The Best Private Schools in Purcellville, Virginia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Purcellville. 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 prestigious independent school serving the Northern Virginia region, including Purcellville families. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory program from Pre-K through 12th grade with small class sizes and individualized attention. Their STEM program features state-of-the-art laboratories and technology integration, while their arts program includes visual arts, theater, and music. The 40-acre campus features modern athletic facilities including multiple gyms, playing fields, and an aquatic center. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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Foxcroft School
Foxcroft School
Foxcroft School is a nationally recognized all-girls boarding and day school serving the Loudoun County area, including Purcellville families. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with advanced placement and honors courses. Their signature programs include extensive leadership development, STEM initiatives, and a renowned equestrian program with state-of-the-art facilities. The 500-acre campus features modern academic buildings, athletic facilities, and residential spaces. Foxcroft emphasizes character education and personal growth while maintaining strong academic outcomes with graduates attending competitive colleges and universities.
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Notre Dame Academy
Catholic Diocese of Arlington
Notre Dame Academy is a Catholic college preparatory school serving families throughout Loudoun County, including Purcellville. The school offers a comprehensive academic program from Pre-K through 12th grade with a strong emphasis on faith formation and character development. Their curriculum includes advanced placement courses, robust STEM programs, and extensive fine arts offerings. The campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, athletic facilities, and chapel. The school maintains small class sizes and personalized attention, with graduates consistently accepted to top-tier colleges and universities while developing strong moral foundations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Purcellville, Virginia
What are the primary private school options available within or very near Purcellville, Virginia, and what are their core educational models?
Purcellville, VA, is home to a distinctive cluster of private schools, each with a strong reputation. Within the town, you'll find **Highland School**, a coeducational, college-preparatory day school serving Pre-K through 12th grade with a focus on experiential learning. Just outside Purcellville in Middleburg is **Foxcroft School**, an all-girls, college-preparatory boarding and day school for grades 9-12, renowned for its equestrian program and leadership focus. Also nearby is **Notre Dame Academy**, a private Catholic school offering a faith-based education. This concentration provides Loudoun County parents with a rare choice between single-gender and coed, boarding and day, and secular and religious models in a semi-rural setting.
How does the tuition for Purcellville-area private schools compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at Purcellville's premier private schools is generally at or above the Virginia independent school average, reflecting their high caliber and specialized programs. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect day school tuition to range from approximately $20,000 to over $40,000 annually, with boarding costs at Foxcroft being higher. All three major schools—Highland, Foxcroft, and Notre Dame Academy—have committed need-based financial aid programs. Importantly, Virginia's **Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credits Program** allows donors to support nonprofit scholarship funds, which in turn provide tuition assistance to eligible families. It's essential 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 signature offerings at Purcellville, VA, private schools?
Private schools in the Purcellville area leverage their Loudoun County location to offer unique programs. **Foxcroft School's** equestrian program is nationally recognized, featuring a 110-acre campus with riding arenas and a focus on horsemanship integrated into student life. **Highland School** emphasizes "learning by doing" with extensive outdoor education, a robust STEM curriculum, and a renowned Global Studies program that includes international travel. Given the region's growing tech sector, these schools also strongly emphasize innovation labs and robotics. The semi-rural environment allows for unique outdoor science and environmental stewardship initiatives not always feasible in urban schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Purcellville, and are there key local deadlines to know?
The enrollment process for Purcellville-area private schools is highly structured and begins early. For entry in Fall, the main admissions season runs from September through January. Key steps include: attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting applications by **January/February deadlines**, and completing student visits/interviews and standardized testing (like the ISEE or SSAT) by winter. Notification dates are typically in **mid-March**, with contracts due back in April. Due to the competitive nature and limited seats, especially in entry grades (Pre-K, Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th), starting the process 12-18 months in advance is strongly advised. Sibling and legacy applicants often have priority, so planning is crucial.
For families considering both options, how do the private schools in Purcellville compare to the highly-rated Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS)?
This is a key consideration for Purcellville families. While LCPS is consistently ranked among Virginia's top public school districts, private schools offer distinct advantages. Private schools like Highland and Foxcroft provide much smaller class sizes (often 10-15 students vs. 25+ in LCPS), more individualized attention, and specialized curricula (e.g., Foxcroft's all-girls model, Highland's experiential focus). They often have more flexibility in curriculum design and fewer standardized testing mandates. The trade-off is, of course, cost. Furthermore, private schools can foster a tight-knit community feel, which appeals to many in Purcellville's small-town setting. The decision often hinges on whether a family values the specific pedagogical approach and community of a private school versus the no-tuition, diverse, and resource-rich environment of LCPS.
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