The Best Private Schools in Fairfax Station, Virginia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Fairfax Station. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Oakcrest School
Independent Catholic School
Oakcrest School is an independent Catholic school for girls in grades 6-12 that serves families throughout Northern Virginia, including Fairfax Station. The school offers a challenging college preparatory curriculum with particular strengths in STEM fields and leadership development. The personalized approach includes advisory programs and individualized college counseling. The recently constructed 26-acre campus features advanced science laboratories, innovation spaces, performing arts center, and athletic facilities. Oakcrest emphasizes character formation and intellectual development within a supportive all-girls environment, with graduates consistently attending selective colleges and universities.
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Flint Hill School
Independent School
Flint Hill School is a premier independent JK-12 school serving the Northern Virginia area, including Fairfax Station. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes averaging 14 students. Notable features include state-of-the-art STEM facilities, comprehensive arts programs, and competitive athletics. The campus spans 50 acres with modern academic buildings, performing arts centers, and athletic facilities. Flint Hill emphasizes character education and community engagement while maintaining strong college placement records with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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The Langley School
Independent School
The Langley School is a highly-regarded independent school serving students from preschool through 8th grade, with many families from Fairfax Station. The school focuses on whole-child education with a balanced approach to academics, arts, and character development. Features include specialized STEAM labs, Spanish language immersion starting in preschool, and extensive performing arts programs. The 10-acre campus includes modern classrooms, science laboratories, art studios, and athletic facilities. Langley emphasizes social-emotional learning and prepares students for success in top secondary schools throughout the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Fairfax Station, Virginia
What are the primary private school options serving families in Fairfax Station, Virginia, and what are their educational philosophies?
Fairfax Station itself is a residential community, so many of the top private schools are located in nearby towns within Fairfax County. The most prominent include Flint Hill School (Oakton, JK-12, college preparatory with a focus on innovation and ethical leadership), The Langley School (McLean, Preschool-8th grade, known for its developmental approach and strong sense of community), and Oakcrest School (McLean, all-girls 6-12, offering a character-based liberal arts education). Additionally, many families consider parochial schools like St. Mary of Sorrows Catholic School in Fairfax. The philosophies range from progressive to classical, so visiting each campus is crucial to finding the right fit for your child.
How does tuition for private schools in the Fairfax Station, VA, area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in this affluent Northern Virginia region is at the higher end of the national scale. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges of approximately $35,000-$45,000 for upper schools and $25,000-$35,000 for lower and middle schools at the leading independent institutions. Virginia does not offer state-funded voucher or tax-credit scholarship programs for private K-12 education. However, all major schools like Flint Hill, Langley, and Oakcrest have substantial need-based financial aid programs funded by their endowments. It's essential to apply for aid simultaneously with admission, as funds are limited. Some schools also offer merit scholarships for entering high school students.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Fairfax Station that leverage the local Washington D.C. area resources?
Schools in this region excel at leveraging their proximity to the nation's capital. Many offer specialized programs like competitive Model UN, intensive STEM partnerships with local tech companies and federal agencies, and renowned arts programs with visits to D.C. museums and theaters. For example, Flint Hill School's "Husky Labs" and entrepreneurship programs connect students with the Northern Virginia tech corridor. Oakcrest School offers a Washington Program with guest speakers from policy institutes and government. Furthermore, interscholastic athletic competitions are robust within the prestigious Interstate Athletic Conference (IAC) and Mid-Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAC), which include many local private schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Fairfax Station vicinity, and how can parents prepare?
The admission process for top Fairfax area private schools is highly structured and competitive. The timeline generally begins in the fall, a full year before desired entry. Key steps include: attending open houses (September-November), submitting applications by early January (often with a non-refundable fee), scheduling student visits and assessments (January-February), and receiving decisions in mid-March. For younger grades, assessments are play-based; for older students, they include standardized tests (ISEE/SSAT) and interviews. Given the competition, parents are advised to start research 18-24 months in advance, ensure their child is academically prepared, and apply to a balanced list of 3-5 schools.
For families in Fairfax Station considering the choice, how do the outcomes and environments of local private schools compare to the highly-rated Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS)?
This is a central consideration. FCPS is consistently ranked among the top public school districts in the U.S., offering rigorous academics (including IB and AP programs), extensive resources, and diversity. The choice often hinges on specific needs and values. Private schools like Flint Hill, Langley, and Oakcrest typically offer smaller class sizes (often 12-18 students vs. 25+ in FCPS), more individualized attention, distinct mission-driven education (e.g., single-sex, religious, or specific pedagogical approaches), and often more extensive arts and niche athletic programs. The private school environment can foster a tight-knit community. The decision usually comes down to whether the investment aligns with a desire for a specific educational philosophy or community that the excellent, but larger and more standardized, public system may not provide.
Private Education Insights
Finding the Perfect Private Kindergarten in Fairfax Station: Your Essential Guide
For families in Fairfax Station, Virginia, the decision to enroll a child in private kindergarten is often the first significant step in a thoughtfully crafted educational journey. This community, known for its beautiful landscapes and strong emphasis on family and education, offers a distinctive environment where private schooling is not merely an alternative but a deeply considered choice. The transition from preschool to formal education is a pivotal moment, and the private kindergarten programs here are designed to nurture that shift with intention, providing a foundation that balances academic readiness with the development of the whole child.
In Fairfax Station, private kindergartens, such as those at esteemed institutions like Flint Hill School, The Langley School, and Oakcrest School, understand that a successful start is about more than letters and numbers. These programs are typically characterized by small class sizes, allowing for individualized attention that is difficult to find in larger settings. Teachers can truly know each student, identifying their unique strengths and learning styles from the very beginning. This personalized approach is crucial in kindergarten, where building confidence and a genuine love for learning is paramount. The curriculum in these settings often extends beyond state standards, introducing concepts through hands-on exploration, project-based learning, and play that is both purposeful and enriching.
The local context of Fairfax Station also plays a meaningful role. Many families here value a seamless connection between their community values and their child’s educational environment. Private kindergartens in the area often emphasize character education, community service, and outdoor learning, taking advantage of the region's natural beauty. A school’s philosophy—whether it’s the all-girls leadership focus at Oakcrest, the progressive approach at The Langley School, or the comprehensive JK-12 continuum at Flint Hill—becomes an extension of your family’s ethos. This alignment provides a comforting consistency for a young child, making the school feel like a second home.
When researching private kindergarten options in Fairfax Station, practical considerations are key. The admissions process often begins a full year in advance, with open houses and school tours being essential first steps. It’s advisable to visit and observe a classroom in session to get a feel for the teaching dynamic and student engagement. Conversations should focus on the school’s approach to social-emotional learning, their communication with parents, and how they support students who may be advancing quickly or need extra help in certain areas. Furthermore, consider the logistical fit: transportation options, after-school care programs, and the school’s community vibe are all important factors for a busy family’s life.
Ultimately, choosing a private kindergarten in Fairfax Station is an investment in your child’s foundational years. It’s about selecting a partnership with educators who will honor your child’s individuality while skillfully guiding them into the world of structured learning. The right program will spark curiosity, foster resilience, and build the academic and social skills that serve as cornerstones for all future learning. By taking the time to explore the distinctive offerings of schools within this community, you can find a kindergarten environment where your child will not only prepare for first grade but will thrive with joy and confidence.