The Best Private Schools in Accomac, Virginia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Accomac. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. George Elementary & Middle School
Catholic Diocese of Richmond
St. George Elementary & Middle School is a highly-regarded Catholic school serving the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Established in 1959, this institution provides comprehensive education from Pre-K through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on faith-based learning and academic excellence. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes advanced mathematics, science, language arts, and religious studies. Facilities include modern classrooms, a library, computer lab, and athletic fields. The school is known for its strong community involvement, family atmosphere, and commitment to developing students' moral and intellectual character.
Programs:
Broadwater Academy
Independent School
Broadwater Academy is a premier independent college preparatory school serving the Eastern Shore region, including Accomac. Founded in 1966, the school offers comprehensive education from Pre-K through 12th grade with a strong focus on academic rigor and character development. The curriculum includes numerous Advanced Placement courses, robust STEM programs, and extensive fine arts offerings. The campus features state-of-the-art science labs, technology-enhanced classrooms, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. Broadwater maintains small student-teacher ratios and has an excellent college acceptance record, with graduates attending top universities nationwide. The school emphasizes community service and leadership development.
Programs:
Nandua Middle & High School (Private Academy Division)
Eastern Shore Public Schools Alternative Program
While primarily a public institution, Nandua Middle & High School offers specialized academy programs that serve as private-style educational options for Eastern Shore students, including those from Accomac. The school has developed reputation for excellence in career and technical education, particularly in marine science, agriculture, and business technology. Established in 1979, the school features modern facilities including specialized labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. The academy programs provide rigorous college preparatory coursework alongside hands-on career training. Nandua is known for its strong community partnerships, internship opportunities, and successful track record of preparing students for both college and career pathways.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Accomac, Virginia
What are the primary private school options available for K-12 education in and around Accomac, Virginia?
In the Accomac area on Virginia's Eastern Shore, full K-12 private education is primarily offered through a combination of schools. **Broadwater Academy** in Exmore (a short drive from Accomac) is a prominent college-preparatory day school serving grades Pre-K through 12. **St. George Elementary & Middle School** in Pungoteague provides education from Pre-K through 8th grade. For high school, families often consider Broadwater Academy or the private academy division associated with **Nandua Middle & High School**. The options are limited in number but are well-established institutions serving the rural Eastern Shore community, so early inquiry is recommended due to smaller class sizes.
How does the tuition for private schools in Accomac, VA, compare to state averages, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition for private schools on the Eastern Shore, like Broadwater Academy and St. George, is generally below the statewide average for Virginia private schools, reflecting the region's cost of living. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition at these schools typically ranges from approximately $8,000 to $15,000 annually, depending on the grade level and school. Both schools offer need-based financial aid, scholarships, and sometimes multi-child discounts. Virginia also has state-sponsored programs like the **Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credits Program**, which can provide scholarships for eligible families, making private education more accessible in Accomac and across Virginia.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Accomac-area private schools offer that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in the Accomac area uniquely integrate the Eastern Shore's rich environmental and cultural resources into their curricula. **Broadwater Academy**, for instance, has strong marine science and environmental studies programs, with direct access to the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic coastal ecosystems for fieldwork. Many schools emphasize agricultural science, reflecting the local economy, and may have partnerships with local historic sites like the Ker Place or the NASA Wallops Flight Facility. These programs provide hands-on learning opportunities that are distinctly tied to the Delmarva Peninsula, offering an education deeply connected to the community's heritage and natural surroundings.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Accomac, Virginia?
The enrollment process for private schools like Broadwater Academy and St. George Elementary & Middle School typically begins in the fall or early winter for the following academic year. Key steps include: 1) **Open Houses** (often held October-January), 2) **Application Submission** (due by January or February for first-round consideration), 3) **Student Assessment/Visit** (required for most grades), and 4) **Financial Aid Application** (if needed). Rolling admissions may continue if spaces remain, but due to small cohort sizes in this rural area, early application is strongly advised. Sibling and legacy preferences are common, so communicating with the admissions office well in advance is crucial for Accomac families.
For families in Accomac, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school (Accomac Elementary/Accomack County Public Schools) and a private school?
The decision often hinges on several local factors. **Accomack County Public Schools** provide a tuition-free, comprehensive education with broader extracurricular offerings due to larger school sizes. In contrast, private options like Broadwater Academy offer significantly smaller class sizes (often 10-15 students), a consistent college-prep curriculum from elementary through high school, and a community-oriented environment. A major consideration for Accomac families is transportation, as private schools may not provide bus service from all areas, requiring a commute to Exmore or Pungoteague. Additionally, private schools can offer religious or specific pedagogical foundations (though many in the area are non-denominational) and may provide more stability in programming compared to the county's public schools, which can be affected by state funding challenges common in rural Virginia districts.
Private Education Insights
Discover the Best Private Schools in Accomac, VA: A Parent's Guide
As a parent in Accomac, Virginia, the search for the right educational environment for your child is deeply personal and profoundly important. When you type "private schools near me" into a search engine, you're not just looking for a list; you're seeking a community, a philosophy, and a partner in your child's development. Here on the Eastern Shore, our unique setting—a close-knit community surrounded by the beauty of the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic coastline—shapes what we value in education: strong character, individual attention, and a connection to our environment and heritage. The private school options in and around Accomac offer distinct pathways to nurture these values.
Your local search will likely highlight a few key institutions, each with its own longstanding reputation. St. George Elementary & Middle School provides a faith-based education rooted in Catholic tradition, offering a structured, values-oriented environment for younger students right here in Accomac. For families looking for a comprehensive K-12 experience, Broadwater Academy, located just a short drive away in Exmore, is a cornerstone of Eastern Shore private education. With a college-preparatory focus and a wide array of extracurriculars, it represents a significant commitment to academic excellence. You may also discover the Private Academy Division at Nandua, which offers another personalized alternative within the local area. Visiting these campuses is crucial; feel the atmosphere, talk to teachers, and observe how students interact. The sense of community you get will tell you more than any brochure.
Choosing a private school on the Eastern Shore involves practical considerations unique to our rural landscape. Transportation is a key factor. Unlike in a city, bus routes may be limited, so assessing the daily commute along routes like Lankford Highway or across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel for wider options is a real part of the decision. The financial investment is another serious consideration. It's essential to have open conversations with admissions offices about tuition, as many schools offer financial aid or payment plans to help make their programs accessible to dedicated families. Furthermore, think about the long-term journey. If you choose a school that ends at 8th grade, like St. George's, what are the preferred feeder patterns to local high schools? Planning for educational continuity reduces transitions later on.
Ultimately, your search for "private schools near me" in Accomac is about finding a place where your child is known, challenged, and inspired. It’s about small class sizes where teachers can truly tailor their approach, and where community values reinforce what you teach at home. Take your time, ask detailed questions about curriculum, student support, and community involvement. The right school will feel like an extension of your family—a place that understands the unique gift of raising a child on the Eastern Shore and is committed to helping them thrive both in academics and in character. Your diligence now will lay the foundation for your child's confidence and success for years to come.