The Best Private Schools in Blacksburg, Virginia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Blacksburg. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. John Neumann Academy
Private Catholic School
St. John Neumann Academy is a highly-regarded private Catholic school offering a classical education model integrated with Catholic faith formation. The school serves students from pre-K through 8th grade with a rigorous academic program that emphasizes critical thinking, moral development, and comprehensive learning. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and dedicated art and music spaces. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of approximately 12:1, allowing for individualized attention. Extracurricular offerings include competitive sports, choir, drama, and various clubs. Parents consistently praise the school's strong community atmosphere and academic preparation.
Programs:
Community School
Private Independent School
Community School offers a progressive, student-centered education for students from age 2 through 8th grade, serving families throughout the New River Valley region including Blacksburg. The school emphasizes hands-on learning, environmental education, and social-emotional development alongside academic excellence. The campus features extensive outdoor learning spaces, gardens, and nature trails that complement traditional classroom instruction. The school's innovative approach includes project-based learning, integrated arts curriculum, and individualized academic planning. Parents appreciate the nurturing environment and focus on developing confident, creative thinkers. The school maintains small class sizes and strong parent-teacher partnerships.
Programs:
North Cross School
Independent School
North Cross School is a prestigious independent college preparatory school serving the broader Southwest Virginia region, including families from Blacksburg. The school offers a comprehensive educational program from pre-K through 12th grade with both International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement options. Facilities include state-of-the-art science laboratories, performing arts center, athletic complex, and technology-enhanced classrooms. The school boasts a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top-tier universities. Extracurricular programs include competitive athletics, robotics, debate, and extensive arts offerings. The school provides transportation options for students from the Blacksburg area.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Blacksburg, Virginia
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Blacksburg, Virginia, and what are their key characteristics?
The primary private school options serving the Blacksburg area are St. John Neumann Academy, North Cross School, and Community School. St. John Neumann Academy is a private Catholic school in Blacksburg offering a classical, faith-based education from preschool through 8th grade. North Cross School, located in Roanoke (about a 40-minute drive), is a college-preparatory day school for grades PK-12, known for its robust academics and athletics. Community School, also in Roanoke, is an independent school for students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences, offering a specialized Orton-Gillingham based curriculum. Many Blacksburg families consider these schools, with the commute to Roanoke being a significant factor for the latter two.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Blacksburg, VA, area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Blacksburg area varies. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. John Neumann Academy's tuition ranges from approximately $7,000 for part-time preschool to around $9,500 for grades 1-8. North Cross School's tuition ranges from about $20,000 to $25,000+ for upper grades. These figures are generally in line with or slightly below Virginia's private school averages, which are influenced by higher costs in Northern Virginia. All these schools offer need-based financial aid, and St. John Neumann provides parish subsidies for active Catholic families. Virginia also has education scholarship accounts (like the Virginia Education Success Fund) for eligible students, which can be used at participating private schools.
What unique academic or specialized programs do private schools serving Blacksburg offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools serving Blacksburg offer distinct specialized programs. St. John Neumann Academy provides a classical curriculum integrated with Catholic theology, Latin instruction, and a strong emphasis on the liberal arts tradition. North Cross School features advanced college counseling, a renowned engineering and robotics program, and global study opportunities, including a Cum Laude Society chapter. Community School offers an intensive, research-based program specifically designed for students with dyslexia, which is a unique offering not typically found in a standard public school setting. These specialized approaches cater to specific educational philosophies and learning needs not always available in the Montgomery County Public Schools system.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools in the Blacksburg, Virginia, area?
The enrollment process typically begins in the fall prior to the desired school year. For St. John Neumann Academy in Blacksburg, open houses are held in the fall, with applications due in early winter (often January/February). Admission decisions are then communicated in the spring. North Cross and Community School in Roanoke follow similar timelines but may have earlier deadlines for financial aid applications (often February 1st). Key steps include a campus tour, submission of application forms, student records, teacher recommendations, and often a student visit or assessment. Due to limited seats, especially in lower grades, starting the process early is highly recommended for Blacksburg families.
For a family living in Blacksburg, what are the main considerations when choosing between the local high-performing public schools and the available private options?
The decision hinges on several Blacksburg-specific factors. Montgomery County Public Schools, including the highly-rated Blacksburg High School, offer robust AP programs, extensive extracurriculars, and no tuition. Choosing a private option often involves seeking a specific educational environment: a faith-based foundation (St. John Neumann), a highly competitive college-prep atmosphere with extensive resources (North Cross), or a specialized program for learning differences (Community School). The commute to Roanoke schools is a major practical consideration, impacting daily logistics and community connection. Families must weigh the desired class size, educational philosophy, and specialized programs against the convenience, cost, and comprehensive offerings of the excellent local public system.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities