The Best Private Schools in Somerville, Virginia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Somerville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Wakefield School
Independent School
Wakefield School is a highly-regarded independent day school serving students from preschool through 12th grade. Located approximately 20 minutes from Somerville, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and individualized attention. The campus features modern academic facilities, science labs, art studios, and athletic fields. Wakefield emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with strong programs in STEM, humanities, and the arts. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and offers numerous Advanced Placement courses.
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Highland School
Independent School
Highland School is a prestigious independent school located in Warrenton, approximately 30 minutes from Somerville. Serving students from preschool through 12th grade, Highland offers both the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program and Advanced Placement courses. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including a performing arts center, innovation lab, and extensive athletic complex. With a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, Highland provides personalized education with strong emphasis on critical thinking and global citizenship. The school has a long tradition of academic excellence and community engagement.
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The Hill School
Independent School
The Hill School specializes in educating students with learning differences and attention challenges, serving families throughout the region including Somerville. Located in Middleburg, approximately 25 minutes away, the school uses research-based methods including the Orton-Gillingham approach for reading instruction. The Hill School offers small class sizes (typically 6-8 students) and individualized learning plans. The curriculum focuses on building academic skills while developing self-advocacy and confidence. The school serves students in grades 1-8 and has an excellent record of preparing students for success in traditional high school settings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Somerville, Virginia
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Somerville, Virginia?
Families in the Somerville, VA area are primarily served by three notable independent schools, all located within a short driving distance. Wakefield School, located in The Plains, is a Pre-K through 12th grade college-preparatory school known for its rigorous academics and character education. Highland School in Warrenton offers a Junior Pre-K through 12th grade program with a strong emphasis on arts, athletics, and experiential learning. The Hill School in Middleburg is a Pre-K through 8th grade institution focused on foundational skills and a nurturing environment. While Somerville itself is a small, unincorporated community, these schools represent the core of private education in the immediate Fauquier County region.
How does the tuition for private schools near Somerville, VA compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at the top private schools near Somerville, VA, such as Wakefield, Highland, and The Hill School, is generally at or above the Virginia independent school average, reflecting their facilities, low student-to-teacher ratios, and comprehensive programs. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect tuition ranges from approximately $20,000 for lower grades to over $30,000 for upper grades at the K-12 schools. All three schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer robust need-based financial aid programs. Parents should apply for aid simultaneously with admission, using platforms like the School and Student Service (SSS), and inquire about merit scholarships or sibling discounts. Virginia also has no state-level tax credit or voucher program specifically for private school tuition.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Somerville area that leverage the local Virginia environment?
Private schools in the Somerville region uniquely integrate the historical, agricultural, and equestrian culture of Northern Virginia into their curricula. For example, Wakefield School’s location allows for partnerships with local farms and historical sites for science and history fieldwork. Highland School features a renowned outdoor education program that utilizes the Virginia Piedmont's natural landscape for environmental science and leadership training. The Hill School, nestled in Virginia horse country, often incorporates equine science and local history into its project-based learning. All schools emphasize small, discussion-based classes and offer robust arts and athletics, with many teams competing in the prestigious Delaney Athletic Conference.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Somerville, VA families?
The enrollment process for schools like Wakefield, Highland, and The Hill School is highly structured and begins early. The main admission cycle opens in September, with application deadlines typically between January and February for the following fall. The process involves submitting an application, school records, teacher recommendations, and often a student assessment or visit day. For the most competitive grades (like Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th), early application is strongly advised. Notification dates are usually in March, with a family reply deadline in April. It is crucial for Somerville parents to plan ahead, as these schools draw from a wide geographic area and spaces can be limited, especially in entry-level grades.
For a family considering both options, what are the key differences between the public schools in Fauquier County and the private schools near Somerville, VA?
The key differences lie in class size, curricular flexibility, and resources. Fauquier County Public Schools (serving Somerville) are well-regarded but operate with larger class sizes and a standardized curriculum set by the state of Virginia. The private schools near Somerville offer significantly smaller class sizes (often 12-18 students), allowing for highly individualized attention. They have the autonomy to offer specialized, accelerated, or innovative curricula not bound by SOL (Standards of Learning) testing mandates, though they prepare thoroughly for college entrance exams. Furthermore, private schools in this area often have newer facilities, more extensive arts and athletic offerings per capita, and a defined community culture centered on specific educational philosophies, which can be a major draw for families seeking a particular environment.