The Best Private Schools in Waterford, Virginia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Waterford. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Loudoun Country Day School
Independent
Loudoun Country Day School is a highly-regarded independent school serving the Waterford area and greater Loudoun County. Established in 1968, the school offers a rigorous academic program from Pre-K through 8th grade with small class sizes and individualized attention. The curriculum emphasizes advanced STEM education, comprehensive arts programs including music and visual arts, and strong character development. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty, nurturing environment, and strong community atmosphere. The school's graduates typically gain admission to top-tier secondary schools throughout the region.
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Foxcroft School
Independent
Foxcroft School is a prestigious all-girls boarding and day school located just minutes from Waterford in Middleburg. Founded in 1914, this historic institution offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with exceptional STEM programs, advanced placement courses, and unique offerings like their renowned equestrian program. The 500-acre campus features state-of-the-art academic buildings, athletic facilities, riding arenas, and boarding houses. With a strong emphasis on leadership development and personalized education, Foxcroft maintains small class sizes and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities. The school serves students from Waterford and surrounding communities in grades 9-12.
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Notre Dame Academy
Catholic Diocese of Arlington
Notre Dame Academy is a Catholic classical school serving Waterford and the broader Northern Virginia region. Founded in 1994, the school offers education from preschool through 12th grade with a rigorous academic program rooted in Catholic tradition and classical education principles. The curriculum includes advanced placement courses, comprehensive fine arts programs, competitive athletics, and strong community service components. The campus features modern academic facilities, science laboratories, art studios, and athletic fields. Parents appreciate the school's strong moral foundation, academic excellence, and tight-knit community atmosphere that extends to Waterford families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Waterford, Virginia
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in or near Waterford, Virginia?
Waterford itself is a small historic village, so most private schools serving the community are located in the surrounding Loudoun County area. The most prominent include Loudoun Country Day School in Leesburg (a co-ed Pre-K through 8th school), Foxcroft School in Middleburg (an all-girls boarding and day school for grades 9-12), and Notre Dame Academy in Middleburg (a Catholic co-ed school for Pre-K through 8th). These schools offer distinct educational philosophies, from progressive and project-based learning to traditional college-preparatory and faith-based curricula, all within a short commute from Waterford.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Waterford, VA area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Waterford/Loudoun County area is generally at or above the Virginia private school average, reflecting the region's high cost of living and prestigious institutions. For the 2024-25 academic year, day school tuition ranges from approximately $20,000 to over $40,000 annually, with boarding costs at Foxcroft significantly higher. However, these schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer robust financial aid programs. Most, including Foxcroft and Loudoun Country Day, have substantial endowment-funded aid and utilize the SSS (School and Student Services) by NAIS to assess need. Virginia also has no state-level tax credit or voucher program for private K-12 education, making institutional aid and merit scholarships the primary sources of assistance.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Waterford, VA, that leverage the local environment?
Private schools near Waterford excel in programs that capitalize on Northern Virginia's resources and the region's unique character. Foxcroft School is renowned for its equestrian program, utilizing the area's strong horse country heritage. Many schools, including Notre Dame Academy, integrate Loudoun County's rich history (like the Waterford National Historic Landmark itself) into their social studies and science curricula through field studies. Furthermore, proximity to Washington D.C. allows for exceptional government, internship, and arts partnership programs at the high school level. Loudoun Country Day School emphasizes STEM and innovation, connecting with the county's technology corridor.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Waterford, Virginia region?
The admissions process for competitive private schools in this area is similar to other major metro regions and begins early. The main application cycle runs from September to January for the following fall, with deadlines often in early to mid-January. Key steps include: attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting applications with essays and recommendations, and completing student assessments and interviews (often for grades 1+). Notification dates are typically in March. Due to small class sizes, especially in schools like Loudoun Country Day, it is highly advisable to begin the process over a year in advance. Many schools also have limited rolling admission for spaces that remain open after the initial round.
For families considering both options, what are the key factors when comparing the highly-rated Loudoun County Public Schools to private schools in the Waterford area?
This is a significant consideration, as Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) are consistently ranked among the best in Virginia. The choice often comes down to educational approach, environment, and specific student needs. Private schools offer smaller class sizes (often 12-15 students vs. 25+ in LCPS), more individualized attention, and distinct pedagogical missions (e.g., single-gender, religious, or progressive education). They may also provide more flexibility in curriculum and specialized programs. Public schools offer a broader, tax-funded program with extensive extracurriculars, advanced academic tracks (like AP and IB), and greater demographic diversity. For Waterford families, the decision may hinge on seeking a specific community feel, a particular educational philosophy, or a program not available in the large public school system.
Private Education Insights
Top Private Boarding Schools Near Waterford, VA | A Parent's Guide
For families in Waterford, Virginia, the search for the right educational environment often extends beyond our historic village boundaries. When you type “private boarding schools near me” into a search engine, you’re likely looking for more than just proximity; you’re seeking a transformative experience that aligns with your child’s needs and your family’s values. While Waterford itself is home to exceptional day schools like Loudoun Country Day School, the surrounding Loudoun County and Northern Virginia region is rich with prestigious boarding options that offer unique benefits for students ready for greater independence and a focused academic community.
The concept of boarding school has evolved significantly. Today’s options near Waterford provide structured, nurturing environments that foster both intellectual growth and personal responsibility. For many local families, this means their child can immerse themselves in a comprehensive educational ecosystem without the lengthy daily commutes that can come with specialized programs in Washington D.C. or beyond. The rolling hills and countryside of our area are, in fact, home to some of the nation’s most respected boarding institutions, offering a serene setting conducive to study and personal development, all within a manageable drive for weekend visits or family events.
A key advantage for Waterford parents considering this path is the diversity of educational philosophies available nearby. You might look at a renowned all-girls school like Foxcroft School, just a short drive away in Middleburg, which offers a boarding program centered on leadership, honor, and academic excellence within a tight-knit community. Alternatively, families seeking a coeducational environment with a strong moral foundation might explore options like those offered by institutions such as Notre Dame Academy, though primarily a day school, it reflects the caliber of private education in our region. The search for “private boarding schools near me” allows you to find schools with specialized programs in STEM, the arts, or college preparatory tracks that match your child’s passions, all while keeping them connected to the cultural and familial roots of Northern Virginia.
When evaluating boarding schools, local considerations are paramount. Consider the school’s connection to the broader DC metro area for internships and cultural opportunities, its policy on weekend leave for students to come home to Waterford, and how it supports the transition from a close-knit family environment to a residential setting. Visiting these campuses is essential; you’ll want to sense the community vibe, meet the faculty who become surrogate parents, and understand how the school fosters a sense of belonging. For Waterford families, the ideal boarding school acts as an extension of the supportive, values-oriented community you cherish here. It’s not about sending your child away, but about providing them with a 24/7 learning landscape that prepares them for the world while remaining accessible and connected to home. The journey begins with that local search, opening a door to exceptional opportunities just beyond our village limits.
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