Charles Wright Academy is a private school located in Tacoma, Washington. Charles Wright is an independent school for girls and boys from Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade. CWA teachers support, stretch and challenge their students to become resilient, self-reliant, independent learners and thinkers.

CWA’s mascot is the Tarriers it is originally a Irish railroad workers who helped bring the Northern Pacific Railroad to Tacoma. Sporting full beards, the workers were nicknamed “terriers,” which was pronounced “tarriers” by the Irish.

From Beginning School to their senior year, all students participate in community service both on and off campus. Upper School Students (grades 9-12) must complete at least 15 hours of community service each year.

Students benefit from a comprehensive curriculum pointed towards preparing them for college studies that includes lab science, visual and performing art, foreign language and Physical Education. Classroom learning is enhanced by interscholastic athletics, clubs, experiential learning and outdoor education.

With approximately 700 students there is a student-teacher ratio of 8:1.

The Board of Trustees of Charles Wright Academy has set the limit of 18 students per section for grades 1-6.
In grades 7-12, the school will aim to have no more than 18 students in a class

Typically, 100% of CWA Graduates attend four-year colleges or universities, including some of the best institutions in the country.

In all three divisions, outdoor education programs take students on diverse experiences such as kayaking, high alpine hiking in the Cascades or Olympics, and trips to the Grand Canyon.

At the heart of the Charles Wright experience is a down to earth community that helps students develop their full potential and become inspired, life-long learners.

In November, the PA (Parent Association) hosts the largest rummage sale in South Puget Sound called the “Wright Stuff.”

FACTS:
The student body of Charles Wright is mostly caucasian and upper-middle to upper class.

The school strives for and encourages diversity, and offers a generous scholarship program.

The lower school students, whose new school was just built in the summer of 2005, wear green and white uniforms. The boys wear either green polo shirts, or white polo shirts with green sweater-vests, as well as khaki pants. The girls wear similar uniforms, but with green plaid skirts and knee-high white socks.

Students are required to acquire 8 'activity credits' to graduate, 2 of which may be non-athletic, such as Knowledge Bowl, Chess Club or Yearbook.

The Upper School students, when found guilty of an offense, go before the Honor Board, which is composed of both students and faculty, to be sentenced.

Several prominent Washingtonian famillies sent their children to CWA, including the Weyerhaeuser family and the Milgard family.

MISSION STATEMENT
Charles Wright Academy provides a demanding academic program, challenging each student to develop fully his or her intellectual, physical, and artistic abilities, and his or her potential for moral conduct and responsible citizenship.