The Best Private Schools in Arrington, Virginia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Arrington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Anne's-Belfield School
Independent
St. Anne's-Belfield is a highly regarded independent school serving students from pre-school through grade 12, located approximately 25 minutes from Arrington. The school offers both International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs, providing exceptional academic rigor. With two campuses in Charlottesville, the school features modern facilities including innovation labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic complexes. The school is known for its strong community values, outstanding college placement record, and comprehensive extracurricular programs spanning athletics, arts, and community service.
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Miller School of Albemarle
Independent
Miller School of Albemarle is a prestigious co-educational boarding and day school located just 20 minutes from Arrington. Founded in 1878, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and personalized attention. The 1,600-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, athletic complexes, and arts centers. Known for its strong STEM programs and competitive athletics, the school emphasizes character development and leadership. The diverse student body benefits from a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio and comprehensive college counseling program.
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Virginia Episcopal School
Independent
Virginia Episcopal School is a distinguished co-educational boarding and day school located approximately 30 minutes from Arrington in Lynchburg. The school offers a challenging college preparatory curriculum in a supportive, close-knit community environment. The 160-acre campus features modern academic buildings, athletic facilities, and residential halls. VES emphasizes character education, leadership development, and personalized learning with an average class size of 12 students. The school's outdoor education program and strong athletic traditions complement its academic excellence, preparing students for top-tier college success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Arrington, Virginia
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Arrington, Virginia?
While Arrington itself is a rural community, families have access to several prestigious private schools within a reasonable commuting distance in Central Virginia. The most notable are Miller School of Albemarle in Charlottesville (a co-ed, boarding and day school with a strong outdoor program), St. Anne's-Belfield School in Charlottesville (a highly academic Pre-K through 12 day and boarding school), and Virginia Episcopal School (VES) in Lynchburg (a college-prep boarding and day school). These schools often serve families from a wide region, including Arrington, Nelson County, and surrounding areas. There are very few, if any, private schools physically located within Arrington's immediate boundaries.
How does the tuition for top private schools near Arrington, VA, compare to state averages, and what financial aid is typically available?
Tuition for the leading private schools near Arrington is significant, often exceeding the Virginia private school average due to their prestige, facilities, and boarding programs. For the 2024-25 academic year, day student tuition at these schools can range from approximately $30,000 to over $40,000. Boarding tuition is higher. However, these schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer substantial need-based financial aid. For example, St. Anne's-Belfield and VES award millions in aid annually. Virginia also offers tax-credit scholarship programs like the Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credits Program, which can provide additional funding for eligible families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Arrington area offer that leverage the local environment?
Private schools near Arrington capitalize on the region's natural beauty and cultural resources. Miller School of Albemarle is renowned for its Center for the Environment and its 1,600-acre campus used for sustainability studies and outdoor leadership. Many schools integrate Virginia's history into their curricula, with trips to Monticello, Appomattox, and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Equestrian programs are also common, taking advantage of the rural setting. Furthermore, proximity to the University of Virginia in Charlottesville allows schools like St. Anne's-Belfield to facilitate research partnerships and advanced academic opportunities not typically available in a purely rural public district.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools serving Arrington, VA, families?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For competitive entry, especially in secondary grades, families should initiate inquiries 12-18 months before the desired start date. Key steps include: attending fall open houses (often September-November), submitting applications by January or February deadlines, completing standardized testing (SSAT or ISEE), and participating in student interviews and campus visits. For boarding options at Miller School or VES, this includes an overnight visit. Rolling admissions may be available, but spaces fill quickly. Given Arrington's location, demonstrating a feasible commute plan or interest in boarding is a crucial part of the application discussion.
For an Arrington resident, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local Nelson County Public Schools and a private school in Charlottesville or Lynchburg?
The decision hinges on commute, educational philosophy, and program specificity. Nelson County Public Schools offer a close-knit, community-based education with no commute. The private school option involves a significant daily drive (30-60+ minutes to Charlottesville or Lynchburg) or boarding, but provides access to extensive resources, smaller class sizes, specialized college counseling, and often a more diverse student body drawn from a wider region. Parents should consider if their child needs a specific program (e.g., intensive arts, advanced STEM, or learning support) more robustly offered at a private school. The financial investment versus the value of time spent commuting is a central calculation for Arrington families.
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