Annie Wright Schools

Posted: August 10, 2026

Posted: August 10, 2026

Posted: August 10, 2026

Posted: August 10, 2026

I facilitate global exchange programs, outdoor education, and after school passion classes at Annie Wright Schools, and a I am consistently impressed by the breadth and depth of opportunities students have, and how they learn to navigate balancing academics with other pursuits. It is truly a rich learning environment, in which students develop the skills and mindsets to become knowledgable and caring people who will work for a better world.

Posted: August 10, 2026

Posted: August 10, 2026

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Posted: February 24, 2026

Posted: February 24, 2026

Posted: February 24, 2026

Posted: February 24, 2026

If you want your kids to be indoctrinated with really bad ideas, send them here. They will teach your kids that: white people are bad, Africa and China are wonderful, and that ICE kidnaps kids. You'd do a much better job homeschooling your kids.

Posted: February 24, 2026

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Posted: June 15, 2024

Posted: June 15, 2024

Posted: June 15, 2024

Posted: June 15, 2024

Very happy we chose AW for my two.
First is academic rigor. It's no joke. A's are earned. Parent review below regarding its rigor is spot on.
Second is support. One of my children had difficulty in the middle school, and admin/teachers spotted the issues early, got us involved, and she's thriving. She is so inspired by her teachers (Mssrs. Price and Firestein in particular).
Third is college prep and reputation. We hired a college counselor (based in NY) to help our older student make some decisions. He was well aware of AW's reputation and spoke very highly of the school.

Posted: June 15, 2024

Posted: June 15, 2024

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Posted: May 29, 2024

Posted: May 29, 2024

Posted: May 29, 2024

Posted: May 29, 2024

My child no longer feels safe at Annie Wright due to instances of school violence. We’ll be finding another private school that values safety.

Posted: April 6, 2024

Posted: April 6, 2024

Posted: April 6, 2024

Posted: April 6, 2024

We absolutely love this school. Our children have grown up here, in a loving, nurturing environment. The program has pushed and challenged them in ways we never thought possible. The growth we see in our now young adults is astounding. We feel so lucky to be part of this warm, caring, thriving community. And the opportunities available to all students, regardless of family income is also to be commended. Trips, technology, hands-on learning. Annie Wright has it all.

Posted: April 6, 2024

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Posted: October 2, 2023

Posted: October 2, 2023

Posted: October 2, 2023

Posted: October 2, 2023

Good school very fun very friendly eviroment good dorm good food

Posted: October 2, 2023

Posted: October 2, 2023

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Posted: October 2, 2023

Posted: January 19, 2023

Posted: January 19, 2023

Posted: January 19, 2023

Experiences at Annie Wright vary by perspectives. Ours was a positive one overall. AW is a small private school of high caliber teachers and administrators far more accessible than most schools anywhere. Our child was elated to experience genuine scholarly exchange throughout. Teachers truly impart knowledge when teaching. Because of the low teacher-to-student ratio, no child gets lost in fray of educational changes.

Good performance is rewarded. Challenges are addressed. The community melds well. Round cafeteria seating makes it difficult to overlook anyone in social interactions.

They are human; therefore...people.

AW has an unenviable task of teaching lessons, guiding, and accommodating students and guardians alike. One AW undersold aspect is networking resources with other schools (e.g. sports). While certainly close-knit, AW is far more resourceful that expected. Staff includes Ivy League graduates who mentor all students to try their best without undo pressure. They are approachable. AW takes the time to get to know their students. No one leaves there 'a nobody'.

Like many other schools, the pandemic presented challenges. AW was not an exception. Perhaps they weighed more heavily on precautionary measures than many desired. Would anyone prefer less safety for students? Lessons were learned in the process by all.

The term "Wrap Around Education" describes Annie Wright with emphasis on the word education. It is not only academics. Students learn teamwork, compassion, challenge resolution and, perhaps, humor as well. Orchestrated fun activities happened there at all grade levels. Students held actual conversations.

Annie Wright is, yes, a microcosm of what is occurring in education worldwide. Coming out of remote settings and redefining best case scenarios is hard. It is as varied as the student populations they strive to teach. AW accepts the challenge head on with care.

Posted: January 19, 2023

Posted: January 19, 2023

Posted: January 19, 2023

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Posted: January 19, 2023

Posted: August 31, 2022

Posted: August 31, 2022

Posted: August 31, 2022

Posted: August 31, 2022

Posted: August 31, 2022

Posted: August 31, 2022

Posted: August 31, 2022

Posted: August 31, 2022

My son attended this school as a 7-day boarder last year, and he reported bad food, no support for his mental health, and a slew of problems that were not addressed by the teachers. The school is severely overpriced, with us paying $70,000 for boarding and education while providing a below-average education comparable to that of any public school. Any reasonable parent who wishes to save money should avoid this money grab masquerading as a school. Save your child's and your own money, mental health, and time. I'm not sure how it's the greatest private school in Washington.

Posted: June 20, 2022

Posted: June 20, 2022

Posted: June 20, 2022

Our son attended the Upper School for Boys this past year as a five-day boarder. While there were some positive aspects to his experience, specifically the dorm parent team and several of the teachers and coaches, there were quite a few drawbacks. The leadership at the school spends lots of time talking about lofty ideals and writing long missives in the weekly newsletter rather than creating systems for effective communication or implementation of plans. The Head of the Upper School for Boys, Jeremy Stubbs, is mercurial and made many missteps in handling issues that arose at the school over the course of the year - and the Head of School, Jake Guadnola, didn't do much better. As a result, our son and several other boys are not returning. Annie Wright School, at least in the Upper School for Boys, just didn't live up to its promises and stated ideals, especially around diversity and inclusion. We think our son can get a better education, one that truly prepares him for the real world, at our local public high school.

Posted: June 20, 2022

Posted: June 20, 2022

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Posted: June 20, 2022

Posted: November 30, 2021

The school is overpriced, it offers an education level similar to public schools. Students deal with a series of problems but nothing seems to be done to help them. mental health of students seemed to be ignored even after directly addressing problems to teachers.

Posted: November 30, 2021

Posted: November 30, 2021

Posted: November 30, 2021

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Posted: November 30, 2021

Posted: November 30, 2021

Posted: October 20, 2021

All they care is MONEY, how they look, appearance.
Education is average, doesn’t worth money.

They also asked question if you are “people of color”, which, I never saw on check list of school application. White privilege, fancy bubble school.

If you really care about your child’s academic development, this is not the place. After we transfer to more academically focused school, our kid is delighted for love of learning. Obviously, AWS is very slow.

Of course some staff are nice but most of them, they never apologize when they make mistakes. Sometimes, when welcoming students in the morning, teachers are talking each other and ignore students.

If you ride on the luxury car, can give them a lot of donations, being white, care about being fancy, this is the school for your child.

Posted: October 20, 2021

Posted: October 20, 2021

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Posted: July 1, 2021

This school is amazing. Our daughter has been attending Annie Wright for the past 2 school years. Her social and emotional growth has been amazing to watch. The teachers and assistants are wonderful with the children and nurture them. We could not recommend this school enough. We have had experience with public schools the difference between the two is hard to miss. If you are a hands on parent and like to be involved in your child's schooling, this is the place for you.

Posted: July 1, 2021

Posted: July 1, 2021

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Posted: May 22, 2020

Annie Wright has been an amazing experience for my daughters. They've been to both public and private schools; nowhere did the support come anything close to that of Annie Wright.

Posted: May 22, 2020

Homework is challenging but not overwhelming. When my daughters felt there was too much homework, they felt comfortable bringing it up with their teachers. I have really enjoyed the creative projects they've completed as homework assignments - my daughters were clearly excited and engaged, and really dug into their assignments.

Posted: May 22, 2020

My kids are engaged and are learning complicated and interesting concepts. And, I've been able to observe some of the teaching during shelter-in-place, and I've been impressed with how the teachers are able to keep the students on their toes, but also have fun at the same time.

Posted: May 22, 2020

Students are encouraged to be respectful of themselves and each other. Projects and experiences help them learn more about each others' lives. Integrity is highly valued.

Posted: May 22, 2020

There are many levels of support for students, and the leadership is well organized at working with each of those levels. We get letters home from the school weekly (from the head of the upper school) and monthly (from the head of the entire school). Plus, teachers frequently send me notes, not only when there are issues, but also when things are going well.

Posted: May 22, 2020

One of my daughters has anxiety, ADD and dyslexia. The AW learning support specialist suggested several tactics for helping her that no one had ever suggested at her prior schools. There's a quiet, monitored room where students can go take tests if they don't want to stay in the classroom. This support alone has been worth the cost of tuition.

Posted: May 22, 2020

No high school will be drama free, but AW's health class and planned activities are designed around encouraging girls to share their experiences and understand and support each other. I've seen the girls have fraught experiences that could have developed into bullying, but then push through and talk it out. We haven't experienced bullying - which is a relief, because one of my daughters was bullied at every other school she's been to.

Posted: May 16, 2020

The word "tremendous" is the first descriptor that comes to mind. My student thrived in this loving, caring, warm, rigorous, challenging environment. My student is ready and excited about going to college feeling confident that she is well prepared.

Posted: May 16, 2020

The homework progressed by age and difficulty of subject. Homework did not seem like busywork. It is a rigorous learning environment with the expectation that there will be homework and it will be completed.

Posted: May 16, 2020

Teachers took a personal interest in my student and were ALWAYS available for questions or concerns. Teachers were incredibly responsive to me as a parent as well. Annie Wright advertises that it is an inquiry based school - I agree 100%. My student was taught to think not to just memorize content. Teachers at Annie Wright are passionate about what they teach - you can feel their excitement. The classes were creative and linked to each other. For example, as part of a calculus class my student wrote a children's book explaining a mathematical principle getting a grade on her writing skills, abilty to convey the topic to the age level of the book, and the accuracy of the mathematical principle. Classes were not taught in a bubble linking to current events whenever relevant.

Posted: May 16, 2020

The culture of the school aligns with these values. So, when you enter the school you are among individuals that are true to these values setting a strong example. This goes for the teachers, administrators, and students. The honor code is taken seriously and the students hold each other to these values.

Posted: May 16, 2020

From a business perspective the school has increased its enrollment and stayed on budget. When issues came up they were addressed by both administrators and teachers. The school is transparent about what it does well and what it needs to work on.

Posted: May 16, 2020

Annie Wright has a learning center for each level (lower school, middle school, and upper school). Teachers are willing to work with students who might need extra help. Tutorial time is built into the schedule for the Upper School.

Posted: May 16, 2020

My student reported bullying and it was addressed by the teachers and counselors. The student being bullied was supported and those doing the bullying were held accountable. The students also do not tolerate bullying and will call each other out.

Posted: May 12, 2020

We can't imagine a more appropriate high school experience for our daughter, who found academic rigor in a warm, loving, even familial setting. The education she received at the Annie Wright Upper School for Girls helped secure her a spot at an elite university.

Posted: May 12, 2020

Our family found the staff fully responsive to adjusting amounts of homework up or down, depending on the situation.

Posted: May 12, 2020

The teachers at Annie Wright have been more than effective for our daughter. They have been deeply thoughtful, loving mentors.

Posted: May 12, 2020

At Annie Wright, our daughter was valued for her particular strengths of character.

Posted: May 12, 2020

We always appreciated the transparency, honesty, and sincerity of leaders at Annie Wright, especially in the midst the most challenging situations.

Posted: May 12, 2020

Our daughter has several friends who were guided by their particular talents and strengths toward what might be considered unconventional areas of learning in an inferior setting.

Posted: May 12, 2020

A close family friend's daughter experienced bullying in the lower school. The Head of Schools advocated for her in the most supportive way possible.

Posted: April 29, 2020

Top scores, 5-Stars, nothing negative to say.

Posted: April 29, 2020

The amount of homework is not overwhelming. I have actually seen that the assigned work is both manageable & engaging.

Posted: April 29, 2020

I have seen, at every level, that the teachers here care about their individual students and take the time to know them personally (i.e. what drives them, passions, etc.).

Posted: April 29, 2020

I enjoy seeing the leadership opportunities the school offers, but they have a recognition system that absolutely energizes students in the lower school. I've seen it motive them to be the best citizens.

Posted: April 29, 2020

The leadership has always offered transparent and timely communication for any changes and other important information to the school community.

Posted: April 29, 2020

Posted: April 29, 2020

Zero tolerance has been what I've experienced.

Posted: April 21, 2020

There is no homework in this school.

Posted: April 21, 2020

Posted: April 21, 2020

Posted: April 21, 2020

Posted: April 21, 2020

Posted: April 21, 2020

This issues swept under the carpet. No transparency.

Posted: April 21, 2020

Classes are comparable to those at the public schools. Overpriced. Not worth paying.

Posted: January 20, 2020

Certainly not worth the price of tuition. Save your time, money and child's soul. PS - they can ask you to be a part of their program, then ask you to leave a few weeks in the school year, without merit, and you are still on the hook for FULL tuition for the entire year. This has happened to many families within our community. Do not be fooled. They do not serve the community, as they try to claim. The demographics of their Upper School proves that.

Posted: January 20, 2020

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Posted: September 6, 2019

Amazing! We love being a part of this amazing community.

Posted: September 6, 2019

Homework is manageable for student & parents.

Posted: September 6, 2019

The teachers are the very best part of Annie Wright! They are amazing. They know and support their students, work hard and make learning fun.

Posted: September 6, 2019

The students are the backbone of this community. From preschool to 12th grade, we are extremely impressed with the students. Their behavior, sense of inquiry and ability to present in front of groups is admirable.

Posted: September 6, 2019

There have been some big changes at Annie Wright thanks to the current leadership.

Posted: September 6, 2019

The individualized approach and ability to cater to each child is exactly what we were looking for in a school.

Posted: September 6, 2019

We've never experienced bullying at Annie Wright. If it's happening, it certainly seems to be effectively handled.

Posted: June 13, 2019

Great cirriculum and my child thrived academically

Posted: June 9, 2019

There is no homework but one worksheet so I assume all work happens at school

Posted: June 9, 2019

Try to make every child conform to their standards

Posted: June 9, 2019

Leadership only supports the teachers not the families

Posted: June 9, 2019

Posted: June 9, 2019

The school is horrible with this issue. They sweep the issues under the carpet and are not transparent. They will not keep you informed of how they are handling the situation and per their words you are to trust them. Not a safe or nurturing environment

Posted: May 6, 2019

Our kids have been at Annie Wright since they were 3 and they have absolutely thrived. The curriculum is amazing, offering Spanish, swim, and more - starting in preschool. We love the school and community, and are especially glad that our sons can attend all the way through 12th grade now. Annie Wright is hands-down the best school in the Puget Sound!

Posted: May 6, 2019

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Posted: May 3, 2019

My boys have been at Annie Wright since Preschool and have had an amazing experience. One of my sons has a learning disability, and the school has gone out of its way to teach him how to advocate for himself, find strategies that work and differentiate for him as needed. When asked in Grade 8 if they wanted to transition to a different school for high school, both of them emphatically said no! Finding a school that is the best fit for your child is key, and Annie Wright might certainly be the one for your family!

Posted: May 3, 2019

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Annie Wright Schools serve students from age three through high school. Annie Wright Lower and Middle Schools offer co-ed programs in Preschool through Grade 8, while separate Upper Schools for boys and girls offer day and boarding options in Grades 9 through 12. Annie Wright is proud to be an International Baccalaureate World School, delivering IB programs in every division.

Founded in 1884, Annie Wright Schools are nestled in the beautiful North End neighborhood of Tacoma, Washington. Our historic campus includes an indoor pool, two gyms, science and technology labs, art and music studios, theater, outdoor gardens, play areas, athletic fields and open spaces.

We offer rich, thoughtful and internationally-recognized programs that welcome students from around the world. While our web site offers a glimpse into what life and learning at Annie Wright are really like, we encourage you to visit our campus, which will give you a stronger sense of our vibrant community. Contact us today to schedule a personalized tour: admissions@aw.org or 253.272.2216.

Posted: May 2, 2019

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Posted: April 23, 2019

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Posted: April 23, 2019

Posted: April 23, 2019

Awful, demoralizing, and a sense of being "duped" School is after the all mighty dollar, not educating students

Posted: December 4, 2017

Great. It has a good community vibe that makes students feel at home.

Posted: December 4, 2017

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Posted: May 2, 2017

Bullying is not tolerated in this school.

Posted: May 2, 2017

The school focuses on helping each child define what type of learner they are and facilitate their findings.

Posted: May 2, 2017

Christian Sullivan, the administration and faculty are directly responsible for the success of Annie Wright’s schools and most importantly its students. They have brought a world class education to the Puget Sound. The curriculum is progressive and focuses on how the student will be successful in the world as it will exist when they finish their university studies. It helps them answer the question of how they will lead the world in their time; how they will be problem solvers and leaders in their communities; and how to take risks in addressing solutions for serious issues of our day. There are few schools in the country that have an IB program for all three educational levels and focus on the development of the individual child in this manner.

Posted: May 2, 2017

There is constant focus on these principles in the daily classroom. Each child signs an agreement that focuses on upholding these principles. Further there is a non-denominational chapel session that takes place twice a week that focuses on applying these principles to the child's actions.

Posted: May 2, 2017

The community of educators are exceptional. The curriculum is progressive and focuses on how the student will be successful in the world as it will exist when they finish their university studies. It helps them answer the question of how they will lead the world in their time; how they will be problem solvers and leaders in their communities; and how to take risks in addressing solutions for serious issues of our day. There are few schools in the country that have an IB program for all three educational levels and focus on the development of the individual child in this manner.

Posted: May 2, 2017

The homework is age appropriate and seeks to teach difficult principals in an understandable manner that does not frustrate the student.

Posted: May 2, 2017

We have two older boys who attended an elite prep school on the East Coast. When we moved to the Seattle area we sought out a similar school for our children. We found Annie Wright to be the only comparable school in the Puget Sound area, so we moved our family to Tacoma for our children to be able to attend Annie Wright. The community of families and educators are exceptional. Christian Sullivan, the administration and faculty are directly responsible for the success of Annie Wright’s schools and most importantly its students. They have brought a world class education to the Puget Sound. The curriculum is progressive and focuses on how the student will be successful in the world as it will exist when they finish their university studies. It helps them answer the question of how they will lead the world in their time; how they will be problem solvers and leaders in their communities; and how to take risks in addressing solutions for serious issues of our day. There are few schools in the country that have an IB program for all three educational levels and focus on the development of the individual child in this manner.

A question was asked of the community two years ago as to how we should educate our boys who are entering the Upper School level. After two years of strategic planning in which parents, students, alumni, faculty, teachers and administrators were involved, the Board of Trustees unanimously approved the development of an Upper School for boys. Boys will now, finally, be able to have the same opportunity as the girls in the Annie Wright community. In an era in which entering top universities has become more challenging than ever, and gender lines have been redefined, the Annie Wright community believed that this move is consistent with our progressive beliefs. We welcome similarly-minded families in providing these opportunities.

Unfortunately, a small group of anti-progressive alumnae who are driven by discriminatory values rejected by most communities years ago, seek to discredit the school and its leaders. The community is now faced with having to defend our amazing schools against their slanderous social media campaign. As we have decided not to stoop to their level, the community is spreading the good word to others of the tremendous culture and opportunities with which we have been presented by participating in the Annie Wright community. Come join us!

Kristina M. - parent

Posted: April 25, 2017

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Posted: April 21, 2017

We are current parents of a child at Annie Wright Schools and could not be happier with our experience. In the six years that we have been at Annie Wright, we have benefited from the warmth of the school community, the engaging curriculum and the dedicated faculty and staff. The school is thriving and I give the Head of Schools complete credit for the current success of the school. He works tirelessly on behalf of Annie Wright Schools. The school enrollment is at an all time high and the school is financially strong. The Board of Trustees recently made the decision to begin to educate high school boys. This decision was not made unilaterally nor was it made in haste. Rather, it was the result of a long and arduous strategic planning process for the schools. Unfortunately, there is a small but vocal group of alumnae who are unhappy with the Board's decision to educate high school boys and are using websites like this in an attempt to disparage the head of schools and by association, the school itself. You have to ask yourself: What kind of person seeks to damage the institution that they claim to care so much about? I would encourage anyone interested in Annie Wright Schools to take the time to call and meet with the head of schools and/or any of the division heads. Take a tour of the school, allow your child a day at the school and I'm confident you will come away with a better understanding of what Annie Wright Schools has to offer your child.

Posted: April 21, 2017

We have not experienced or witnessed bullying at this school. The administration would not tolerate bullying.

Posted: April 21, 2017

This school does a fantastic job of meeting kids where they are whether they are challenged or gifted.

Posted: April 21, 2017

Leadership is everything and Annie Wright has strong leadership.

Posted: April 21, 2017

This school is really child centered and uses the Responsive Classroom model.

Posted: April 21, 2017

The teachers are dedicated and really put the children first.

Posted: April 21, 2017

Homework given is age appropriate in both content and quantity.

Posted: April 20, 2017

Community member-
My family has been in this community and immediate area since 1895. For as long as I can remember Annie Wright School has been the most celebrated education institution in this community and one of the best in the country.
Times have changed over the years and the school has grown and developed with the needs it provides.
I remember the ruckus when it changed from just a boarding school for young women to also having outside day classes and when boys were allowed to attend.
There is no logic in educating boys only so far, and then forcing them to attend an upper school that doesn't have the standards nor the level of curriculum of Annie Wright. The arguments I've been made aware of from this website and the local news media are simply based on some nostalgic ideal of the past and not on progressive thinking.

Posted: April 18, 2017

Posted: April 18, 2017

Posted: April 18, 2017

only seems to want to make money, destroying values and tradition

Posted: April 18, 2017

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Posted: April 18, 2017

I am shocked at the recent treatment of alumnae by the head of schools. He is hellbent on ending the traditions and values here as fast as possible for reasons only he knows. Many are upset by his strong arm tactics and I hope high school boys' families considering the school are aware of the problems and haste associated with the plans for a boys school to be crammed onto the campus.

Posted: January 17, 2017

This school is excellent. The teachers are all amazing, though I would say that if you have a kid that isn't 100 percent, find somewhere else. There is about 30 - 45 minutes of thoughtful homework. All of the great teachers and the hard-working students create one solid machine that we know as Annie Wright.

Posted: October 16, 2016

Basic education offered by the school is not worth the money. We still have to do a lot of extra work outside of the curriculum for the child to do well. Pretty disappointing results considering how much you are spending.

Posted: October 16, 2016

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Posted: March 11, 2016

My daughter has been attending Annie Wright since 1st grade. I cannot say enough about the warmth, caring, flexibility, and academic excellence of this school! Every child is treated as a special, unique individual. They are held responsible for their actions, in a way that helps each child develop responsibility. The kids are never overwhelmed with homework, yet they are working at a level well above public grade schools. Bullying is not tolerated and children are expelled when they do not comply. This is a lovely community for children and their parents.

Posted: May 20, 2014

I like the small class sizes and the parental involvement and sense of supportive community. Most of all, I am enjoying watching my two cute kids turn into confident and caring young ladies. And I have no doubt that the teachers they have had at Annie Wright and the administration has helped foster not only their academic development but also their social and emotional well being.

Posted: March 18, 2014

Thank you for your interest in Annie Wright Schools. We welcome and value all feedback. Annie Wright puts children at the heart of every program, policy and decision. The school is in the process of adopting the internationally-recognized IB curriculum throughout the school, which has both helped retain excellent and experienced teachers and attract world-class faculty from around the world. Please do not hesitate to contact me directly to provide feedback or learn more about our wonderful community and program. - Jennifer Haley, Director of Enrollment

Posted: March 9, 2014

We love this school and are so happy to have our two boys here. The teachers and leadership, including the head, are amazing. My boys are challenged and their teachers know them well. The community is great: laid back, involved, loyal and dedicated. My boys are happy here!

Posted: February 11, 2014

My experience at this school has been completely contrary to the few negative reviews posted here. I moved my children out of Tacoma Public School in Fall 2013 and I have been extremely impressed by the very high academic standards at Annie Wright. The Headmaster is charismatic, down-to-earth, and 100% committed to the long-term viability of the school. My kids both tested into the Highly Capable program in Tacoma Public Schools. They feel very academically challenged and are given extra and more challenging work to satisfy their interests and strengths. The teachers are very responsive and there is regular and detailed communication from the teachers, Headmaster, and other school leaders. Civic engagement and the development of emotional intelligence are emphasized - skills that I think are often overlooked but critically important. In short, Annie Wright is worth every penny and moving my kids to the school has been the single best decision we have made so far. With respect to the bullying comments, my experience has been the complete opposite, my children have been made to feel very welcome and they report an atmosphere of warmth and inclusion for all students.

Posted: August 31, 2013

This is a great school. The headmaster is determined to do the best for the collective and run the school based on the needs of the students...not the whims of the parent. Emphasis is placed upon academics and arts. Lots of forward thinking, end goal being to get our children into great colleges and create a generation of critical thinkers invested into community. Bullying is a problem in all schools...slowly being dealt with. Parents MUST be involved whether at AW or anywhere. Lower school improvements (IB program) at AW make me very excited. Proud AW parent. Devoted to my child's education and well being. If I weren't she'd be somewhere else. Parents are never involved enough...until they leave and write scathing reviews on the internet. I don't care where your kids go to school. As a parent, you must be involved. You're the biggest advocate for your child. Find a good school and commit to making it worthwhile for your kid...and the community. Good luck in your search!

Posted: June 30, 2013

Head of school is a bully who has driven off tons of staff the past 3 years (look it up to confirm turnover rate). Head is short-term, reactionary, and doesn't keep in mind long term health and moral growth of children. Community has been concerned with turnover at this position the past decade....TURN IT OVER. Head is toxic to the environment here.

Posted: September 16, 2012

We gave up. We paid full price for our child to attend AWS for several years. Our child did super on the standardized tests at AWS (ERBs). Sadly, high achievers are a small minority. Test scores were well below self-selected independent peer group and no better than public schools. As many have mentioned, bullying remains a serious problem and is not dealt with. Many of the teachers are good. Many, however, have fled the current administration. Top third students will be bored and unchallenged.