The Best Private Schools in Mount Vernon, Virginia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Mount Vernon. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Burgundy Farm Country Day School
Independent
Burgundy Farm Country Day School is a highly-regarded progressive independent school serving Mount Vernon and surrounding communities. The school's unique 25-acre campus functions as an outdoor classroom with forests, streams, and farm animals. The educational philosophy emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning with a strong environmental science focus. The school serves students from junior kindergarten through 8th grade with small class sizes and individualized attention. Programs include integrated arts, Spanish language instruction from early grades, and a comprehensive outdoor education program. The school is known for its diverse, inclusive community and strong parent involvement.
Programs:
The Langley School
Independent
The Langley School is an esteemed independent school serving preschool through 8th grade students from Mount Vernon and across Northern Virginia. The school combines academic rigor with strong social-emotional learning programs, creating a nurturing environment that fosters both intellectual growth and character development. The curriculum features innovative approaches including Singapore Math, balanced literacy, and comprehensive STEM programs. The 7-acre campus includes state-of-the-art classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. Langley emphasizes global citizenship and community service, with small class sizes ensuring personalized attention and strong student-teacher relationships.
Programs:
Bishop Ireton High School
Diocese of Arlington
Bishop Ireton High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving the Mount Vernon area and greater Northern Virginia. Founded by the Congregation of Christian Brothers, the school offers a rigorous academic program with 22 Advanced Placement courses and comprehensive STEM offerings. The 16-acre campus features modern science labs, performing arts facilities, and extensive athletic complexes. With a student-teacher ratio of 13:1, the school emphasizes individual attention and character development. The school boasts a 100% college acceptance rate and offers extensive extracurricular activities including championship athletic teams, robotics, and comprehensive arts programs.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Mount Vernon, Virginia
What are the primary private school options serving families in Mount Vernon, Virginia, and what are their educational philosophies?
Mount Vernon, VA, is served by several notable private schools, each with a distinct approach. Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria is a co-ed Catholic college-preparatory school with a strong emphasis on faith, service, and academics. Burgundy Farm Country Day School, located in nearby Alexandria, is a progressive, independent school focused on experiential, hands-on learning and environmental stewardship on its 25-acre campus. The Langley School in McLean is an independent school for grades PK-8 known for its balanced, whole-child education and strong community feel. While not all are within Mount Vernon's exact boundaries, they are key options for local families, with transportation often provided or arranged.
How does tuition for private schools in the Mount Vernon, VA, area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Mount Vernon corridor varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $30,000 to $50,000+ for day schools. Bishop Ireton's tuition is on the lower end of the spectrum for high schools in the region, reflecting its diocesan affiliation. Burgundy Farm and The Langley School, as independent institutions, often have higher tuition, commensurate with their extensive facilities and programs. Importantly, most schools offer robust financial aid based on demonstrated need. Virginia also has education improvement scholarship tax credit programs that can provide some tuition assistance. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school's admissions office about their specific aid deadlines and application processes (like SSS/Clarity).
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible to Mount Vernon residents?
Schools serving Mount Vernon offer specialized programs leveraging their locations and missions. Bishop Ireton boasts a renowned Engineering and Biomedical Sciences program, along with extensive athletics and arts. Burgundy Farm Country Day School features a unique "Burgundy Journey" in 8th grade, a capstone project, and has a deep commitment to environmental science with its on-campus farm and wetlands. The Langley School emphasizes social-emotional learning through its "Lanley Leaders" program and offers strong world languages starting in junior kindergarten. Proximity to Washington, D.C., also allows for exceptional experiential learning opportunities in history, government, and culture across all these schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Mount Vernon, Virginia, area?
The timeline is highly structured and begins early. For most schools (like Burgundy Farm and The Langley), the process for the following fall starts 12-18 months in advance, with open houses in the early fall. Application deadlines are typically in January, with assessments and family interviews occurring in the winter. Admissions decisions are communicated in March. Bishop Ireton High School follows a similar timeline for 9th-grade admissions. Given the competitive nature of Northern Virginia private schools, it is strongly advised to begin research and attend open houses in the fall of the year *before* you wish to enroll. Waitlists are common, so meeting deadlines is critical.
For families in Mount Vernon, what are the key considerations when choosing between the highly-rated Fairfax County Public Schools and local private options?
This is a significant decision for Mount Vernon families. Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) are consistently ranked among the nation's best, offering diverse Advanced Placement and specialty programs. Choosing a private school often comes down to specific values and needs: desire for a particular religious foundation (like at Bishop Ireton), a specific educational philosophy (progressive at Burgundy Farm), smaller class sizes, or a particular community culture. Private schools may offer more tailored attention and unique programmatic focuses. Considerations include commute (private schools may require longer drives), cost versus tax-funded education, and the alignment of the school's mission with your family's goals. Many families tour both their assigned FCPS school and private options to make the most informed choice.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities