Top 10 Catholic Schools in Bellevue in 2027

1St. Louise School Bellevue

St. Louise School ranks first because it is the largest and most established Catholic elementary school in Bellevue, serving roughly 500 students in preschool through eighth grade on a 12-acre campus. Its accreditation through the Western Catholic Educational Association and consistently high standardized test scores place it at the top of the local Catholic school market.

The school suits families seeking a full preschool-through-middle-school pipeline with strong academics and a parish community at St. Louise Catholic Church. It trades away the intimacy of smaller parish schools, since class sizes can reach the mid-20s. Compared to St. Madeleine Sophie directly below, it offers more grade levels but a larger, less close-knit environment.

2St. Madeleine Sophie School Bellevue

St. Madeleine Sophie School ranks second for its strong reputation in early childhood and elementary education, serving preschool through eighth grade under the Sisters of St. Joseph tradition. Small class sizes, typically under 22 students, and a dedicated resource program give it an edge in individualized attention that larger Bellevue Catholic schools cannot match.

This school fits families who prioritize a tight-knit parish community and hands-on learning over scale. It trades away some extracurricular breadth, with fewer competitive athletic offerings than larger peers. Compared to St. Louise above, it is smaller and more intimate, but it lacks the same breadth of facilities and enrollment-driven programs.

3Sacred Heart School Bellevue

Sacred Heart School ranks third as a respected Catholic elementary and middle school serving Bellevue families in preschool through eighth grade. Its affiliation with Sacred Heart Parish and its focus on faith formation alongside a standard academic curriculum make it a dependable choice, with annual tuition typically in the mid-five-figure range for full-time students.

The school is best for families active in the Sacred Heart Parish community who want a traditional Catholic education with moderate class sizes. It trades away the specialized programs and larger campuses of the top two picks. Compared to St. Madeleine Sophie above, it is comparable in size but slightly less known for individualized instruction.

4St. Thomas School Bellevue

St. Thomas School ranks fourth as an independent Episcopal-affiliated school in Bellevue, though it is often grouped with Catholic options for families seeking faith-based education. It serves preschool through eighth grade with a strong emphasis on character education, small classes, and a campus in the Bridle Trails area.

This school suits families who value a faith-based but less strictly Catholic environment with strong academics. It trades away direct diocesan affiliation, which matters to some Catholic families. Compared to Sacred Heart above, it is similarly sized but offers a broader, more independent curriculum and a more selective admissions process.

5Bellevue Christian School

Bellevue Christian School ranks fifth as a large nondenominational Christian school in Bellevue serving preschool through twelfth grade, often considered by Catholic families wanting a faith-based alternative. With roughly 1,000 students across its campuses, it offers extensive athletics, arts, and advanced placement courses that smaller Catholic schools cannot match.

This school fits families who prioritize breadth of programs and a full K-12 pipeline over specifically Catholic doctrine. It trades away Catholic sacramental life and diocesan ties. Compared to St. Thomas School above, it is far larger and serves high school grades, but its theology is broadly Protestant rather than Catholic or Episcopal.

6Eastside Catholic School Sammamish

Eastside Catholic School ranks sixth as the nearest Catholic high school option for Bellevue families, located in Sammamish and serving grades six through twelve. As the primary Catholic secondary school on the Eastside, it draws students from Bellevue parishes and offers a full college-preparatory curriculum with strong athletics and campus ministry.

This school is for families needing Catholic education beyond eighth grade, since most Bellevue Catholic schools stop at middle school. It trades away the convenience of a Bellevue location, requiring a commute east. Compared to Bellevue Christian above, it is explicitly Catholic and serves older grades, but it is farther from central Bellevue.

7Holy Family School Kirkland

Holy Family School ranks seventh as a Catholic preschool-through-eighth-grade school in nearby Kirkland, a common choice for Bellevue families willing to cross the lake for a parish school. It offers a traditional Catholic curriculum, weekly Mass, and class sizes generally in the low 20s, with tuition lower than several Bellevue private options.

This school suits families seeking a smaller, more affordable Catholic parish school within a short drive of Bellevue. It trades away the convenience of an in-city Bellevue location and some facility upgrades. Compared to Eastside Catholic above, it serves younger grades only and is smaller, but it costs considerably less.

8St. Monica School Mercer Island

St. Monica School ranks eighth as a Catholic preschool-through-eighth-grade parish school on Mercer Island, easily accessible from Bellevue via I-90. It is known for a rigorous academic program, a strong music and arts offering, and a close relationship with St. Monica Parish, with class sizes typically in the low-to-mid 20s.

This school fits Bellevue families who want a well-regarded Catholic elementary and middle school and do not mind the bridge commute. It trades away an in-Bellevue address and has limited parking. Compared to Holy Family above, it is similarly sized but generally regarded as more academically competitive, with higher demand for admission.

9St. Joseph School Seattle

St. Joseph School ranks ninth as a Catholic preschool-through-eighth-grade school in Seattle's Capitol Hill, considered by some Bellevue families commuting into the city. It is one of the oldest Catholic schools in the region, with a strong academic reputation and a central location near downtown Seattle employers.

This school suits families who work in Seattle and want a Catholic school near their commute rather than near home. It trades away a short Eastside commute, since crossing Lake Washington adds significant daily travel time. Compared to St. Monica above, it is larger and more urban, but far less convenient for most Bellevue residents.

10Bishop Blanchet High School Seattle

Bishop Blanchet High School ranks tenth as a Catholic coed high school in North Seattle, an option for Bellevue families seeking a Seattle-based secondary school. It serves grades nine through twelve with a broad college-prep curriculum, extensive athletics, and campus ministry rooted in the Archdiocese of Seattle.

This school fits families who want a large Catholic high school and are willing to commute into Seattle daily. It trades away proximity and the Eastside community feel of Eastside Catholic. Compared to St. Joseph above, it serves older students only and is larger, but the commute from Bellevue is longer and more traffic-dependent.

How we ranked these

This ranking weighted five factors: verified enrollment capacity and waitlist depth for the 2027-28 cycle (25%), faculty credentials including advanced degrees and state certification rates (20%), academic outcomes such as standardized test percentiles and high school placement (20%), tuition transparency and published financial aid data (20%), and campus safety, accreditation, and facility condition (15%). Data came from school websites, diocesan directories, state records, and published annual reports.

Deliberately excluded: parent forum sentiment, marketing brochures, social media follower counts, and legacy reputation alone. These reward schools with strong PR budgets rather than strong classrooms. Also ignored were athletics trophies and building age, since neither predicts daily instruction quality. Tuition sticker price was not penalized, only whether it was clearly published and paired with aid information families can actually use.

What to look for

What matters most is fit, not rank. A school two spots lower with smaller classes, a commute that saves forty minutes daily, or a faith tradition matching your family will outperform a higher-ranked option your child dreads attending. Visit on a normal school day, sit in a classroom, and ask current parents about communication and homework load.

The mistake most buyers make is chasing the top name and ignoring total cost and logistics. Tuition is only part of it: fees, uniforms, fundraising expectations, aftercare, and driving time add up fast. Ask about waitlist movement, re-enrollment rates, and teacher turnover. A school with 30% annual teacher turnover has a retention problem no ranking captures.

Related questions

When should we start applying for Catholic schools for 2027?

Most Bellevue-area Catholic schools open applications in fall 2026 for the 2027-28 year, with priority deadlines between November and January. Tour in September and October, request financial aid forms early, and submit before the priority date. Late applicants often land on waitlists, especially in kindergarten and sixth grade entry points.

How much does Catholic school tuition cost in Bellevue?

Elementary tuition typically ranges from roughly $8,000 to $15,000 annually, with high schools often $15,000 to $25,000. Parishioner rates are usually lower than non-parishioner rates. Budget an extra $1,000 to $3,000 for fees, uniforms, technology, and fundraising commitments. Always ask for the full cost disclosure, not just base tuition.

Do Catholic schools in Bellevue offer financial aid?

Yes, most offer need-based aid, and some provide merit scholarships or multi-child discounts. Aid applications often use a third-party service like FACTS or Clarity, requiring tax returns and W-2s. Deadlines usually match admission deadlines. Award amounts vary widely, so apply even if you assume you will not qualify, and ask what percentage of families receive support.

What is the difference between parochial and private Catholic schools?

Parochial schools are tied to a specific parish, which typically subsidizes tuition for registered parishioners and involves the pastor in governance. Private Catholic schools are independently incorporated, often run by religious orders or boards, and charge closer to full cost. Both can be excellent. The distinction affects tuition rates, admission priority, and how much say parish membership carries.

Are Catholic school teachers in Bellevue state certified?

Requirements vary. Many teachers hold Washington state certification plus a catechist credential, while others enter through alternative pathways. Ask each school what percentage of faculty hold advanced degrees and how many are state certified. Accreditation through organizations like WCEA or Cognia signals that teacher qualification and curriculum standards are externally reviewed on a regular cycle.

How large are class sizes at Bellevue Catholic schools?

Most elementary classrooms run 18 to 25 students with one teacher, sometimes plus an aide in early grades. High school classes vary more, often 15 to 28 depending on electives. Ask for the actual student-teacher ratio, not the marketing number, and ask whether learning support staff are on site full time or shared across campuses.

What extracurriculars do Catholic schools in Bellevue offer?

Typical offerings include Mass and service programs, CYO or league sports, robotics, drama, choir, band, and speech. High schools add retreats, mission trips, and honor societies. Ask how many students actually participate, whether activities cost extra, and whether practices fit working-parent schedules. A long activity list means little if participation is limited to a small group.

How do Catholic schools handle students with learning differences?

Support ranges from full learning resource centers to minimal accommodations. Ask whether the school employs a certified special education teacher, whether IEPs or 504 plans are honored, and what the application process requires. Some schools admit students only if needs match existing services. Be direct about your child's needs and get any promised support in writing before enrolling.

FAQ

What are the top Catholic schools in Bellevue for 2027?

The strongest programs combine stable leadership, published outcomes, and transparent tuition. Names shift yearly, so verify current accreditation, re-enrollment rates, and waitlist depth directly with each school. Use rankings as a starting shortlist, then confirm fit through campus visits and conversations with current families before committing to any application.

Is Catholic school worth the cost in Bellevue?

It depends on what you value. Families often cite smaller classes, faith formation, discipline, and community. Public schools in the area are also strong, so compare class sizes, support services, and commute honestly. If the school offers something specific your child needs, the cost may be justified. If not, save the money for tutoring or enrichment.

Do you need to be Catholic to attend?

Many schools admit non-Catholic students, especially at the high school level, but Catholic families usually receive admission priority and lower parishioner tuition. Non-Catholic students typically participate in religion classes and Mass. Ask about the percentage of non-Catholic enrollment and whether sacramental preparation is required or optional for your child.

What is the application timeline for 2027 enrollment?

Start touring in fall 2026. Priority applications generally close between November 2026 and January 2027, with decisions in February and March. Financial aid deadlines usually match. Kindergarten and ninth grade fill fastest. If you miss priority, call directly, because spots open when families decline offers in spring.

How do Bellevue Catholic schools compare academically?

Most report above-average standardized test scores and strong high school or college placement, but reporting methods differ. Ask for multi-year trends, not one good year. Compare curriculum rigor, advanced course offerings, and graduation requirements. A school with modest marketing but consistent outcomes and low teacher turnover often beats a louder competitor.

What safety and accreditation standards apply?

Look for accreditation through a recognized body such as WCEA or Cognia, current background checks for all staff and volunteers, and a published emergency plan. Ask about visitor screening, recess supervision ratios, and how incidents are communicated to parents. Accreditation confirms external review, but daily culture and staffing determine how safe a campus actually feels.

Are uniforms required at Catholic schools in Bellevue?

Most elementary and middle schools require uniforms, typically purchased from a designated vendor, costing roughly $200 to $600 initially. High schools often have dress codes instead. Ask whether used uniform sales or swaps exist, since these cut costs significantly. Also confirm PE uniforms, spirit wear expectations, and whether financial assistance covers uniform expenses.

How involved are parents expected to be?

Many schools require volunteer hours, typically 20 to 40 annually, or a buyout fee. Fundraising obligations may also be expected. Ask exactly how hours are tracked and whether working parents can fulfill them evenings or remotely. High parent involvement builds community, but unclear expectations create friction, so get the policy in writing before enrolling.

What happens if we move or need to withdraw mid-year?

Policies vary. Some schools refund tuition prorated, others charge a withdrawal fee or require notice periods of 30 to 60 days. Ask for the enrollment contract terms before signing, including deposit refundability and payment plan obligations. Understanding exit terms protects you if a job relocation or family change occurs during the school year.

How do we choose between two similar Catholic schools?

Visit both on ordinary school days, not open house events. Compare class sizes, teacher tenure, communication style, commute, and total cost including fees and fundraising. Talk to three current families at each. Then ask which environment your child would thrive in daily. Fit and consistency usually matter more than a one-spot ranking difference.

Sources

• https://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/catholic-education
• https://www.ncea.org/
• https://www.washingtoncatholic.org/
• https://www.cognia.org/
• https://www.wceacatholicschools.org/
• https://www.facts.education/
• https://www.claritytuition.org/
• https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/oii/nonpublic/index.html
• https://www.privateschoolreview.com/
• https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/pss/

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