The Best Private Schools in Glen Allen, Virginia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Glen Allen. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Richmond
St. Mary's Catholic School is a highly-regarded private institution serving the Glen Allen and greater Richmond area with an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum integrated with Catholic values and faith formation. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and comprehensive programs including advanced STEM education, fine arts, and competitive athletics. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, technology centers, and extensive athletic facilities. Parent satisfaction is exceptionally high with praise for the school's nurturing environment and academic excellence.
Programs:
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Glen Allen provides outstanding early childhood education with a focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) learning. The school features purpose-built facilities including age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor play areas, and dedicated learning centers. Their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) emphasizes academic readiness while developing social skills and confidence. The school maintains low student-teacher ratios and employs highly qualified educators. Parents consistently praise the school's engaging curriculum, professional staff, and safe, nurturing environment that prepares children for elementary school success.
Programs:
Veritas Academy
Independent Christian School
Veritas Academy offers a classical Christian education model that serves families throughout the Richmond metropolitan area, including Glen Allen. The school provides a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum grounded in the classical trivium of grammar, logic, and rhetoric. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated Christian faculty, and a comprehensive program including advanced placement courses, competitive athletics, and extensive fine arts offerings. The campus features modern academic facilities, science laboratories, performance spaces, and athletic fields. Parent reviews highlight the school's academic excellence, strong community values, and successful college placement record.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Glen Allen, Virginia
What are the primary types of private schools available in Glen Allen, Virginia, and how do they differ?
Glen Allen offers a diverse range of private school options, each with distinct educational philosophies. You'll find faith-based institutions like St. Mary's Catholic School, which provides a traditional curriculum integrated with Catholic values. There are early childhood-focused schools like The Goddard School, emphasizing play-based learning for preschool and pre-K. For families seeking a classical Christian education, Veritas Academy offers a rigorous, humanities-centered curriculum rooted in the classical trivium (grammar, logic, rhetoric). Additionally, the broader Henrico County area includes independent college-preparatory schools and Montessori programs, giving Glen Allen parents several pedagogical paths to consider.
How does tuition for private schools in Glen Allen, VA, typically compare to state averages, and what financial aid options exist locally?
Tuition in Glen Allen is generally competitive with or slightly above the Virginia state average for private education, reflecting the area's high quality of life and educational standards. Annual tuition can range from approximately $10,000 for primary grades at some schools to over $20,000 for secondary programs. Most established schools, including St. Mary's and Veritas Academy, offer need-based financial aid, scholarships, and parish subsidies for members. It's also important for Virginia residents to explore the state's Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credits Program, which provides tax credits to donors who contribute to scholarship funds for low- and middle-income students attending private schools.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Glen Allen private schools offer that leverage the local community?
Glen Allen private schools often integrate the resources of the Richmond metropolitan area into their programs. For example, schools may have partnerships with local businesses for STEM initiatives or leverage cultural institutions like the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and the Science Museum of Virginia for enriched learning. Specific schools have notable specializations: Veritas Academy emphasizes classical languages and rhetoric, while St. Mary's incorporates community service projects throughout Henrico County. The proximity to major interstates also facilitates educational trips to state government in Richmond, historical sites like Jamestown, and universities, which are frequently woven into the curriculum.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Glen Allen, and are there long waitlists?
The enrollment process in Glen Allen typically begins in the fall (September-October) for the following academic year, with application deadlines often between January and March. Key steps include submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and attending a family interview or student assessment. Due to strong demand, especially for early childhood programs like The Goddard School and kindergarten seats at St. Mary's, it is common for popular schools to have waitlists. We strongly recommend initiating inquiries 12-18 months in advance for preschool/pre-K and at least a full year ahead for K-12 grades. Many schools host open houses in the autumn, which are essential for understanding their culture and requirements.
For families considering both options, what are the key distinctions between Glen Allen's public schools (Henrico County) and its private school alternatives?
The key distinctions lie in class size, curriculum flexibility, and educational approach. Henrico County Public Schools are highly regarded, but private schools in Glen Allen offer significantly smaller class sizes (often 15-18 students vs. 20-25+), allowing for more individualized attention. Private schools have the autonomy to offer specialized curricula, such as classical (Veritas) or faith-based (St. Mary's) education, which isn't available in the public system. While public schools provide a broad range of extracurriculars and IB/AP programs, private schools often feature a more unified community culture and may require uniforms. The decision often hinges on a family's priorities for religious education, pedagogical philosophy, and the desired level of personal student engagement.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities