engaged in their child’s education and supports each student’s growth and success.
What are the Seattle Christian School hours of operation?
- Elementary School Day: 8:00am - 2:50pm
- Secondary School Day: 7:45am - 2:35pm
- Before and After School Care - 7:00am - 5:30pm
- The Central Office, Secondary Office, and Elementary Office are open on school days from 7:30am - 4:00pm or by appointment.
What does campus security look like at Seattle Christian School?
The safety of our students and staff is an important priority at Seattle Christian School. Our campus is located in a quiet neighborhood setting in SeaTac, away from significant traffic and commercial activity, which contributes to a calm and secure environment for students.
Over the past several years, we have also made thoughtful improvements to campus security as part of our ongoing commitment to providing a safe learning environment. All exterior doors remain locked during the school day, and visitors check in through one of our three school offices to be buzzed in before entering. We have added security cameras across campus and have a full-time security guard on campus throughout the school day.
Students and staff also practice safety procedures so that everyone is prepared in the event of an emergency. These steps reflect our ongoing commitment to thoughtfully caring for and protecting our school community.
Still have questions? Our admissions team would be happy to connect with you.
Inquiry Form
Required