The Best Private Schools in Burgess, Virginia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Burgess. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Chesapeake Academy
Independent
Chesapeake Academy is a highly-regarded independent school serving the Northern Neck region, including Burgess families. Founded in 1965, the school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education with small class sizes and individualized attention. The academy features a robust STEM program, extensive arts curriculum, and innovative outdoor education opportunities. With modern facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic fields, the school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty and strong community atmosphere.
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St. Margaret's School
Episcopal
St. Margaret's School is an acclaimed all-girls Episcopal boarding and day school serving the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck regions, including Burgess. Founded in 1921, the school offers grades 8-12 with a strong emphasis on STEM education and leadership development. The unique River Program utilizes the school's Rappahannock River location for environmental science and outdoor education. With small class sizes and personalized college counseling, St. Margaret's boasts a 100% college acceptance rate. The historic campus features modern academic buildings, athletic facilities, and dormitories surrounded by 48 acres of waterfront property.
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Christchurch School
Episcopal Diocese of Virginia
Christchurch School is a prestigious Episcopal college-preparatory school located on the Rappahannock River, serving students from Burgess and surrounding communities. Established in 1921, the school offers both boarding and day programs for grades 8-12. Notable for its exceptional marine science program and championship sailing team, Christchurch provides a rigorous academic curriculum with advanced placement courses. The 125-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts center, and waterfront access for aquatic studies and recreation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Burgess, Virginia
What are the main private school options for families residing in or near Burgess, Virginia?
While Burgess itself is a small town in Virginia's Northern Neck region, families have access to several well-regarded independent schools within a reasonable commuting distance. The most prominent are Chesapeake Academy in Irvington (a Pre-K through 8th grade school), Christchurch School (a co-ed Episcopal boarding and day school for grades 9-12), and St. Margaret's School (an all-girls Episcopal boarding and day school for grades 8-12) in Tappahannock. These schools serve the broader Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula areas, drawing students from Burgess and surrounding counties like Lancaster, Northumberland, and Essex. There are no major private schools physically located within the town limits of Burgess itself.
How does the tuition for private schools near Burgess, VA, compare to state averages, and what financial aid is typically available?
Tuition for the private schools serving Burgess is generally in line with or slightly below Virginia's statewide independent school averages, partly due to the rural location. For the 2024-25 academic year, day student tuition ranges from approximately $15,000 to $25,000 annually, with boarding options at the secondary schools costing significantly more. All three major schools—Chesapeake Academy, Christchurch, and St. Margaret's—offer robust need-based financial aid programs. Additionally, Virginia's Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credits Program allows donors to support scholarship funds at these schools, increasing the financial aid pool. It's crucial to apply for aid early, as funds are limited and the process is separate from admissions.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Burgess offer that leverage the local Chesapeake Bay environment?
The private schools in the Burgess area uniquely integrate the rich natural and maritime resources of the Northern Neck and Chesapeake Bay into their curricula. Christchurch School is renowned for its Chesapeake Bay Studies program, where students engage in hands-on marine science, oyster restoration, and boatbuilding. St. Margaret's School features a waterfront campus with a strong focus on environmental science and stewardship. Chesapeake Academy emphasizes place-based learning, often utilizing local history, ecology, and the arts in its project-based approach. These programs provide distinctive educational experiences that are deeply connected to the region's culture and environment, which you would not typically find in a standard public school curriculum.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Burgess, Virginia families?
The enrollment process for schools like Chesapeake Academy, Christchurch, and St. Margaret's generally follows an annual cycle. Admissions applications for the following fall semester typically open in September or October, with priority deadlines in January or February. The process involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a student visit or interview. For Burgess families, it's important to plan for transportation logistics early, as commuting times to these schools can be 30-60 minutes. Rolling admissions may continue after priority deadlines if spaces remain. We highly recommend attending fall open houses or scheduling individual tours, which usually occur between October and March, to get a true feel for the campus community and culture.
For a Burgess resident, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school options with the nearby private schools?
The key considerations for Burgess families involve educational approach, resources, and community. The local public schools are part of the Northumberland County Public Schools district, which offers a traditional, tuition-free education. The nearby private schools offer smaller class sizes (often 10-15 students), specialized programs (like the Bay-focused curricula), and different educational philosophies (e.g., Episcopal values, project-based learning). A major factor is the daily commute to a private school versus the local bus route to a public school. Furthermore, private schools provide a regional community, connecting your child with peers from across the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula, which can be a significant social benefit in a rural area. The decision often hinges on the value placed on a specific educational environment and the family's ability to manage the associated financial and logistical commitments.
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