The Best Private Schools in Mathews, Virginia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Mathews. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Hampton Roads Academy
Hampton Roads Academy
Hampton Roads Academy is a highly-regarded independent college preparatory school serving students from Mathews and surrounding communities. The school offers a comprehensive academic program with 19 Advanced Placement courses and strong STEM emphasis. HRA features outstanding facilities including modern science laboratories, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive athletic complexes. The school maintains small class sizes with a 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio, ensuring personalized attention. With a diverse student body and robust extracurricular programs including championship athletics and award-winning arts programs, HRA consistently produces graduates who attend selective colleges and universities.
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Christchurch School
Christchurch School
Christchurch School is a prestigious coeducational Episcopal boarding and day school located just 15 miles from Mathews. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and personalized attention. Known for its exceptional marine science program utilizing the Rappahannock River waterfront campus, Christchurch provides unique hands-on learning opportunities. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. With a strong emphasis on character development and community service, Christchurch has maintained an excellent reputation for preparing students for top colleges and universities.
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Walsingham Academy
Walsingham Academy
Walsingham Academy is a respected Catholic independent school offering comprehensive education from preschool through high school. The school provides both International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs, giving students multiple pathways to academic excellence. Located within reasonable commuting distance from Mathews, Walsingham features modern facilities including science and technology labs, performing arts center, and competitive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development within a faith-based community while maintaining strong academic standards. With a history of strong college acceptance rates and well-rounded student development, Walsingham serves as an excellent private school option for families in the Mathews area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Mathews, Virginia
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Mathews, Virginia, and are they located within the county?
Mathews County itself has a limited number of private schools within its immediate borders, leading many families to consider well-regarded institutions in neighboring areas. The most prominent options include Christchurch School, located right in Mathews on the Christchurch School campus, which is a co-ed Episcopal boarding and day school for grades 9-12. For day students in grades K-12, families often look to Walsingham Academy in nearby Williamsburg (about a 45-minute drive) and Hampton Roads Academy in Newport News (about a 50-minute drive). This means commuting or boarding are common considerations for Mathews residents seeking private education.
How does the tuition for private schools serving Mathews, VA, compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Virginia families?
Tuition varies significantly based on the school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Christchurch School's day student tuition is approximately $30,000, while boarding is higher. Hampton Roads Academy and Walsingham Academy typically range from $15,000 to $25,000 for day students depending on the grade. Virginia offers several financial aid avenues, including the Virginia Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credits Program, which provides scholarships to eligible students through participating schools. All three schools have robust need-based financial aid programs, and it's crucial to apply for aid early in the admissions process.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools accessible from Mathews offer, particularly leveraging the local Chesapeake Bay environment?
Schools serving the Mathews area offer distinctive programs that capitalize on the region's character. Christchurch School has a renowned River Program, where students engage in hands-on environmental science and leadership training on the Rappahannock River and Chesapeake Bay, integrating ecology, maritime studies, and outdoor education directly into the curriculum. Hampton Roads Academy emphasizes a strong college-preparatory STEM program. Walsingham Academy offers a comprehensive Catholic education with a focus on liberal arts. The proximity to historic Williamsburg and maritime industries also enriches history and science curricula across these schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Christchurch School that Mathews parents should be aware of?
The enrollment process for schools like Christchurch School, Hampton Roads Academy, and Walsingham Academy generally begins in the fall, a full year before desired entry. Key steps include: attending open houses (often in October-November), submitting applications by January/February deadlines, completing standardized testing (ISEE or SSAT for upper grades), and scheduling student interviews and visits. Financial aid applications are usually due concurrently with admissions applications. For Mathews families, planning for potential commuting or boarding arrangements at Christchurch is an essential part of the process that should be discussed during the application phase.
For a family in rural Mathews County, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school system and a private school option that may require significant travel?
The decision hinges on several Mathews-specific factors. Mathews County Public Schools are small, community-centered, and offer a K-12 education without a commute. Private options offer different educational philosophies, smaller class sizes, specialized programs (like Christchurch's River Program), and often a wider range of AP or advanced courses. The major trade-off is commute time, which can be 45-60 minutes each way to schools in Newport News or Williamsburg, impacting family logistics and student participation in after-school activities. Families must weigh the desired academic rigor and specialized environment against the value of proximity and deep local community ties inherent in the Mathews public system.