The Best Private Schools in Staunton, Virginia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Staunton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Grace Christian School
Grace Christian School
Grace Christian School is a respected private Christian school serving students from Pre-K through 12th grade. The school offers a comprehensive Christ-centered education with a strong college preparatory curriculum that includes Advanced Placement courses. Academics are integrated with biblical worldview instruction across all subjects. The school features modern classrooms, science labs, a gymnasium, and athletic fields. Extracurricular opportunities include competitive sports teams, music programs, drama productions, and various clubs. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, dedicated faculty, and strong community values.
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Stuart Hall School
Stuart Hall School
Stuart Hall School is one of Virginia's oldest independent schools, offering a comprehensive college preparatory education with both day and boarding options. The school serves students from Pre-K through 12th grade and is an International Baccalaureate World School. With small class sizes and a 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio, Stuart Hall provides personalized attention and strong academic support. The campus features historic buildings with modern facilities, including science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development, global citizenship, and offers robust extracurricular programs in arts, athletics, and community service.
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Fishburne Military School
Fishburne Military School
Located just 15 minutes from Staunton in neighboring Waynesboro, Fishburne Military School is Virginia's oldest and smallest military school, serving young men in grades 8-12. The school provides a structured, disciplined environment with a strong college preparatory curriculum and leadership development through JROTC. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention, and the school boasts a 100% college acceptance rate. Facilities include modern academic buildings, athletic facilities, dormitories, and technology-enhanced classrooms. The school serves the broader Shenandoah Valley region and is known for developing character, leadership skills, and academic excellence in its students.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Staunton, Virginia
What are the primary types of private schools available in Staunton, Virginia, and how do they differ?
Staunton offers a distinctive mix of private school options catering to different educational philosophies. You have Stuart Hall School, a co-ed Episcopal day and boarding school known for its college-prep curriculum and arts integration. Grace Christian School provides a Protestant Christian education with a biblical worldview for grades K-12. Fishburne Military School is one of the nation's oldest military schools, offering a structured, leadership-focused environment for boys in grades 7-12 and postgraduates. This variety allows Staunton families to choose based on religious affiliation, pedagogical approach, and the specific structure they desire for their child's development.
How does the tuition for private schools in Staunton, VA, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at Staunton's private schools is generally competitive with or slightly below the Virginia independent school average, reflecting the area's cost of living. For the 2024-25 academic year, day student tuition ranges from approximately $8,000 to $25,000 annually, with boarding programs costing more. All major schools in Staunton—Stuart Hall, Grace Christian, and Fishburne—offer need-based financial aid, and some have merit scholarships. Additionally, Virginia's Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credits Program allows donors to support scholarship funds at qualifying schools, which can increase the financial aid pool for eligible families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in Staunton that leverage the city's local culture and resources?
Staunton's private schools deeply integrate the city's rich historical and cultural resources into their programs. Stuart Hall School, located in the historic district, partners with the American Shakespeare Center's Blackfriars Playhouse, offering unique theater and literature studies. Fishburne Military School utilizes the nearby Shenandoah Valley's terrain for leadership and outdoor education programs. Furthermore, several schools incorporate local history and civics through partnerships with the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum, providing students with immersive, place-based learning opportunities not commonly found elsewhere.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Staunton, and are there important local deadlines?
The enrollment process for Staunton private schools generally begins in the fall for the following academic year, with priority application deadlines often set between January and March. Key steps include campus tours (highly recommended to experience the unique campuses), submission of applications with teacher recommendations and transcripts, and standardized testing or student interviews. For schools with boarding programs like Stuart Hall and Fishburne, earlier planning is advised due to international and domestic student interest. It's crucial to contact admissions offices directly, as some schools, like Grace Christian, may have rolling admissions but limited space in specific grades.
For families considering both options, what are the key factors when comparing Staunton City Public Schools to the private schools in the area?
The comparison often centers on class size, specialized programs, and educational environment. Staunton City Public Schools offer a solid, tuition-free education with diverse programs. The private schools in Staunton provide significantly smaller average class sizes (often 10-15 students), allowing for highly individualized attention. They also offer distinct focuses: a structured military leadership model (Fishburne), a faith-based curriculum (Grace Christian), or a globally-infused college-prep with boarding options (Stuart Hall). The choice may also depend on a family's desire for a specific community ethos or a program that aligns with a student's need for structure, arts immersion, or a particular religious foundation.
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