Admissions
Charles Wright Academy Admissions
A Message from CWA’s Director of Enrollment Management:
Welcome to Charles Wright Academy, where active, joyful learning is at the heart of everything we do. We are delighted that you are considering our independent school community for your child’s educational journey.
At Charles Wright Academy, we believe that true learning happens when students are inspired to explore, create, and grow. Our approach is designed to nurture each student’s character and creativity while providing the right balance of challenge and support to develop the essential skills needed to navigate the future with confidence.
Central to our mission are the values we uphold in all that we do. We pursue excellence in every endeavor, encouraging each student to strive for their personal best. Compassion is at the core of our community; we act with kindness, generosity, and empathy, fostering an environment where every individual feels valued and understood. We emphasize integrity, ensuring our actions are guided by truth, fairness, and responsibility. We celebrate the differences that make each of us unique through respect, treating all relationships with equity and justness. Finally, we teach and model perseverance, instilling in our students the resilience and tenacity to face challenges, grow wiser, and emerge stronger.
With dedicated and passionate educators, we create an environment where students are motivated to engage fully, take intellectual risks, and discover their unique strengths. Our commitment extends beyond the classroom, fostering meaningful experiences in the arts, athletics, and community involvement that enrich our students’ lives and build a foundation for lifelong learning.
We invite you to visit our campus, connect with our current families, and experience firsthand the vibrant energy of our school. We are excited to share how our approach, guided by our core values, will inspire your child and equip them to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Thank you for considering Charles Wright Academy. We look forward to supporting your family and participating in your child’s journey.
Warmest regards,
Steve Rudolf
Director of Enrollment Management
Unlock your Potential at Charles Wright Academy
Charles Wright Academy is the premier independent, coeducational preschool through 12th grade independent school serving the South Sound community. Our student body is a vibrant tapestry, representing diverse educational backgrounds, including public, private, and homeschooling, as well as a rich mix of ethnic, socio-economic, gender, religious, and cultural identities. At CWA, we foster a culture of belonging and celebrate active, joyful learning in partnership with exceptional and dedicated teachers, all within a community grounded in our core values: excellence, integrity, compassion, respect, and perseverance.
Nestled in Tacoma, Washington, our 107-acre campus, surrounded by serene woodlands, CWA offers a safe and welcoming environment that embodies our mission: to inspire active, joyful learning while nurturing and challenging students to build the character, creativity, and skills needed to navigate the future with confidence.
We can’t wait to meet you! We invite you to tour our campus and explore our modern facilities, or join one of our virtual events to hear directly from our outstanding faculty and talented students. Discover firsthand how our hands-on, experiential approach to education fosters learning that endures.
Ready to take the next step? Find out more about our application process and key deadlines today.
Limited spaces are available in each grade for the 2025-26 school year, excluding first and second grade. If you have any inquiries about availability in particular grades, please contact our Admission Office at (253) 620-8373.
Students join Charles Wright Academy at different points in their educational journey, and we are dedicated to supporting them every step of the way. Since 1957, we have proudly offered an engaging and dynamic program that cultivates genuine relationships and a shared love of learning between students and faculty. Through hands-on projects, exploration, collaboration, and the pursuit of individual passions, our students uncover their potential and strive to achieve it.
We warmly invite you to experience Charles Wright Academy for yourself, whether through an in-person or virtual visit. Connecting with the people who make our school special is the best way to appreciate our unique culture. We look forward to welcoming you.
As you go through the admission process, we encourage you to use our website as a comprehensive resource. It offers details on upcoming virtual events, step-by-step guidance on our application process, financial aid information, and more. Our admission team is always here to assist, so please feel free to reach out at any time.
Our goal is to make each family’s admission experience personal, informative, and meaningful. We are honored that you are considering Charles Wright Academy, and we look forward to the opportunity to learn more about your family.
Meet the Admissions Team
37%
Students Receiving Financial Aid
67%
Teachers Holding Graduate Degrees
6:1
Student : Teacher Ratio
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.
