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.
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.
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.
Full of laughter and high-pitched squeals of enjoyment, Learning Land II is a busy facility staffed with very patient and compentent team members. Treating the children as kindly as their own, instructors and care givers are supportive of the individual needs of every child. Applications are accepted and are processed throughout the quarters.
