The Best Private Schools in Shawsville, Virginia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Shawsville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Community School of Roanoke Valley
Independent School
Community School of Roanoke Valley is a highly-regarded independent school serving students from preschool through 8th grade. Located approximately 15 miles from Shawsville, this school emphasizes progressive, student-centered education with small class sizes and individualized attention. The school features a comprehensive project-based learning curriculum that integrates STEM, arts, and outdoor education. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and extensive outdoor learning spaces. Parent satisfaction is exceptionally high, with families praising the nurturing environment, dedicated teachers, and strong sense of community. The school serves families throughout the Roanoke Valley region, including Shawsville residents.
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New Horizon Montessori School
Montessori Schools
New Horizon Montessori School provides authentic Montessori education for children from toddler through elementary ages. Located approximately 18 miles from Shawsville, this highly-rated school follows the Montessori method with certified teachers and carefully prepared environments. The school features specialized Montessori classrooms, outdoor learning gardens, and enrichment programs in music, art, and foreign languages. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, individualized learning approach, and strong community atmosphere. The school serves families throughout the Roanoke Valley region and has built a reputation for developing independent, confident learners with strong academic foundations. Transportation options and extended care make it accessible for working families from surrounding communities including Shawsville.
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North Cross School
Independent School
North Cross School is a prestigious independent college preparatory school serving students from junior kindergarten through 12th grade. Located about 20 miles from Shawsville in Roanoke, this established institution offers both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, athletic complexes, and technology-enhanced classrooms. The school maintains small student-teacher ratios and provides extensive extracurricular opportunities in athletics, arts, and community service. North Cross has a strong reputation for academic excellence and college placement, with graduates regularly attending top-tier universities. The school serves as a regional educational hub for families throughout Southwest Virginia.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Shawsville, Virginia
Are there any private schools physically located within Shawsville, Virginia, or will we need to commute to nearby areas?
There are no major private school campuses physically located within the town limits of Shawsville itself. Families typically commute to schools in the greater Roanoke Valley area. Popular options include Community School of Roanoke Valley and New Horizon Montessori School in Roanoke, and North Cross School in the nearby community of Salem. Commutes from Shawsville generally range from 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the specific school and location. This is an important logistical consideration for Shawsville parents when planning daily schedules and transportation.
What are the distinctive educational philosophies of the top private schools accessible from Shawsville, VA?
The schools serving Shawsville families offer diverse approaches. The **Community School of Roanoke Valley** is notable for its focus on students with learning differences, such as dyslexia, using a multisensory, Orton-Gillingham based curriculum. **North Cross School** is a college-preparatory independent school with a rigorous academic tradition, advanced STEM programs, and global studies. **New Horizon Montessori School** follows the authentic Montessori method, emphasizing child-led learning in mixed-age classrooms. This variety allows Shawsville parents to choose a philosophy that best matches their child's learning style and needs.
How does tuition for Roanoke Valley private schools compare to the Virginia state average, and what financial aid options are available for Shawsville residents?
Tuition for the leading schools accessible from Shawsville is generally on par with or slightly below the state average for similar private institutions, but it remains a significant investment. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition ranges from approximately $10,000 for lower grades at some schools to over $25,000 for upper grades at college-preparatory institutions. All these schools offer need-based financial aid, and some have merit scholarships. Importantly, Virginia has two relevant programs: the **Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credits (EISTC)** program, which provides scholarships for eligible families, and the **Virginia K-12 Education Savings Account (ESA) Program**, which may offer state-funded accounts for certain students. Eligibility and funding levels vary.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Roanoke Valley that serve Shawsville students?
The process is competitive, especially for schools like North Cross and Community School. The timeline typically begins in the **fall (September-October)** a full year before desired entry, with open houses and application openings. Application deadlines are often in **January or February**, requiring submitted forms, teacher recommendations, transcripts, and student visits/assessments. Admission decisions are usually communicated in **March**. For Shawsville families, it's crucial to start early due to the commute factor; some schools may give consideration to geographic diversity, but spaces are limited. We recommend contacting admissions offices the spring before you intend to apply to get on their inquiry lists.
For a Shawsville family, what are the key considerations when comparing the local Montgomery County Public Schools to the private options in the Roanoke Valley?
The decision hinges on several Shawsville-specific factors. **Montgomery County Public Schools**, like Eastern Montgomery Elementary/High School, offer proximity, no tuition, and strong community ties. The primary draw of the **private options** is specialized programming (e.g., learning support, intensive college prep, Montessori) that may not be available locally. The trade-off is the daily commute to Roanoke/Salem, which adds time and cost. Academically, private schools often have smaller class sizes and different curricular flexibility. For families with children who have specific learning needs or seek a particular educational environment, the commute to a Roanoke Valley private school may be worthwhile. It's advisable to thoroughly tour both your local public school and the private options to assess the fit for your child.
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