By Eddie Franklin Are you searching for the best private schools in Alexandria, Virginia, for your child? Alexandria offers a variety of private educational institutions, including independent day schools, Catholic schools, Christian schools, Montessori programmes, and specialized learning environments.
Whether your child is preparing for preschool, elementary school, middle school, or high school, finding the right institution requires careful consideration of its curriculum, teaching philosophy, tuition, facilities, and admission requirements.
This guide explores 20 private schools in Alexandria, VA, and the surrounding Alexandria area. It highlights their educational focus, grade levels, and general admission procedures to help parents make informed decisions.
Please note: The schools are presented as options to investigate, not as a definitive ranking of academic quality. Admission requirements, tuition, and grade availability can change. Confirm all current details with the individual school before applying.
Top Private Schools In Alexandria VA And Requirements
1. St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School
St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School is an independent Episcopal school in Alexandria offering education from early childhood through Grade 12. Its three divisions provide a continuous educational pathway from the lower grades to high school.
The school combines academic instruction with opportunities for students to participate in athletics, extracurricular activities, and community life.
Grades: Preschool or junior kindergarten through Grade 12.
Admission requirements:
- Complete the school’s online application.
- Submit the required application fee.
- Provide school records and teacher evaluations.
- Complete the required age-appropriate assessment.
- Participate in any required interview or school visit.
- Middle and Upper School applicants should confirm the school’s testing requirements, including whether SSAT results are required for their application year.
2. Alexandria Country Day School
Alexandria Country Day School is an independent, coeducational school serving elementary and middle school students. Located on Russell Road, it provides an educational option for families seeking a private day-school environment.
Parents should explore its academic curriculum, classroom environment, extracurricular activities, and preparation for students moving on to high school.
Grades: Kindergarten through Grade 8.
Admission requirements:
- Submit an application and any required fee.
- Provide previous school records and report cards.
- Arrange the required student visit or assessment.
- Submit teacher recommendations when requested.
- Participate in parent or student meetings if required.
- Complete any additional grade-specific application steps.
3. Bishop Ireton High School
Bishop Ireton High School is a Catholic, coeducational college-preparatory school in Alexandria. It serves high school students and incorporates Catholic education into its academic and community environment.
Families interested in the school can investigate its college-preparatory curriculum, extracurricular activities, athletics, and faith-based educational expectations.
Grades: 9–12.
Admission requirements:
- Complete the high school application.
- Submit previous school transcripts and report cards.
- Provide teacher recommendations when required.
- Complete any required entrance examination or assessment.
- Participate in an interview or school visit if requested.
- Submit additional documents specified by the admissions office.
4. Episcopal High School
Episcopal High School is a private Episcopal boarding school in Alexandria serving high school students. Its residential setting makes it an option for families considering boarding education rather than a conventional day-school arrangement.
Parents should investigate its academic programme, residential expectations, student activities, and the practical implications of boarding-school enrollment.
Grades: 9–12.
Admission requirements:
- Complete the school’s application.
- Submit academic transcripts and supporting school records.
- Provide teacher recommendations.
- Complete required standardized testing or assessments.
- Participate in the admissions interview process.
- Submit any additional documents required for boarding-school enrollment.
Families should confirm current testing policies, application deadlines, and boarding arrangements.
5. The Basilica School of Saint Mary
The Basilica School of Saint Mary is a Catholic school in Alexandria serving preschool through middle school students. It offers families an educational environment that integrates academic learning with Catholic faith formation.
Parents considering the school should review its curriculum, religious education programme, extracurricular opportunities, and family participation expectations.
Grades: Preschool through Grade 8.
Admission requirements:
- Complete the school’s application.
- Submit the student’s birth certificate and required identification documents.
- Provide previous school records when applicable.
- Submit health and immunization documentation.
- Complete any required student assessment or family meeting.
- Confirm any additional requirements associated with Catholic school enrollment.
6. Blessed Sacrament School and Early Childhood Center
Blessed Sacrament School and Early Childhood Center provides Catholic education for young children and school-age students. Its programme gives families an option for combining academic instruction with religious formation.
Parents should review the school’s early childhood offerings, elementary curriculum, and expectations for students and families.
Grades: Preschool through Grade 8.
Admission requirements:
- Submit the application and required supporting documents.
- Provide birth and health records.
- Submit previous school records for transfer students.
- Complete any required assessment or school visit.
- Provide teacher information or recommendations when requested.
- Confirm the school’s current enrollment and religious education policies.
7. Browne Academy
Browne Academy is an independent, coeducational day school in Alexandria. It serves preschool through middle school students and provides an option for families seeking a private school with a continuous elementary and middle school programme.
Its educational environment emphasizes academic development and student participation in school life.
Grades: Preschool through Grade 8.
Admission requirements:
- Complete the application and pay the required fee.
- Submit previous school records and report cards.
- Provide teacher recommendations as required.
- Participate in the appropriate student visit or assessment.
- Submit educational testing records when applicable.
- Meet the age and placement requirements for the intended grade.
Some applicants may be required to complete additional mathematics or language arts assessments. Parents should confirm the procedures for their child’s grade.
8. Grace Episcopal School
Grace Episcopal School is an independent Episcopal school serving preschool and elementary school students in Alexandria.
Families can explore its academic programme, faith-based community, classroom environment, and approach to early childhood and elementary education.
Grades: Preschool through Grade 5.
Admission requirements:
- Complete the online application.
- Pay the required application fee.
- Arrange the required student visit or playdate.
- Participate in the parent partnership meeting.
- Submit the confidential teacher evaluation form.
- Provide any additional records required by the admissions office.
Parents should confirm current deadlines and whether any additional assessment is required.
9. St. Rita School
St. Rita School is a Catholic school in Alexandria serving preschool and school-age children through middle school. It provides an option for families seeking an education that incorporates Catholic values and religious instruction.
Parents should review its academic curriculum, faith formation, extracurricular activities, and school community expectations.
Grades: Preschool through Grade 8.
Admission requirements:
- Complete the application and enrollment forms.
- Provide the student’s birth certificate and required records.
- Submit previous academic records for transfer applicants.
- Provide health and immunization documentation.
- Complete any required placement assessment or family meeting.
- Confirm additional requirements for the intended grade.
10. Immanuel Lutheran School
Immanuel Lutheran School is a Christian educational institution in Alexandria. Families interested in Lutheran education can explore its academic programme, religious instruction, and approach to student development.
Parents should confirm the school’s current grade offerings and whether its educational environment meets their child’s needs.
Grades: Confirm the current grade range with the school.
Admission requirements:
- Submit an application or enrollment inquiry.
- Provide student identification and educational records.
- Submit health and immunization documentation.
- Participate in any required school visit or family meeting.
- Complete assessments or placement procedures when requested.
- Review the school’s religious education expectations and enrollment policies.
11. Old Town Montessori School
Old Town Montessori School is a Montessori institution in Alexandria. Montessori education generally emphasizes hands-on learning, independence, purposeful activities, and opportunities for children to develop skills through carefully prepared learning environments.
Families should investigate the school’s specific programme, age groups, classroom structure, and approach to supporting children’s development.
Grades and ages: Confirm the current programme and age eligibility directly with the school.
Admission requirements:
- Complete an application or enrollment inquiry.
- Provide the child’s age and educational background.
- Arrange a school tour or family meeting if required.
- Participate in a classroom observation or student visit when requested.
- Submit health and enrollment documents.
- Confirm classroom availability, tuition, and placement procedures.
12. The Del Ray Montessori School
The Del Ray Montessori School is a Montessori school in Alexandria serving young children. Its educational approach makes it an option for parents interested in Montessori learning during preschool and elementary years.
Parents should review its curriculum, classroom materials, teacher qualifications, and transition arrangements for children progressing into later grades.
Grades and ages: The school has served children from toddler age through elementary school; confirm current offerings.
Admission requirements:
- Submit the school’s application.
- Provide the child’s age and relevant background information.
- Arrange a family meeting or school visit.
- Complete any required observation or placement process.
- Submit health and enrollment documentation.
- Review tuition, schedule, and classroom availability.
13. Montessori School of Alexandria
Montessori School of Alexandria offers a Montessori educational setting for families seeking an alternative to conventional classroom instruction.
Parents may wish to learn about the school’s learning materials, classroom organization, approach to independence, and how teachers support children at different developmental stages.
Grades and ages: Confirm current age groups and grade offerings with the school.
Admission requirements:
- Complete an admission inquiry or application.
- Provide the child’s age and educational history.
- Participate in a school tour or family meeting if required.
- Complete any requested student observation or assessment.
- Submit health and enrollment records.
- Confirm placement availability and tuition.
14. Potomac Crescent Waldorf School
Potomac Crescent Waldorf School offers a Waldorf-inspired educational approach. Waldorf education typically incorporates creative activities, practical learning, and developmental considerations into the curriculum.
Families interested in this approach should review the school’s own educational philosophy and programme to determine whether it aligns with their child’s needs.
Grades and ages: Confirm current grade levels and age groups directly with the school.
Admission requirements:
- Submit an application or inquiry.
- Provide information about the child’s educational background.
- Arrange a school visit or family meeting if required.
- Participate in any requested observation or assessment.
- Submit relevant health and enrollment documents.
- Review the school’s educational philosophy and enrollment policies.
15. The Howard Gardner School
The Howard Gardner School is a private school in Alexandria serving middle and high school students. Families considering the school should investigate its educational model, classroom environment, academic expectations, and approach to individual student needs.
Grades: Middle and high school; confirm the current grade range.
Admission requirements:
- Complete the school’s application.
- Submit transcripts and previous school records.
- Participate in any required student and parent interviews.
- Complete requested assessments or placement procedures.
- Provide teacher recommendations when required.
- Discuss the student’s educational needs and goals with the admissions team.
16. The Living Water School
The Living Water School is a Christian educational institution in Alexandria offering a faith-based approach to learning. Families should explore its academic programme, religious instruction, and current delivery format before applying.
Grades: Confirm current grade levels and available learning formats.
Admission requirements:
- Submit an application or enrollment inquiry.
- Provide previous academic records when applicable.
- Complete any required student assessment.
- Participate in a parent meeting or interview if requested.
- Review the school’s Christian educational philosophy.
- Confirm enrollment procedures, tuition, and programme availability.
17. Washington International Academy
Washington International Academy is an Islamic educational institution in Alexandria. It offers families an option for combining academic education with Islamic values and religious instruction.
Parents should investigate its curriculum, language offerings, religious education, and grade availability.
Grades: Preschool through middle school; confirm current offerings.
Admission requirements:
- Complete the application and required forms.
- Provide the student’s birth and educational records.
- Submit health and immunization documents.
- Participate in any required assessment or family meeting.
- Review the school’s religious and educational expectations.
- Confirm grade placement and enrollment availability.
18. Queen of Apostles Catholic School
Queen of Apostles Catholic School serves school-age students in Alexandria. It provides a Catholic educational environment for families seeking academic instruction alongside faith formation.
Parents should review the school’s academic programme, religious education, student activities, and policies for new applicants.
Grades: Kindergarten through Grade 8; confirm current offerings.
Admission requirements:
- Complete the school’s application.
- Submit birth and health documentation.
- Provide previous school records for transfer students.
- Complete any required assessment or interview.
- Review Catholic education and participation expectations.
- Submit any additional documents requested by the admissions office.
19. St. Louis Catholic School
St. Louis Catholic School is a Catholic school in Alexandria serving preschool and school-age students. Families can explore its academic curriculum, religious instruction, and community environment.
Parents should confirm the school’s current grade range and the application process for their child’s intended entry year.
Grades: Preschool through Grade 8; verify current availability.
Admission requirements:
- Complete an application and enrollment forms.
- Provide the student’s birth certificate and required records.
- Submit previous school transcripts where applicable.
- Provide health and immunization documentation.
- Complete any required assessment or family meeting.
- Confirm additional requirements and deadlines with the school.
20. River Farm Cooperative School
River Farm Cooperative School is a private school in Alexandria offering an educational setting that emphasizes community involvement. Families considering a cooperative school should ask about parent participation, classroom structure, and the school’s approach to student learning.
Grades: Confirm current grade offerings with the school.
Admission requirements:
- Submit an application or enrollment inquiry.
- Provide the student’s educational and personal information.
- Arrange a school visit or family meeting if required.
- Submit previous school records where applicable.
- Review any family participation or cooperative-school expectations.
- Complete the required enrollment forms and payment arrangements.
Comparison Table: Private Schools in Alexandria, VA
The table below provides a quick overview of the schools discussed in this article. Grade ranges marked for confirmation should be checked directly with the school before applying.
| No. | School | Educational approach | Grades or ages |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School | Episcopal, independent | Preschool–Grade 12 |
| 2 | Alexandria Country Day School | Independent, coeducational | Kindergarten–Grade 8 |
| 3 | Bishop Ireton High School | Catholic, college preparatory | Grades 9–12 |
| 4 | Episcopal High School | Episcopal, boarding | Grades 9–12 |
| 5 | The Basilica School of Saint Mary | Catholic | Preschool–Grade 8 |
| 6 | Blessed Sacrament School | Catholic | Preschool–Grade 8 |
| 7 | Browne Academy | Independent, coeducational | Preschool–Grade 8 |
| 8 | Grace Episcopal School | Episcopal | Preschool–Grade 5 |
| 9 | St. Rita School | Catholic | Preschool–Grade 8 |
| 10 | Immanuel Lutheran School | Lutheran | Confirm with school |
| 11 | Old Town Montessori School | Montessori | Confirm with school |
| 12 | The Del Ray Montessori School | Montessori | Confirm with school |
| 13 | Montessori School of Alexandria | Montessori | Confirm with school |
| 14 | Potomac Crescent Waldorf School | Waldorf-inspired | Confirm with school |
| 15 | The Howard Gardner School | Private middle and high school | Confirm with school |
| 16 | The Living Water School | Christian | Confirm with school |
| 17 | Washington International Academy | Islamic education | Preschool–Middle School; verify |
| 18 | Queen of Apostles Catholic School | Catholic | Kindergarten–Grade 8; verify |
| 19 | St. Louis Catholic School | Catholic | Preschool–Grade 8; verify |
| 20 | River Farm Cooperative School | Cooperative education | Confirm with school |
General Admission Requirements for Private Schools in Alexandria, VA
Although admission procedures differ, parents can prepare for several common requirements when applying to private schools.
1. Application Forms
Most schools require a completed application, along with any applicable application fee. Parents should ensure that all information is accurate and submitted before the deadline.
2. Academic Records
Students transferring from another school may need to provide report cards, transcripts, teacher evaluations, or other educational records. These documents help schools understand the student’s academic background and determine appropriate placement.
3. Entrance Assessments
Some schools require entrance examinations, developmental assessments, classroom observations, or placement tests. Requirements may differ significantly between preschool, elementary, middle, and high school applicants.
4. Interviews and Visits
A school may invite parents and students to attend an interview, tour, classroom visit, or playdate. These activities allow families to learn about the school and help the admissions team understand the applicant.
5. Health and Identification Documents
Schools may request birth certificates, immunization records, medical forms, and other documentation. Parents should ask which documents are required with the application and which are needed after an admission offer.
6. Tuition and Enrollment Fees
Private schools charge tuition, and some also require application fees, enrollment deposits, or additional programme fees. Families should request a complete fee schedule and ask whether financial assistance or payment plans are available.
Related
Top 20 Private Schools In Albany NY
Conclusion
For faith-based schools, parents should review the school’s religious instruction and community expectations. For Montessori, Waldorf, and cooperative schools, families should understand the educational approach and any participation requirements before enrolling.
Join EdubaseNG WhatsApp Channel to get the latest education & student loan tips
Join our Telegram Channel to get the latest news about Student Loans & Education News.
Are you a stakeholder in education? You can become our guest writer. Write to us using our our email address here