Boarding Schools in Virginia: Are you looking for a Virginian private or public boarding school for your child and their tuition?
Are you looking for the best school that will cater for your child’s academic as well as personal growth?
It’s no longer news that boarding schools contribute substantially to the growth of a child.
This is so because these schools encourage self-reliance and independence.
However, we do understand that choosing a boarding school can be very daunting for most parents.
Sally once asked, “How are they going to take care of my little girl?”
You do not have to worry about that because Virginian boarding schools are equipped with the right facilities as well as staff to take care of your children.
Although boarding schools are ideal for your child, you shouldn’t take a way of making the right choice for your child.
Therefore, in this guide, we have helped you put together the list of 20 Boarding Schools in Virginia.
Also, we have stated what makes them unique as well as the tuition cost of boarding schools in Virginia.
Sending your child to these schools equips and trains them for college and subsequently a good child for you and the society at large.
Without further ado, let’s proceed!!!
Why Choose Boarding Schools in Virginia for Your Child?
Having to let your child go and be seen only during school breaks is an important decision.
Boarding schools in Virginia seek to make that environment a safe haven for your child.
You might be wondering if Virginia boarding high schools are the perfect ones for your child.
Trust me that thought should cross the kind of any well-meaning parent.
There are many reasons why boarding schools in this part of the country are the best for your child.
However, it depends on what you’re expecting.
Below are a few reasons why you need to enrol your child in any of the Virginian boarding schools.
Read Also: 80 Best Boarding Schools in Australia for Everyone
#1. Children in Virginian Boarding Schools are Placed Under Guardians
Yes, you don’t have to worry about who takes care of your child now they are away from you.
These boarding schools place the pupils under the guidance of guardians who are usually a teacher in the school or a parent.
These guardians ensure that your child is at his or her best academically, health-wise and character-wise.
#2. Boarding Schools in Virginia mold your Child’s Character.
It’s a norm in the 21st century to have a child that has no character to show for a good upbringing.
However, guardians in boarding high schools in Virginia ensure they instil character attributes such as discipline, independence, and trustworthiness into the life of every child.
This will make the child responsible and more disciplined.
I’m sure you want that.
#3. Your Child Will be Academically Equipped.
The major difference between a day school and a boarding school is the attention paid to academics.
In most Virginian boarding schools, the children spend more time on academic activities and less on extracurriculars.
Therefore, you can count on the fact that your tuition fees are not about to go down the drain.
Now, this doesn’t mean there are no extracurricular activities, there are a lot of them.
Just that there’s time for everything in boarding schools.
#4. Your Child Gets to Study and Live in World-class Facilities.
Most day schools don’t go through the stress of making their facilities stand out on a large scale.
However, in boarding schools, there are world-class facilities that students enjoy while staying in the school residences.
These facilities include a well-equipped lab, very stocked libraries and huge astronomical play areas.
The classrooms are not regular, there is 24/7 medical assistance in an emergency as well as an unrivalled insightful board of directors.
#5. You Can be Sure Your Child Will Learn How to Be Independent.
In boarding high schools in Virginia, your child tends to grow amid other children.
This helps them to build confidence and independence.
Students develop habits of responsibility as they learn to be considerate of others, care for personal and shared spaces, and conserve natural resources.
Compared to regular schools, these are just a few reasons why parents have to pay a few extra dollars for boarding schools.
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What Should I Consider When Making a Choice of Boarding School For Your Child?
Very important, you do not just choose boarding school because it enrols as one of the best in the State.
When planning your finances for your child’s welfare in boarding schools, ask questions such as:
- Is the tuition fee covering accommodation and board?
- Are books included?
- Is the cost including the fee for uniform and other school wear?
- Does the tuition cover for feeding or is it different? If yes, how many meals? 3 or more? For how many seven days?
- Is a student expense account deposit required? If yes, what does it cover?
- Does the school charge a student services fee? If yes, what does it cover?
- Is there an extra charge for travelling band or athletic team programs in which your child may want to participate?
- Does the school cover travel expenses?
- If it’s a boys and girls boarding school, do they live in the same dorm?
- Do the tuition and fees cover weekend trips?
- Does the tuition cover for laptops or will my child bring their own?
- Is the school accredited by VAIS (Virginia Association of Independent Schools and Advanced SACS).
Asking these questions will help you know if the tuition cost of these boarding schools in Virginia is worth it.
Also, it gives you a clue about the quality of life your child is going to be getting.
How Many Boarding Schools Are in Virginia?
There are 20 college-prep and junior boarding high schools serving 5,476 students in Virginia.
That’s a handful of options to choose from.
Some in the list include;
- Stuart Hall
- Chatham Hall
- Foxcroft School
- Blue Ridge School
- The Madeira School
- Christchurch School
- St. Margaret’s School
- Episcopal High School
- Virginia Episcopal School
- Woodberry Forest School
- Fishburne Military School
- St. Anne’s-Belfield School
- Miller School of Albemarle
- Randolph-Macon Academy
- Hargrave Military Academy
- Fork Union Military Academy
- Massanutten Military Academy
Read Also: 25 Best Boarding Schools In Nigeria and their Fees
What is the Tuition Cost of Boarding Schools in Virginia?
Following the research carried out by Boarding School Review in 2019, the tuition cost of boarding schools in the USA is $56,875 per year.
However, in Virginia, the tuition cost of boarding schools is about the same.
Although, some range between $15,000 – $35,000 per year.
Kindly note that the cost depends on the boarding school.
Which Other Ways Can I Fund Boarding Schools In Virginia?
If you cannot pay your ward’s tuition for boarding schools, that’s not the end of the road.
Most of these boarding schools in Virginia encourage their students to apply for scholarships.
Getting this scholarship must be on merit.
In other words, you have to make sure that your child passes the common entrance exam.
You can also apply for other forms of financial aid.
20 Best Boarding Schools in Virginia
Now is the time to walk you through the list of the top 20 schools where your child can board in Virginia.
We base this list on certain criteria such as the nature of the school, the students to faculty ratio, enrollment rate and accreditation.
The list includes;
#1. Episcopal High School
- Enrolment Rate: 31%
- Tuition Fee: $63,200
- School Status: Private
- Location: Alexandria, VA
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 5:1
Episcopal High School is a boarding school open to students in grades 9 through 12.
The high school has 8 dormitories, 4 for boys, and 4 for girls which are under full supervision.
Its residence is welcoming and perfect for an educational experience.
Children get to learn independence and character at Episcopal, making it one of the reasons it enrols as the best private boarding school in Virginia.
The money you pay as tuition covers tuition itself, basic health centre expenses, room and board, and school-sponsored academic, athletic, and recreational activities.
#2. Virginia Episcopal School
- Enrolment Rate: 45%
- Tuition Fee: Dependent on Grade
- School Status: Private
- Location: Lynchburg, VA
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 6:1
The Virginia Episcopal School is both a day and boarding school open to students in kindergarten through grade 12.
At VES, the class accommodates just 11 pupils.
Currently, the school has a population of 260 pupils.
70% of this number are boarders whereas 30% are day students.
As their goal, they guide their students to strive Toward Full Stature in academics, ethics, spiritual and personal growth.
Students love the supportive residential community.
#3. Christchurch School
- Enrolment Rate: 57%
- Tuition Fee: $52,750
- School Status: Private
- Location: Richmond, VA
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 6:1
Christchurch School is one of the boarding schools in Virginia that prepares students for college.
It is open to both day and boarding students in grades 9 through 12.
Its location on the scenic Rappahannock River makes it very attractive and warm for residency for educational purposes.
On average, the school has an enrolment of 200, 70% border and 30% day students.
Although the cost of tuition differs greatly between day students and boarders, they benefit equally from the guidance and attention at the school.
Read Also: 16 Best Boarding Schools in Adelaide Australia
#4. Miller School of Albemarle (Virginia)
- Enrolment Rate: 65%
- Tuition Fee: $41,695
- School Status: Private
- Location: Charlottesville, VA
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 6:1
Miller School of Albemarle is open to students in grades 8-12.
The school has a student population of 185, 65% boys and 35% girls and a class size of 10.
Miller School of Albemarle is one of the private boarding schools in Virginia that offers several AP courses and electives.
These electives are in visual and performing arts, music, photography and woodwork.
What this means is that your child will skill up before graduation.
Kindly note that the money you pay for tuition does not cover uniform and laundry fees.
#5. St. Anne’s-Belfield School
- Enrolment Rate: 35%
- Tuition Fee: Dependent on Grade
- School Status: Private
- Location: Charlottesville, VA
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 8:1
St. Anne’s-Belfield School is a private co-educational day and boarding school in Virginia for students in kindergarten through grade 12.
The school currently has a student population of 892 with an average class size of 13.
As both a day and boarding school, the boarding students occupy a population of 81%.
One peculiar feature of this university is the multi-dimensional education experience students get.
#6. Randolph-Macon Academy
- Enrolment Rate: 87%
- Tuition Fee: $43,965
- School Status: Private
- Location: Front Royal, VA
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Randolph-Macon Academy is one of the boarding high schools in Virginia.
This school admits day and boarding students in grades 6-12.
Currently, the school has an enrolment of 362 with an average class size of 14-17.
The borders occupy 81.78% of the student population and day students; 18.22%.
At Randolph-Macon Academy, students are prepared in Knowledge, Leadership, and Character.
#7. Massanutten Military Academy
- Enrolment Rate: 100%
- Tuition Fee: $29,000
- School Status: Military/Public
- Location: Woodstock, VA
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 12:1
As the name suggests this is a military academy.
If you’re looking to put your child through an army school then the Massanutten Military Academy is the one for you.
This high school is open to middle and high school students (5-12).
The Massanutten Military Academy delivers structure and a superior educational experience to all cadets. (That’s what your child will be called).
The school offers grand provisions for its students.
However, the fee you pay does not cover the uniform and laundry fees.
#8. Stuart Hall School
- Enrolment Rate: 60%
- Tuition Fee: $63,200
- School Status: Private
- Location: Staunton, VA
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 8:1
If your kindergarten fellow needs to go to boarding school then Stuart Hall School is the ideal boarding school for your baby.
Stuart Hall School accepts students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12.
Currently, the school has a student population of 300 with an average class size of 12.
The school gets to organize a Residence Life Program at Stuart Hall.
This program nurtures the pupils following its mission.
#9. Blue Ridge School
- Enrolment Rate: 30%
- Tuition Fee: Dependent on Grade
- School Status: Private
- Location: St. George, VA
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 5:1
The Blue Ridge School is one of the boarding schools in Virginia open to students in grades 9 through 12.
One of the centres of attraction is the lake in the centre of the school where students can relax, fish, and canoe during nonacademic times.
This boarding school is an all-boys school with an enrolment of 170 students.
#10. Chatham Hall
- Enrolment Rate: 40%
- Tuition Fee: Dependent on Grade
- School Status: Private
- Location: Chatham, VA
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 5:1
Chatham Hall is an all-girls boarding school in Virginia.
This school is open to girls in grades 9 through 12 with a student population of 150.
This college was built with the sole aim of promoting community and collaboration.
Read Also: 7 Best Boarding Schools in Melbourne Australia
#11. Fishburne Military School
- Enrolment Rate: 100%
- Tuition Fee: Dependent on Grade
- School Status: Private
- Location: Waynesboro, VA
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 5:1
Fishburne Military School is one of the all-boys boarding schools in Virginia.
The school only accepts students in grades 7 through 12 with an average student population of 150 students.
Just before you enrol your child in this school, keep in mind that Fissure is a military school.
Very ideal for the strong lads.
#12. Fork Union Military Academy
- Enrolment Rate: 31%
- Tuition Fee: Dependent on Grade
- School Status: Public
- Location: Fork Union, VA
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 5:1
On the list of public boarding schools in Virginia is the Fork Union Military Academy.
Here your child who becomes a cadet in the institution will be trained in character and learning.
It’s an all-boys Baptist boarding school in the city.
Only students in grades 7 through 12 are accepted.
#13. Foxcroft School
- Enrolment Rate: 55%
- Tuition Fee: Dependent on Grade
- School Status: Private
- Location: Middleburg, VA
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 5:1
Foxcroft School is an all girl’s boarding school in Virginia.
The school is open to students in grades 9 through 12 as well as Postgraduates.
Currently, the school has a student population of 175.
#14. Hargrave Military Academy
- Enrolment Rate: 50%
- Tuition Fee: Dependent on Grade
- School Status: Public
- Location: Chatham, VA
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 5:1
Hargrave Military Academy works on the principle of respect! Integrity! Success!
You can have your child Earn all these at Hargrave.
This military boarding school is an all-boys school with students from grades 7 through 12.
Currently, the school has a student population of 141 students.
#15. The Madeira School
- Enrolment Rate: 70%
- Tuition Fee: Dependent on Grade
- School Status: Private
- Location: McLean, VA
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 5:1
Madeira School Photo is one of the exceptional boarding high schools in Virginia.
The highlights are in the Capitol Hill internships students get to undergo in the offices of senators and representatives.
However, Madeira is an all-girls boarding school with a student population of 324 students.
The school only accepts students from grades 9 through 12.
#16. North Cross School
- Enrolment Rate: 31%
- Tuition Fee: $63,200
- School Status: Private
- Location: Roanoke, VA
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 5:1
North Cross School is not just a boarding school focused on academics alone.
Students get to pursue a variety of interests such as athletics, drama, STEM to Global Studies.
Its beautiful campus is filled with passionate and dedicated teachers to guide your children.
The school is open to students in grades 8 through 12 as well as Pre-K-12.
The student population is about 569 students.
#17. Oak Hill Academy
- Enrolment Rate: 31%
- Tuition Fee: $63,200
- School Status: Private
- Location: Mouth of Wilson, VA
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Oak Hill Academy is a Baptist boarding school in Virginia open to both boys and girls in grades 8 through 12.
Currently, the school has a student population of 140 students.
It is one of the best private boarding schools in Virginia.
#18. St. Margaret’s School
- Enrolment Rate: 31%
- Tuition Fee: $54,200
- School Status: Private
- Location: Tappahannock, VA
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 8:1
If you want your child to be trained in a collaborative STEAM curriculum and rigorous academics to train for college, St. Margaret’s School is the boarding school for you.
St. Margaret’s School is an all-girls boarding school with great facilities.
This school is open to students in grades 8 through 12 as well as Postgraduates.
The school has a student population of 100.
#19. Williamsburg Christian Academy
- Enrolment Rate: 70%
- Tuition Fee: Dependent on Grade
- School Status: Public
- Location: Williamsburg, VA
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Williamsburg Christian Academy is one of the best boarding schools in Virginia.
This school equips students to become lifelong learners who radiate God’s Heart for others and Impact the World for Christ.
If you’re looking at training your child in a Christian environment this is the ideal school for your child.
This school is open to students in grades 9 through 12 with an average student population of 200.
#20. Woodberry Forest School
- Enrolment Rate: 80%
- Tuition Fee: Dependent on Grade
- School Status: Public
- Location: Woodberry Forest, VA
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 7:1
Woodberry Forest School is an all-boys boarding school in Virginia.
Currently, it has a student population of 403 students in grades 9 through 12.
Read Also: 20 Best Boarding Schools in Sydney Australia
Summary
When it comes to choosing the best boarding schools for your child, ensure you choose the right one.
Choosing from this list is one way to get it right.
Good luck!!!
