The Best Private Schools in Annandale, Virginia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Annandale. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Flint Hill School
Independent
Flint Hill School is a highly-regarded independent private school serving students from junior kindergarten through 12th grade. Located just minutes from Annandale in Oakton, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and individualized attention. The 50-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. Flint Hill emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with strong programs in STEM, humanities, and arts. The school maintains a diverse community and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities.
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The Langley School
Independent
The Langley School is a prestigious independent private school serving students from preschool through 8th grade. Located in nearby McLean, the school serves families throughout Northern Virginia including Annandale. Langley offers a comprehensive educational program focused on developing critical thinking, creativity, and character. The curriculum integrates STEAM education with strong emphasis on literacy, mathematics, and world languages. The school features modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. Parent satisfaction is exceptionally high with particular praise for the dedicated faculty and supportive community environment.
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Burgundy Farm Country Day School
Independent
Burgundy Farm Country Day School is a progressive independent school located in Alexandria, serving students from junior kindergarten through 8th grade. The school's 25-acre campus provides extensive outdoor learning opportunities and environmental education programs. Burgundy emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning with a curriculum that balances academic rigor with creative expression and social-emotional development. The school serves families from Annandale and throughout Northern Virginia, offering small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a strong sense of community. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and extensive outdoor learning spaces.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Annandale, Virginia
What are the primary private school options serving families in Annandale, Virginia, and what are their educational philosophies?
Annandale itself is home to a few private schools, but it is centrally located within Fairfax County, providing access to several highly-regarded institutions in the immediate vicinity. Top options include Flint Hill School (Oakton), with a college-preparatory focus and a strong emphasis on innovation and arts; The Langley School (McLean), known for its progressive, student-centered approach in grades PK-8; and Burgundy Farm Country Day School (Alexandria), which emphasizes experiential, environmental learning and a cooperative community. Annandale families also frequently consider schools in the broader Northern VA area. Each school has a distinct philosophy, so visiting campuses is crucial to finding the right fit.
How does tuition for private schools in the Annandale, VA area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the top private schools near Annandale is significant, reflecting the high cost of living and competitive salaries in Northern Virginia. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect tuition ranges of approximately $40,000 - $55,000 for upper schools and $30,000 - $40,000 for lower and middle schools. Most schools, including Flint Hill, Langley, and Burgundy Farm, offer robust need-based financial aid programs. It's essential to apply for aid simultaneously with admission, as funds are limited. Additionally, Virginia's Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credits Program allows donors to support scholarship funds at participating private schools, which can increase aid availability.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Annandale area that leverage the resources of Northern Virginia?
Private schools in the Annandale vicinity leverage their proximity to Washington, D.C., and the tech corridor for unique programs. Many offer specialized STEM partnerships with local companies and federal agencies, advanced robotics programs, and dedicated global studies curricula with frequent trips to the capital's museums and embassies. For example, Burgundy Farm integrates its 25-acre campus for environmental science, while Flint Hill offers extensive entrepreneurship and engineering tracks. The Langley School emphasizes social-emotional learning and project-based learning that often connects to local community issues. This access to cultural, governmental, and technological resources is a defining advantage.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools near Annandale, Virginia?
The admission process for sought-after private schools in Northern Virginia is highly structured and begins early. The timeline typically starts in the summer or early fall before the desired year of entry, with open houses and tours. Application deadlines are often in early to mid-January. The process usually includes a completed application, teacher recommendations, standardized testing (such as the ISEE or SSAT), school records, and a family/student interview. For younger grades, a classroom visit or playgroup assessment is common. Notification dates are typically in mid-March. Given the competitiveness, especially for entry points like Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 6th/9th grades, starting the process 12-18 months in advance is strongly advised.
For families in Annandale, how do the offerings of top private schools compare to the highly-rated Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS)?
This is a key consideration for Annandale residents, as the local FCPS pyramid includes well-regarded schools. The choice often comes down to specific needs and preferences. Private schools offer smaller class sizes (often 12-18 students vs. 25+ in public), more individualized attention, distinct educational philosophies (e.g., progressive, experiential), and often more consistent resources and facilities. They may also have more flexibility in curriculum. FCPS provides exceptional diversity, extensive advanced academic programs (like AAP/IB), and a vast array of extracurriculars at no direct cost. Many families choose private schools for a specific community feel or pedagogical approach, while others value the diversity and scale of FCPS. It's important to tour both types to compare cultures and offerings directly.
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