The Best Private Schools in Reston, Virginia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Reston. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Langley School
Independent School
The Langley School is a highly respected independent school serving students from preschool through 8th grade. Located just minutes from Reston in McLean, this school offers a comprehensive educational experience with strong emphasis on academic excellence, character development, and community engagement. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including dedicated science labs, art studios, and performance spaces. Langley's curriculum integrates innovative STEAM programming with traditional academic rigor, and students benefit from small class sizes and individualized attention. The school maintains a diverse community and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities including athletics, arts, and community service programs.
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Flint Hill School
Independent School
Flint Hill School is a premier independent school serving students from junior kindergarten through 12th grade. Located in nearby Oakton, this school serves many families from the Reston area and offers a comprehensive college preparatory program. The campus features modern academic buildings, athletic facilities, and dedicated arts spaces. Flint Hill emphasizes innovative teaching methods while maintaining strong traditional academic foundations. The Upper School offers extensive Advanced Placement and honors courses, and the school boasts impressive college placement records. Students benefit from a 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio and numerous opportunities in athletics, arts, and leadership development.
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The Potomac School
Independent School
The Potomac School is a highly selective independent school serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade. While located in McLean, it serves many families from Reston and surrounding Northern Virginia communities. The school offers a rigorous academic program that includes International Baccalaureate and Advanced Studies options for upper school students. Potomac emphasizes critical thinking, ethical leadership, and global awareness across all grade levels. The 90-acre campus features exceptional facilities including science centers, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic complexes. The school maintains a strong commitment to diversity and community engagement, with numerous service learning opportunities and extracurricular programs that complement the academic experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Reston, Virginia
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Reston, Virginia, and how do their educational philosophies differ?
Reston, Virginia, is served by several highly-regarded private schools, though it's important to note that many are located in nearby communities. Within a short drive, top options include The Langley School (Pre-K-8) in McLean, known for its balanced, child-centered approach; Flint Hill School (JK-12) in Oakton, which offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum on two separate campuses; and The Potomac School (K-12) in McLean, renowned for its intellectual vibrancy and emphasis on ethical leadership. Reston itself also has smaller parochial and independent options. The key difference lies in their structure and focus: Langley is exclusively lower/middle school, while Flint Hill and Potomac are full K-12 institutions, which can be a major consideration for Reston families seeking continuity.
How does tuition for private schools in the Reston, VA, area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the premier private schools accessible to Reston families is significantly above the Virginia state average for private education, reflecting the high cost of living and competitive offerings in Northern Virginia. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition at schools like The Potomac School and Flint Hill School ranges from approximately $40,000 to $50,000 for upper grades. Importantly, these schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer robust need-based financial aid programs. It is common for 20-30% of the student body to receive some level of aid. Parents should apply for financial aid simultaneously with admissions, using platforms like Clarity or the School and Student Services (SSS), as funds are limited.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving Reston that leverage the local technology and business environment?
Private schools in the Northern Virginia corridor, including those serving Reston, excel at integrating STEM and entrepreneurship into their curricula, mirroring the region's tech-centric economy. For instance, Flint Hill School's Hussman Center for STEM and Innovation provides state-of-the-art labs and project-based learning. The Potomac School's proximity to Washington D.C. fuels its renowned Global Studies program and partnerships with tech companies. Many schools also have strong Mandarin and Spanish language immersion programs, preparing students for global business. Furthermore, extracurriculars often include competitive robotics teams, coding clubs, and entrepreneurship incubators that connect with local startups and federal contractors, giving Reston students distinct practical advantages.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Reston, Virginia, area?
The admissions process for top-tier private schools near Reston is highly structured and begins well over a year in advance. The timeline typically starts in the early fall (September-October) with open houses and campus tours. Application deadlines are usually in early to mid-January for the following academic year. The process almost always includes a written application, student assessments or interviews, teacher recommendations, and a parent interview. For younger grades, a play-based visit is common. Notification dates are generally in mid-March. Given the competitiveness, especially for entry points like Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th grades, Reston families are strongly advised to start research and visits 18-24 months prior to desired enrollment.
For families considering the excellent Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), what are the key factors to weigh when deciding between public and private education in Reston specifically?
This is a central decision for Reston families. FCPS is nationally ranked, offering advanced academic programs (AAP), International Baccalaureate (IB) at South Lakes High School, and extensive resources. The primary considerations for opting for a private school often include: smaller class sizes (often 12-18 students vs. 25+ in FCPS), a more tailored and consistent curriculum across all grades, distinct educational philosophies (e.g., progressive, classical), and specific extracurricular focus. Private schools may also offer a more centralized community and easier access to faculty. The trade-off, of course, is the significant financial cost. Many Reston families value the diversity and scale of FCPS, while others seek the specific mission and individualized attention of a private institution, even with a commute to neighboring towns.
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