The Best Private Schools in Dahlgren, Virginia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Dahlgren. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Fredericksburg Academy
Fredericksburg Academy
Fredericksburg Academy is a premier independent school serving the greater Northern Virginia region, including Dahlgren families. Established in 1992, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory program from Pre-K through 12th grade. The academy features small class sizes with a 8:1 student-teacher ratio, advanced placement courses, and robust STEM programs. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. The school has strong college placement records and serves many military families from the Dahlgren area with before/after-school programs and transportation options.
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St. Michael the Archangel High School
Catholic Diocese of Arlington
St. Michael the Archangel High School is a Catholic college preparatory school serving students from Dahlgren and surrounding communities. Founded in 2006, the school combines rigorous academics with faith-based education, offering 20+ AP courses and a comprehensive STEM program. The campus features modern classrooms, science and technology labs, athletic facilities, and chapel. The school maintains strong academic performance with 100% college acceptance rate and serves military families through flexible scheduling and community support programs. Extracurricular activities include robotics, theater, and competitive sports.
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King George Christian School
King George Christian School
King George Christian School is located just minutes from Dahlgren and serves many military and civilian families from the base community. Established in 1999, the school provides Christ-centered education from preschool through 12th grade with a strong college preparatory curriculum. The school features small class sizes, individualized attention, and comprehensive STEM programs. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, computer labs, and athletic fields. The school is particularly popular with Dahlgren families for its convenient location, Christian values, and strong academic foundation with 100% of graduates attending college.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Dahlgren, Virginia
Are there any private schools physically located within Dahlgren, Virginia, or do families typically commute to nearby towns?
There are no major private K-12 schools physically located within the town limits of Dahlgren itself. Families in Dahlgren most commonly commute to schools in the greater Fredericksburg and King George County area. Top options include Fredericksburg Academy (in Fredericksburg), St. Michael the Archangel High School (in Fredericksburg), and King George Christian School (in King George). The commute is a standard consideration for Dahlgren residents, with most schools being a 15-30 minute drive, depending on exact location and traffic.
How does the tuition for private schools near Dahlgren, VA, compare to state averages, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition for private schools serving the Dahlgren area varies. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Fredericksburg Academy's tuition ranges from approximately $20,000 for lower school to $26,000 for upper school. St. Michael the Archangel High School, as a Catholic institution, has a lower tuition, around $13,000-$14,000. King George Christian School is often more affordable, typically under $10,000. These figures are generally in line with or slightly below Virginia's private school averages, especially for non-metropolitan areas. All these schools offer need-based financial aid, and St. Michael's offers parishioner discounts. Virginia also has state-sponsored programs like the Education Improvement Scholarships tax credit program, which can provide scholarships for some families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Dahlgren offer that leverage the local STEM-focused environment?
Given Dahlgren's identity as a hub for the Naval Surface Warfare Center and STEM professionals, local private schools have developed strong corresponding programs. Fredericksburg Academy emphasizes advanced STEM courses, robotics teams, and partnerships with local tech industries. St. Michael the Archangel High School offers a robust Engineering and Biomedical Sciences program within its STEM Academy. While smaller, King George Christian School integrates technology and science from a faith-based perspective. These schools often attract children of Dahlgren's military and civilian scientists and engineers, creating a peer environment that values and supports STEM interests.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Dahlgren, VA, and how far in advance should we apply?
The enrollment process for schools like Fredericksburg Academy, St. Michael's, and King George Christian School typically begins in the fall for the following academic year. Open houses are held from September to January, with application deadlines often in January or February for the best consideration. The process usually involves an application, student records, teacher recommendations, standardized testing, and a family/student interview. For Dahlgren families, it is crucial to start the process early—ideally a full year before desired enrollment—due to limited seats and the logistical planning required for commuting. Many schools have rolling admissions after priority deadlines, but popular grades fill quickly.
For a family moving to Dahlgren for work at the Naval base, how do the local private school options compare to the highly-rated King George County Public Schools?
This is a key consideration for incoming military and government civilian families. King George County Public Schools are highly rated in Virginia, offering a strong, tuition-free education with modern facilities. The choice often comes down to specific needs. Private schools like Fredericksburg Academy offer smaller class sizes (often 12-1 student-teacher ratio), more individualized attention, and a consistent educational trajectory that can be beneficial for families facing potential military transfers. St. Michael's offers a structured, faith-based environment with a strong college-prep curriculum. The private options may provide more stability if a family anticipates a multi-year stay in Dahlgren but wants a curriculum that is easily transferable to other private schools nationwide. Public schools offer extensive extracurriculars and the community immersion of a local student body.
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