The Best Private Schools in London, West Virginia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in London. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Anthony School
Catholic Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston
St. Anthony School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving the Charleston metropolitan area, including London residents. The school offers comprehensive education from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on faith-based learning and academic excellence. Features include modern STEM labs, competitive athletic programs, and robust arts education. The school maintains small class sizes for personalized attention and has a long-standing reputation for preparing students for success in high school and beyond.
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Charleston Catholic High School
Catholic Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston
Charleston Catholic High School is a premier college preparatory school serving the greater Charleston area, including London. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive athletic programs, and extensive fine arts opportunities. With a 100% college acceptance rate, the school emphasizes character development alongside academic achievement. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performance spaces, and athletic complexes.
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Riverside Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Riverside Christian Academy is a respected private Christian school located in Belle, serving students from London and surrounding communities. The school provides a comprehensive K-12 education with a strong biblical foundation and college preparatory focus. Programs include competitive sports, music ministry, and community service opportunities. The academy features modern classrooms, computer labs, and athletic facilities, with an emphasis on developing well-rounded students prepared for higher education and life beyond school.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in London, West Virginia
What are the private school options for families residing in London, West Virginia, and are there transportation services available?
Families in London, WV, primarily look to nearby communities for private education, as London itself is a small town. The most referenced options include St. Anthony School (pre-K-8) in nearby Charleston, Charleston Catholic High School (9-12) in Charleston, and Riverside Christian Academy (K-12) in Belle. Given the distances, transportation is a key consideration. Most of these schools do not provide extensive bus service to London. Families typically organize carpools or rely on personal transportation, which is an important logistical and time commitment factor to weigh when choosing a private school in this region.
How does tuition at private schools serving the London, WV, area compare, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition varies significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Anthony School's tuition is approximately $6,000-$7,000, Charleston Catholic High School is around $10,000-$11,000, and Riverside Christian Academy is generally lower, often under $5,000. West Virginia offers the Hope Scholarship, a state-funded Education Savings Account (ESA) program, which is a crucial financial consideration. This program provides eligible families who leave the public school system with funds that can be used for private school tuition, fees, and other educational expenses, making private education more accessible for London-area residents.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools accessible from London, WV, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools in the Kanawha Valley region offer distinct programs. Charleston Catholic High School provides a rigorous college-prep curriculum with notable arts and competitive athletic programs. St. Anthony School emphasizes a faith-based, values-oriented education in a smaller, community-focused setting. Riverside Christian Academy offers a Bible-centered curriculum and often has more flexible, personalized instruction. A key differentiator from London's public schools is the specific religious education and often smaller class sizes, which can allow for more individualized attention. These schools may also have unique partnerships with local churches and organizations in the Charleston metro area.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Charleston Catholic that serve students from London, WV?
The enrollment process for these schools is centralized and competitive, especially for non-parishioners or those outside the immediate Charleston area. For schools like Charleston Catholic High School and St. Anthony, the application period often opens in the fall (October-November) for the following academic year. The process usually includes submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often an entrance exam or assessment for higher grades. For families in London, it's critical to apply early, as some schools give priority to siblings of current students and members of their affiliated Catholic parishes. Open houses are typically held in the winter, and acceptance notifications are sent in the spring.
For a family living in London, what are the primary factors to consider when choosing between the local public schools and a private school in the Charleston area?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. First is **commute**: Attending a private school means a daily drive of 20-40 minutes to the Charleston/Belle area. Second is **educational philosophy**: London's public schools are part of the Kanawha County system, offering a standard public curriculum. Private options offer religious education (Catholic or Christian) and often a different disciplinary and values-based environment. Third is **cost**: Public school is free, while private school requires tuition, though the WV Hope Scholarship can offset this. Finally, consider **community**: Your child may build a social circle farther from home, which affects extracurricular participation and friendships. Visiting both the local London Elementary/High School and the private options is essential for comparison.
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