The Best Private Schools in Dunn Loring, Virginia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Dunn Loring. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Oakwood School
Independent
The Oakwood School is a progressive independent school serving students from preschool through 8th grade. Located just 3 miles from Dunn Loring, Oakwood emphasizes hands-on learning, critical thinking, and social-emotional development. The school features extensive outdoor learning spaces, dedicated art studios, and a strong focus on community engagement. With a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, Oakwood provides personalized attention and has earned recognition for its innovative curriculum and supportive learning environment.
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Flint Hill School
Independent
Flint Hill School is a highly-regarded independent JK-12 school located just minutes from Dunn Loring. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and exceptional faculty. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development and offers comprehensive arts, athletics, and extracurricular programs. With a strong college placement record and diverse student body, Flint Hill consistently ranks among the top private schools in Northern Virginia.
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The Langley School
Independent
The Langley School is a prestigious independent school serving students from preschool through 8th grade, located approximately 4 miles from Dunn Loring. The school offers a challenging academic program that emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and character development. Features include modern STEM labs, extensive arts facilities, and comprehensive athletic programs. Langley's curriculum integrates technology throughout all grade levels and offers world language instruction starting in preschool. The school is known for its strong community atmosphere and excellent preparation for top secondary schools.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Dunn Loring, Virginia
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Dunn Loring, Virginia?
Dunn Loring, located in Fairfax County, is served by several highly-regarded private schools. The most prominent are Flint Hill School (JK-12) in Oakton, The Oakwood School (Preschool-8) in Vienna, and The Langley School (Preschool-8) in McLean. While these schools have addresses in adjacent communities, they are the primary private institutions serving Dunn Loring families due to their proximity. Flint Hill is known for its college-preparatory program, Oakwood for its progressive, child-centered approach, and Langley for its strong sense of community and balanced curriculum. Transportation options vary, so checking bus routes or carpool availability is important for Dunn Loring residents.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Dunn Loring, VA area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Virginia?
Tuition in the Dunn Loring area is consistent with the high cost of living in Northern Virginia. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges of approximately $40,000-$50,000 for upper schools like Flint Hill and $30,000-$40,000 for elementary/middle schools like Oakwood and Langley. All these schools offer robust need-based financial aid programs. Additionally, Virginia offers the Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credits Program, which provides tax credits to businesses that donate to scholarship funds for low- and middle-income students attending private schools. Many local schools participate with such scholarship foundations, which can be a valuable resource for qualifying Dunn Loring families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools near Dunn Loring that leverage the local Northern VA environment?
Private schools in the Dunn Loring area capitalize on their proximity to Washington, D.C., and the Northern Virginia tech corridor. Flint Hill School offers extensive STEM partnerships with local companies and research institutions, along with premier arts facilities. The Langley School emphasizes global citizenship and environmental science, utilizing nearby parks like the Difficult Run Stream Valley. The Oakwood School’s project-based learning often incorporates local history and community resources. All schools offer specialized language programs, and many have partnerships with cultural institutions in D.C. for enriched learning experiences not typically available in standard public school curricula.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Dunn Loring, and how competitive is admission?
The admissions process for top-tier schools like Flint Hill, Oakwood, and Langley is highly competitive and begins early. The timeline typically starts in the fall, with open houses and tours from September to November. Application deadlines are usually in early to mid-January for the following academic year. The process involves a written application, student assessments/interviews, teacher recommendations, and often a parent interview. Due to the high demand for limited spots in Northern Virginia’s private schools, especially at entry grades (Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 6th/9th grades), Dunn Loring families are strongly advised to begin research and visits at least 12-18 months in advance.
For a family in Dunn Loring, what are the key considerations when comparing the local Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) to the area's private schools?
Dunn Loring is within the highly-ranked Fairfax County Public School district (e.g., schools like Dunn Loring's own Stenwood Elementary feed into Marshall High School). The key considerations are class size, educational approach, and specialized resources. FCPS offers large, diverse populations and extensive advanced academic programs (AAP), but class sizes can be 25+ students. Private schools like Flint Hill, Oakwood, and Langley offer smaller class sizes (often 12-18 students), more individualized attention, and distinct pedagogical philosophies (e.g., progressive, experiential). The decision often hinges on whether a family prefers the vast scale and resources of FCPS or seeks a specific community ethos and tailored learning environment, despite the significant financial investment of private school.
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