Active-joyful-learning
6:1
Student-to-teacher ratio
67%
Faculty hold advanced degrees
16
Advanced Placement courses
12
Average class size
70%
Upper School Students Play on a Team
5
Medalists at State in 2023
3
Coaches of the Year in 2023
28
Athletic Teams
25+
Middle & Upper School Clubs & Affinity Groups
46%
Students Self-Report as People of Color
$3M
Financial Aid Awarded Annually
70
Zip Codes
7
Visual Art Studios
4
Performing Arts Spaces
Only
Atelier in the South Sound
18
Art Classes in Upper School
Book a tour
We invite you to visit us for a tour! Simply fill out the form below and a member of our team will contact you to schedule a time that works for your family. We look forward to showing you active, joyful learning in action!
Explore CWA
Our beautiful 107-acre campus is nestled among the wooded forest along Chambers Creek.
The seasonal Peach Creek runs through the school’s forested trails, amidst large trees, native plants, and small animal visitors for study are often present. The main campus features amazing places, spaces, and facilities for learning, discovery, and play.
The Beginning, Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools are linked by rolling lawns, athletic fields, tennis courts, two large gymnasiums, Visual Arts Center, and Language and Performing Arts Center. Students enjoy a network of three developmentally stocked campus libraries–each with a knowledgeable librarian. Learning resources include state-of-the-art classrooms with interactive “smart” board technology, well-appointed science and innovation labs, art galleries, a performing arts theater, a set shop, practice spaces, and rehearsal rooms. A network of trails and bridges runs through 40+ acres of surrounding forest, providing natural spaces for exploration, discovery, and intentional time spent immersed in the great outdoors of the Pacific Northwest.
ADMISSIONS
Unlock your Potential at Charles Wright Academy
Welcome to Charles Wright Academy, where hands-on, experiential education inspires learning that sticks. We are pleased that you are interested in applying to our school and want to provide you with information about the application process and important deadlines.
Located in Tacoma, Washington, Charles Wright Academy is a coeducational independent private school offering preschool to grade 12 education. Our dedicated community of learners upholds the values of integrity, respect, compassion, perseverance, and excellence. Situated on a beautiful 107-acre campus surrounded by woods, our school provides a safe and inviting environment that aligns with our mission: to inspire active joyful learning while nurturing and challenging students to develop the character, creativity, and skills necessary to navigate the future confidently.
Tour our campus, explore our state-of-the-art facilities, or attend one of our virtual events and hear from our esteemed faculty and talented students.
A Coeducational Independent Day School in Tacoma, Washington // Preschool-Grade 12
Hear from our community...
Current Middle School and Alumni Parent
My son graduated from Charles Wright Academy in 2020 starting in his seventh grade year. My daughter is currently in sixth grade, she started in Kindergarten. There is no better opportunity in the South Sound for your child than CWA.
Alumni, Parent of Alumni, Current Parent
As an alum, parent of two alums, and parent of a current student, Charles Wright has been a great fit for myself and my kids. Teachers who genuinely care, small class sizes, tight friend groups, loads of experiential and place-based learning opportunities are just a few of the many aspects that make CWA a great school.
Beginning School Parent
When we first enrolled our daughters in 2021, we were immediately drawn to the play-based education, active joyful learning style, dedicated teachers, and supportive administration that Charles Wright Academy offers. It was clear from the beginning that we had found a special place that truly cares about each and every child.
Our oldest daughter has thrived at Charles Wright Academy. The personalized attention, support, and challenge she receives have helped her to improve and grow in ways we never thought possible. The play-based education in the Beginning School and the constant challenge in kindergarten have been instrumental in her development, and we are grateful for the creative and engaging learning opportunities she has had. Our youngest daughter has faced some challenges due to a developmental delay. However, the support and resources provided by her teachers and the school have been invaluable in helping her to work on these obstacles. We have seen tremendous growth and progress since she started at Charles Wright Academy, and we are grateful for the inclusive and nurturing environment that has allowed her to flourish.
Lower School Parent
The faculty and staff at CWA are the best! They truly care for the kids and one another. Our son LOVES his school and is thriving. We feel extremely fortunate to be part of the community.
Upper School Student
I am really happy with all my teachers. They will make sure you do well no matter what and even though it gets hard at some points, it’s still a great place to be. Teachers really care about you and put the time in to make sure you are supported.
