The Best Private Schools in Dhs, Virginia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Dhs. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Nysmith School
Independent
The Nysmith School is a highly acclaimed private school for gifted students serving the Northern Virginia region, including Dhs. Founded in 1984, the school has earned a reputation for exceptional academic programs with a strong emphasis on STEM education. The curriculum is designed to challenge gifted learners through hands-on, project-based learning approaches. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, technology centers, and specialized classrooms. The school serves students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade and is known for small class sizes, highly qualified faculty, and a comprehensive enrichment program that includes robotics, coding, and advanced science research opportunities.
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Loudoun Country Day School
Independent
Loudoun Country Day School is a prestigious independent school serving the broader Loudoun County area, including Dhs families. Established in 1953, LCDS has maintained a tradition of academic excellence with a balanced approach to education that emphasizes both intellectual growth and character development. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade with specialized programs in visual and performing arts, foreign language instruction beginning in early grades, and a strong athletic program. The campus features modern facilities including science laboratories, art studios, and extensive athletic fields. LCDS is particularly noted for its close-knit community atmosphere and individualized attention to students.
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BASIS Independent McLean
BASIS Curriculum Schools
BASIS Independent McLean is part of the nationally recognized BASIS Curriculum Schools network and serves students from across Northern Virginia, including Dhs. Though relatively newer than traditional private schools, it has quickly established itself as a top-tier academic institution known for its rigorous liberal arts and sciences curriculum. The school offers programs from pre-kindergarten through grade 12 with a particular strength in advanced STEM courses and comprehensive humanities education. Facilities include modern science laboratories, technology-enhanced classrooms, and specialized spaces for arts and athletics. The school consistently achieves high standardized test scores and college placement rates, with a faculty that includes subject matter experts and advanced degree holders.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Dhs, Virginia
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Dhs, Virginia, and what are their educational philosophies?
Dhs, Virginia, is part of the broader Northern Virginia region with access to several highly-regarded private schools. While Dhs itself is a small census-designated place, families typically look to neighboring areas like Herndon, McLean, and Leesburg. Top schools include The Nysmith School in Herndon (known for its gifted and accelerated curriculum), BASIS Independent McLean (renowned for its rigorous STEM-focused liberal arts program), and Loudoun Country Day School in Leesburg (emphasizing a balanced, whole-child approach). Many Dhs residents also consider schools in the Diocese of Arlington's Catholic school system. Transportation is a key consideration, as commuting to these schools is common.
How does tuition for private schools in the Dhs, Virginia area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Dhs/Northern Virginia area is among the highest in the state, reflecting the region's cost of living and the caliber of schools. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $25,000 to over $40,000 annually for day schools like Nysmith, BASIS, and Loudoun Country Day. This is significantly above the Virginia private school average. However, most established schools offer robust need-based financial aid programs. Additionally, Virginia has an 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, increasing aid availability.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Dhs, Virginia, offer that leverage the local technology and government resources?
Private schools in the Dhs corridor capitalize on Northern Virginia's identity as a tech and government hub. The Nysmith School offers an exceptionally advanced technology curriculum, including robotics, coding, and engineering from a young age. BASIS Independent McLean integrates high-level math and science with a capstone Senior Project often involving local tech companies or research institutions. Schools frequently organize trips to Washington, D.C., for history and government immersion, and many have partnerships with federal agencies or contractors for unique internship and mentorship opportunities for older students, blending academic rigor with real-world exposure.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools serving Dhs, Virginia families, and how far in advance should parents apply?
The admissions process for top-tier schools like Nysmith, BASIS, and Loudoun Country Day is highly competitive and follows an early timeline. The application cycle typically opens in August or September, with deadlines for the first round of applications falling between December and February for the following academic year. The process usually includes a submitted application, standardized testing (such as the ISEE or school-specific assessments), student interviews/visits, and parent interviews. For the best chance of admission, families in Dhs should begin researching and touring schools at least 12-18 months in advance, especially for entry points like Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 6th grade.
For Dhs residents, what are the key considerations when comparing the highly-ranked local public schools in Fairfax County with the area's private school options?
Dhs is served by the top-ranked Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), such as Langley High School, making the decision nuanced. Key considerations include: **Class Size** (private schools often have 12-18 students vs. 25+ in FCPS), **Curriculum Pace** (schools like Nysmith and BASIS offer significantly accelerated and specialized tracks), **Specialized Focus** (private schools can offer distinct philosophies or intensive programs in STEM, arts, or gifted education not available in a standard public curriculum), and **Community** (smaller private schools often foster a tight-knit environment. The trade-off is the high tuition cost versus a free, yet excellent, public option. Many Dhs families choose private schools for a specific pedagogical match rather than due to poor public school quality.