The Best Private Schools in Dunnsville, Virginia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Dunnsville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Fredericksburg Academy
Independent School
Fredericksburg Academy is a highly-regarded independent school serving students from preschool through 12th grade. Located approximately 45 minutes from Dunnsville, this college-preparatory institution features small class sizes with a 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio, rigorous academic programs including 18 Advanced Placement courses, and comprehensive arts and athletics programs. The school emphasizes character development and community engagement while maintaining strong college placement records with graduates attending top universities nationwide. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic fields.
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Saint Michael the Archangel High School
Catholic Diocese of Richmond
Saint Michael the Archangel High School is a comprehensive Catholic college-preparatory school serving families throughout the region, including Dunnsville area residents. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 20 Advanced Placement courses, a dedicated STEM Academy, and robust fine arts programs. With a focus on faith formation and academic excellence, the school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate. Campus facilities include modern science laboratories, a chapel, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. The school community emphasizes service learning and character development.
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St. Margaret's School
Independent Episcopal School
St. Margaret's School is a historic independent Episcopal school located in Tappahannock, approximately 25 minutes from Dunnsville. Serving girls in grades 8-12 as both boarding and day students, the school offers a challenging college-preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and personalized attention. The waterfront campus provides unique opportunities for marine science and environmental studies. Academic programs include Advanced Placement courses, robust STEM offerings, and comprehensive arts programs. The school emphasizes leadership development, global awareness, and community service while maintaining strong college placement records with graduates attending competitive universities nationwide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Dunnsville, Virginia
Are there any private schools actually located within Dunnsville, Virginia, or will we need to commute to nearby towns?
There are no major private school campuses physically located within the town limits of Dunnsville, VA. Families in Dunnsville typically commute to private schools in the wider Northern Neck and Fredericksburg regions. The schools you mentioned, like Fredericksburg Academy (in Fredericksburg), Saint Michael the Archangel High School (in Spotsylvania County), and St. Margaret's School (in Tappahannock), are all within a 30 to 50-minute drive. This commute is a significant local consideration, so exploring carpool options with other Dunnsville families is highly recommended.
What are the unique benefits of the boarding option at St. Margaret's School in Tappahannock for a family living in Dunnsville?
St. Margaret's School in Tappahannock, located about 30 minutes from Dunnsville, is the only local private school offering a boarding program (for girls in grades 8-12). For Dunnsville families, this presents a unique option: your child can be a day student, benefiting from the small class sizes and college-prep curriculum, or opt for a 5-day boarding program. This can significantly reduce daily commute times during the week while allowing her to return home on weekends. It’s a distinctive model that blends the closeness of a local community school with the immersive experience of a residential campus, set on the scenic Rappahannock River.
How does the tuition at top area private schools like Fredericksburg Academy compare to the Virginia state average for private education?
Tuition for the schools serving Dunnsville families is generally at or above the Virginia private school average, reflecting their college-preparatory focus and facilities. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Fredericksburg Academy's tuition ranges from approximately $25,000 for lower school to over $30,000 for upper school. Saint Michael the Archangel High School, as a Catholic institution, is slightly lower, around $15,000. St. Margaret's School's day tuition is comparable to Fredericksburg Academy. Importantly, Virginia offers the Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credits program, which can provide financial aid through participating schools. All these schools have robust financial aid and scholarship programs, which are essential for many families in the Dunnsville area to consider.
For a Dunnsville family interested in a non-religious, co-ed college prep environment, what specific programs does Fredericksburg Academy offer that stand out?
Fredericksburg Academy, about a 45-minute drive from Dunnsville, is a leading independent, co-ed, non-sectarian option. Its programs are particularly notable for their emphasis on experiential learning and global citizenship. Specific draws for Dunnsville families might include their Center for Leadership & Innovation, which integrates entrepreneurship and design thinking, and their extensive global travel programs. Academically, they offer a wide range of Advanced Placement courses and have a strong arts department. Their location near the I-95 corridor also facilitates partnerships with local businesses and universities, providing unique internships and learning opportunities not typically available in more rural school settings.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and key deadline for private schools in the Dunnsville, VA, area, and how does it differ from public school registration?
The enrollment process for private schools serving Dunnsville is markedly different and more involved than public school registration. While Essex County Public Schools (the district for Dunnsville) register students on a rolling basis, private schools like Fredericksburg Academy, Saint Michael, and St. Margaret's follow a strict admissions cycle. Key deadlines for applications and financial aid (like SSS) are typically in January or February for enrollment the following fall. The process often includes open houses in the fall, standardized testing (ISEE/SSAT), student interviews, and teacher recommendations. It's crucial for Dunnsville parents to begin research and campus visits a full year in advance, as spaces, especially in specific grades, can be limited.
Private Education Insights
Discover the Best Private Elementary Schools Near Dunnsville, VA for Your Child's Future
For parents in Dunnsville, Virginia, the search for “private elementary schools near me” is often driven by a desire for a specific educational environment that aligns closely with family values and academic aspirations. While Dunnsville itself is a peaceful, rural community in Essex County, the quest for private education naturally extends into the broader Northern Neck and Fredericksburg regions, where several excellent institutions offer distinct programs. This journey requires balancing commute times with the profound benefits of a tailored education, making local context essential to your decision.
The phrase “private elementary schools near me” takes on a particular meaning here, where “near” often encompasses a scenic drive through Virginia’s countryside. Families should consider the daily rhythm of travel along routes like Route 17 or across the Rappahannock River. This isn’t just about mileage; it’s about choosing a school community worth the trip. The investment in time is often rewarded with smaller class sizes, dedicated teachers, and curricula that can challenge and nurture each child beyond standardized benchmarks. In this region, private schools frequently leverage their settings, incorporating environmental science and local history into their lessons in meaningful ways.
While Dunnsville does not host its own private elementary campus, renowned options are within a reasonable radius. Fredericksburg Academy, though its lower school is in Fredericksburg, is a prominent consideration for many families seeking a rigorous, co-educational independent education. Their focus on foundational skills, character development, and project-based learning from an early age creates a strong launchpad. South of Dunnsville, St. Margaret’s School in Tappahannock offers a unique day and boarding environment, with a lower school program renowned for its nurturing atmosphere and emphasis on leadership, particularly for girls. Although Saint Michael the Archangel High School in Fredericksburg begins at the secondary level, its presence signals a robust regional commitment to private, faith-based education, and many families seek affiliated parish schools for younger children as part of a long-term educational plan.
When researching, we encourage Dunnsville parents to look beyond the search results. Visit campuses to feel the culture. Ask about how the school fosters a close-knit community, something that resonates with small-town values. Inquire about transportation options or carpool networks with other local families. Consider how each school’s philosophy—whether progressive, traditional, or faith-based—complements your child’s needs. The right private elementary school near you will feel like an extension of your family, a place where your child is known and encouraged. It’s about finding that partner in education who understands that the journey from Dunnsville is more than a commute; it’s a pathway to opportunity, preparing grounded, confident learners ready for the future while honoring the community they call home.
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