The Best Private Schools in Surry, Virginia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Surry. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Walsingham Academy
Catholic Diocese of Richmond
Walsingham Academy is a prestigious Catholic private school known for its rigorous academic programs, including IB and AP courses. With excellent faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and a supportive community, it prepares students for college and beyond through a holistic education approach. The school offers a nurturing environment with strong extracurriculars in athletics, arts, and service, making it a top choice for families in Surry and surrounding regions.
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Hampton Roads Academy
Independent School
Hampton Roads Academy is a top-tier independent school offering a challenging college preparatory curriculum. It boasts small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and extensive extracurricular opportunities in sports, arts, and technology, fostering well-rounded students. With a focus on academic excellence and personal growth, the school serves the Surry area through its robust programs and community engagement.
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Williamsburg Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Williamsburg Christian Academy is a highly-rated private school offering a comprehensive K-12 education with a strong emphasis on academic excellence, Christian values, and character development. The school features modern facilities, small class sizes, and a wide range of extracurricular activities including sports, music, and community service. It is known for its dedicated teachers and college preparatory curriculum, serving families in Surry and the wider Hampton Roads area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Surry, Virginia
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Surry, Virginia, and are they located within the county?
While Surry County itself has a limited number of private schools, families in Surry, VA, commonly consider several highly-regarded independent schools in the broader Hampton Roads/Tidewater region. The top options include Williamsburg Christian Academy (in Williamsburg), Walsingham Academy (in Williamsburg), and Hampton Roads Academy (in Newport News). Due to Surry's rural setting, most private school commuting involves crossing the James River via the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry or traveling to the Peninsula, which is an important logistical consideration for daily schedules.
How does tuition at private schools serving Surry, VA, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the schools accessible to Surry families is generally aligned with regional benchmarks. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $10,000 to $25,000+ annually depending on the grade level and school. Virginia has a strong culture of private school financial aid, and schools like Walsingham Academy and Hampton Roads Academy offer need-based assistance. Additionally, Virginia's Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credits Program allows donors to support scholarship funds for eligible students, which can be a significant resource for qualifying Surry County families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Surry, VA, offer that leverage the local historical and environmental context?
Schools in this historically rich area often integrate local resources into their curricula. For example, Williamsburg Christian Academy emphasizes a worldview education that can incorporate nearby Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown for history and civics studies. Hampton Roads Academy, with its proximity to the James River and Chesapeake Bay, may have strong environmental science and marine biology programs. Walsingham Academy's campus location also allows for easy educational trips to historic sites, offering a unique living history component not as readily available in many other regions.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Surry County, and are there considerations for ferry-dependent families?
The enrollment process for schools like Walsingham Academy, Hampton Roads Academy, and Williamsburg Christian Academy typically begins in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year, with application deadlines between January and March. It is crucial for Surry families to schedule tours and interviews well in advance, factoring in ferry schedules (which can have weather-related delays) for visits and potential future daily commutes. Many schools are familiar with families from the Southside and can discuss logistics, but proactive planning is essential due to the geographic barrier of the James River.
For a family in Surry County, what are the key factors when comparing the local public school system with the private school options across the river?
The comparison hinges on several location-specific factors. Surry County Public Schools offer the convenience of no commute and no tuition. Choosing a private school on the Peninsula involves a significant investment in both time (including ferry transit) and money. The decision often centers on specific academic programs (like advanced STEM or arts), smaller class sizes, religious education (offered by schools like Williamsburg Christian and Walsingham), or specialized college preparatory tracks available at the private institutions. Parents should weigh the consistency of the ferry schedule, after-school activity participation, and the community aspect against the perceived educational benefits.
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