Discover the Difference
at Charles Wright Academy

Where hands-on, experiential education inspires learning that sticks

  • Upper School students on outdoor ed hike

A Coeducational Independent Day School in Tacoma, Washington // Preschool – Grade 12

Now accepting applications for fall 2023-2024

The initial application dates have passed. We will assess all incoming applications based on space availability.

Welcome! We are delighted that you are interested in Charles Wright Academy, a coeducational, preschool – grade 12 community of learners, who are dedicated to the values of integrity, respect, compassion, perseverance, and excellence. Nestled within the woods of our beautiful 107-acre campus, we offer an environment that is safe, inviting, and suits our mission: To inspire active joyful learning while nurturing and challenging our students to develop the character, creativity, and skills to successfully navigate the future with confidence.

Best of the South Sound 2021 and 2022

Charles Wright by the Numbers

Average Class Size at Charles Wright

12

Students Receiving Financial Aid

32%

Teachers holding graduate degrees

67%

Student – Teacher Ratio

7:1

Students come to Charles Wright at a variety of ages, and we support them at every stage. Since 1957, Charles Wright Academy has offered an engaging and dynamic program, rooted in respect and authentic relationships, where students and faculty have a shared joy for learning. They are engaged in hands-on work and exploration, collaborate often, and aspire to find and fulfill their passions.

We encourage you to visit in-person or virtually. Tour the campus and state-of-the-art facilities. Attend a virtual event and hear from our beloved faculty and talented students. There is no better way to understand the culture of a school than to spend time with the people who bring it to life every day. We want you to get to know us.

In addition to our admission team, please use our website as a helpful resource as you navigate the admission process. You will find information on upcoming virtual events, steps in the application process, financial aid, and so much more. Please feel free to reach out to us at any time.

Our admission process reflects the spirit of our school. It is our goal to make each family’s experience personal, informative, and meaningful. We are honored that you are considering Charles Wright Academy, and we look forward to getting to know your family.

“I really like the teachers a lot. I feel like every time I go to school, they make me want to come back. Their enthusiasm makes it fun to come back to school!”

— Ali, Lower School


“We consider the decision to send our children to Charles Wright the best parenting decision we’ve made and the best and most lasting gift we could ever give them. We see incredible growth and positive academic,  social, and athletic risk-taking in our current Middle Schooler, thanks to the faculty; and, we are pleased we will never look back with regret in not having given our children the best possible education.”

— Bruce, Current Parent


“I’ve been at CWA since the 5th grade, and the teachers at Charles Wright have always made classes fun so you always enjoy the subject you’re learning about.”

— Benjamin, Middle School


“I started at Charles Wright in my junior year of high school, and I found that while it was a unique experience with a rigorous curriculum, there was room to think outside of a linear format in some of the classes. The faculty not only embraced core academia, but also supported the creative talents and outlets for us as students.”

— Diane ‘85, Alumna


“I first decided to come to CWA because of the academics. However, I continue to be a Tarrier not only for the academics, but because everyone at CWA is so kind and always makes school feel like home.”

— Emma, Upper School

Nondiscrimination policy: Charles Wright Academy admits students and provides equal access to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school regardless of race, religion, creed, color, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, marital or any other status protected by local, state, or federal law. Charles Wright does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, marital or any other status protected by local, state, or federal law in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

Charles Wright Academy is a coed day school in Tacoma, Washington. Our private school includes preschool, kindergarten, elementary school, middle school, and high school all on one campus. We build the foundation of lifelong learning and our robust college preparatory program guides students toward college choices that match their unique characters, strengths, and interests. CWA is an inclusive community committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.