Founded in 1976, Gig Harbor Academy is the oldest non-public school in the Gig Harbor peninsula. More than 150 students attend this facility on 32nd Street. It has four-buildings to accommodate students from preschool through fifth grade. The preschool curriculum includes art, music and Spanish in addition to pre-reading skills, math and science. Fitness and technology are also part of the school curriculum. In order to maintain its family like environment, parents are welcome to volunteer. Gig Harbor Academy also offers before- and after-school programs.
Best Beginnings Preschool provides a range of daily activities to foster children’s physical, cognitive, emotional, social, verbal and artistic growth. The school is an outreach program of the Holy Cross Episcopal Church and is located in the church building. They offer a non-demoninational curriculum for 3 and 4-year-old children as well as Pre-K children.
Since 1982, Hosanna Christian School has been one of the independent Christian schools in the Gig Harbor Peninsula. It is located off Point Fosdick Drive behind the Peninsula Library. The school provides education for preschool through 8th grade students. In order for teachers to work more closely with their students, the preschool classes have no more than nine students in each classroom. The upper grade levels have an average class size of 17 students.
St. Monica Parish School is a Catholic pre-K through 8 school teaching both a traditional academic curriculum coupled with Christ-like values and traditional Catholic teachings.
Students have consistently achieved high test scores and are thought to be on par with other Mercer Island public schools. Grades 1-8 are also required to attend the Eucharist Liturgy once a week. Once a month, students attend an all-school Catholic Mass where one class is assigned to prepare the Liturgy and all are expected to take an active part. Students in grades 5-8 are also allowed the opportunity to serve as Altar Servers.
Small Dimensions offers traditional daycare services for children from the ages of 12 months to 5 years.
This is the preschool through 6th grade campus of Bellevue Christian School. It offers a Christian education to the approximately 250 students. The classes are small so the teachers are able to get to know their students. Spanish, music and art are incorporated into the daily curriculum along with the basics. There is an after school care program as well, that offers even more enrichment opportunities.
The Stroum Jewish Community Center is a gathering place for people of all faiths intended for learning and exercise.
"The J" operates a broad array of services at their campus on East Mercer Way, including the Early Childhood Education child care and preschool, Center Stage performing arts program, cultural celebrations and educational programming with a focus on Judacia, and several competitive and non-competitive sports leagues.
Some facility highlights include a 25-yard, four-lane pool, a hot tub and dry sauna, a running track, two studios for exercise classes, a multi-purpose room, basketball and racquetball courts, a fitness center, a new "J-Cafe" espresso bar and free Wi-Fi. The SJCC is also host of the Mercer Island Holocaust Memorial, a tribute to victims who are related to Washington state residents.
Lil' People's World provides childcare for infants and young children in a residential setting located next to Lake Hills Elementary. The daycare, which also has locations in Kirkland, Seattle and Lynnwood, offers a 10 percent discount for Microsoft employees and a 15 percent sibling discount. Public vouchers are also accepted.
Faith Lutheran Church holds Sunday worship at 9am and 11am, in addition to Sunday School at 10:10am. The church offers many other programs and outreach services, including bible study. Faith Lutheran School, located on the church grounds, provides a comprehensive education for pre-school and elementary students.
St. Frances Cabrini School is a Catholic school that serves students ages 4-14. It offers rigorous coursework in language arts, math, science and literature, all while instilling strong Catholic values in students. Enrichment is also provided through music, band, public speaking and sports programs. A weekly Mass is held for students and faculty. For information on enrollment, call the number provided.
Emmanuel Day School is a non-profit, non-religious preschool (despite its location) next to the Emmanuel Episcopal Church. It offers four programs for preschool youngsters that stress social skills, writing, problem solving and math. It has aligned itself with the goals of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The Emmanuel Day School fills enrolment quickly so parents are advised to apply for positions for their children early in the year.
Located inside Lake Washington United Methodist Church, Kirkland Co-op Preschool (KCP) is not religious based or part of the church itself. KCP is a non-profit preschool and has grown into three classrooms, playground and three classrooms of various ages. The school is set up with a sensory room, a quiet room, and an active room. The school is an affiliate of Lake Washington Technical College.