The Best Private Schools in Harrisonburg, Virginia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Harrisonburg. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Blue Ridge School
Blue Ridge School
Located approximately 45 minutes from Harrisonburg, Blue Ridge School is a prestigious all-boys boarding school serving the broader Shenandoah Valley region. The school specializes in educating young men through a structured, supportive environment with small class sizes and personalized attention. Their comprehensive college preparatory program includes advanced placement courses, extensive athletic offerings, and unique outdoor education programs. The 800-acre campus provides exceptional facilities including modern academic buildings, dormitories, and extensive athletic complexes.
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Eastern Mennonite School
Eastern Mennonite School
Eastern Mennonite School is a highly respected private Christian school offering comprehensive education from preschool through high school. The school is known for its rigorous International Baccalaureate program, strong college preparatory curriculum, and commitment to service learning. With excellent teacher-student ratios and modern facilities, EMS provides a nurturing environment that emphasizes academic excellence, character development, and global citizenship. The campus features state-of-the-art science labs, athletic facilities, and arts spaces supporting a well-rounded education.
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Stuart Hall School
Stuart Hall School
Stuart Hall School, located about 25 minutes from Harrisonburg in historic Staunton, is one of Virginia's oldest and most respected independent schools. Serving both day and boarding students, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on critical thinking and leadership development. The historic campus features modern academic facilities, arts centers, and athletic complexes. Stuart Hall is particularly noted for its strong arts programs, competitive athletics, and diverse international student community that enriches the educational experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Harrisonburg, Virginia
What are the primary private school options available in Harrisonburg, VA, and what are their educational philosophies?
Harrisonburg, VA, is home to several distinctive private schools, each with a unique mission. Eastern Mennonite School (Pre-K-12) is a Christian school rooted in the Anabaptist-Mennonite tradition, emphasizing peacebuilding, service, and community. While not in Harrisonburg proper, the nearby Blue Ridge School (all-boys, grades 9-12) in St. George offers a college-prep boarding/day program with a focus on experiential learning and outdoor activities. Stuart Hall School (co-ed, grades Pre-K-12) in Staunton, about 25 minutes away, is an Episcopal school known for its global curriculum and boarding options. Harrisonburg also has smaller parochial and independent options. The local landscape is characterized by a blend of faith-based education and college-preparatory models, often with smaller class sizes than the public system.
How does tuition for private schools in the Harrisonburg, VA, area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Harrisonburg area varies significantly by school type and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, day student tuition at Eastern Mennonite School ranges from approximately $10,000 for elementary to over $15,000 for high school. Boarding schools like Blue Ridge School have comprehensive fees exceeding $60,000, though day student options are lower. Most schools offer need-based financial aid, and Virginia has two key state-supported programs: the Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credits Program, which funds scholarships for lower-income families, and the Virginia K-12 Education Savings Account program for students with disabilities. It's crucial to contact each school's admissions office early to discuss aid applications and deadlines, as funds are often limited.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Harrisonburg-area private schools offer that leverage the local Virginia environment?
Private schools in the Shenandoah Valley leverage the region's natural and cultural resources. Eastern Mennonite School integrates its peace and justice philosophy into its curriculum, with local service partnerships. Blue Ridge School utilizes its 800-acre campus in the Blue Ridge Mountains for its Outdoor Program, which includes hiking, fishing, and environmental science. While in Staunton, Stuart Hall School offers a Global Studies diploma and utilizes nearby Shenandoah Valley farms and businesses for hands-on projects. Many schools also emphasize agriculture, sustainability, and outdoor education, taking advantage of the Valley's rural setting. Additionally, proximity to James Madison University can provide unique enrichment and dual-enrollment opportunities for high school students.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Harrisonburg, VA, and are there important local deadlines?
The enrollment process for Harrisonburg-area private schools generally begins in the fall, a full year before desired entry. Key steps include: attending open houses (often held October-January), submitting applications by January or February deadlines, and completing student assessments/interviews. Rolling admissions may be available if spaces remain. A critical local consideration is sibling and legacy priority at schools like Eastern Mennonite. For boarding schools like Blue Ridge, international student applications have earlier deadlines due to visa processing. Financial aid applications (like SSS) are usually due concurrently with admissions applications. We recommend initiating inquiries by September-October to ensure you meet all deadlines and have time to visit campuses.
For families considering both options, what are the notable differences between Harrisonburg City Public Schools and the local private school landscape?
The primary differences lie in scale, curriculum focus, and cost. Harrisonburg City Public Schools (HCPS) are tuition-free, serve a highly diverse student population, and offer large-scale programs like the city's acclaimed dual-language immersion program. Private schools in the area typically offer smaller class sizes (often 15:1 or lower), a specific religious or philosophical foundation, and more uniform college-preparatory tracks. Private schools may have more flexibility in curriculum design, allowing for specialized programs like Eastern Mennonite's peace studies. The decision often hinges on a family's priorities: HCPS offers robust diversity and public resources, while private schools offer a specific community ethos and tailored educational approach, at a cost. Transportation is also a key factor, as HCPS provides busing, while private schools often require personal arrangements.
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