The Best Private Schools in Franktown, Virginia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Franktown. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Broadwater Academy
Broadwater Academy
Broadwater Academy is a highly-regarded independent college preparatory school serving the Eastern Shore region including Franktown. Established in 1966, the school offers a comprehensive educational program from Pre-K through 12th grade with small class sizes and individualized attention. The academy features a robust Advanced Placement program, strong STEM curriculum, competitive athletics, and extensive arts programs. The 40-acre campus includes modern facilities, science labs, athletic fields, and technology-integrated classrooms. Parents consistently praise the school's academic rigor, dedicated faculty, and strong community atmosphere that prepares students for college success.
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St. George's School
St. George's School
St. George's School is a respected private institution serving the Eastern Shore communities including Franktown. Founded in 1974, the school offers Montessori-based education for younger students and traditional classroom instruction for elementary and middle school grades. The school emphasizes character development, academic excellence, and individualized learning approaches. Facilities include well-equipped classrooms, outdoor learning spaces, and specialized areas for arts and sciences. The school maintains a strong reputation for its nurturing environment, experienced teachers, and comprehensive curriculum that balances academic fundamentals with creative expression and critical thinking skills.
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Christchurch School
Christchurch School
Christchurch School is a prestigious coeducational college preparatory school serving students from Franktown and throughout the region, with both day and boarding options. Founded in 1921, the school leverages its unique waterfront location on the Rappahannock River to enhance learning through its signature River Program and marine science curriculum. The school offers a challenging academic program with small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and comprehensive college counseling. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, competitive athletics, and extensive arts programs. The school is particularly noted for its STEM offerings, environmental science focus, and strong sense of community that fosters both academic and personal growth.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Franktown, Virginia
What are the primary private school options available for families in and around Franktown, Virginia?
Franktown, located on Virginia's Eastern Shore in Northampton County, is served by several notable independent schools. The most prominent are Broadwater Academy in Exmore (a K-12 college-preparatory school), St. George's School in nearby Moss Neck (a PK-8 school), and Christchurch School, a co-ed Episcopal boarding and day school for grades 9-12 located in Christchurch. Due to the rural nature of the area, many families from Franktown consider these schools within a reasonable driving distance. There are very few, if any, private schools physically within Franktown's immediate town limits, making these regional institutions the primary options.
How does the tuition for private schools on Virginia's Eastern Shore compare to state or national averages, and what financial aid is typically available?
Tuition for the Franktown-area private schools is generally below the national average for independent schools but is a significant consideration for families in Northampton County. For the 2024-2025 academic year, day student tuition ranges from approximately $10,000 to $25,000 annually, depending on the grade level and school. All three major schools—Broadwater Academy, St. George's, and Christchurch—offer need-based financial aid, and some may have merit scholarships. Virginia's Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credits program can also provide donors a tax credit for contributing to scholarship funds for low- and middle-income families, which indirectly supports aid at participating private schools.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Franktown, VA, offer that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in this region uniquely capitalize on the Chesapeake Bay and coastal environment. Christchurch School has a renowned Chesapeake Bay Studies program and a waterfront campus with sailing and crew. Broadwater Academy emphasizes marine science and environmental studies, with easy access to field research sites. St. George's School incorporates the rural setting into its hands-on, experiential learning. All schools place a strong emphasis on small class sizes and community, which is characteristic of the tight-knit Eastern Shore. These programs provide an educational experience deeply connected to the local ecology and culture that is not typically found in public schools or in more urban private settings.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Franktown, Virginia families?
The enrollment process for schools like Broadwater, St. George's, and Christchurch generally begins in the fall, a full year before desired entry. Key steps include: attending open houses (often held in October-November), submitting an application by January or February (which may include student essays, teacher recommendations, and transcripts), and completing a student visit or assessment. Admissions decisions are typically communicated in March for the following academic year. Due to the limited seats in these small schools, especially in popular entry grades like Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th, starting early is crucial. Rolling admissions may be available for other grades if space permits.
For a family in Franktown, what are the main factors to consider when choosing between the local Northampton County Public Schools and a private school like Broadwater Academy?
The decision hinges on several local factors. Northampton County Public Schools are tuition-free and centrally located, but may have fewer advanced course offerings and extracurricular variety due to smaller district resources. A private school like Broadwater Academy offers smaller class sizes (often 10-15 students), a consistent college-preparatory curriculum from K-12, and potentially more specialized arts and athletics. For families in Franktown, transportation is a key practical difference: public school busing is provided, while private school attendance requires personal transportation, which can mean significant daily driving. The community aspect is also distinct; the private school provides a consistent, small cohort from kindergarten through graduation, while public school cohorts may change more due to district rezoning.
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