As a university town, it is no surprise that Charlottesville families have access to an amazing selection of local private schools. 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, plus what your family needs to know when considering private education.
Popular Types of Charlottesville Private Schools
Charlottesville offers an array of private education options, including:
- 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
- Arts-focused academies
- College prep
- Elite sports
Use this guide as your starting point to research Charlottesville’s best private elementary schools, private middle schools and private high schools.
Pro tip: When exploring your private school options, be sure to 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.
A Comprehensive Listing of K-12 Private Schools in Charlottesville
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
A rich classical education that forms young men and women to lead with faith, serve with joy, and pursue truth, goodness, and beauty. Ready for college. Ready for vocation. Ready for life.
ChestertonSJE.org | 434-381-4284
Community Christian Academy
Co-ed. Grades K-8.
The Covenant School
Co-ed. Grades Pre-K-12.
The Covenant School is a co-ed, non-denominational Christian day school serving students in Pre-K through Grade 12. Our Christian Liberal Arts and Sciences education combines rigorous academics with a Christian worldview, preparing students for college and life. From hands-on outdoor discovery in the early years to advanced high school coursework, students grow through rich academic experiences, a vibrant arts program, and competitive athletics. 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.
Grymes Memorial School
Co-ed. Grades K-8
Hidden Valley Forest School
Co-ed. Ages 5-11.
The International School of Charlottesville
Co-ed. Grades Pre-K-5. IB Accredited
Miller School of Albemarle
Co-ed. Grades 8-12. Boarding option.
Mountaintop Montessori
Co-ed. Grades Pre-K-9
The Nature Bus School
Co-ed. Grades PK-1
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; PreK to Grade 8
Founded in 1994, Peabody School is an independent school serving academically advanced students. Peabody provides a differentiated learning experience through small class size and expert teachers. The school embraces educating the whole child with a focus on social-emotional development, as well as arts, service learning, athletics and electives. Peabody is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and is accredited by the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS). Contact us at 434-296-6901.
Regents School of Charlottesville
Co-ed. Grades K-12
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
Educating the whole child—body, heart, mind, and soul.
St. Anne’s-Belfield School is a coed day (age 2 – Grade 12) and boarding (Grades 9 – 12) school serving 960+ students on two campuses. With a 117-year history, the school offers small classes, individualized attention, and a challenging academic environment that helps students discover their passions and reach their full potential. In a community built on mutual respect, expert and caring faculty prepare students to become exemplary citizens and visionary leaders.
St. Anne’s-Belfield School. 434-220-4240.
Tandem Friends School
Co-ed. Grades 5-12.
The Light Academy
Co-ed. Grades Pre-K-12.
Village School
Girls. Grades 5-8.
Charlottesville Private Schools For Students with Learning Disabilities or Autism
Elk Hill Charlottesville School
Co-ed. Grades K-12.
Keys Academy
Co-ed. Grades 1-11.
Lafayette School
Co-ed. Grades K-12.
Little Keswick School
Boys. Ages 9-15. Boarding option.
Virginia School of Autism
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
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.
How to Choose a Private School for Your Child
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. Think about what you want out of private education for your child. Ask yourself some questions as you explore your options.
- 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?
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!
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.
When it comes to education, we’ve got you covered. Explore ways parents can support homework success, reduce first day of school jitters, and navigate college admissions. Or, learn more about navigating 504 plans and IEPs, plus phone-free education in Virginia.
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JENNIFER BRYERTON, M.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.
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