The Best Private Schools in Millwood, Virginia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Millwood. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Hill School
Independent
The Hill School is a highly-regarded independent day school located just minutes from Millwood in historic Middleburg. Serving students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade, the school provides a challenging academic program balanced with strong character education. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, writing skills, and hands-on learning experiences. The school features modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities on its beautiful campus. Known for its tight-knit community and dedicated faculty, The Hill School prepares students for success at top secondary schools while fostering individual growth and development.
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Foxcroft School
Independent
Foxcroft School is a premier all-girls boarding and day school serving the Millwood area and broader Northern Virginia region. Established over a century ago, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and personalized attention. The 500-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts center, riding program, and athletic complexes. Foxcroft emphasizes leadership development, character education, and global perspective through its diverse international student body and study abroad opportunities. The school maintains a strong track record of college placements at top-tier universities.
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Randolph-Macon Academy
Independent
Randolph-Macon Academy is a distinguished coeducational college preparatory school with both day and boarding options, serving students from Millwood and throughout the region. The academy combines rigorous academics with leadership development through its Air Force JROTC program. Unique offerings include flight training and aviation science programs for students interested in aerospace careers. The 135-acre campus features modern academic buildings, athletic facilities, and residence halls. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, RMA provides personalized attention and comprehensive college counseling, resulting in strong college acceptance rates at military academies and competitive universities nationwide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Millwood, Virginia
What are the primary types of private schools available in Millwood, Virginia, and how do they differ?
Millwood, located in Clarke County, Virginia, offers a distinctive mix of prestigious private schools, primarily centered around college-preparatory and boarding models. The top schools include Foxcroft School (an all-girls boarding and day school), The Hill School (a co-ed day school for grades PK-8), and Randolph-Macon Academy (a co-ed boarding and day school with a Junior ROTC program). The key differences lie in gender focus, boarding options, and educational philosophy. Foxcroft emphasizes leadership and a close-knit community for girls, The Hill provides a foundational classical education, and Randolph-Macon offers a structured, leadership-focused environment with military traditions. This variety allows parents to choose based on their child's specific needs and family preferences for day versus boarding.
How does the tuition for private schools in Millwood, VA, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for Millwood's private schools is generally at or above the Virginia state average for private education, reflecting their national reputations and extensive facilities. For the 2024-2025 academic year, day student tuition ranges from approximately $20,000 at The Hill School to over $40,000 at Foxcroft and Randolph-Macon Academy, with boarding costs significantly higher. All three major schools are committed to making education accessible and offer robust need-based financial aid programs. Additionally, Virginia's Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credits Program allows donors to support scholarship funds at these schools, which can increase the aid pool. It's essential to apply for financial aid early, as deadlines often precede admission decisions.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are signature to the private schools in the Millwood area?
The private schools in Millwood leverage their rural Northern Virginia setting and specialized missions to offer unique programs. Foxcroft School is renowned for its STEM and equestrian programs, utilizing its 500-acre campus. The Hill School emphasizes classical education with a strong focus on Latin, arts integration, and character development from a young age. Randolph-Macon Academy stands out as one of the few private schools in the U.S. with an Air Force Junior ROTC program, flight training (for credit), and a structured leadership curriculum. All schools benefit from the historical and cultural resources of the Virginia Piedmont region, incorporating local history and outdoor education into their curricula.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Millwood, Virginia?
The enrollment process for Millwood's competitive private schools follows a traditional independent school timeline, beginning 12-18 months before desired entry. Key steps include: attending open houses (often in fall), submitting applications by January or February deadlines, completing student visits/interviews, and taking standardized tests like the SSAT or ISEE. Notification dates are typically in March, with contracts due in April. Given the small size of these schools, especially in specific grade levels, early inquiry is strongly advised. For boarding programs at Foxcroft and Randolph-Macon, international and out-of-state applicants should account for additional time for visa processing. The Hill School, as a day school, has a focused process for local families in Clarke and surrounding counties.
For families considering both options, what are the key factors when comparing the Millwood area's public schools (Clarke County Public Schools) to its private schools?
The comparison hinges on educational approach, resources, and environment. Clarke County Public Schools are highly rated in Virginia, offering a strong, tuition-free education with smaller class sizes than many suburban districts. The private schools in Millwood, however, provide distinct advantages: much lower student-to-teacher ratios, specialized curricula (classical, single-gender, leadership), extensive boarding communities that attract diverse national/international students, and often more robust arts, athletic, and niche facilities (like stables or flight simulators). The choice often comes down to a desire for a specific educational philosophy or community, the need for boarding, or seeking a particular program not available in the public system. The rural setting of Millwood means both public and private options share a safe, community-oriented environment.
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