2019 Best High Schools in the Richmond Area

Best Schools

101 results

Maggie Walker Governor's School
Public School
Richmond, VA
9-12
51
1 Best Public High Schools in Richmond Area
Alum: An amazing place that shaped who I am. I've been successful in found and growing my own international company, and I really do owe it to skills and mindsets I developed the Governor's School! Diverse, wonderful school culture, and a place that fosters growth and development of useful skills... while also having great academics. The track and cross country teams are top class, and a great community. I'm still close with Governor's School friends, and we've met up around the world. It's amazing to see the incredible things that my classmates are doing now to make the world a better place!
Read 51 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
746 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Collegiate School
Private School
Richmond, VA
PK, K-12
38
1 Best Private High Schools in Richmond Area
Senior: Fantastic school. The sense of community and integrity among the students is unparalleled among leading independent schools in the nation. All of my teachers were extremely knowledgeable about the subject matter and pushed me to the limits of my capabilities. A two-season sports requirement encourages healthy lifestyles among students, and the growing STEAM program is ahead of most schools nationwide. Most of the students that graduate from Collegiate attend prestigious universities on the east coast and across the continent. The campus is breathtaking and actually feels like a college. You definitely get what you pay for at Collegiate, with a pricey cost, but in the end, it is totally worth it. The college counseling office at Collegiate, truly helps prepare its students for tackling the college process. I highly recommend!
Read 38 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,680 Students
8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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St. Christopher's School
Private School
Richmond, VA
PK, K-12
15
2 Best Private High Schools in Richmond Area
Parent: St. Christopher's school doesn't tolerate boys; they celebrate them. Their boundless energy is brilliantly redirected into focused learning within state of the art facilities by seasoned and compassionate leaders. Known mostly for stellar academics and how they foster the love of learning in boys, my favorite aspect of the school is that St. Chris values kindness, integrity, honesty and character as much as any academic award. Boys who are kind are celebrated. Brotherhood means loving your neighbor as yourself. Diversity is a priority and is intentional; meaning St. Chris knows that we're not the best until our classrooms reflect our world. At St. Christopher's School boys are not encouraged to be "just boys" they are expected to be good humans. In this day and age, it's all that this mother could ask for.
Read 15 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
938 Students
9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Charlottesville Catholic School
Private School
Charlottesville, VA
PK, K-8
7
Parent: Our family LOVES CCS! Our two boys went through CCS and are much better young men and students as a result. The overall environment at the Catholic School is exceptional. Academically, the students are encouraged, supported, and pushed to do their very best in the classroom. The teachers do an amazing job of reaching each student individually which translates into a trusting, caring, and successful school experience for the student, the parent(s), and also the teacher. In and out of the classroom the teachers and staff also do an extraordinary job of instilling discipline, self-respect and respect for others, thoughtfulness, and a sense of community and personal responsibility. Our boys continue to excel each and every year both as students and as young men in our community and I believe those valuable traits are a direct result of the foundation, mentorship, and guidance that they received as students at the Charlottesville Catholic School.
Read 7 Reviews
NG
Overall Niche Grade
333 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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St. Catherine's School
Private School
Richmond, VA
PK, K-12
110
3 Best Private High Schools in Richmond Area
Parent: Our girls (ages 4 and 7) LOVE St. Catherine's School! They look forward to going to school each day and are happy children at the end of the day. Truthfully, our girls see STC as family- a safe space, a warm hug, and a space where they can be themselves while being challenged and supported in their growth and development.

As parents, we also LOVE STC! We moved to RVA in 2012 not knowing anything about single-gender schools or independent schools. Through and through, we are exceedingly pleased as parents of St. Catherine's girls- excellent/caring/knowledgeable/communicative teachers, engaged/intentional administrators, unmatched exposure to the arts/technology/languages/PE, chapel services, superb facilities, and meaningful after school enrichment at Clubhouse. Our girls attend school with children from all over the Richmond area who represent a cross section (racially and economically) of the larger community. The school is a worthy investment and one we happily make!
Read 110 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
979 Students
8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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The Steward School
Private School
Richmond, VA
PK, K-12
31
4 Best Private High Schools in Richmond Area
Senior: The steward school has an amazing sense of community. In the upper school there are several events throughout the year that students look forward to including spirit weeks because corn hole is available at lunch! Academically, most classes are seminar based which provides hands on learning and discussion. Similarly, teachers are readily available and have a strong willingness to help go over an essay or prepare for a test. The college readiness is spectacular with a college counselor meeting with students in a college seminar class during junior year, students can explore college paths and begin creating lists of top choices.
Read 31 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
645 Students
7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Deep Run High School
Henrico County Public Schools, VA
9-12
415
2 Best Public High Schools in Richmond Area
Sophomore: Outstanding school! It offers many opportunities and classes that some other schools don't offer, for example, a large selection of AP classes. The teachers are amazing and as enthusiastic as the students are! Students are incredibly kind and easy to become friends with.
Read 415 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,726 Students
19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Godwin High School
Henrico County Public Schools, VA
9-12
283
3 Best Public High Schools in Richmond Area
Alum: Godwin is a WONDERFUL school. It is diverse, competitive, spirited, and challenging. The teachers are incredible to learn from and work with. They are also tough in order to prepare you for college - they do an amazing job and as an alum i can confirm what many before me and after me have said "Godwin was actually harder than college." That is a good thing because you are prepared for that HUGE transition in life...as long as you pay attention and accept what the school has to offer you! 10/10 would recommend this school to anyone.
Read 283 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,831 Students
19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Trinity Episcopal School
Private School
Richmond, VA
8-12
85
5 Best Private High Schools in Richmond Area
Senior: With an overal school size of about 450 students, Trinity offers small class sizes which increase individualized learning while still having collaborative assignments. The IB diploma program at trinity offers students a glimpse into what research at the college level is like with the Extended Essay and encourages students to get out and help the community with the “CAS” requirements. Almost all classes have writing supplements that help prepare you for the approaching paper deadlines in college. The college counseling staff really focuses on your path and you build a strong relationships with the entire staff due the the size of the school.
Read 85 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
506 Students
9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Cosby High School
Chesterfield County Public Schools, VA
9-12
440
4 Best Public High Schools in Richmond Area
Senior: High School overall isn't too bad. Its a time to grow and mature, and unfortunately at times make mistakes. The biggest thing I think needs to be changed is some of the rules. Many kids make bad decisions that do not cause harm to others and are the same bad decisions made by previous generations. The issue now is the level of punishment. In the past these mistakes were handled by levels of disciplines, such as detention after school. Now these same mistakes are resulting in long term suspensions and referrals to the justice system. The job of the schools is to keep students and teachers safe, no questions about that. The level of punishment imposed at some schools should have common sense applied when there is no harm/safety issues to the school.
Read 440 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
2,074 Students
18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Veritas School
Private School
Richmond, VA
PK, K-12
7
6 Best Private High Schools in Richmond Area
Parent: Our child has attended Veritas for 4 years - overall a very good experience. Veritas is not only a school, it is a community of teachers, parents, and students working together to develop our children into responsible Christian adults. The curriculum is academically rigorous with an emphasis on literature and history. Most teachers are willing to meet with students outside of class if clarification or help is needed. Veritas differs from other schools in that the goal is for students to actually learn and understand what is taught so that students can engage in intellectual conversation, applying knowledge across courses and in everyday life. There is no "teaching to the test" at Veritas. There are numerous after-school athletic opportunities; however, Veritas is limited in the number of extra-curricular clubs it offers students. I would highly recommend Veritas to any parents seeking a classical christian education for their child.
Read 7 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
580 Students
10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Glen Allen High School
Henrico County Public Schools, VA
9-12
247
5 Best Public High Schools in Richmond Area
Senior: I love it! We have great academics, sports, clubs and honor societies, teachers, lunch menus, and other things that make school a fun and productive place! I love going to school there. I like the diversity it offers in classes and lunch food options. I like that I am allowed to be creative there too. Great art classes! I also really enjoyed learning a language there. I am also grateful for the opportunity to take AP classes there and have awesome teachers! Overall it is a fantastic school!
Read 247 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
1,749 Students
19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Midlothian High School
Chesterfield County Public Schools, VA
9-12
200
6 Best Public High Schools in Richmond Area
Senior: Midlothian High School has been my home away from home for 4 years. I have felt challenged and I am confident I'm now prepared for my college future. I feel we have a unique high school atmosphere . In my four years of attendance there has not been one school fight and everyone in all groups are accepting of each other. We are known in our county for our exceptional academics and high test scores. We are academically competitive and challenged by our peers. We also have the most exciting and spirited pep rallies in our county and other schools have been known to try and match our enthusiasm, it can't be achieved! I will miss Midlothian High school and feel grateful for such a wonderful high school experience!
Read 200 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
1,563 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Open High School
Richmond City Public Schools, VA
9-12
56
7 Best Public High Schools in Richmond Area
Alum: The school was a college preparatory school that will help ensure students that they will succeed. The teachers always kept in the contact with the students and helped them with anything if they had any issue. The atmosphere is very warm, and friendly as well. I would recommend anyone to attend to the school, as I would strongly encourage my children to go there in the future, as it is a difficult school, but it does its job in help prepare anyone for college. My only knock against the school, would be the fact that it did not have a cafeteria, or any sports team, but they offer free food to students, and also people are allowed to go to YMCA through the school.
Read 56 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
176 Students
11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Benedictine College Preparatory
Private School
Richmond, VA
9-12
13
7 Best Private High Schools in Richmond Area
Parent: I'm the parent of a Cadet. The teachers, the sports, the clubs, and especially the academics are second to none. There are no participation trophies here. He is surrounded by high-achievers, and he strives to be the best of the best. Kids rise to their competition, so there is no better place for him to become the best that he can be. We could not have made a better investment in his future than sending him to BCP.
Read 13 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
243 Students
7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Atlee High School
Hanover County Public Schools, VA
9-12
279
8 Best Public High Schools in Richmond Area
Senior: I love everything about Atlee. I'm a senior here. Everyone is friendly. The administration make you feel comfortable and you can talk to them about anything. The teachers are amazing and they'll help you with anything you need. We have several AP, IB, Dual, and Advanced classes that'll have you ready for college. Academically, Atlee is the best high school in Hanover County, ranking at #32 in Virginia. The "rage cage" is one of the best parts of being a raider. Atlee has one of the most supportive student body. With 26 Varsity teams, Atlee has had 13 state championships. We also have many clubs that anyone can join! The only thing I'd change about Atlee is the food, the new food program isn't the best. Other than that Atlee is great. And I'm blessed to have had the opportunity to walk these halls, cheer in the rage cage, win multiple state championships, and just be a raider. Thank you Atlee for the best high school experience a girl could ask for.
Read 279 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
1,716 Students
17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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St. Gertrude High School
Private School
Richmond, VA
9-12
38
8 Best Private High Schools in Richmond Area
Senior: I enjoyed my experience at Saint Gertrude. While we have over the top academics, the sports and arts lack funding. Most of the teachers are great and the city setting makes the school very unique. We are close to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, which makes our history and art classes better than other schools, because we are able to walk to museums instead of planning costly field trips.Traditions are very important to Saint Gertrude, which brings the students and faculty closer together. During my time at Saint Gertrude some of these traditions have been taken away, and I fear that all the traditions will fade away eventually due to new leadership in the school. The all-girl environment is great for learning and eliminated distractions in the classroom, but our brother school, Benedictine College Preparatory, moved to Goochland. We never interact with the boys now, which is a major disadvantage for out school. Diversity is lacking, which makes our school seem very sheltered
Read 38 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
247 Students
11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Clover Hill High School
Chesterfield County Public Schools, VA
9-12
499
9 Best Public High Schools in Richmond Area
Alum: I attended Clover Hill High School for 2 1/2 years and for the most part it was an adequate experience. While it is similar to every other high school in that there are cliques and there is bullying, the administration encourages kindness. There is an extreme difference in the course load for the C level, Honors, and AP courses, so much that there is a distinct division between those in each class and there is often no push for striving for a more difficult course load, as many students prefer comfort over college credit. The activities provided are basically student run, and there is a push for leadership that I admire. The facilities are new, the library is extensive, the population is diverse, and overall the school functions properly.
Read 499 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
1,886 Students
17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Millwood School
Private School
Midlothian, VA
PK, K-12
3
9 Best Private High Schools in Richmond Area
Parent: I had children at Millwood School for 6 years. I wish I had found this hidden gem sooner! With an average class size of just 12, my child isn't just a number. The teachers get to know the students and help them achieve their max potential. And, every student is encouraged to play at least one sport. No child is cut from a team. They focus on the whole child. Best money we ever spent.
Read 3 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
145 Students
6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Richmond Academy
Private School
Richmond, VA
PK, K-12
26
10 Best Private High Schools in Richmond Area
Parent: I have 2 children that attend Richmond Academy and our family has been very happy! The teachers are excellent and truly care about the students. I love that they are taught about God daily. The Leader in Me Program is wonderful and teaches children to how to become strong leaders.
Read 26 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
125 Students
12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Monacan High School
Chesterfield County Public Schools, VA
9-12
197
10 Best Public High Schools in Richmond Area
Senior: I love everything about this school! The clubs and school events are exciting, the teachers are very enthusiastic and friendly, and if it weren’t for this school, my passion for music and psychology wouldn’t be as strong as they were right now due to how much support is given through each adult in the building. At this school, there’s more to just sitting a desk and taking notes to lessons. There are adults in this building who will go the extra mile in helping students succeed, adults who care for students not just in academics but also in their wellbeing, and adults that would make the boring days a lot more joyful. As I graduate to pursue my majors in college, I will always be grateful being a student of Monacan High School. Go Chiefs!
Read 197 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
1,437 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Richmond Community High School
Richmond City Public Schools, VA
9-12
152
11 Best Public High Schools in Richmond Area
Alum: Where do I begin? RCHS is an amazing school that offers rigorous academics as well as amazing opportunities for success. Everyone that works at the school from the teachers to the counselors want to see you to well and create chances for you too. I had a great time at RCHS , our minimesters trips to NYC, Charleston, and Chesapeake Camping Trip allowed us to be independent and also learn other cultures and explore new territory. Honestly the best school I have ever gone to!!! Everyone that attended RCHS has excelled in college as well as life and RCHS has a strong family feel where alumni are all connected.
Read 152 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
246 Students
13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Banner Christian School
Private School
North Chesterfield, VA
K-12
30
11 Best Private High Schools in Richmond Area
Alum: Banner truly represents the a small, close-knit school. They have faculty who are passionate about their job and the students they teach. They form relationships with their students allowing them to affect each other in ways that words could not describe. My teachers were moms and dads, ants and uncles. They invested in me and took time and effort to make sure I was on track and successful. I grew up with my classmates at that school. We learned and developed together as students and people. Some of my closest friends came from that school, people that will to soon leave my life. Through the amazing relationships I developed at Banner Christian School, I was prepared both emotionally and academically for the challenges that college brings.
Read 30 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
188 Students
10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Freeman High School
Henrico County Public Schools, VA
9-12
241
12 Best Public High Schools in Richmond Area
Senior: I was very involved in Freeman during my time there. I participated in a lot of the performing arts extra-curriculars and volunteer clubs. I significantly enjoyed my time at Freeman. Although very trying at times, I know that it has very well push and prepared me for college. My teachers, for the most part, wre extremely dedicated and well-educated in their subject. I received a lot of attention when I struggled and had help easily at my disposal. I believe Freeman is what you make it, so make it great!
Read 241 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
1,779 Students
19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Grove Christian School
Private School
Richmond, VA
PK, K-12
5
12 Best Private High Schools in Richmond Area
Niche User: Grove is wonderful. I would not have chosen a different school if I had it to do all over again even though there was limited variety in class options. The small-school environment allowed me to really learn how to appreciate the differences between every person. The high schoolers love hanging out with the younger kids and the little ones love being mentored by and forming friendships with the older students. It also allowed me very close relationships with my teachers and the teachers were very spiritually and emotionally supportive while still pushing us to do our very best work and always expecting perfection. I honestly don't think I could have made it through high school without the Grove tradition of taking prayer requests and praying before every class. It offers peace unlike any other. This school is highly recommended.
Read 5 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
184 Students
8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Blessed Sacrament Huguenot Catholic School
Private School
Powhatan, VA
PK, K-12
29
13 Best Private High Schools in Richmond Area
Junior: I have attended this school since I was three years old. It was a warm, loving environment that pushes students to do their best. They offer demanding curriculums, amazing sports programs and academic competition.
Read 29 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
287 Students
8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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BASIS Independent McLean
Private School
McLean, VA
PK, K-12
9
Parent: Our son is currently in the 2nd grade. He has been at the school for two years, and it has been a wonderful experience. The enthusiasm of the teachers, who are truly experts in the subjects they teach, is infectious. They consistently set high standards for all students at every stage of their academic career. This is a school that prioritizes academics and the students themselves; it is targeted to students with intellectual curiosity and a strong work ethic. We are very happy here!
Read 9 Reviews
NG
Overall Niche Grade
375 Students
6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Roanoke Catholic School
Private School
Roanoke, VA
PK, K-12
52
Senior: Roanoke Catholic is a school that teaches students belong the classroom and prepares them for either college. In the past years, 100 percent of Catholic seniors have attended college and this year the seniors have received over 2.5 million in scholarships. I started Roanoke Catholic two years ago and it was a big change coming from public school. In public schools you could slide by without doing your homework, but at Roanoke Catholic all work is required and graded as a test grade. Roanoke Catholic does not let you fall through the cracks. I also must say the food is outstanding!!
One thing I really did not like were the uniforms. In public school you basically wore what you want, but not in private school. My first year the gentlemen had to wear a shirt and tie during the winter and in the summer a polo shirt with the school’s logo and khaki pants or shorts. This year they changed the dress code to where gentlemen could wear the polo shirt and khaki pants all year around.
Read 52 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
516 Students
12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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1 of 5

Maggie Walker Governor's School

Collegiate School

St. Christopher's School

Charlottesville Catholic School

St. Catherine's School

The Steward School

Deep Run High School

Godwin High School

Trinity Episcopal School

Cosby High School

Veritas School

Glen Allen High School

Midlothian High School

Open High School

Benedictine College Preparatory

Atlee High School

St. Gertrude High School

Clover Hill High School

Millwood School

Richmond Academy

Monacan High School

Richmond Community High School

Banner Christian School

Freeman High School

Grove Christian School

Blessed Sacrament Huguenot Catholic School

BASIS Independent McLean

Roanoke Catholic School