The Best Private Schools in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Virginia Beach. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Norfolk Academy
Independent School
Norfolk Academy, while located in Norfolk, serves many families from Virginia Beach and is consistently ranked among the top private schools in the Hampton Roads region. As Virginia's oldest independent school, it maintains a tradition of academic excellence through a challenging college preparatory curriculum. The school's distinctive Honor System fosters character development and ethical leadership. Norfolk Academy features extensive facilities including modern classrooms, science centers, athletic fields, and arts spaces. The school offers robust athletic programs, competitive academic teams, and comprehensive arts education. With a strong sense of community and outstanding college placement record, it provides a transformative educational experience for students from sixth through twelfth grades.
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Cape Henry Collegiate
Independent School
Cape Henry Collegiate is a prestigious independent day school serving students from Pre-K through 12th grade. Established with a rich history of academic excellence, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses and innovative STEM programs. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Cape Henry emphasizes personalized learning, character development, and global citizenship. The school's extensive extracurricular offerings include competitive athletics, visual and performing arts, and community service programs, creating a well-rounded educational experience for students.
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Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School
Catholic Diocese of Richmond
Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School provides a comprehensive Catholic education within a college preparatory framework. The school emphasizes faith formation, academic excellence, and service to community. Offering a rigorous curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement courses and specialized STEM programs, Bishop Sullivan prepares students for competitive college admissions. The campus features modern academic buildings, science laboratories, athletic facilities, and chapel spaces. The school maintains a strong athletic tradition with numerous state championships and offers diverse extracurricular activities including clubs, arts programs, and community service opportunities. With a focus on developing the whole person - spiritually, academically, and socially - Bishop Sullivan creates a supportive learning environment for students in grades 9-12.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Virginia Beach, Virginia
What are the primary differences between the top private day schools in Virginia Beach, such as Cape Henry Collegiate, Norfolk Academy, and Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School?
While all are highly regarded, they have distinct identities. Cape Henry Collegiate, located in Virginia Beach, is an independent, co-ed school with a strong college preparatory program and a notable global studies focus. Norfolk Academy, in nearby Norfolk, is Virginia's oldest private school, known for its rigorous classical curriculum and honor code. Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School, also in Virginia Beach, provides a faith-based education within the Diocese of Richmond. A key differentiator is governance: Cape Henry and Norfolk Academy are independent, while Bishop Sullivan is diocesan. Families often choose based on desired class size, religious affiliation, specific academic tracks (like International Baccalaureate at Cape Henry), and campus culture.
How does the tuition for private schools in Virginia Beach compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at Virginia Beach's top private schools is generally at or above the Virginia state average for private education. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition ranges from approximately $15,000 to over $30,000 for upper grades. Norfolk Academy and Cape Henry Collegiate are at the higher end of this spectrum, reflecting their extensive resources and programs. Importantly, these schools offer substantial need-based financial aid. For example, Cape Henry Collegiate awards millions in aid annually. Virginia also offers the Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credits Program, which provides tax credits to donors who contribute to scholarship funds for Virginia private schools, increasing financial aid availability for eligible families in Virginia Beach.
Are there unique academic or extracurricular programs offered by Virginia Beach private schools that leverage the local coastal environment?
Absolutely. Several Virginia Beach private schools integrate the region's coastal and maritime assets into their curricula. Cape Henry Collegiate, situated near the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean, offers a distinctive Maritime Studies program, which may include courses in marine biology, oceanography, and coastal ecology. Some schools partner with local institutions like the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center or the Chesapeake Bay Foundation for hands-on learning. Athletics and clubs also reflect the locale, with strong sailing teams, environmental stewardship clubs focused on beach preservation, and science research projects utilizing the local ecosystem. This provides a unique educational dimension not found in many inland private schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Virginia Beach area, and how far in advance should parents apply?
The process for schools like Norfolk Academy, Cape Henry Collegiate, and Bishop Sullivan is highly structured and begins well over a year before desired entry. The primary application deadline for the following fall is often in January or February, with some schools offering limited rolling admission thereafter. The process typically includes: submitting an application, standardized testing (such as the ISEE or SSAT), school records, teacher recommendations, a family interview, and a student visit or assessment day. For the most competitive grades (like kindergarten, 6th, and 9th), parents are advised to start researching and visiting schools in the fall, 15-18 months prior to enrollment. Sibling and legacy applicants often have priority, so planning ahead is crucial for Virginia Beach families.
For families living in Virginia Beach, what are the key considerations when choosing between a top-rated Virginia Beach City Public School and a leading private school?
The decision often hinges on several local factors. Academically, Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) are highly rated in Virginia, offering specialty centers at high schools (like the International Baccalaureate at Princess Anne High School). Private schools offer smaller class sizes, more individualized attention, and often more robust arts and athletics per student. A major practical consideration is the "zone" for public schools; private education provides a consistent, chosen community without rezoning concerns. Culturally, private schools may offer a specific religious or value-based environment (like at Bishop Sullivan) or a particular pedagogical approach. The financial commitment is significant, so families must weigh the cost against the value of specific programs, community, and consistency offered by Virginia Beach's private institutions.
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