The Best Private Schools in Centreville, Virginia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Centreville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
BASIS Independent McLean
BASIS Curriculum Schools
BASIS Independent McLean serves students from TK through grade 12, drawing many families from Centreville seeking an academically rigorous, internationally-benchmarked education. The school follows the BASIS Curriculum, which emphasizes advanced STEM subjects, liberal arts, and foreign languages including Mandarin and Latin from early grades. Students consistently achieve top scores on standardized tests and AP exams. The modern campus features advanced science laboratories, technology-enhanced classrooms, and specialized spaces for arts and innovation. Despite being newer than traditional independent schools, BASIS has rapidly gained recognition for academic excellence and college preparation outcomes.
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Flint Hill School
Independent
Flint Hill School is a premier independent JK-12 school serving Northern Virginia, including Centreville families. With a 25-acre campus in Oakton, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes averaging 12:1 student-teacher ratio. The school emphasizes innovative teaching methods, extensive technology integration, and comprehensive arts and athletics programs. Flint Hill boasts state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate to selective institutions and offers extensive AP and honors courses.
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The Langley School
Independent
The Langley School serves preschool through 8th grade students from Centreville and surrounding Northern Virginia communities. Known for its progressive educational approach, the school focuses on developing the whole child through academic excellence combined with strong social-emotional learning programs. The curriculum emphasizes project-based learning, innovation labs, and outdoor education. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, art studios, and extensive play areas. The school maintains small class sizes and offers comprehensive before and after-school programs, making it accessible for working families in the Centreville area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Centreville, Virginia
What are the primary private school options for Centreville, VA families, and are there any located directly in Centreville?
While Centreville itself has a limited number of standalone private schools, families commonly look to highly-regarded institutions in the surrounding Northern Virginia area. Top choices include BASIS Independent McLean (a rigorous college-prep school), Flint Hill School in Oakton (a JK-12 independent school with strong arts and athletics), and The Langley School in McLean (focusing on elementary and middle years). Many Centreville residents also consider Catholic schools like St. Timothy School and Bishop O'Connell High School in Arlington. The commute to these schools, often via I-66 or the Fairfax County Parkway, is a significant daily consideration for Centreville parents.
How does tuition for Northern Virginia private schools near Centreville compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition for the top-tier private schools accessible from Centreville is among the highest in Virginia, reflecting the region's cost of living. For the 2024-25 school year, expect tuition ranges of approximately $35,000 to $45,000+ for day schools like Flint Hill and BASIS Independent McLean. This is substantially above the Virginia private school average. However, these schools typically offer robust need-based financial aid programs. It's crucial to apply for aid simultaneously with admission, as funds are limited. Additionally, Virginia's Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credits Program allows donors to support scholarship funds for eligible students, which can be a resource for some families.
What unique academic or specialized programs do private schools in the Centreville area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in this region often offer distinct curricular approaches and deeper specialization. For example, BASIS Independent McLean follows a STEM-liberal arts fused curriculum with advanced coursework available very early, often surpassing the pace of FCPS Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate programs. Flint Hill emphasizes experiential learning and a "design thinking" approach across disciplines. Many schools also offer unique global studies, entrepreneurship, or intensive arts conservatory-style programs that are less commonly found as comprehensive offerings in the large Centreville-area public high schools like Westfield or Centreville High.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Northern Virginia region serving Centreville?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For entry points like Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th grades, the timeline typically starts in the summer or early fall, over a year before enrollment. Key steps include: attending open houses (August-October), submitting applications by January deadlines, completing student assessments/visits (January-February), and receiving decisions in March. For schools like The Langley School, sibling and legacy applicant considerations are important. Centreville families must plan for this schedule meticulously, as missing key dates can mean waiting a full year. Rolling admissions may exist for other grades, but spaces are limited.
For a family living in Centreville, what are the key factors when deciding between the highly-rated Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) and a private school?
This decision often hinges on several Centreville-specific factors. First, consider the **commute**: a long daily drive to a private school versus a short bus ride or walk to a top-rated FCPS school like London Towne Elementary or Liberty Middle School. Second, assess **programmatic fit**: FCPS offers strong standard and advanced programs (AP, IB at Centreville High), but private schools may provide more individualized attention, specific pedagogical philosophies, or niche programs. Third, evaluate **class size and environment**: FCPS schools are large, while private schools offer smaller communities. Finally, **cost** is paramount: weighing significant tuition against FCPS's free, high-quality education, potentially freeing resources for tutors, extracurriculars, and college savings.
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