2023 Best Boarding High Schools in Virginia

• Mclean, VA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.18 out of 5  100 reviews

Senior: Madeira's mission of "launching women who change the world" guides every aspect of this unique educational experience. I am extremely grateful for my education and appreciate the environment Madeira fosters to make every student thrive. From small, personalized class with the modular schedule, to a tight community of both students and faculty, to worldly experiences, Madeira prepares us for the future that we will inherit. Of particular note is the Co-Curriculum program that gives us real world experiences each year -- something that a teenager cannot find anywhere else. It is extremely impressive to be able to go to a college interview or job interview and say you have worked on Capitol Hill! I think Madeira is made up of small moments - traditions, laughing in the library, baking with your teachers - that become impactful, life-changing moments at such a pivotal age. This personal attention gives us the confidence and the leadership skills to take on any issue. Life changing!... Read 100 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 343

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Alexandria, VA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.38 out of 5  47 reviews

Parent: My son went here, and he loved his four years at the Holy Hill. He was a 3 year varsity football player, and has especially fond memories of playing the game against Woodberry Forest School, every November. It is a great place to send your child!... Read 47 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 464

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Woodberry Forest, VA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.63 out of 5  38 reviews

Junior: Woodberry has been the best decision I have ever made. The teachers are second to none at offering their assistance to students who have trouble studying or do not understand the ideas they teach. At Woodberry, academic success is less about the grades and more about the spirit you develop when tackling problems. Being at Woodberry has taught me that the best way to problem solve is to meet the adversary head on and not be afraid to fail. At Woodberry, failing after attempting something challenging is met with compassion and teachers who are more than happy to help you up again and give you another shot.... Read 38 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 400

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Chatham, VA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.34 out of 5  50 reviews

Alum: I grew up in Chicago, where few students attend boarding school, so I didn't know what to expect when I traveled across the country for high school. I'm so thankful I took that risk! Chatham Hall was a warm, challenging, exciting environment. It opened up opportunities I never would have had anywhere else. As a student on scholarship, I felt consistently valued and supported. After graduation, I came to appreciate the experience even more: I arrived at college far better prepared than almost any of my peers. Through college, a doctorate, and now a STEM career, my Chatham Hall education has remained a touchstone. Most importantly, Chatham Hall feels like home to this day. Not bad for a place that sounded so far from home when I first considered it.... Read 50 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 118

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Front Royal, VA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.21 out of 5  169 reviews

Parent: The Admissions department made the application process seamless. They were easy to reach; gladly returned phone calls and inquiries; and, assisted with the application process during each step. Compared to other independent college prep institutions, RMA is a small school. However, we were thoroughly impressed with the diversity that we saw during the summer camp program; We were pleased to see that it carried over to the academic year. The curriculum is rigorous. The staff is caring. There are a variety of extracurricular activities that are day and boarding inclusive. Any family "on the fence" about RMA should definitely consider a second look, or reach out to staff. You'll be glad you did!... Read 169 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 331

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Middleburg, VA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.34 out of 5  56 reviews

Works Here: In my time working at Foxcroft, I have seen firsthand the impact the school has on its students. I'm amazed by the confidence they gain over the course of even just one year, feeling empowered to use their voice and truly be themselves. The community at Foxcroft is so special and, in my opinion, a rare find these days. All community members — students and adults alike — are welcomed, known, and valued, which is one of the main reasons I've stayed for over a decade! It's unique that day students can truly have the boarding experience, too, and stay overnight throughout the week as well as on weekends — always appreciate the time on dorm with students! As an employee, Foxcroft is so much more than a job or a school — it's our home, and I love when new students join our community and find that out for themselves.... Read 56 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 166

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Arlington, VA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.9 out of 5  40 reviews

Alum: Top notch faculty and administration, and a great appreciation for global international thinking and performance. The school emphasizes the importance of independent thinking and expression, while still maintaining a strong sense of community. Veritas allowed me to grow into the person I am today. It put me in challenging situations that have benefitted me overall and put me on the path to success. One of my most unique experiences: while at Veritas, I had an opportunity to study abroad at the campus in Beijing. What an experience! I highly recommend my alma mater. #alwaysaspartan... Read 40 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 152

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Chesapeake, VA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.58 out of 5  113 reviews

Parent: Veritas has been such a good fit for our family. Coming from a homeschooled background, we were concerned how our child would do there all day. My child looks forward to being at school everyday and especially in his classroom with his teacher. Our son feels totally safe there and had no separation anxiety. Every morning my child excitedly ran to greet the administrators at the door. He loved that he could start his day by racing them to be the first to say hello. He also loves going to memory period. He has grown so much this year. His teacher is bright, loving, fun and very patient. She takes them outside several times a day, gives them snack time and miraculously gets them to nap. It is amazing how much better his reading and social grace has gotten too. They have an excellent classical curriculum delivered in love. The teachers are very invested and the small class sizes guarantee personal attention. We also love the other parents. This family community is priceless!... Read 113 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 259

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Dulles, VA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.35 out of 5  40 reviews

Parent: We have been parents here at Fairfax Christian for the past three years. We now have a child in each level of the school, lower, middle and high school. The school kept our children safe and in school during the tumultuous time of the pandemic and we will be forever grateful. We have been blessed with teachers who are attentive and care about the character and education of our children. The challenging curriculum, diverse student population and a Christian education will keep our family at Fairfax Christian.... Read 40 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 276

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Lynchburg, VA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.4 out of 5  42 reviews

Alum: I absolutely loved getting to be a part of the community at VES. We really are one giant family at that school. Not only is there no grade divisions amongst the students, but you get very close with the faculty to the point that a lot of us dog sit or baby sit for faculty. To anyone considering going to VES, I recommend staying overnight and keeping an open mind. Most students have stories that started out like "at first I didn't want to go to VES, but now I couldn't imagine not coming here". Boarding school is scary, but give it three months and you'll feel right at home! Take advantage of the accepting community at VES and be yourself, being weird is cool there.... Read 42 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 260

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Dyke, VA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.68 out of 5  68 reviews

Parent: All community members from Blue Ridge School are nice. Blue Ridge School activities, particularly the ROPEs Trip every year, can push students limit. Faculty members are friendly to motivate student on academic subjects. School offers a variety of off-campus activities to fully maximize students' experience. School efforts to build the campus with Safe, Community and Inclusive culture is attractive to both students and their family. Last but not the least, Blue Ridge School has a very very nice campus for students studying and living there.... Read 68 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 170

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Charlottesville, VA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  69 reviews

Parent: I can't say enough good things about the teachers at St. Anne's-Belfield. My child lost a lot of ground learning virtually in public school during the pandemic. His teachers at St. Anne's have gone the extra mile to catch him up without making him feel bad (or even letting on that he's behind). Really love that he has access to learning resource specialists and the school counselor. Can't speak to athletics as he's more of a CS nerd (and the program is amazing btw!), but I understand they are stellar if that's your kids' thing. As with all private schools, I wish it were more diverse, but the school does a good job being intentional about diversity and inclusion so kids are aware and prepared to interact with people of all backgrounds and cultures, even if they don't see a lot on a daily basis.... Read 69 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 882

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Christchurch, VA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.49 out of 5  67 reviews

Parent: Having 3 children who attended Christchurch School, we couldn’t be more pleased with the education they received. The faculty and staff work together in support of the integrated curriculum which prepares students to be not only successful in the classroom, but also instills life lessons, preparing them to successful members within their community. We highly recommend Christchurch School!... Read 67 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 216

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Charlottesville, VA•

• Private School•

• 8-12

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  28 reviews

Parent: Great location in a wonderful site surrounded by nature. The faculty is fully involved with student development, easy access to the top management and school Dean and Miller has an unique junior Cycling program (one of the best in country) and its coaches are such amazing people. The concept Hand, Heart and Mind is a true experience lived in the Campus. Very happy as a parent!... Read 28 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 185

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Staunton, VA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  66 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 144

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Roanoke, VA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  74 reviews

Parent: When making the decision to switch my daughter to Roanoke Catholic after being in the public school system through seventh grade, I had no idea how much of an impact it would have on our family. The transition has been amazing! My daughter has been welcomed and immediately became valued. To quote my daughter (14 yrs old), "Mom, it's just a great learning environment". I could not be any happier with our decision. I only wish I had made the transition earlier. Roanoke Catholic School has become a haven for us during this challenging time of Covid. The faculty and staff put the health, safety, and education of the children first. I'm proud to say that my daughter and I are members of the RCS family. I look forward to her finishing her upper school years at Roanoke Catholic School!... Read 74 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 460

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Roanoke, VA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  31 reviews

Parent: Best educational experience that my children could have in all of Roanoke. I remain impressed with the quality of teachers. Smaller classroom size equates to more individualized attention for my children. In addition to their academics, they have a substantial amount of extracurricular offerings that include musicals, play, athletics, clubs, etc. Furthermore, their facilities could not be better. The campus is brand new. Both staff and faculty are receptive to individual need and are incredibly responsive.... Read 31 reviews

• grade A

• Students 508

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Mouth Of Wilson, VA•

• Private School•

• 8-12

• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  32 reviews

Parent: We love Oak Hill Academy for our son. It shares the same family values that we carry and provides him with a home away from home experience. My child feels known by everyone and has developed stronger skills as a learner. The confidence, creativity, curiosity, and competence they foster in each child is deeply appreciated by our family!... Read 32 reviews

• grade A

• Students 120

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Tappahannock, VA•

• Private School•

• 8-12

• •
  Rating 4.18 out of 5  87 reviews

Parent: Is the first year for my daughter as a Sophomore, it was hard to be far from her, but the independence, self steem and knowledge she is acquiring surpass our expectations, she loves her Pre-Cal and biology teacher, she is in the tennis team, and the step club, everybody make you feel welcome and part of the community, and the spiritual part is so important these day to grow faith in God. To have different results, you have to make different decisions!... Read 87 reviews

• grade A

• Students 72

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Harrisonburg, VA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.18 out of 5  51 reviews

Niche User: A few weeks ago, our youngest (an EMS alum) was chatting with a parent of young children who had asked her about her experience at EMS. She described it as a school where she formed lifelong friendships, learned strong communication skills, and experienced challenging academics. She also shared that the safe environment allowed her to explore her faith more deeply and to think about how she might use her gifts in the world. It was such joy to hear her discuss her schooling. The investment we have made has been a lasting one; our adult children are thoughtful, compassionate, and deep thinkers!... Read 51 reviews

• grade A

• Students 380

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Woodstock, VA•

• Private School•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  50 reviews

Parent: Great experience, the faculty really do care about all the students! Lots of opportunity for growth and development.... Read 50 reviews

• grade A

• Students 140

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Fork Union,, VA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  99 reviews

Parent: We enrolled our son in Fork Union Military Academy after seeing so many YouTube videos that touted the benefits of the one-subject program and the school. The promise of focus, structure, and accomplishment came through. He passed all his classes in this, his first year, a sophomore at FUMA. We took advantage of their academic success program. There he found continuous support and cheers! They found novel approaches to reach him, took the time to learn about him, and flexed their approaches. I have been concerned in the past about the ability of teachers who are not Black to 'see my son' as an individual. At FUMA, they know him, challenge him to be his best, hold him accountable, and motivate him. I am proud of what he has done this year. As a testament to the place, he is looking forward to going back in the Fall - he's proud that he's earned a promotion in rank and knows he can do even better academically. Amazing.... Read 99 reviews

• grade A

• Students 312

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Williamsburg, VA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  62 reviews

Parent: This is where you root yourself and your children in, a strong foundation for them to grow and become strong ambassadors to lead in the community with respect, honor, and integrity. The experiences at WCA is kindness, compassion, and ready to listen, take action, and follow up. I am impressed by the staff and learning facilitators, different from other schools, where WCA cares and understands, it’s a family where we take care of each other and I love that! I feel like my children belong, and as a family we belong.... Read 62 reviews

• grade A

• Students 200

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Chatham, VA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.39 out of 5  18 reviews

Alum: Hargrave Military Academy was exactly what I needed. I had spent my time at other High Schools in Charlotte, NC area. At first when my mom took me up there for a visit I really didn't like it. There were no girls. Its was an all boys boarding school. And it was military at that. Well to say the least I was not happy when I was told that I would be spending my sophomore year there. To make a long story short, being there prepared me for college and life afterwards. They taught me discipline. They taught me responsibilities, They taught me how to study. And they taught me how to respect others. Those 3 years allowed me grow up. My mom was not there to wash my clothes, feed me and tell me to study all those things I had to learn on my own. The school is in a small little town, so going out on weekends was totally out. But I played on the sports team so I was gone on the weekends. All in all it was the best place for at that time to turn me into a responsible young man... Read 18 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 171

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Waynesboro, VA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  46 reviews

Parent: My son is a senior this fall. He has been attending FMS as a five day boarder since the summer between 7th and 8th grades when he attended summer school for the outdoor adventure class. He was doing fine at the public school and wasn’t having any behavior problems or anything, but that was the problem. He was just fine, and not being pushed to be better. The small class sizes, rigorous academics, life lessons, camaraderie, athletics, and leadership training have impacted him in a positive way that the local public school would never be able to match. He has more choices for sports, can’t “slip through the cracks” academically, and is much more involved in extracurriculars than he would’ve been at the public school. I’ve been incredibly pleased with the young man he is becoming. Most importantly, HE loves it. He says it’s like living with his best friends. I never thought I would be a parent who sent her child to military school, but here we are...better because of FMS!... Read 46 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 170

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1