The Best Private Schools in Midland, Virginia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Midland. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Highland School
Highland School
Highland School is a premier independent school serving students from preschool through 12th grade. Located just 15 minutes from Midland, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and individualized attention. The 40-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complexes. Highland emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with strong programs in robotics, visual arts, and competitive sports. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
Programs:
Wakefield School
Wakefield School
Wakefield School is an independent college preparatory school located approximately 20 minutes from Midland. Serving students from preschool through 12th grade, the school offers both International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs. The 75-acre campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, art studios, and extensive athletic facilities. Wakefield's curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and global citizenship, with unique offerings like outdoor education and sustainability programs. The school maintains small class sizes and has a strong track record of college placements at selective institutions.
Programs:
Foxcroft School
Foxcroft School
Foxcroft School is a distinguished all-girls boarding and day school located about 25 minutes from Midland. Serving grades 9-12, the school offers a challenging college preparatory curriculum with particular strengths in STEM fields and leadership development. The 500-acre campus features exceptional facilities including science centers, riding arenas, and athletic complexes. Foxcroft's innovative teaching methods emphasize hands-on learning and personal growth, with a renowned equestrian program and strong arts curriculum. The school maintains an excellent college placement record and provides a supportive environment for young women to excel academically and personally.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Midland, Virginia
What are the primary private school options serving families in Midland, Virginia, and what are their key educational models?
Midland, VA, is served by several notable independent schools in the surrounding Piedmont region. The top options include **Highland School** (Pre-K-12) in Warrenton, known for its college-prep curriculum and strong arts/athletics; **Wakefield School** (Pre-K-12) in The Plains, offering a classical liberal arts education; and **Foxcroft School** (9-12) in Middleburg, a prestigious all-girls boarding and day school with a focus on leadership. While not in Midland's immediate town limits, these are the primary institutions for local families, each with a distinct philosophy. Transportation via carpool or school-provided buses from central points is common.
How does tuition at private schools in the Midland, VA, area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Midland area varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect ranges of approximately $25,000 - $35,000 for day schools like Highland and Wakefield, while Foxcroft, as a boarding school, has higher comprehensive fees. Virginia private schools actively offer need-based financial aid, and many have substantial endowment funds for this purpose. It's crucial to apply for aid simultaneously with admission, using platforms like the School and Student Service (SSS). Additionally, Virginia's **Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credits Program** allows donors to support scholarship funds at participating schools, potentially increasing aid availability.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools near Midland, VA, that leverage the local environment?
Schools in the Midland area capitalize on Virginia's history, equestrian culture, and natural landscape. **Foxcroft School** features a renowned equestrian program with on-campus stables. **Wakefield School** emphasizes Socratic seminars and rhetoric, aligning with the region's historical significance. **Highland School** offers robust STEM initiatives and partnerships with local tech firms, reflecting Northern Virginia's innovation corridor. All schools integrate outdoor education, with field trips to historic sites like Manassas Battlefield and the Shenandoah Valley, providing a learning context deeply rooted in the local geography and culture.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Midland, Virginia, area?
The admission process for competitive schools like Highland, Wakefield, and Foxcroft begins early. Key steps include: **Fall (Year Prior)**: Attend open houses (often Sept-Nov). **December-January**: Application deadlines, which may include standardized testing (ISEE/SSAT), student essays, parent statements, teacher recommendations, and student interviews/visits. **March**: Most schools release admission and financial aid decisions. **April**: Enrollment contracts and deposits are due. Given the limited seats, especially in entry grades (Pre-K, Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th), initiating contact 12-18 months in advance is strongly advised. Sibling and legacy applicant policies are common.
For families in Midland, how do the local private school options compare to the highly-rated Fauquier County Public Schools?
This is a key consideration. Fauquier County Public Schools, which serve Midland, are generally well-regarded. The choice often hinges on specific family priorities. Private schools offer smaller class sizes (often 12-18 students), specialized curricula (classical, single-gender), and more individualized attention. They also provide greater continuity from elementary through high school. Public schools offer a tuition-free education with diverse programs and are bound to state Standards of Learning (SOLs). For families in Midland, the decision may involve weighing the commute to a private school against the local public school assignment, the desire for a specific educational philosophy, and the value placed on particular programs like intensive arts, languages, or competitive athletics not as robustly available in the public setting.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities