The Best Private Schools in Fairfield, Virginia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Fairfield. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Virginia Episcopal School
Virginia Episcopal School
Virginia Episcopal School is a prestigious co-educational boarding and day school serving students in grades 9-12. Located approximately 20 miles from Fairfield in Lynchburg, VES offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and individualized attention. The school features a beautiful 160-acre campus with state-of-the-art facilities including modern academic buildings, athletic complexes, and arts centers. Students benefit from a comprehensive athletics program, extensive arts offerings, and a strong community atmosphere. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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North Cross School
North Cross School
North Cross School is an independent college preparatory school serving students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. Located in Roanoke, approximately 40 miles from Fairfield, the school offers both International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs. The campus features modern academic facilities, science laboratories, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. North Cross emphasizes academic excellence with a strong focus on STEM education, character development, and global citizenship. The school maintains small class sizes and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities including competitive athletics, robotics, and arts programs.
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Holy Cross Regional Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Richmond
Holy Cross Regional Catholic School serves students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade in the Lynchburg area, approximately 15 miles from Fairfield. The school provides a faith-based education grounded in Catholic traditions while offering a comprehensive academic program. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, a library, gymnasium, and outdoor play areas. The curriculum emphasizes core academics with integrated technology, STEM initiatives, and fine arts programs. Holy Cross fosters a strong sense of community and character development while preparing students for success in high school and beyond. The school maintains small class sizes and offers various extracurricular activities and sports programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Fairfield, Virginia
What are the primary private school options serving families in Fairfield, Virginia, and what are their key characteristics?
Fairfield, VA, is a rural community in Rockbridge County, and while there are no major private schools within the town limits itself, families typically look to nearby institutions in the greater Lexington/Roanoke area. The top options include Virginia Episcopal School (VES) in Lynchburg, a co-ed Episcopal boarding and day school for grades 9-12 known for its college prep and character focus; North Cross School in Roanoke, an independent day school for Pre-K through 12th grade with a strong STEM program and global studies; and Holy Cross Regional Catholic School in Lynchburg, serving Pre-K through 8th grade with a faith-based curriculum. Transportation and commute times (30-60 minutes) are significant considerations for Fairfield residents.
How does tuition for private schools near Fairfield, VA, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition for day students at schools like VES and North Cross typically ranges from approximately $20,000 to $30,000 annually for upper grades, which is competitive with Virginia's private school averages. Holy Cross Regional Catholic School, as a parish-supported school, often has a lower tuition range for its elementary/middle program. Importantly, all these schools offer need-based financial aid, and Virginia has state-supported programs like the Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credits Program, which provides scholarships for eligible students. Fairfield families should inquire directly about aid and explore these state tax credit scholarships, as eligibility can make these schools more accessible.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Fairfield offer that leverage the local Virginia environment?
Schools in this region of Virginia often integrate the unique historical, cultural, and natural resources of the Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains into their programs. For example, Virginia Episcopal School and North Cross School may offer outdoor education, environmental science field studies in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, and history programs utilizing nearby historical sites like Lexington. Equestrian programs are also a notable offering at some schools, capitalizing on the area's rural character. These programs provide experiential learning opportunities that are distinctly tied to the Central Virginia locale.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Fairfield, VA, and how competitive is admission?
The admission process for schools like VES, North Cross, and Holy Cross generally begins in the fall, with application deadlines between January and February for the following academic year. Key steps include submitting an application, standardized test scores (such as the SSAT or ISEE for older grades), teacher recommendations, transcripts, and a campus interview. While these schools are selective, they actively seek a diverse student body from across Central Virginia, including rural communities like Fairfield. Starting the process early, especially for boarding spots at VES, is crucial. Many schools also host fall open houses, which are highly recommended for Fairfield families to assess the commute and community fit.
For a family in rural Fairfield, what are the main considerations when choosing between the local public schools and a private school a significant drive away?
The decision hinges on several Fairfield-specific factors. Rockbridge County Public Schools serve the area, and the choice involves weighing a convenient, community-centered public education against the specialized programs, smaller class sizes, and often broader extracurricular offerings of a private school. The major trade-off is the daily commute, which can be 30-90 minutes round trip to schools in Lynchburg or Roanoke, impacting family time and logistics. Parents must consider the value of the private investment against this commute and whether their child's needs (e.g., advanced academics, specific religious education, or a boarding option) are uniquely met by the private institutions. For some, the boarding component at VES for high school can be a solution to the distance challenge.
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