The Best Private Schools in Arlington, Virginia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Arlington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Thomas More Cathedral School
Catholic Diocese of Arlington
St. Thomas More Cathedral School provides an outstanding private education rooted in Catholic tradition and academic excellence. Serving students from pre-K through 8th grade, the school offers a classical education model with strong emphasis on foundational skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. The curriculum includes daily religious instruction, foreign language programs, and comprehensive arts education. The school community is known for its strong parent involvement and close-knit atmosphere. Graduates consistently gain admission to top-tier high schools in the region, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in preparing students for advanced academic challenges.
Programs:
Bishop O'Connell High School
Catholic Diocese of Arlington
Bishop O'Connell High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving the Arlington community for over seven decades. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 26 Advanced Placement courses and specialized academies in STEM and Global Studies. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. The school maintains a 12:1 student-teacher ratio and boasts a 100% college acceptance rate. Extracurricular opportunities include championship athletic teams, award-winning arts programs, and extensive community service initiatives.
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Washington-Liberty High School (Private Program)
Arlington Public Schools (Private Partnership Program)
Washington-Liberty's private partnership program offers an exceptional educational experience through its comprehensive International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement curricula. The school features specialized programs in environmental science, engineering, and computer science, with partnerships with local universities and businesses. Facilities include modern technology labs, Olympic-sized swimming pool, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes global citizenship and leadership development through its diverse student body and international exchange programs. Parent satisfaction remains high due to strong academic outcomes and comprehensive student support services.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Arlington, Virginia
What are the main types of private schools available in Arlington, VA, and how do they differ?
Arlington, VA, offers a diverse range of private schools, primarily falling into three categories: Catholic/parochial schools (like St. Thomas More Cathedral School), independent college-preparatory schools (like Bishop O'Connell High School), and specialized private programs. The distinction is important; for example, parochial schools often integrate faith-based education with a rigorous academic curriculum, while independent schools may offer more specialized Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) tracks. Arlington's proximity to Washington D.C. also means some schools have unique partnerships with museums, government agencies, and tech companies, providing enriched learning opportunities not always available elsewhere.
How does tuition for private schools in Arlington, VA, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in Arlington is significantly higher than the Virginia state average for private schools, reflecting the region's high cost of living. For the 2023-2024 academic year, K-8 tuition often ranges from $15,000 to $25,000+, while high school tuition can exceed $25,000. However, most established schools, like Bishop O'Connell, offer robust need-based financial aid and merit scholarship programs. Virginia's Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credits program also benefits donors to scholarship funds, increasing the pool of aid available. Parents should inquire directly about aid applications, which are typically separate from admissions and due early in the calendar year.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private high schools in Arlington, like Bishop O'Connell?
The enrollment process for top Arlington private high schools is highly structured and begins over a year in advance. For a fall 2025 entry, the timeline typically starts in summer/fall 2024 with open houses. Applications are due between December and January, requiring standardized test scores (like the HSPT or ISEE), transcripts, teacher recommendations, and often a student interview. Admissions decisions are released in March. Given the competitive nature and limited seats, especially for non-parishioners at Catholic schools, it is crucial to attend open houses, meet deadlines precisely, and apply to multiple schools. Sibling and legacy preferences are common factors.
How do private school academic programs in Arlington leverage the local D.C. metro area for student enrichment?
Arlington private schools uniquely capitalize on their location in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. Many have established "DC Classroom" programs that include regular trips to the Smithsonian museums, the National Archives, and the U.S. Capitol. High schools often feature specialized government/politics, diplomacy, and STEM tracks with guest speakers from federal agencies, internships at nonprofits or tech firms in nearby Crystal City and Rosslyn, and robust Model UN or debate circuits. This proximity provides unparalleled experiential learning that is a major differentiator from private schools in less urban parts of Virginia.
For families considering the excellent Arlington Public Schools (APS), what are the key arguments for choosing a private school in Arlington instead?
While APS is highly ranked, families choose Arlington private schools for several specific reasons. First, private schools often offer smaller class sizes and more personalized attention than even the best public schools. Second, they provide a distinct mission-driven environment, whether faith-based or focused on a specific pedagogical approach (e.g., classical education). Third, private schools can offer curriculum continuity and community from kindergarten through 12th grade, whereas APS students may face redistricting. Finally, for families seeking a particular academic focus or a community aligned with specific values, private schools offer a choice that public schools, by design, cannot provide. The decision often hinges on these philosophical and community factors, not just academic ratings.
Private Education Insights
Top Arlington Private Schools: Exceptional Education Beyond Religion
For parents in Arlington exploring educational options beyond the public system, the landscape of private schools presents a rich tapestry of choices, including a growing number of exceptional non religious private schools. This distinction is particularly meaningful in our community, where many nationally recognized institutions have historical religious affiliations. Understanding this spectrum is key to finding the right fit for your child’s academic and personal development. While Arlington is home to esteemed faith-based schools like Bishop O'Connell High School and St. Thomas More Cathedral School, families seeking a secular environment with rigorous academics and strong community values have compelling local and regional options to consider.
The demand for non religious private education in Arlington often stems from a desire for a specific pedagogical approach or educational philosophy, such as Montessori or progressive, student-centered learning, within a secular framework. These schools focus intensely on critical thinking, global citizenship, and ethical reasoning without doctrinal instruction. For many Arlington families, this aligns with a desire to provide a structured, values-based education that emphasizes inclusivity and diverse perspectives, preparing students for the pluralistic world they will enter. It’s important to note that "non-religious" does not mean devoid of values; these institutions often build their community ethos around principles of respect, integrity, and social responsibility.
When researching, parents should look beyond the immediate Arlington borders to neighboring communities like Falls Church, McLean, and Washington D.C., which host several of the region's most prestigious independent schools. The daily commute for an Arlington family is often manageable and considered a worthwhile investment for the right program. When evaluating a non religious private school, delve into its core curriculum, its approach to social-emotional learning, and its extracurricular offerings. Ask detailed questions about how diversity, equity, and inclusion are actively practiced in the classroom and the community. Given Arlington’s proximity to the nation's capital, many of these schools leverage incredible resources, from partnerships with museums and tech companies to unique government and diplomacy programs.
Financially, non religious private schools in the D.C. metro area are a significant commitment, with tuition often comparable to or exceeding that of local religious-affiliated institutions. However, most offer robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need. The admissions process is typically holistic and can be competitive, emphasizing not just academic records but also student character, parent interviews, and sometimes standardized testing. Starting your research early, ideally a full year before desired enrollment, is crucial. Visiting campuses, even virtually, and speaking with current parents can provide invaluable insights into the day-to-day culture. For Arlington parents, the journey to find the right non religious private school is one of matching your child’s unique needs with an institution’s mission, ensuring an environment where they can thrive intellectually and socially without religious instruction, yet within a strong, principled community.