The Best Private Schools in Cheriton, Virginia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Cheriton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Broadwater Academy
Independent
Broadwater Academy is a highly-regarded coeducational independent school serving the Eastern Shore of Virginia, including Cheriton. Established in 1966, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory program for students from Pre-K through 12th grade. The academy features small class sizes, individualized attention, and a strong emphasis on academic excellence. Their curriculum includes numerous Advanced Placement courses, robust STEM programs, competitive athletics, and comprehensive arts education. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and strong college placement record.
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Norfolk Christian Schools
Norfolk Christian Schools
While located in Norfolk, Norfolk Christian Schools serves families throughout the Hampton Roads region, including the Eastern Shore area with some students commuting from Cheriton. Established in 1952, this prestigious Christian school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 12th grade. The school features an International Baccalaureate program, extensive Advanced Placement offerings, and a strong college preparatory curriculum integrated with Christian worldview. Campus facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts centers, athletic complexes, and technology-enhanced classrooms. The school is known for its academic rigor, competitive athletic programs, outstanding fine arts department, and strong college matriculation rates to top universities nationwide.
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Capeville Christian School
Independent Christian School
Capeville Christian School serves families throughout Northampton County, including Cheriton, providing a Christ-centered education for students in grades K-8. Founded in 1989, the school combines rigorous academic instruction with biblical principles and character development. The curriculum emphasizes foundational skills in reading, mathematics, and language arts while incorporating Bible study, chapel services, and Christian values throughout the educational experience. The school features small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a family-oriented atmosphere. Facilities include modern classrooms, a library, computer lab, and playground areas. Parents appreciate the strong sense of community and moral foundation provided.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Cheriton, Virginia
What are the primary private school options serving families in Cheriton, Virginia, and are they located directly in town?
Cheriton itself is a very small town on Virginia's Eastern Shore, so most private school options are located in nearby communities. The primary schools serving the area include Broadwater Academy in Exmore (about a 15-minute drive south), Capeville Christian School in Capeville (a short drive north), and Norfolk Christian Schools, which has multiple campuses in Norfolk (requiring a commute across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel). There are no major private school campuses within Cheriton's town limits, so transportation is a key consideration for families.
How does the tuition for Eastern Shore private schools like Broadwater Academy compare to statewide averages in Virginia?
Tuition for day schools on the Eastern Shore is generally lower than the statewide average for Virginia private schools, reflecting the region's cost of living. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Broadwater Academy's tuition ranges from approximately $10,000 for lower grades to $13,000 for upper school. This is notably below the Virginia independent school average, which often exceeds $20,000. However, families should budget for additional costs like transportation, activity fees, and, for Norfolk Christian, potential tolls for the Bridge-Tunnel commute.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Cheriton offer that leverage the Eastern Shore environment?
Schools in this region often incorporate the unique local environment into their programs. Broadwater Academy, for instance, has a strong marine science program that utilizes the nearby Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean for hands-on learning and research. Many area private schools also emphasize agricultural science, environmental stewardship, and offer unique athletics like sailing or crew that are tied to the coastal location. This provides a distinctive educational experience compared to inland Virginia schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for schools like Broadwater Academy, and are there considerations for families new to the Eastern Shore?
The enrollment process for Eastern Shore private schools often begins in the fall for the following academic year, with priority application deadlines typically between January and March. A key consideration for families moving to Cheriton is that these schools have limited seats, especially in specific grade levels, so early inquiry is recommended. The process usually includes an application, student records review, student assessment or visit, and a family interview. Given the tight-knit community, schools often value families who understand and are committed to the rural, community-oriented lifestyle of the Shore.
For a Cheriton resident, what are the major practical differences between sending a child to a Northampton County public school versus a local private school like Capeville Christian?
The major differences involve scale, resources, and religious education. Northampton County Public Schools are consolidated, meaning longer bus rides to centralized schools. Private options like Capeville Christian offer smaller class sizes (often 10-15 students) and a distinct Christian curriculum integrated throughout the day. Academically, the private schools may offer more consistent advanced or AP course availability, while public schools provide federally-funded special education services and a broader range of extracurriculars due to larger student populations. The decision often hinges on a family's desire for a specific faith-based education, class size priority, and tolerance for commute times.
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