By Eddie Franklin Choosing the right private school can make a significant difference in a child’s academic development, social growth, and overall educational experience. For families living in Arlington, Virginia, there are several private schools offering different approaches to education, including Catholic, Christian, Montessori, independent, and specialized learning environments.
Private schools in Arlington serve students at different stages, from preschool and kindergarten to middle school and high school. Some schools focus strongly on religious education, while others emphasize Montessori learning, individualized instruction, college preparation, or specialized student support.
If you are searching for the top private schools in Arlington, VA, this guide highlights 20 options and explains their general admission requirements, grade levels, and educational focus.
Top Private Schools In Arlington VA And Requirements
1. Bishop Denis J. O’Connell High School
Bishop Denis J. O’Connell High School is a Catholic college-preparatory school serving students in Grades 9–12. The school provides a combination of academic education, Catholic formation, athletics, extracurricular activities, and college preparation.
It is particularly suited to families looking for a Catholic high-school environment with a broad range of academic and extracurricular opportunities.
Admission requirements may include:
- Completed online application
- Previous school transcripts or academic records
- Student information
- Required health documentation
- Application fee
- Additional admissions materials
- Catholic/parish information where applicable
Students and parents should also pay attention to the school’s application deadlines because admission to a particular grade can depend on available spaces.
2. St. Thomas More Cathedral School
St. Thomas More Cathedral School is a Catholic school serving children from Pre-K through Grade 8.
The school combines traditional academic education with Catholic religious instruction and character development. It can be an option for families seeking continuity from preschool through middle school.
Admission requirements generally include:
- Completed application
- Student and parent information
- Birth certificate or proof of age
- Previous school records when applicable
- Virginia School Entrance Health Form
- Immunization records
- Required registration materials
- Parish or Catholic documentation where applicable
Families should check the school’s current admissions calendar for application and enrollment deadlines.
3. Saint Ann Catholic School
Saint Ann Catholic School provides Catholic education for students from Pre-K through Grade 8.
The school focuses on academic development alongside Catholic values, faith formation, community and service. Its elementary and middle-school programs make it an option for families looking for a long-term Catholic education.
Common admission requirements include:
- Completed application
- Student information
- Proof of age
- Previous school records
- Health and immunization records
- Registration materials
- Catholic/parish information where applicable
Admission can depend on available space in the student’s intended grade.
4. St. Agnes School
St. Agnes School is another established Catholic school in Arlington serving students from Pre-K through Grade 8.
The school offers an academic environment that incorporates Catholic teaching and values into students’ educational experience.
Applicants may be required to provide:
- Completed admission application
- Birth certificate
- Health and immunization documentation
- Previous school records
- Parent/guardian information
- Registration documents
- Catholic or parish information where applicable
Parents should apply early when possible, especially for grades where enrollment is limited.
5. Our Savior Lutheran School
Our Savior Lutheran School offers Christian education from Pre-K through Grade 8.
The school combines academic learning with Lutheran Christian education and character formation. It may appeal to families who want a faith-based environment without choosing a Catholic school.
Typical admission requirements include:
- Application form
- Student information
- Previous academic records
- Birth documentation
- Health and immunization records
- Registration fee
- Enrollment documents
- Possible meeting or assessment
Parents should confirm current tuition and financial-aid opportunities when applying.
6. St. Charles School
St. Charles School is a Catholic educational institution in Arlington serving younger children, particularly at the preschool level.
Because early-childhood programs often have specific age and enrollment requirements, parents should verify that their child meets the eligibility requirements for the desired class.
Requirements may include:
- Completed application
- Proof of child’s age
- Birth certificate
- Health examination records
- Immunization records
- Emergency contact information
- Registration fee
- Available space in the appropriate class
Early application can be helpful because preschool spaces may be limited.
7. The Sycamore School
The Sycamore School is an independent private school serving students in approximately Grades 5–12.
Unlike large traditional schools, it provides a more personalized educational environment and serves students across middle and high-school years.
Admission requirements may include:
- Completed application
- Academic records
- Student information
- Parent/guardian information
- Student interview
- Educational assessment or evaluation
- Health documentation
- Enrollment agreement
Families considering the school should ask about the specific admission process for their child’s grade.
8. Rivendell School
Rivendell School is a Christian private school serving students from Kindergarten through Grade 8.
Its educational model combines academic development with Christian values and character formation. This can make it attractive to parents who want faith to be part of their child’s school experience.
Potential requirements include:
- Completed application
- Previous school records
- Student information
- Birth documentation
- Health and immunization records
- Parent/guardian information
- Possible student assessment
- Interview or school meeting where applicable
The school should be contacted for the latest grade-specific admissions information.
9. Arlington Montessori House
Arlington Montessori House provides Montessori education for young children.
Montessori education generally emphasizes independence, practical life skills, hands-on learning, self-directed activities, and developmentally appropriate instruction.
Admission requirements may include:
- Completed application
- Application fee
- Child’s age documentation
- Health records
- Immunization records
- Parent information
- School tour or meeting
- Enrollment documents
Parents should confirm the age requirements for toddler, primary, and kindergarten programs.
10. Chesterbrook Montessori School
Chesterbrook Montessori School is a Montessori education option for families with younger children in Arlington.
The school’s Montessori approach emphasizes hands-on learning and encourages children to develop independence and responsibility.
Common requirements may include:
- Admission application
- Proof of age
- Health and immunization records
- Parent/guardian information
- Previous school information where applicable
- Registration or enrollment fee
- Classroom availability
- Possible parent-school meeting
Parents should confirm the current program structure before applying.
11. Full Circle Montessori School
Full Circle Montessori School offers Montessori-based education for young children and elementary-age students.
Families interested in Montessori education may consider the school because of its emphasis on individualized learning and child development.
Requirements may include:
- Application form
- Proof of age
- Health records
- Immunization documentation
- Previous school records
- Parent/guardian information
- School visit or interview
- Enrollment payment
Placement is generally dependent on the child’s age, developmental stage, and available classroom space.
12. Metta Montessori School
Metta Montessori School is a Montessori school serving young learners in Arlington.
The Montessori approach allows children to learn through practical activities, exploration and structured classroom experiences.
Applicants may need:
- Completed application
- Proof of age
- Health and immunization records
- Parent/guardian information
- Previous school records where applicable
- Enrollment fee
- Parent meeting or school visit
Families should ask about the specific age range and available programs before submitting an application.
13. The Village School
The Village School provides a private educational option for children from Pre-K through Grade 8 and incorporates Montessori-inspired learning.
The school can be considered by parents searching for an alternative educational environment that places emphasis on individual development and experiential learning.
Admission requirements may include:
- Application form
- Child’s birth certificate or proof of age
- Health and immunization records
- Previous school records
- Parent/guardian information
- Possible interview
- Registration fee
- Availability in the relevant grade
14. Children’s House Montessori School
Children’s House Montessori School is focused primarily on early-childhood education.
Its Montessori approach gives young children opportunities to develop independence, concentration, practical skills, and social abilities through age-appropriate activities.
Typical requirements include:
- Application form
- Proof of child’s age
- Health records
- Immunization documentation
- Parent/guardian information
- Registration forms
- Enrollment fee
- Available classroom space
Parents should ask about the school’s minimum age, classroom schedule, and readiness requirements.
15. Rosslyn Children’s Center
Rosslyn Children’s Center is an early-childhood educational option in Arlington.
For parents seeking a private preschool or early-learning environment, the center may provide an alternative to public-school programs.
Potential requirements include:
- Completed enrollment application
- Proof of age
- Health and immunization records
- Emergency contacts
- Parent/guardian information
- Registration payment
- Required enrollment forms
- Available space
Because early-childhood programs can have different policies from K–12 schools, parents should confirm the current requirements directly.
16. St. Rita School
St. Rita School is another Catholic education option serving children in the Arlington area.
Catholic schools such as St. Rita typically combine academic instruction with religious education, character development, service, and community activities.
Admission requirements may include:
- Application
- Birth certificate
- Previous school records
- Health and immunization records
- Parent/guardian information
- Registration documents
- Catholic/parish documentation where applicable
Families should verify the school’s current grade availability and admission priorities before applying.
17. Saint James Catholic School
Saint James Catholic School is a Catholic educational institution serving students in the elementary and middle-school years.
The school provides a faith-based educational setting while maintaining a traditional academic curriculum.
Common requirements can include:
- Online application
- Birth certificate
- Previous academic records
- Virginia health form
- Physical examination documentation
- Immunization records
- Registration materials
- Required school forms
Health documentation is particularly important for new students entering the school.
18. The Potomac School
The Potomac School is an independent college-preparatory school serving students from K–12 in the greater Arlington/McLean area.
It provides a broad academic program with extracurricular, athletic, artistic, and leadership opportunities.
Admission requirements can include:
- Online application
- Student records
- Teacher recommendations
- Parent information
- Student assessment/testing where applicable
- Interview
- Application fee
- Required enrollment documents
Because independent schools can have highly structured admissions processes, families should carefully review the requirements for the specific entry grade.
19. Congressional School
Congressional School is a private independent school serving students from early childhood through secondary-school levels in the greater Arlington area.
The school offers a broad educational program and may appeal to families seeking an independent-school environment with extensive extracurricular opportunities.
Potential requirements include:
- Completed application
- Previous school records
- Teacher recommendations
- Student assessment
- Interview
- Birth documentation
- Health records
- Enrollment forms
Requirements can differ significantly depending on whether the child is applying to an early-childhood, elementary, middle, or upper-school program.
20. Burgundy Farm Country Day School
Burgundy Farm Country Day School is an independent school serving students in the greater Northern Virginia area.
Its educational approach places emphasis on experiential learning, community, independence, and student development.
Admission requirements may include:
- Completed application
- Previous academic records
- Teacher recommendations
- Student visit or interview
- Application fee
- Health documentation
- Parent/guardian information
- Enrollment agreement
Families should confirm the school’s current admission requirements and grade availability before applying.
General Private School Admission Requirements in Arlington, VA
Although every school has its own admissions process, there are several documents that parents should prepare before beginning applications.
Birth Certificate or Proof of Age
Schools generally need documentation confirming the child’s identity and date of birth. This is particularly important for kindergarten and preschool applicants because age requirements can determine eligibility.
Academic Records
Children transferring from another school may need to provide report cards, transcripts, standardized test results, or other academic records.
Health and Immunization Records
Virginia private schools generally require health documentation and evidence of required immunizations. Parents should obtain updated copies of their child’s medical and vaccination records before beginning the enrollment process.
Application Form
Almost every private school requires parents to complete an application. Depending on the school, this may be completed online or through a paper application.
Interview or Assessment
Some schools conduct interviews, entrance assessments, student visits, or other evaluations as part of the admissions process.
Recommendation Letters
Certain independent schools may request teacher recommendations, particularly when students are applying to upper elementary, middle-school, or high-school grades.
Registration and Application Fees
Parents should not assume that tuition is the only cost. Application fees, registration fees, deposits, technology fees, activity fees, uniforms, transportation, and other charges may apply.
Religious Documentation
Catholic and other faith-based schools may request information about a family’s religious affiliation, parish membership, baptism, or participation in religious activities. However, the importance of these requirements varies by school.
Comparison Table: Top Private Schools in Arlington, VA
| School | School Type | Grade Range | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bishop Denis J. O’Connell High School | Catholic | 9–12 | Application, records, health documents |
| St. Thomas More Cathedral School | Catholic | PK–8 | Application, health form, immunization records |
| Saint Ann Catholic School | Catholic | PK–8 | Application, records, health documents |
| St. Agnes School | Catholic | PK–8 | Application, records, health documents |
| Our Savior Lutheran School | Lutheran | PK–8 | Application, records, health documents |
| St. Charles School | Catholic | Preschool | Age, application, health records |
| The Sycamore School | Independent | 5–12 | Application, records, assessment/interview |
| Rivendell School | Christian | K–8 | Application, records, possible assessment |
| Arlington Montessori House | Montessori | Early childhood | Application, age, health records |
| Chesterbrook Montessori School | Montessori | Early childhood | Application, age, health records |
| Full Circle Montessori School | Montessori | Early childhood–elementary | Application, records, health documents |
| Metta Montessori School | Montessori | Early childhood | Application, age, health records |
| The Village School | Montessori/Alternative | PK–8 | Application, age, health records |
| Children’s House Montessori | Montessori | Preschool | Application, age, health records |
| Rosslyn Children’s Center | Early childhood | Preschool | Enrollment, age, health records |
| St. Rita School | Catholic | Elementary–middle | Application, records, health documents |
| Saint James Catholic School | Catholic | Elementary–middle | Application, health form, immunizations |
| The Potomac School | Independent | K–12 | Application, records, recommendations |
| Congressional School | Independent | Early childhood–secondary | Application, records, assessment |
| Burgundy Farm Country Day School | Independent | Elementary–middle | Application, records, recommendations |
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Conclusion
Arlington, VA offers families a broad selection of private schools, ranging from Catholic and Lutheran schools to Montessori programs, Christian schools, and independent college-preparatory institutions.
The right choice depends on several factors, including your child’s age, educational needs, family values, preferred teaching approach, budget, location, and desired extracurricular opportunities.
Before applying, prepare essential documents such as birth certificates, academic records, health and immunization records, recommendations, and other school-specific forms. It is also important to check application deadlines and available spaces because requirements can differ considerably between schools.
Whether you are looking for a private preschool in Arlington, a Montessori school, a Catholic elementary school, a Christian middle school, or a private high school, comparing several options before making an application can help you identify a school that matches your family’s needs.
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