The Best Private Schools in Danville, West Virginia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Danville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Charleston Catholic High School
Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston
Charleston Catholic High School is a highly-regarded private institution serving students from Danville and throughout the Kanawha Valley. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with 16 Advanced Placement courses and maintains a 100% college acceptance rate. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complex. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with small class sizes and individualized attention. Extracurricular offerings include championship athletic teams, award-winning arts programs, and extensive community service opportunities.
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St. Joseph Central Catholic High School
Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston
St. Joseph Central Catholic High School serves students from Danville and the broader region with a comprehensive college preparatory program. The school offers multiple Advanced Placement courses and maintains strong STEM and fine arts programs. Facilities include modern science laboratories, technology-enhanced classrooms, and athletic facilities. The school community emphasizes academic excellence, faith formation, and character development. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, students receive personalized attention and support. Extracurricular activities include competitive sports teams, academic clubs, and community service programs that foster well-rounded development.
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Herbert Hoover High School
Kanawha County Schools
Herbert Hoover High School serves the Danville area and surrounding communities with a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum. The school offers numerous Advanced Placement courses and maintains strong STEM programs. Facilities include modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and career technical education spaces. The school has built a reputation for academic excellence and community involvement, with dedicated faculty and strong parent-teacher collaboration. Extracurricular programs include competitive athletics, robotics, and various clubs that enhance student development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Danville, West Virginia
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Danville, West Virginia?
While Danville itself is a smaller community, families typically look to nearby cities for private secondary education. The most prominent options include Charleston Catholic High School and St. Joseph Central Catholic High School, both located in Charleston, approximately 45 minutes north of Danville. For a co-educational public-private option, Herbert Hoover High School in Elkview (about an hour away) is sometimes considered due to specialized programs. Day-to-day commuting from Danville is a significant factor, and many families in the area also consider boarding schools in the wider region. For younger grades, local parochial or independent elementary options are more limited directly in Danville.
How does the tuition at private high schools near Danville, WV, compare to the state average, and what financial aid is typically available?
Tuition for the major Catholic high schools serving the Danville area, like Charleston Catholic, is generally below the national private school average but aligns with regional costs in West Virginia, often ranging from $8,000 to $11,000 annually. Critically, West Virginia offers the Hope Scholarship Program, an education savings account for eligible students leaving the public system, which can be applied to private school tuition. Additionally, most schools offer need-based financial aid, parish subsidies for member families, and payment plans. It's important to factor in commuting costs when calculating the total investment for a Danville-based family.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Charleston area offer that might attract families from Danville?
Schools like Charleston Catholic High School offer robust college preparatory curricula with distinctive features such as mandatory theology courses, strong STEM programs, and often a wider selection of Advanced Placement (AP) courses than available in many rural public schools in the Danville area. St. Joseph Central Catholic emphasizes a values-based education with smaller class sizes. A key draw for commuter families is access to extensive extracurriculars—like state-champion athletic teams, debate, and arts programs—that are more comparable to larger city offerings. These schools also frequently have higher college matriculation rates to in-state and regional private universities.
What is the enrollment process and timeline for a family in Danville applying to a private high school like Charleston Catholic?
The process typically begins a full year before intended entry. For fall enrollment, families should contact the admissions office by the prior September or October. Key steps include submitting an application (often due in January or February), providing records from the student's current school (often from Danville Elementary or Middle), attending an entrance exam (usually in the winter), and completing a family interview. Rolling admissions may be available but spaces are limited. Given the commute from Danville, it's crucial to attend open houses, often held in the fall, to assess travel logistics and meet other families from the southern part of the region.
For a family in Danville, what are the main considerations when choosing between the local public schools and a private school a significant drive away?
This decision hinges on several Danville-specific factors. The local public schools are part of the Boone County system, offering proximity and community integration. Opting for a private school in Charleston involves a substantial daily commute (1.5+ hours round trip), impacting family schedules and student fatigue. Parents must weigh this against perceived benefits: often smaller class sizes, a specific religious or values-based environment, different academic or athletic opportunities, and potentially a different peer group. The availability of the state's Hope Scholarship can reduce the financial gap. Many families make this choice seeking a specialized environment they feel better prepares students for college beyond the region.
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