The Best Private Schools in Urbanna, Virginia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Urbanna. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Ware Academy
Ware Academy
Ware Academy is a highly-regarded independent school serving students from preschool through 8th grade. Located in nearby Gloucester, the school provides a challenging academic program with strong emphasis on character development and community values. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. Ware Academy is known for its exceptional teacher-student ratios, comprehensive STEM curriculum, and strong preparation for secondary education. The school serves families throughout Middlesex County including Urbanna.
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Bay Academy
Bay Academy
Bay Academy is a respected Montessori school serving the Middle Peninsula region including Urbanna families. The school offers a child-centered educational approach from elementary through middle school years, emphasizing hands-on learning and individual development. Located in historic Mathews, the school features beautiful campus facilities with outdoor classrooms, art studios, and science labs. Bay Academy is particularly noted for its strong environmental education program and commitment to developing independent, critical thinkers prepared for high school success.
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Christchurch School
Christchurch School
Christchurch School is a prestigious coeducational Episcopal boarding and day school located just minutes from Urbanna on the Rappahannock River. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with exceptional marine science and environmental programs leveraging its waterfront location. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and extensive athletic and arts programs. The school's 125-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Urbanna, Virginia
What are the primary private school options serving families in Urbanna, Virginia, and what are their key characteristics?
Urbanna itself is a small town, so most private schools are located in the surrounding Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck areas. The notable options include Christchurch School (a co-ed Episcopal boarding and day school for grades 9-12 in Christchurch, VA, known for its riverfront campus and maritime program), Ware Academy (a co-ed independent day school for Pre-K through 8th grade in Gloucester, VA, emphasizing a classical core curriculum), and Bay Academy (a private school in Kilmarnock, VA, serving grades K-8 with a focus on individualized learning). For Urbanna residents, these schools involve a commute but offer distinct educational philosophies and smaller class sizes than the regional public options.
How does the tuition for private schools near Urbanna, VA, compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Virginia?
Tuition varies significantly by grade level and school. For the 2024-2025 academic year, day student tuition at Christchurch School for upper school is approximately $30,000+, while Ware Academy's tuition ranges from around $10,000 for lower grades to $14,000 for middle school. Bay Academy's tuition is generally in a similar range to Ware. Virginia offers two relevant financial aid options: the Virginia Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credits Program, which provides scholarships to eligible students through participating schools, and the Virginia Child Care Grant Program for working families. Additionally, all these schools offer their own need-based financial aid and may have parish subsidies for church-affiliated families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Urbanna offer that leverage the local Chesapeake Bay environment?
The private schools in this region uniquely integrate the local coastal environment into their curricula. Christchurch School is distinguished by its signature Chesapeake Bay Studies program and on-campus marina, where students engage in hands-on marine science, ecology, and boatbuilding. Ware Academy incorporates environmental stewardship and outdoor education into its science units, with field trips to local waterways. Bay Academy, while less explicitly maritime-focused, benefits from its proximity to the Bay for science and history projects related to Virginia's coastal ecology and heritage. This regional focus provides an educational experience deeply connected to the local community and environment.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Urbanna, VA, area, and when should parents start?
The admission process for schools like Christchurch, Ware, and Bay Academy generally begins in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year. Parents should start researching and visiting schools 12-18 months in advance, especially for competitive grades. Key steps include: submitting an inquiry (September-December), attending open houses (fall/winter), completing applications with deadlines typically between January and February, and participating in student visits/assessments. Financial aid applications are usually due in early spring. Notification dates are often in March, with contracts due shortly after. Due to the limited number of seats in these small schools, early engagement is strongly recommended for Urbanna-area families.
For a family in Urbanna, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local Middlesex County Public Schools and a private school like Ware or Christchurch?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. Middlesex County Public Schools (like Middlesex Elementary/High School) offer proximity, no tuition, and strong community ties. The private school alternatives involve a daily commute of 20-45 minutes to Gloucester, Christchurch, or Kilmarnock, plus significant tuition. However, private options typically offer smaller class sizes (often 10-15 students vs. 20+ in public), specialized curricula (classical, maritime, or highly individualized), and different extracurricular emphases. For high school, Christchurch offers boarding, which can be an option for families seeking a residential program. The choice often comes down to the value placed on a specific educational approach versus the convenience and cost-savings of the local public system.
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