The Best Private Schools in Leesburg, Virginia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Leesburg. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Loudoun Country Day School
Independent
Loudoun Country Day School is a highly-regarded independent private school serving students from preschool through 8th grade. The school emphasizes small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, allowing for personalized attention. Their comprehensive curriculum includes advanced STEM programs, Spanish language instruction beginning in preschool, and robust arts education. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and extensive athletic facilities. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and strong academic preparation for high school.
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The Langley School
Independent
Located in nearby McLean, The Langley School serves families throughout Northern Virginia including Leesburg. This prestigious independent school offers education from preschool through 8th grade with a focus on progressive, child-centered learning. The school's innovative STEAM curriculum integrates science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, while emphasizing social-emotional development. Campus facilities include dedicated science labs, art studios, performance spaces, and extensive athletic fields. The school is known for its inclusive community and strong emphasis on developing confident, creative thinkers prepared for top secondary schools.
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Notre Dame Academy
Catholic Diocese of Arlington
Notre Dame Academy is a Catholic college preparatory school serving students in grades 6-12. The school combines rigorous academics with faith-based education, offering Advanced Placement courses, a dedicated STEM academy, and comprehensive arts programs. Facilities include state-of-the-art science laboratories, a performing arts center, and athletic complexes. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence. Parents appreciate the strong community atmosphere and the balance between challenging academics and spiritual formation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Leesburg, Virginia
What are the primary private school options within or very close to Leesburg, Virginia, and what are their educational philosophies?
Leesburg, VA, is home to several well-regarded private schools, each with a distinct approach. Loudoun Country Day School, located in Leesburg, is a co-educational, independent school for grades PK-8 emphasizing a traditional, rigorous academic foundation with strong arts and character education. Notre Dame Academy, a Catholic independent school in nearby Middleburg, offers a college-preparatory curriculum for grades 6-12 rooted in the Holy Cross tradition, focusing on faith, scholarship, and community. The Langley School, though technically in McLean, serves many Loudoun County families and is a progressive independent school for PK-8 known for its inquiry-based learning and social-emotional curriculum. Parents in Leesburg often consider this cluster for its range from traditional to progressive and religious to secular options.
How does tuition for private schools in the Leesburg, VA, area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Leesburg area is generally at or above the Virginia private school average, reflecting the region's high cost of living. For the 2024-2025 academic year, day school tuition ranges from approximately $25,000 to $40,000+ for grades K-8, with high school often higher. Most schools, including Loudoun Country Day School, Notre Dame Academy, and The Langley School, offer robust need-based financial aid programs. It's crucial to apply for aid early, as deadlines often precede admission decisions. Additionally, Virginia's Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credits Program allows donors to support scholarship funds for low- and middle-income families, which some local schools participate in to supplement their aid budgets.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Leesburg-area private schools offer that leverage the local Northern Virginia context?
Private schools in and around Leesburg capitalize on their proximity to Washington, D.C., and Virginia's technology corridor. Many integrate STEM partnerships with local companies and federal agencies, offer specialized robotics and coding programs, and organize frequent educational trips to D.C. museums, historical sites (like nearby Manassas Battlefield), and government institutions. Schools like Loudoun Country Day School emphasize local history and environmental science using Loudoun's rural-urban interface. Furthermore, equestrian programs are notable, with schools like Notre Dame Academy leveraging the area's strong horse country culture for both athletics and related academic electives.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in Leesburg, Virginia?
The admission process for top Leesburg-area private schools is highly structured and begins early. Most schools open applications in August or September for the following fall. Key steps include: attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting applications by January deadlines, completing student assessments/visits, and providing teacher recommendations. Notification dates are typically in March. Given the competitive nature, especially for entry points like Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 6th grade, starting the process 12-18 months in advance is advisable. Many families also apply to multiple schools. It's important to note that sibling and legacy applicant policies can impact availability, so checking with each school's specific timeline is essential.
For families considering the choice, how do the academic environments and resources of Leesburg's private schools compare to the highly-rated public schools in Loudoun County?
Leesburg sits within Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS), which are consistently ranked among the best in Virginia. The choice often comes down to environment and specific needs. Private schools offer smaller class sizes (often 12-18 students vs. 20-30+ in public), more individualized attention, and often a distinct mission (e.g., religious, progressive pedagogy). They may also have more flexibility in curriculum without state-mandated testing. However, LCPS offers immense scale, including extensive AP/IB programs, specialized academies, and significant extracurricular diversity. Private schools in Leesburg provide a close-knit community and can be a compelling alternative for families seeking a specific educational philosophy or a smaller setting, despite the significant financial investment.
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