The Best Private Schools in Sterling, Virginia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Sterling. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Nysmith School for the Gifted
Independent
The Nysmith School for the Gifted is a nationally recognized private school serving gifted students from Sterling and throughout Northern Virginia. The school offers an accelerated, enriched curriculum designed specifically for academically talented students. Programs include advanced mathematics and science, comprehensive computer science education, competitive robotics, and extensive arts integration. With a 12:1 student-teacher ratio and specialized faculty training in gifted education, Nysmith provides exceptional academic challenges while fostering social-emotional development. The school features specialized labs, technology-rich classrooms, and extensive extracurricular options.
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BASIS Independent McLean
BASIS Curriculum Schools
BASIS Independent McLean is a highly-regarded private school serving the Northern Virginia region, including Sterling families. The school offers a rigorous, internationally-benchmarked curriculum with exceptional STEM programs and comprehensive liberal arts education. Students benefit from subject expert teachers, advanced coursework starting in elementary grades, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic facilities. Parent satisfaction is exceptionally high due to the school's academic results and individualized attention.
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Loudoun Country Day School
Independent
Loudoun Country Day School is a premier independent school serving Sterling and surrounding Loudoun County communities. With over six decades of educational excellence, LCDS provides a balanced, challenging academic program for students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. The school emphasizes small class sizes, individualized instruction, and a strong foundation in core academic subjects while incorporating arts, music, and physical education. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and academic rigor.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Sterling, Virginia
What are the main types of private school options available to families residing in Sterling, Virginia?
Sterling, located in Loudoun County, offers access to several prestigious private schools, though many of the most renowned are in neighboring towns. Directly in Sterling, you'll find faith-based options like Sterling Montessori Academy. However, families commonly consider schools in the broader area, such as The Nysmith School for the Gifted in Herndon for advanced learners, Loudoun Country Day School in Leesburg for a traditional preparatory education, and BASIS Independent McLean, a nationally top-ranked STEM-focused school. This means Sterling parents have a strong regional network of day schools covering Montessori, gifted, college-prep, and specialized academic models, all within a reasonable commute.
How does the tuition for top private schools near Sterling, VA, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition for the leading private schools in the Northern Virginia area surrounding Sterling is typically above the Virginia state average for private education, reflecting the region's high cost of living and academic caliber. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition at schools like BASIS Independent McLean or The Nysmith School often ranges from approximately $30,000 to $38,000. Fortunately, these institutions usually offer robust need-based financial aid programs. Additionally, Virginia has the Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credits Program, which provides tax credits to donors who contribute to scholarship funds for eligible students, potentially increasing financial aid resources for families in Sterling.
For a child with advanced academic needs, what specialized programs are offered by private schools in the Sterling, VA, area?
The Sterling area is notably strong in programs for gifted and advanced learners. The Nysmith School for the Gifted, located in nearby Herndon, is specifically designed for this population with a curriculum that is 3-5 years accelerated and includes subjects like robotics, cryptography, and organic chemistry at early grade levels. BASIS Independent McLean offers an internationally benchmarked, STEM-liberal arts curriculum known for its depth and rigor, culminating in Advanced Placement® courses and capstone projects. Loudoun Country Day School also provides advanced enrichment and differentiated instruction. This concentration of high-level academic options is a significant draw for families in the Sterling and greater Loudoun County region.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools serving Sterling, Virginia families?
The admissions process for the top-tier private schools in the Northern Virginia region is highly structured and begins early. For a fall start, the application season typically opens in September, with deadlines for initial applications and financial aid requests between January and February. The process often includes a parent interview, student assessment or visit day, and submission of teacher recommendations and records. Given the competitive nature of schools like BASIS Independent McLean and The Nysmith School, it is crucial for Sterling parents to begin research and attend open houses in the fall, a full year before desired enrollment. Rolling admissions may be available at some schools if spaces remain.
How do the extracurricular and community environments of private schools near Sterling differ from the highly-rated Loudoun County Public Schools?
While Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) are consistently highly ranked, private schools in the area offer distinct environments. Private schools typically feature much smaller class sizes (e.g., 12-1 student-teacher ratios vs. 25-1 in public), allowing for highly individualized attention. Their communities are often more tightly knit, with greater parent involvement by design. Extracurricularly, private schools can offer unique, specialized programs that might not be available in a public school, such as competitive robotics teams starting in lower grades, intensive foreign language immersion, or tailored arts conservatories. The choice often comes down to seeking a specific pedagogical approach (like gifted education or classical curriculum) versus the comprehensive, resource-rich but larger-scale environment of LCPS, which also serves Sterling.