News

We are thrilled to share that Charles Wright Academy has been recognized not once, not twice, but three times in South Sound Magazine’s prestigious Best of the South Sound 2026 awards – voted on by thousands of South Sound community members this past winter. This triple recognition reflects the dedication of our faculty, staff, and the families who entrust us with their children’s education every day. 

Here’s a look at each of the programs our community celebrated: 

After-School Programs

Charles Wright Academy’s Auxiliary Programs have solidified their place as the Best in the South Sound – recognition that speaks to the breadth and quality of enrichment opportunities available to students beyond the regular school day. 

Led by Director of Auxiliary Programs, Colleen Borst, CWA’s offerings span after-school care and enrichment, summer day camps, specialty programs, and leadership experiences. During the school year, students can explore art, STEM, theater, and more in a safe, supportive environment on our beautiful 107-acre campus. Summer brings an even wider array of options: general camp sessions with forest hikes and field games, specialty camps in areas like coding, cooking, printmaking, and musical theater, as well as sports clinics coached by the same faculty who lead our athletics programs. Older students can step into leadership roles through the Counselor-in-Training and Intern programs. 

All programs are taught by CWA faculty, staff, and trusted partners – the same people who know and care for your children throughout the school year. 

Beginning School

Charles Wright Academy’s Beginning School has been named Best Daycare in the South Sound, and it’s easy to see why families keep choosing it. 

Our Beginning School is a child-centered preschool program rooted in active, joyful learning – deeply connected to nature, creative inquiry, and the arts. As a proud member of the North American Reggio Emilia Association, we design our environments to spark curiosity and celebrate each child’s unique voice. Young learners spend time in our forest three days per week, building the postural strength, coordination, and emotional regulation they’ll carry with them for life. Our Atelier studio sessions invite children to investigate, create, and reflect through hands-on projects that culminate in meaningful learning journey portfolios. 

Beyond the school day, the Beginning School offers comprehensive wrap-around care – including morning care, after-school care, and summer care – five days a week, twelve months a year. Meals and snacks are included, making it a seamless option for busy families. Children leave the Beginning School already knowing themselves as learners: curious, resilient, and ready for the adventures ahead. 

Upper School

The recognition of our Upper School comes as no surprise to those who have watched our students go on to thrive at colleges and universities across the country (and even abroad!). The Upper School at CWA is a vibrant, welcoming community – large enough to offer the full high school experience, yet small enough that every student is truly known. With an average class size of around 15 students, our faculty build genuine relationships with each learner. Our robust Advanced Placement program – 14 AP courses in total – has earned CWA recognition as a Platinum AP Honor Roll School for two consecutive years. 

Academics are just the beginning at CWA. Upper School students have access to an extraordinary range of athletics, performing and visual arts, clubs, experiential education, and a dedicated college counselor who helps each student successfully navigate their futures with confidence. The Upper School is a place where students are challenged to develop as scholars, athletes, artists, and leaders – and where they are supported every step of the way. 

A Community Effort

These awards belong to every member of the CWA community: the faculty who inspire curiosity, the staff who show up with care and commitment each day, and the families who chose CWA and then told their neighbors about it. Being voted “best” by the people who live and work alongside us in the South Sound means more than any ranking could. 

Thank you to everyone who voted, and congratulations to the entire CWA community. We are incredibly proud to serve the South Sound – and we’re just getting started! 

Read the full Best of South Sound 2026 feature at South Sound Magazine