The Best Private Schools in Covington, Virginia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Covington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Community School
Independent
Community School offers a progressive, student-centered education for students from preschool through 8th grade. The school emphasizes hands-on learning, environmental education, and social-emotional development. Located about 40 minutes from Covington, it features a 26-acre campus with outdoor classrooms, gardens, and natural play spaces. The curriculum integrates arts, technology, and outdoor education across all subjects. Small class sizes (typically 12-15 students) ensure individualized attention. The school is known for its inclusive community and innovative approach to education that fosters creativity and critical thinking.
Programs:
North Cross School
Independent
North Cross School is a highly-regarded independent day school serving students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. Located approximately 45 minutes from Covington, it offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and personalized attention. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complexes. Notable programs include the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, comprehensive STEM initiatives, competitive athletics, and extensive arts programs. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
Programs:
Virginia Episcopal School
Episcopal
Virginia Episcopal School is a prestigious co-educational boarding and day school serving grades 9-12, located approximately 45 minutes from Covington. The school offers a challenging college preparatory curriculum within a supportive Episcopal community. The 160-acre campus features modern academic facilities, athletic centers, arts studios, and dormitories. VES emphasizes character development, leadership skills, and global citizenship through its honor code and community service programs. The school maintains small class sizes with a 7:1 student-teacher ratio and offers advanced placement courses, competitive athletics, and comprehensive arts programs.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Covington, Virginia
What are the primary private school options available for families in and around Covington, Virginia?
While Covington itself is a smaller city, families in the area have access to several well-regarded private institutions. The most prominent nearby options include Virginia Episcopal School (VES) in Lynchburg, approximately 40 minutes away, which is a co-ed Episcopal boarding and day school for grades 9-12. North Cross School in Roanoke (about an hour's drive) offers a college-preparatory program from Pre-K through 12th grade. Community School, also in Roanoke, serves students from Pre-K through 8th grade with a progressive, experiential learning focus. For Covington residents, these schools often provide transportation zones or carpool networks, making them viable day school options despite the commute.
How does the tuition for private schools near Covington, VA, compare to state averages, and what financial aid is typically available?
Tuition for the leading private schools serving Covington families is generally competitive within Virginia's private education landscape. For the 2024-2025 academic year, day student tuition at Virginia Episcopal School is approximately $30,000+, while North Cross School ranges from around $20,000 for lower school to $28,000 for upper school. These figures are slightly below the average for major metropolitan areas in Northern Virginia but are significant investments for the local Covington economy. Crucially, all these schools offer robust need-based financial aid programs. Virginia Episcopal School, for example, awards over $3 million in aid annually. Families are strongly encouraged to apply for financial aid simultaneously with admissions, as substantial grants (not loans) can make these schools accessible.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Covington offer that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in this region of Virginia uniquely integrate the natural and cultural assets of the Allegheny Mountains and Shenandoah Valley. Virginia Episcopal School (VES) features a renowned Outdoor Program that uses the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains for hiking, climbing, and camping, building leadership and environmental stewardship. North Cross School emphasizes its Global Studies program and has a strong engineering and robotics focus, often partnering with local industries for real-world projects. Community School’s curriculum is deeply rooted in place-based education, utilizing local farms, rivers, and historical sites for hands-on learning. These programs provide a distinctive educational experience that is deeply connected to the geography and community of Western Virginia.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Covington, VA, families?
The enrollment process for schools like VES, North Cross, and Community School follows a traditional independent school calendar but requires early planning due to Covington's location. Key steps include: 1) **Fall (Sept-Dec)**: Attend open houses or schedule personal tours (often requiring a day trip to Lynchburg or Roanoke). 2) **January-February**: Complete applications, which include student essays, parent statements, teacher recommendations, and standardized testing (like the SSAT or ISEE). 3) **January-February**: Schedule student visit/interview days, which are crucial for boarding options at VES. 4) **March**: Admission and financial aid decisions are typically released. 5) **April**: Enrollment contracts and deposits are due. Given the distance, it's vital for Covington parents to initiate contact with admissions offices early to coordinate travel and understand specific transportation or commuting logistics for day students.
For a family living in Covington, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public schools and a private school option requiring a commute?
This decision hinges on several Covington-specific factors. First, consider the **commute**: Attending VES, North Cross, or Community School involves a 40-minute to 1.5-hour daily drive each way, which impacts family logistics and student fatigue. Many families form carpool groups. Academically, private options offer smaller class sizes (often 10-15 students), specialized college counseling, and a wider range of AP/advanced courses than might be available at Covington High School. Extracurricularly, private schools provide extensive arts, athletics, and club options, but this comes at the cost of less immediate integration with the local Covington community. Financially, it's a direct comparison between no tuition and a significant investment, offset by potential financial aid. Ultimately, the choice depends on how highly a family values a specific educational philosophy, program specialization, and college preparatory environment versus the convenience and community connection of Covington City Public Schools.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities