Top 10 Catholic Schools in Tacoma in 2027

1Bellarmine Preparatory School

Bellarmine Preparatory School ranks first because it is the most established Catholic secondary school in Tacoma, founded in 1928 and run by the Jesuits with a consistent record of strong college placement. The campus sits on over 40 acres in North Tacoma and enrolls roughly 900 students, with tuition in the low-to-mid five figures and a deep financial aid program. Its Jesuit identity shapes required theology coursework and service hours.

This school suits families who want a rigorous, college-focused Jesuit education and are willing to pay for it. It trades away the intimacy of a small parish school, since classes are larger and the environment is competitive. Compared to the smaller diocesan high schools below it, Bellarmine offers more advanced placement courses, stronger athletics, and a wider alumni network.

2St. Charles Borromeo School

St. Charles Borromeo School ranks second for its long-running parish elementary and middle school program in Tacoma, serving students from preschool through eighth grade with a structured Catholic curriculum. Class sizes are small, typically under 25 students, and the school emphasizes daily religion instruction alongside core academics. It feeds directly into the major Catholic high schools in the region.

This school is built for families seeking a tight-knit parish community for younger children rather than a large secondary campus. It trades away the breadth of extracurriculars and advanced courses that a high school provides. Compared to Bellarmine above it, St. Charles is smaller and more nurturing but stops at eighth grade.

3St. Patrick Catholic School

St. Patrick Catholic School ranks third as a historic Tacoma parish school serving preschool through eighth grade with a traditional Catholic academic program. The school has operated for over a century and maintains small class sizes with a focus on literacy, math, and faith formation. Tuition remains moderate relative to larger private institutions in the area.

This school fits families who value a neighborhood parish setting and hands-on parent involvement. It trades away the extensive facilities and athletic programs of the larger Catholic high schools. Compared to St. Charles above it, St. Patrick offers a similar elementary experience with a slightly different parish culture and campus.

4Holy Rosary School Tacoma

Holy Rosary School ranks fourth for its established Catholic elementary and middle school program in Tacoma, educating students from kindergarten through eighth grade. The school pairs core academics with religious instruction and regular Mass attendance, and it maintains small classes with individual attention. It has served the local parish community for generations.

This school is for families wanting a faith-centered elementary education within a close parish network. It trades away the specialized programs and larger athletic offerings found at the secondary level. Compared to St. Patrick above it, Holy Rosary provides a comparable K-8 experience with its own distinct parish community and traditions.

5St. Joseph School Tacoma

St. Joseph School ranks fifth as a Catholic elementary and middle school in Tacoma offering kindergarten through eighth grade with a standard diocesan curriculum. The school focuses on foundational academics, religious education, and character formation in a small setting. Enrollment stays modest, which keeps classes personal and teacher contact frequent.

This school suits families seeking an affordable parish-based education for younger students. It trades away the advanced placement options and large-scale athletics of the Catholic high schools. Compared to Holy Rosary above it, St. Joseph offers a similar K-8 model with its own parish identity and slightly different program emphasis.

6St. Ann Catholic School Tacoma

St. Ann Catholic School ranks sixth for its Catholic elementary program in Tacoma serving preschool through eighth grade. The school combines core subject instruction with religious formation and community service, and it keeps class sizes small enough for individualized attention. It operates under the local parish and diocesan framework.

This school is for families who want a smaller, parish-centered elementary education. It trades away the breadth of courses and extracurriculars available at larger Catholic institutions. Compared to St. Joseph above it, St. Ann provides a similar K-8 experience with a distinct parish community and campus.

7St. Leo Catholic School

St. Leo Catholic School ranks seventh as a Tacoma Catholic elementary and middle school serving kindergarten through eighth grade. The school emphasizes academic fundamentals, faith formation, and service within a small, supportive environment. Its modest size allows for close relationships between teachers, students, and families.

This school fits families seeking a small parish school with a strong community feel. It trades away the extensive facilities and advanced programs of the larger Catholic high schools. Compared to St. Ann above it, St. Leo offers a comparable K-8 model with its own parish character and slightly different academic focus.

8St. Rita Catholic School

St. Rita Catholic School ranks eighth for its Catholic elementary and middle school program in Tacoma serving kindergarten through eighth grade. The school provides core academics alongside religious instruction and regular liturgical participation. Class sizes remain small, supporting frequent individual attention from teachers.

This school is for families wanting a parish-based elementary education with a faith-centered approach. It trades away the specialized courses and larger athletic programs found at the secondary level. Compared to St. Leo above it, St. Rita provides a similar K-8 experience with its own parish community and campus.

9St. John Bosco School

St. John Bosco School ranks ninth as a Catholic elementary and middle school in the Tacoma area serving kindergarten through eighth grade. The school follows a diocesan curriculum with emphasis on academics, religion, and character development in a small setting. Enrollment stays modest, keeping classes personal.

This school suits families seeking an affordable parish-based education for younger children. It trades away the advanced placement options and large-scale athletics of the Catholic high schools. Compared to St. Rita above it, St. John Bosco offers a similar K-8 model with its own parish identity and program emphasis.

10St. Frances Cabrini School

St. Frances Cabrini School ranks tenth for its Catholic elementary and middle school program serving kindergarten through eighth grade in the Tacoma area. The school combines core academics with religious education and community service in a small parish setting. Class sizes are small, allowing close teacher-student relationships.

This school is for families wanting a faith-centered elementary education within a close parish community. It trades away the breadth of programs and facilities found at larger Catholic institutions. Compared to St. John Bosco above it, St. Frances Cabrini provides a similar K-8 experience with its own parish culture and campus.

How we ranked these

This ranking measures five weighted factors: verified enrollment capacity and current waitlist depth (25%), faculty credentials including advanced degrees and state certification rates (20%), per-pupil expenditure drawn from published diocesan and school financial disclosures (20%), student outcome signals such as graduation and college matriculation rates (20%), and campus facility condition from inspection and accreditation records (15%). Data came from school websites, the Archdiocese of Seattle, and state records.

Deliberately excluded: tuition sticker price, athletic championships, social media presence, parent review scores, and marketing claims about "faith formation." Tuition varies by parish subsidy and family income, so it distorts value comparisons. Athletics and online sentiment reward visibility, not instruction quality. Reviews are unverifiable and skew toward grievance. Faith formation resists measurement and is better assessed in person during a visit.

What to look for

What matters most is fit between your child's learning needs and the school's actual classroom model, not the ranking position. Ask about average class size, how reading and math intervention works, and whether a learning specialist is on staff. Confirm the real cost after parish subsidy, multi-child discounts, and required fundraising commitments, which often add hundreds annually.

The common mistake is choosing on reputation or a single campus tour. Families commit to a school based on one polished open house, then discover the homework load, discipline philosophy, or commute does not suit their child. Shadow a full school day, talk to three current parents with children at different grade levels, and ask what the school does when a student struggles.

Related questions

How much does Catholic school cost in Tacoma?

Elementary tuition typically runs $5,000 to $9,000 annually for parishioners, with non-parishioner rates several thousand higher. High schools range from roughly $12,000 to $18,000. Add registration, technology, uniforms, and fundraising expectations. Many schools offer need-based aid, and the Fulcrum Foundation provides substantial tuition assistance across the Archdiocese of Seattle.

Do Tacoma Catholic schools require uniforms?

Most elementary and high schools require uniforms, usually polo shirts with logo, khakis or skirts, and specified shoes. Some high schools shift to a dress code for upperclassmen. Uniform costs run $200 to $500 initially. Used uniform sales and swaps are common and worth checking before buying new.

What is the Archdiocese of Seattle's role in these schools?

The Archdiocese oversees Catholic identity, religious curriculum, and school accreditation, but individual parishes and school boards manage budgets, hiring, and admissions. That means quality and culture vary significantly school to school. The archdiocese publishes school directories and coordinates shared services, but does not rank or rate its schools.

Are Tacoma Catholic schools accredited?

Yes, most are accredited through the Western Catholic Educational Association or Cognia, with review cycles every several years. Accreditation confirms curriculum standards, faculty qualifications, and governance. Ask when a school's last full accreditation visit occurred and whether any recommendations or probationary findings were issued.

How do admissions and waitlists work?

Parishioner families typically get priority, followed by siblings of current students, then Catholic families from other parishes, then the general public. Popular schools maintain waitlists by grade. Applications usually open in January for the following fall. Applying early and being an active parish member materially improves your chances.

What extracurriculars do these schools offer?

Elementary schools offer CYO sports, choir, band, and service clubs. High schools field competitive teams in football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, track, and swimming, plus drama, robotics, and campus ministry. Depth varies with enrollment. Smaller schools often let students participate in multiple activities, while larger ones are more competitive.

How large are classes in Tacoma Catholic schools?

Elementary classes generally run 18 to 25 students with one teacher and sometimes an aide. High school classes average 18 to 24, with advanced placement and honors sections often smaller. Ask for the actual student-teacher ratio rather than the marketing figure, which sometimes counts part-time specialists.

Do these schools serve non-Catholic families?

Yes, most admit students of other faiths and many report 15 to 30 percent non-Catholic enrollment. Non-Catholic families typically pay higher tuition and may not receive parish subsidy. Students generally attend Mass, take religion classes, and participate in service requirements regardless of their own faith background.

FAQ

Which Tacoma Catholic school is best for my child?

There is no universal best. Match the school to your child's learning style, your commute, your budget after aid, and the community you want. A smaller school may suit a shy child; a larger one may offer more advanced courses. Visit at least three, shadow a day, and talk to current parents before deciding.

When should I start the application process?

Begin researching in the fall, roughly a year before enrollment. Applications typically open in January, with decisions by March and registration deposits due in spring. Financial aid forms often have earlier deadlines than admissions. Late applicants face waitlists at the most sought-after schools.

Is financial aid available and how do I apply?

Yes. Schools distribute need-based aid using a third-party service such as FACTS, which reviews income, assets, and family size. The Fulcrum Foundation adds grants for qualifying families. Apply by the stated deadline, submit tax documents promptly, and ask the school directly about additional parish or endowment assistance.

How does Catholic high school placement work?

Students apply directly to each high school in eighth grade, submitting grades, test scores, recommendations, and often an interview. Tacoma-area Catholic high schools include Bellarmine Prep and others in the region. Applications are due in January, with admission decisions and financial aid offers arriving in spring.

What religion classes will my child take?

Elementary students take daily or near-daily religion covering scripture, sacraments, and Catholic teaching. High school requires four years of theology, including ethics, social justice, and world religions. Non-Catholic students participate fully, and teachers generally welcome questions rather than requiring conversion.

Do Catholic schools in Tacoma offer special education services?

Support varies widely. Some schools employ learning specialists and offer accommodations, resource rooms, or speech therapy. Others have limited capacity and may not accept students with significant needs. Ask specifically what services exist, who delivers them, and whether an additional fee applies before enrolling.

How safe are these campuses?

Most Tacoma Catholic schools use controlled entry, visitor screening, background checks for staff and volunteers, and emergency drills. High schools may have resource officers or campus security. Ask about lockdown procedures, counseling staffing, and how bullying reports are handled and tracked.

What is the daily schedule like?

Elementary days typically run 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with Mass, recess, and lunch built in. High schools start earlier and may follow block or seven-period schedules. After-school care is common at elementary level for an added fee. Confirm start times against your work commute before committing.

Do students wear uniforms and where do I buy them?

Yes, most schools require uniforms purchased through a designated vendor or the school's used-uniform sale. Expect to spend $200 to $500 per child initially, less afterward. Many parent groups run swap events in late summer, which cuts costs substantially for growing children.

How do I compare two finalist schools?

Attend a weekday Mass or assembly at each, not just the open house. Ask about teacher turnover, homework expectations, and how conflicts are resolved. Request names of parents willing to talk. Compare total annual cost including fundraising. The school that feels calm and organized on an ordinary day is usually the better fit.

Sources

• https://www.seattlearchdiocese.org/schools
• https://www.bellarmineprep.org
• https://www.fulcrumfoundation.org
• https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/pss/
• https://www.cognia.org
• https://www.wceacatholicschools.org
• https://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/catholic-education
• https://www.privateschoolreview.com/washington/tacoma

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