#1 Best Independent Schools in Fairfax County, VA
Browne Academy
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
Smaller classes than 80% of independent schools in Virginia
Alexandria, VA
A+Overall grade192 students5 students per teacher
2026 lists
Best Independent Schools in Fairfax County, VA
The highest-graded schools of this kind in Fairfax County, VA. Top 15 of 15 schools.
#2 Best Independent Schools in Fairfax County, VA
Nysmith School for the Gifted
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
Smaller classes than 86% of independent schools in Virginia
Herndon, VA
A+Overall grade551 students5 students per teacher
#3 Best Independent Schools in Fairfax County, VA
The Langley School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
Smaller classes than 73% of independent schools in Virginia
McLean, VA
A+Overall grade461 students6 students per teacher
#4 Best Independent Schools in Fairfax County, VA
Pinecrest School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–6
The smallest classes of any independent school in Annandale
Annandale, VA
A+Overall grade71 students6 students per teacher
#5 Best Independent Schools in Fairfax County, VA
Edlin School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
Smaller classes than 80% of independent schools in Virginia
Reston, VA
A+Overall grade138 students5 students per teacher
#6 Best Independent Schools in Fairfax County, VA
Westminster School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
The largest independent school in Annandale
Annandale, VA
A+Overall grade204 students7 students per teacher
#7 Best Independent Schools in Fairfax County, VA
The New School of Northern Virginia
Independent school · Grades 7–12
95% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Fairfax, VA
A+Overall grade116 students6 students per teacher
#8 Best Independent Schools in Fairfax County, VA
Merritt Academy
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
The largest independent school in Fairfax
Fairfax, VA
AOverall grade149 students8 students per teacher
#9 Best Independent Schools in Fairfax County, VA
Ideaventions Academy for Mathematics and Science
Independent school · Grades 2–12
Growing: enrollment up 97% since 2017–18
Reston, VA
AOverall grade67 students6 students per teacher
#10 Best Independent Schools in Fairfax County, VA
Kenwood School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–6
Growing: enrollment up 35% since 2011–12
Annandale, VA
A-Overall grade65 students8 students per teacher
#11 Best Independent Schools in Fairfax County, VA
King Abdullah Academy
Independent school · Grades K–12
100% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Herndon, VA
B+Overall grade913 students6 students per teacher
#12 Best Independent Schools in Fairfax County, VA
The Madeira School
Independent school · Grades 9–12
The only all-girls school in McLean
McLean, VA
B+Overall gradeAll girls335 students10 students per teacher
#13 Best Independent Schools in Fairfax County, VA
Congressional School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
The only independent school in Falls Church
Falls Church, VA
BOverall grade329 students9 students per teacher
#14 Best Independent Schools in Fairfax County, VA
Pinnacle Academy
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
The only independent school in Chantilly
Chantilly, VA
BOverall grade206 students9 students per teacher
#15 Best Independent Schools in Fairfax County, VA
The Keystone School
Independent school · Grades K–12
The largest of 109 independent schools in Virginia
Reston, VA
B-Overall grade8,873 students
Grades compare each school's official facts, such as class size, how long it has served families and where graduates go, with similar schools. They're a starting point: visit, ask questions and trust what you see.