North Branch School

Why Families Love It

North Branch teachers provide students with a solid background in reading, writing, mathematics, sciences, and social studies. In addition, children experience an array of opportunities designed to complement the core curriculum including music, art, drama, handworks, Spanish and physical education with an emphasis on personal achievement and cooperation. North Branch’s experienced, creative faculty and low student-teacher ratios allow the school to provide every student with personal attention and individual challenge so that each student may gain mastery of basic skills without sacrificing creativity or academic breadth. North Branch’s most important goal is to lead children to a life-long love of learning.

Children enjoy the outdoors several times a day, every day, for classes and unstructured play in the large backyard-style playground, field, and nature trail through the woods. North Branch’s mission statement calls for respect, nonviolence, environmental responsibility, community service, and an active commitment to diversity.. Beloved traditions like Stone Soup and the annual production of “St. George and the Dragon,” strengthen the bonds of the school community. It’s no surprise the school was named a CharlottesvilleFamily Family Favorite every year since 2019.

What to Expect if You’re Considering It

The best next step is to reach out and arrange a visit to the 11-acre campus in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, an easy half-hour west of Charlottesville. You’ll get to see the hands-on, outdoors-every-day rhythm for yourself and ask about admissions and the school’s educational philosophy. Expect small classes, teachers who truly know each child, plenty of time outside in a beautiful setting, and families who embrace the school’s community. And if affordability is on your mind, it’s worth an honest conversation. Economic diversity is something the school actively values.