The Best Private Schools in Washington, Georgia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Washington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Augusta Preparatory Day School
Independent
Augusta Preparatory Day School is a premier independent school serving the CSRA region, including families from Washington, GA. As an International Baccalaureate World School, Augusta Prep offers rigorous academic programs from pre-K through 12th grade. The school features exceptional facilities including state-of-the-art classrooms, science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. With a student-teacher ratio of 9:1, students receive personalized attention from highly qualified faculty. The school boasts a 100% college acceptance rate and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities in athletics, arts, and community service.
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Westminster Schools of Augusta
Independent Christian School
Westminster Schools of Augusta is a distinguished classical Christian school serving the greater Augusta region, including Washington, GA families. Founded in 1976, Westminster provides a comprehensive education from pre-K through 12th grade grounded in classical methodology and Christian worldview. The school offers a rigorous academic program with Advanced Placement courses, competitive athletics, vibrant fine arts programs, and extensive STEM opportunities. Westminster features modern campus facilities, experienced faculty, and a strong track record of college placements. The school emphasizes character development and spiritual growth alongside academic achievement.
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Briarwood Academy
Independent
Briarwood Academy is a highly-regarded private school serving the Washington, GA area and surrounding communities. Established in 1972, this college preparatory school offers a comprehensive educational program from pre-K through 12th grade. The academy features small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a strong emphasis on character development alongside academic excellence. Students benefit from competitive athletic programs, fine arts opportunities, and modern facilities. The school maintains a family-oriented atmosphere with strong community support and consistently prepares graduates for success at the collegiate level.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Washington, Georgia
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Washington, Georgia?
While Washington itself is a smaller city, families have access to several well-regarded private schools in the surrounding region of East Central Georgia. The most prominent local option is Briarwood Academy, a Pre-K through 12th-grade college-preparatory school located just outside Washington in Warrenton. For a broader range, many families in Washington also consider schools in the Augusta area, approximately an hour's drive, such as Augusta Preparatory Day School and Westminster Schools of Augusta. These schools offer robust academic, athletic, and arts programs and are common choices for families seeking a comprehensive private education.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Washington, GA area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for private schools serving the Washington area tends to be below the average for major metropolitan areas in Georgia but is consistent with regional independent schools. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Briarwood Academy's tuition ranges from approximately $7,000 for lower grades to $9,000 for high school. The Augusta-area schools have higher tuition, often ranging from $15,000 to $22,000 annually. Importantly, most of these schools, including Briarwood, offer need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. Georgia also has the Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program, which provides tax-credit scholarships to eligible students attending participating private schools, helping to make private education more accessible for Washington families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Washington, GA offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in this region often emphasize smaller class sizes, college-prep rigor, and distinctive programs. Briarwood Academy, for instance, has a strong focus on agricultural science and FFA, reflecting the area's heritage, alongside standard AP courses. Schools like Augusta Prep and Westminster offer extensive world language programs starting in elementary school, competitive robotics teams, and renowned arts departments. A key differentiator is the emphasis on community and character education, which is often woven into the school's mission. These schools can provide more specialized attention and a wider array of advanced courses than might be available in the rural public school districts surrounding Washington.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Briarwood Academy that serve Washington, GA families?
The enrollment process for schools like Briarwood Academy generally begins in the fall or early winter for the following academic year. It is advisable to start by scheduling a campus tour and an admissions meeting. The application itself often requires academic records, teacher recommendations, standardized test scores (for some grade levels), and a student interview or shadow day. Priority application deadlines are typically in February or March, with rolling admissions afterward if spaces remain. Due to the smaller size of these schools, especially in the upper grades, it is crucial for Washington parents to initiate the process early to secure a spot and complete any necessary financial aid applications simultaneously.
For a family in Washington, what are the key considerations when choosing between a local private school like Briarwood and a larger Augusta-area private school?
The decision often hinges on commute, community feel, and program scope. Briarwood Academy offers proximity, a tight-knit community where many families know each other, and a culture that integrates well with the local Washington/Warrenton area. The commute is minimal. Choosing an Augusta school involves a significant daily drive (about 50-60 minutes each way) but provides access to a wider variety of advanced academic tracks, more extensive fine arts facilities, and a larger, more diverse student body. Parents must weigh the value of a shorter school day with more family time against the potential for broader extracurricular and academic opportunities. Many Washington families value the local connection Briarwood provides, while others seek the specific programs only found in the larger Augusta institutions.
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