The Best Private Schools in Chesapeake, Virginia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Chesapeake. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Norfolk Academy
Independent
Norfolk Academy is Virginia's oldest independent school and consistently ranks among the top private schools in the nation. Serving students from Chesapeake and the broader Hampton Roads region, the school offers an exceptionally rigorous academic program with 25 Advanced Placement courses. The 64-acre campus features outstanding facilities including the Johnson Theater, state-of-the-art science centers, and extensive athletic complexes. The school's distinctive advisory system ensures personalized attention for every student. Norfolk Academy graduates attend the nation's most selective colleges and universities, with the school maintaining a long tradition of academic excellence and character development.
Programs:
Cape Henry Collegiate
Independent
Cape Henry Collegiate is a premier independent day school serving students from Chesapeake and throughout Hampton Roads. The school offers both International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs, providing students with multiple pathways to academic excellence. The 35-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science and innovation labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes global education with study abroad opportunities and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 8:1. Cape Henry graduates consistently gain admission to top-tier universities nationwide.
Programs:
Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School
Catholic Diocese of Richmond
Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School is a highly-regarded private Catholic school serving the Hampton Roads area including Chesapeake students. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with 18 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and competitive athletic teams. With small class sizes averaging 18 students, the school emphasizes individualized attention and character development. The campus features modern science labs, performing arts facilities, and extensive athletic complexes. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and has been recognized for academic excellence in the region.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Chesapeake, Virginia
What are the main types of private school options available to families living in Chesapeake, Virginia?
Families in Chesapeake have access to several prestigious private schools, though it's important to note that many of the region's top institutions are located in neighboring cities within the Hampton Roads metro area. Directly in Chesapeake, you'll find faith-based options like Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School. Just across city lines, highly regarded independent day schools such as Norfolk Academy (in Norfolk) and Cape Henry Collegiate (in Virginia Beach) are popular choices for Chesapeake residents. The area also features various parochial schools (e.g., Catholic, Christian) and specialized academies. Transportation and commute times across the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel or through Virginia Beach are key local considerations when evaluating these options.
How does tuition for top private schools in the Chesapeake area compare, and what financial aid options are available under Virginia law?
Tuition in the Chesapeake area varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $12,000-$15,000 at many parochial high schools to over $30,000 at elite independent schools like Norfolk Academy and Cape Henry Collegiate. Virginia offers several financial aid mechanisms that Chesapeake parents can explore. The most notable is the Virginia Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credits Program, which provides tax credits to donors who contribute to scholarship funds for low- and middle-income students attending private schools. Additionally, most schools have their own substantial need-based financial aid and merit scholarship programs. It's crucial to apply for financial aid early, as deadlines often precede admission decisions.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Chesapeake region that leverage its coastal location?
Several private schools in the Hampton Roads area, including those accessible to Chesapeake families, have developed distinctive programs capitalizing on the region's maritime and military heritage. Cape Henry Collegiate, located near the oceanfront, has a strong marine science program with potential for coastal field studies. Many schools, including Bishop Sullivan, have robust Naval Junior ROTC programs, reflecting the strong presence of the U.S. Navy in Norfolk. Furthermore, schools often integrate regional history, such as the story of the Jamestown settlement and the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem, into their curricula. Competitive sailing teams and environmental stewardship clubs focused on the Bay are also common extracurricular offerings not typically found in inland school systems.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools serving Chesapeake, VA?
The timeline for top-tier private schools in the Hampton Roads region is rigorous and requires early planning. For schools like Norfolk Academy and Cape Henry Collegiate, the process often begins 12-18 months before desired entry. Key steps include: attending open houses in the fall (September-October), submitting applications by January deadlines for the following academic year, and completing standardized testing (such as the ISEE or SSAT) in the winter. Admissions interviews and student visit days typically occur in January or February, with decision notifications released in March. For Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School and other diocesan schools, timelines may be slightly different, with a greater emphasis on pastoral references. Siblings and legacy applicants often receive priority, so initiating contact early is highly recommended for Chesapeake families.
For a family living in Chesapeake, what are the key considerations when deciding between a top-rated Chesapeake public school (like Grassfield or Hickory High) and a leading area private school?
This decision hinges on several Chesapeake-specific factors. Academically, Chesapeake Public Schools (CPS) has several highly ranked schools, but they may not offer the same low student-to-teacher ratio or individualized college counseling as a private school. Private schools often provide more consistent academic rigor across all departments and more flexibility in curriculum. Culturally, private schools like those in the area can offer a distinct community ethos, whether faith-based at Bishop Sullivan or focused on character development at the independents. Logistically, commuting to a private school in Virginia Beach or Norfolk adds daily travel time, which must be weighed against the potential for a more specialized program. Financially, it involves comparing the cost of private tuition against the potential for moving to a specific public school zone within Chesapeake, which impacts housing costs. Many families find the defining factor is the specific fit for their child's learning style and long-term goals.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities