The Best Private Schools in Carrollton, Virginia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Carrollton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Nansemond-Suffolk Academy
Independent School
Nansemond-Suffolk Academy is a premier independent school serving the Hampton Roads area, including Carrollton. With over 55 years of educational excellence, NSA offers a comprehensive college preparatory program from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. NSA emphasizes academic rigor with advanced placement courses, robust STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. The school maintains small class sizes with a 8:1 student-teacher ratio and has a 100% college acceptance rate to top universities nationwide.
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Hampton Roads Academy
Independent School
Hampton Roads Academy is a highly-regarded coeducational independent school serving students from Carrollton and surrounding communities. Established in 1959, HRA offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs. The 50-acre campus features modern classrooms, science and technology labs, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. HRA emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with a focus on leadership, community service, and global awareness. The school maintains a 8:1 student-faculty ratio and consistently sends graduates to top-tier colleges and universities.
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Christchurch School
Episcopal Diocese of Virginia
Christchurch School is an Episcopal college preparatory school located on the Rappahannock River, serving students from Carrollton and the greater Tidewater region. With over a century of educational tradition, the school offers a distinctive program combining rigorous academics with unique river-based learning opportunities. The marine science program is particularly notable, utilizing the school's waterfront location for hands-on environmental studies. Christchurch provides small class sizes, individualized attention, and a supportive community environment. The school's 125-acre campus includes modern academic facilities, dormitories, and extensive waterfront access for educational and recreational activities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Carrollton, Virginia
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Carrollton, Virginia, and are they located within the town itself?
While Carrollton itself is a smaller residential community, it is part of the broader Hampton Roads region, which offers several prestigious private schools. The most prominent day schools accessible to Carrollton families include Nansemond-Suffolk Academy (with campuses in Suffolk), Hampton Roads Academy in Newport News, and Christchurch School, a boarding/day option in Christchurch. Most families in Carrollton, VA, commute to these schools, with drive times typically ranging from 20 to 45 minutes depending on the specific location. There are very few, if any, private school campuses physically within Carrollton's town limits, so planning for transportation is a key local consideration.
How does tuition at top private schools near Carrollton, VA, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are commonly available?
Tuition at the leading private schools in the Carrollton area is generally at or above the Virginia independent school average. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition for these schools typically ranges from approximately $20,000 to $30,000+ for upper grades. All the mentioned schools—Nansemond-Suffolk Academy, Hampton Roads Academy, and Christchurch School—have robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need. Virginia also has education improvement scholarship tax credit programs that can provide partial tuition assistance through donations to scholarship funds, which these schools often participate in. It's crucial for Carrollton parents to apply for financial aid early, as deadlines often precede admission decisions.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Carrollton, VA, area offer that leverage the region's coastal environment?
Private schools serving Carrollton students uniquely capitalize on the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic coastal setting. Christchurch School has a renowned Chesapeake Bay Studies program and a waterfront campus for marine science and sailing. Hampton Roads Academy emphasizes environmental science with local field studies, and Nansemond-Suffolk Academy offers strong STEM programs with potential for marine biology focus. This regional context provides unparalleled hands-on learning in ecology, maritime history, and environmental stewardship that is distinctive to schools in the Tidewater Virginia area, setting them apart from inland private schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools near Carrollton, Virginia, and how far in advance should parents apply?
The enrollment process for competitive private schools in the Carrollton area follows a traditional independent school calendar. Key steps include open houses (often in the fall), application submission by January or February for the following academic year, standardized testing (ISEE or SSAT), student interviews, and teacher recommendations. Notification dates are typically in March. Given the limited seats and competitive nature of schools like HRA and NSA, Carrollton parents are advised to begin research and attend open houses 12-18 months before desired enrollment, especially for entry into middle or high school grades. Many families start the process in the fall for admission the next fall.
For a family in Carrollton, VA, what are the main considerations when choosing between the local Isle of Wight County public schools and a private school in the region?
The decision often hinges on several Carrollton-specific factors. Isle of Wight County Schools, including Carrollton Elementary, offer a solid public education with no tuition. Choosing a private school like NSA, HRA, or Christchurch involves a significant financial investment but typically provides smaller class sizes, specialized college preparatory curricula, and distinct religious or philosophical orientations (e.g., NSA's Christian foundation). For Carrollton families, the daily commute is a major practical consideration. The decision may also be influenced by a desire for a specific academic focus, such as advanced STEM or arts programs, or a more structured environment, which the nearby private schools are known for providing within the Hampton Roads educational landscape.
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