Why a Catholic school
What a Catholic education means to your child
At St. Joe's, your child grows academically, spiritually, and personally, in a community where they're known by name and challenged to become their best.
Faith. Community. Excellence.
What sets St. Joe's apart
Three things families notice from the first visit and remember long after graduation.
Formation
The whole child matters
Academics are the foundation, but not the whole story. Your child grows in character, faith, and confidence, ready for far more than the next grade.
Every child is known by name
Small classes mean teachers who notice, relationships that last, and a place where your child belongs from the very first day.
Faith you can see everyday
Faith here isn't a subject on the schedule. It shapes how students treat one another, serve their community, and live out the values they learn every day.
Questions families ask before they choose us
Choosing a school is one of the biggest decisions you'll make for your child. These are the questions we hear most from families, answered honestly.
Do we need to be Catholic to enroll?
No. Families of all faiths and backgrounds are welcome at St. Joe's. Many of our families are not Catholic but choose St. Joe's because of its strong values, small classes, and close-knit community. Catholic teachings and traditions are woven into daily life, but you do not need to be Catholic to belong here.
Is St. Joe's affordable for our family?
Yes, more often than families expect. Many assume a private school is out of reach, then find the payment plans and financial assistance that bring tuition within range. Reduced tuition is available for qualifying families, and we'll walk you through every option. Cost shouldn't be the reason a child misses out on this education.
Will my child actually get individual attention we are hoping for?
Yes. With small classes, our teachers know every student by name: their strengths, their struggles, and how they learn best. Your child won't get lost in a crowd here. They'll be seen, supported, and challenged to grow.
By the numbers
What your family can count on
Our Student/Teacher Ratios
Pre-K 8:1 · K 10:1 · Grades 1–8 18:1
Class sizes small enough that every child is known.
$232,000
Awarded in tuition assistance this year, helping make a St. Joseph Marquette education accessible to more families.
95% of faculty
hold advanced degrees.
Nearly 1 in 3
students at St. Joe's are not Catholic.
50%+ of students
come from diverse backgrounds
30%+ of families are alumni
Generations of Yakima families still choose St. Joe's.
What families say about St. Joseph Marquette
Admissions · 2026–27 enrollment open
Experience St. Joseph Marquette for yourself
Discover why generations of Yakima Valley families have chosen St. Joseph Marquette and continue to call it home.
