A University town, it is no surprise that Charlottesville, Virginia has an amazing selection of private schools for families to choose among. There are terrific public school systems, Charlottesville City Schools and the Albemarle County School District. For families interested in other types of learning focus there are also amazing private schools in Charlottesville. With over two dozen wonderful Charlottesville private schools to choose among you are sure to find a great fit for your child and your family. Below you will discover a comprehensive Guide to Private Schools grades K-12 in the greater Charlottesville region and Central Virginia.
Read on to discover more about the exceptional learning communities at these top private schools in Charlottesville. Charlottesville offers an array of religious private schools, elite prep schools, theory-based schools like Montessori and Waldorf, boarding schools, single-gender private middle schools and high schools, schools for students on the autism spectrum or with learning disabilities, schools with an arts focus, college prep sports and so much more! Learn more about certifications and licensing for private schools from the National Association of Private Schools, Virginia Council for Private Education, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Virginia Association of Independent Schools. Use this guide as your starting point to research Charlottesville’s best private elementary schools, private middle schools and private high schools.
Find A K-12 Charlottesville Area Private School
Albemarle Montessori
Co-ed. Grades Pre-K-8.
CBI Forest School
Co-ed. Grades Pre-K-4.
Charlottesville Catholic School
Co-ed. Grades Pre-K-8.
CCS prioritizes each student’s academic and spiritual growth. The school nurtures their God-given gifts and instills values of acceptance, respect, and compassion. Students become advocates, leaders, and stewards, ready to make a positive impact in the world. Charlottesville Catholic School. 434-964-0400.
Charlottesville Day School
Co-ed. Grades Pre-K-8.
Charlottesville Waldorf School
Co-ed. Grades Pre-K-8.
Chesterton Academy of St. John the Evangelist
Co-ed. Grades 9-12.
Community Christian Academy
Co-ed. Grades K-8.
The Covenant School
Co-ed. Grades Pre-K-12.
A non-denominational Christian day school. Students participate in performing and visual arts, as well as a comprehensive physical education and sports teams. A rigorous college prep program taught with a Christian worldview. From a phonics curriculum for early learners to advanced classes to college prep high schoolers, students are prepared for the next steps in life. Accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent Schools and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The Covenant School. 434-220-7729.
Effort Christian School
Co-ed. Grades Pre-K-5.
Field School of Albemarle
Boys. Grades 6-8.
Free Union Country School
Co-ed. Pre-K-Grade 5.
Green Adventure Project School
Co-ed. Grades K-8.
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434-216-8331
Grymes Memorial School
Co-ed. Grades K-8.
Grymes Memorial School aims to ignites a child’s curiosity and love for learning at a co-educational independent day school. in Orange, VA. With a hands-on approach and emphasis on discovery, students become lifelong learners, ready to tackle any challenge. Grymes Memorial School.
540-672-1010.
Hidden Valley Forest School
Co-ed. Ages 5-11.
The International School of Charlottesville
Co-ed. Grades Pre-K-4.
Miller School of Albemarle
Co-ed. Grades 8-12. Boarding option.
Mountaintop Montessori
Co-ed. Grades Pre-K-9
North Branch School
Co-ed. Grades Pre-K-8
Founded in 1983, North Branch School is an independent school for children ages 3 – 14 in Afton. North Branch offers academic rigor in a nurturing environment. They emphasize hands-on learning and cooperation, while giving students a solid foundation in academics, the arts, and life skills. Students spend lots of time outdoors, both for free play and during structured learning time, on an 11-acre campus which offers views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a large playing field, backyard-style playground, and nature trails through the woods. North Branch School.
540-456-8450.
Oakland School
Co-ed. Grades K-12.
Peabody School
Co-ed. Grades Pre-K-8
Founded in 1994, Peabody is an independent school serving academically advanced students. Peabody provides a differentiated learning experience through small class size (9-16 students) and expert teachers who balance teacher-directed and student-initiated inquiry. The school embraces educating the whole child with a focus on social-emotional development, as well as arts, service learning, athletics and electives. Accredited by the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS). Peabody School. 434-296-6901.
Regents School of Charlottesville
Co-ed. Grades K-12.
Regents School follows a classical Christian model and curriculum. With small class sizes, a focus on academics, and a growing athletic program, the school’s students excel in all areas. The faculty develops young scholars who are deeply rooted in the fundamentals of knowledge passed down over generations and who are self-motivated, intellectually curious, and compassionate toward their fellow man. Regents School of Charlottesville. 434-293-0633.
Renaissance School
Co-ed. Grades 9-12.
Renaissance School is Charlottesville’s college preparatory high school for academically and artistically advanced students. Renaissance School boasts nationally ranked programs in the arts and sciences, and is recognized for its college counseling program. This exceptional private school provides students a rich, interdisciplinary learning environment focused on critical thinking, creativity, civic engagement & collaboration. The Renaissance School of Charlottesville.
434-984-1952.
Seven Rivers Day School
Co-Ed. Grades K-8.
St. Anne’s-Belfield School
Co-ed. Grades PreK-12. Boarding option.
Tandem Friends School
Co-ed. Grades 5-12.
The Light Academy
Co-ed. Grades Pre-K-12.
Village School
Girls. Grades 5-8.
Oakland School
Co-ed. Grades K-12.
Central Virginia’s Private Boarding Schools
Blue Ridge School
Boys. Grades 9-12.
Chatham Hall
Girls. Grades 9-12.
Christchurch School
Co-ed. Grades 9-12. Boarding options.
Fishburne Military Academy
Boys. Grades 7-12
A military model school with emphasis on discovering each young man’s talents and building the traits of confidence, respect, courage and honor. Academics and sports curriculum are individualized and delivered in small groups so students can all reach their greatest potential. Based in Waynesboro, Va. Accredited by the National Association for Private Schools. Day and boarding options. Fishburne Military Academy. 540-946-7700.
Fork Union Military Academy
Boys. Grades 7-12.
Stuart Hall School
Co-ed. Grades 6-12. Boarding options.
Woodberry Forest School
Boys. Grades 9-12.
Advice When Choosing a Private School in Charlottesville
Each child is unique, and they all learn differently. Some students may thrive at their neighborhood public school, while others may benefit from a charter, magnet, online, private, or home learning environment. That is why educational choice is so crucial!
So, how do you select a school where your child will grow, learn and be happy? These tips will help get you started.
When picking the perfect private school, evaluate what best suits your child’s individual needs. And, the school community should be a good fit for your family as a whole too. Parents in Charlottesville have many wonderful choices, you are sure to find a wonderful private school for your young student. When you set out to find the school of your dreams it is helpful to think of yourself as a detective. Check out all the choices and options and watch carefully for clues.
Questions to Ask When Choosing a Private School for Your Child
- Is it college prep?
- Does the school offer a private middle school program?
- Is there wonderful student art displayed in the hallways?
- Will sports be competitive?
- Is the class size a good match for your child’s learning style?
- Do students play musical instruments and put on theatre performances?
- Are graduates of the private school attending colleges that could be a fit for your family too?
- How are the science classrooms equipped?
- Do students have opportunities for self-directed study and projects?
- How does the school handle discipline?
- How do the outdoor play spaces feel for your child?
- Does the social skills curriculum reflect your family’s values?
- Does the school offer lots of free time?
A Note About Our Partners
The CharlottesvilleFamily Ultimate Guide to Private Schools is a comprehensive list of private schools in the Charlottesville area. Private schools with an expanded description are advertising partners. We have done our best to collect all resources but make no claim or guarantee about the information and organizations presented here. You should use the information found on our website as a jumping-off point for your own research as you search to find the best schools and learning programs to serve your family’s needs.
Explore helpful educational resources in our blogs for Cville families—from ways parents can support homework success and reduce first day of school jitters to navigating college admissions. Then keep the learning going at home with easy math & science games or family trips to the Booker T. Washington National Monument or the Science Museum of Virginia.
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JENNIFER BRYERTON, Ma Ed., our Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, started her career in teaching, Co-founded CharlottesvilleFamily and is a mom of four. A believer in experiential education and an avid gardener, beehives, a fruit & vegi plot, perennial borders and a chicken coop dot the family lawn west of Charlottesville. Jen also enjoys sharing travel, museums, theater performances and nature attractions with her family.