The Best Private Schools in Alexandria, Virginia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Alexandria. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Burgundy Farm Country Day School
Independent Progressive Education
Burgundy Farm Country Day School is a progressive independent school serving students from junior kindergarten through 8th grade. The school is renowned for its experiential learning approach and environmental education program set on a 25-acre campus that includes forests, streams, and farm animals. As an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme school, Burgundy emphasizes inquiry-based learning and global perspectives. The school's unique outdoor classroom and commitment to sustainability make it a distinctive educational option in Northern Virginia.
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St. Stephen's & St. Agnes School
Independent Episcopal School
St. Stephen's & St. Agnes School is a highly regarded Episcopal independent school serving students from junior kindergarten through grade 12. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement course offerings. Known for its strong academic programs, the school features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. The campus spans multiple locations in Alexandria, providing comprehensive educational experiences with emphasis on character development and community service.
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The Langley School
Independent School
The Langley School serves students from preschool through 8th grade and is located in nearby McLean, serving families throughout Northern Virginia including Alexandria. The school offers a comprehensive educational program with strong emphasis on academic excellence, character development, and social-emotional learning. Langley's curriculum includes robust STEAM programs, world language instruction beginning in preschool, and extensive arts and athletics offerings. The school's middle school program specifically prepares students for success at top independent and public high schools in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Alexandria, Virginia
What are the distinctive educational philosophies of the top private schools in Alexandria, VA, and how do they differ?
Alexandria's leading private schools offer distinct educational approaches. St. Stephen's & St. Agnes School is a prominent Episcopal college-preparatory school with a rigorous, traditional curriculum and a strong emphasis on character and community service. Burgundy Farm Country Day School is known for its progressive, experiential learning model deeply connected to its 25-acre campus and farm, focusing on environmental stewardship and hands-on projects. The Langley School emphasizes a balanced, whole-child approach with strong academics, arts, and athletics, fostering a supportive and inclusive community. This variety allows Alexandria parents to choose a philosophy that aligns closely with their child's learning style and family values.
How does the tuition for private schools in Alexandria, VA, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at Alexandria's top private schools is generally at or above the Virginia state average for private education, reflecting the region's high cost of living and the schools' extensive resources. For the 2024-2025 academic year, K-12 day school tuition in Alexandria often ranges from approximately $35,000 to $45,000. However, these schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer robust need-based financial aid programs. Many, like St. Stephen's & St. Agnes, have substantial endowment-funded aid budgets. It's crucial to apply for aid simultaneously with admission, as deadlines are strict. Additionally, Virginia's Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credits program can provide some tuition assistance through donations to approved scholarship foundations.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in Alexandria, Virginia?
The enrollment process for Alexandria's sought-after private schools is highly structured and begins early. Most schools open applications in August or September for the following fall. Key steps include: attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting applications by January deadlines, completing student assessments and interviews (typically in January/February), and receiving decisions in March. For the most competitive grades like kindergarten, pre-K, and 9th grade, starting the process 12-18 months in advance is advisable. Many Alexandria schools also have sibling and legacy preferences, so planning is essential. Rolling admissions may exist for non-peak grades, but spaces are limited.
How do the extracurricular and specialized academic programs in Alexandria private schools leverage the resources of the Washington D.C. metro area?
Alexandria private schools uniquely capitalize on their proximity to Washington D.C. through specialized "DC-adjacent" programs. Many offer advanced courses in government, international relations, and policy, with frequent trips to Capitol Hill, museums, and embassies. Schools like St. Stephen's & St. Agnes have strong STEM partnerships with local tech firms and research institutions. Arts programs benefit from collaborations with D.C. theaters, galleries, and the Kennedy Center. Furthermore, the diverse, transient population of the metro area creates a globally-minded student body, enhancing language programs and international baccalaureate (IB) or global studies tracks offered by some schools.
For families considering both options, what are the key factors when comparing Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) to private schools in Alexandria?
The decision often hinges on several Alexandria-specific factors. **ACPS** offers a diverse, neighborhood-based education with no tuition, including specialty programs like the International Academy and STEM magnets at certain schools. However, some families seek private options for smaller class sizes, distinct religious or philosophical education, or more consistent resources across all grade levels. A practical consideration is that some ACPS elementary schools are highly rated, while the middle and high school landscape is more varied, leading some families to consider private school at later grades. Private schools in Alexandria also often provide more extensive campus facilities (like Burgundy's farm) and may have more flexibility in curriculum design compared to state-standardized benchmarks. Transportation is another factor, as ACPS provides busing, while private schools may require carpooling or paid bus services.