Boarding Schools in Virginia

What's Up in Virginia

This page features a list of boarding schools in Virginia (VA), USA.

New York is a state in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern regions of the United States. It was one of the original thirteen colonies forming the United States. With a total area of 54,556 square miles (141,300 km2), New York is the 27th largest state; its population of more than 20 million people in 2020 makes it the fourth most populous state in the U.S. The state is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south and Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont to the east; it has a maritime border with Rhode Island, east of Long Island, as well as an international border with the Canadian provinces of Quebec to the north and Ontario to the northwest. It is sometimes referred to as New York State to distinguish it from New York City, which is its largest city.

Education in Virginia (VA), USA

Education in Virginia addresses the needs of students from prekindergarten to college. The 1984 Virginia Assembly stated that “Education is the cornerstone upon which Virginia’s future rests.” Virginia’s educational system consistently ranks in the top ten states on the U.S. Department of Education’s National Assessment of Educational Progress. Virginia students outperform the average in all subject areas and grade levels tested. The 2010 Quality Counts report ranked Virginia’s K–12 education fourth-best in the country. All school divisions must adhere to educational standards set forth by the Virginia Department of Education, which maintains an assessment and accreditation regime known as the Standards of Learning to ensure accountability.

The Standards of Learning (SOL) for Virginia public, private, and boarding schools establish minimum expectations for what students should know and do at the end of each grade or course in English, mathematics, science, history/social science other subjects. SOL tests in reading, writing, mathematics, science, and history/social science measure students’ success in meeting the Board of Education’s expectations for learning and achievement. Virginia’s teachers review all items on SOL tests for accuracy and fairness, and teachers also assist the Virginia Board of Education in setting proficiency standards for the tests.

Virginia Council for Private Education (VCPE) oversees boarding schools’ accreditation in the Commonwealth of Virginia. VCPE facilitates a statewide framework for communication and cooperation among boarding schools, their public school counterparts, state and local governments, and programs and organizations. Virginia Council for Private Education acts as Virginia’s voice for boarding schools. VCPE assists accredited boarding schools in advocating for their students in ensuring credits are transferred correctly to public schools or community colleges.

To graduate with a Standard Diploma for boarding school students entering the ninth grade, a student must earn at least 22 standard units of credit and five verified units of credit. Students earn standard credits by completing required and elective courses. Boarding school students earn verified credits by completing required courses and passing associated end-of-course Standards of Learning tests or other assessments approved by the state Board of Education.

Home to many U.S. presidents as well as much of the nation’s early history, Virginia also has a reputation for being home to many well-known boarding schools. Whether it is attending a school that emphasizes athletics or academics, there are many schools in Virginia that offer excellence for boys and girls of all ages. Virginia challenges its boarding school students with excellent academics while letting them experience history and culture throughout the state. 

Oak Hill Academy

Located in Mouth of Wilson, this coed school for grades 8-12 is nationally known not only for its academics, but also its athletic programs. The school’s basketball team, one of the best private school teams in the United States for decades, has produced many players who have gone on to have stellar college and professional careers. Situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains, students regularly take hikes or go on camping trips with teachers and administrators.

Hargrave Military Academy View profile »

Considered one of the most challenging military boarding schools in the country, Hargrave has a reputation for academic excellence. Many of the students who attend the school do so with the intent of improving their academic performance before entering college, and the school is known for helping improve SAT scores of its students. An all-boys school for grades 7-12, it’s a popular choice for parents who value a military education for their children.

Foxcroft School View profile »

An all-girls school founded in 1914, Foxcroft focuses most of its academic attention on science and mathematics. A school for girls who especially want to pursue careers in engineering, medicine, and other fields where science and math are emphasized, Foxcroft has built a reputation for helping more and more girls be able to enter these fields. Along with its academics, it also has a nationally-recognized equestrian program, with many of its students winning state and national competitions.

Woodberry Forest School View profile »

A boys school for grades 9-12, Woodberry Forest is located on 1,200 acres of rolling countryside and recently celebrated its 125th anniversary. Having an international flavor with its student body, it has just over 400 students from 15 nations. Along with having students winning numerous awards in physics and economics, the school also offers students the chance to study abroad in Central America and Europe.

Oakland School

Designed for students with learning disabilities, Oakland focuses on one-on-one instruction with students who have ADHD or dyslexia. In addition to academic programs that are challenging, the school also offers day camps in the summer for students who stay on campus year-round.