#1 Best Independent Schools in Virginia
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 Virginia
The highest-graded schools of this kind in Virginia. Top 50 of 70 schools.
#2 Best Independent Schools in Virginia
Ronald Reagan Secondary School
Independent school · Grades 9–12
The only independent school in Chester
Chester, VA
A+Overall grade168 students6 students per teacher
#3 Best Independent Schools in Virginia
Foxcroft School
Independent school · Grades 9–12
100% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Middleburg, VA
A+Overall gradeAll girls147 students6 students per teacher
#4 Best Independent Schools in Virginia
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
#5 Best Independent Schools in Virginia
Cape Henry Collegiate School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
The smallest classes of any independent school in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach, VA
A+Overall grade976 students5 students per teacher
#6 Best Independent Schools in Virginia
Fredericksburg Academy
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
100% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Fredericksburg, VA
A+Overall grade402 students6 students per teacher
#7 Best Independent Schools in Virginia
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
#8 Best Independent Schools in Virginia
Peabody School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
The smallest classes of any independent school in Charlottesville
Charlottesville, VA
A+Overall grade216 students5 students per teacher
#9 Best Independent Schools in Virginia
Broadwater Academy
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
95% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Exmore, VA
A+Overall grade260 students5 students per teacher
#10 Best Independent Schools in Virginia
Prince William Academy
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–9
One of the most diverse private schools in Virginia
Lake Ridge, VA
A+Overall grade100 students6 students per teacher
#11 Best Independent Schools in Virginia
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
#12 Best Independent Schools in Virginia
The Williams School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
Small classes: about 6 students per teacher
Norfolk, VA
A+Overall grade155 students7 students per teacher
#13 Best Independent Schools in Virginia
Wakefield School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
95% of graduates go to four-year colleges
The Plains, VA
A+Overall grade373 students6 students per teacher
#14 Best Independent Schools in Virginia
The Newton School
Independent school · Grades K–8
The only independent school in Sterling
Sterling, VA
A+Overall grade78 students5 students per teacher
#15 Best Independent Schools in Virginia
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
#16 Best Independent Schools in Virginia
Seven Hills School
Independent school · Grades 5–8
The only all-boys school in Richmond
Richmond, VA
A+Overall gradeAll boys85 students6 students per teacher
#17 Best Independent Schools in Virginia
Westminster School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
The largest independent school in Annandale
Annandale, VA
A+Overall grade204 students7 students per teacher
#18 Best Independent Schools in Virginia
Woodberry Forest School
Independent school · Grades 9–12
100% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Woodberry Forest, VA
A+Overall gradeAll boys393 students7 students per teacher
#19 Best Independent Schools in Virginia
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
#20 Best Independent Schools in Virginia
Massanutten Military Academy
Independent school · Grades 5–12
94% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Woodstock, VA
A+Overall grade138 students7 students per teacher
#21 Best Independent Schools in Virginia
Charlottesville Waldorf School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
Smaller classes than 61% of independent schools in Virginia
Charlottesville, VA
A+Overall grade108 students6 students per teacher
#22 Best Independent Schools in Virginia
The Hill School
Independent school · Grades K–8
Small classes: about 7 students per teacher
Middleburg, VA
AOverall grade251 students7 students per teacher
#23 Best Independent Schools in Virginia
Chesapeake Academy
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
Smaller classes than 80% of independent schools in Virginia
Irvington, VA
AOverall grade116 students5 students per teacher
#24 Best Independent Schools in Virginia
Oak Hill Academy
Independent school · Grades 8–12
85% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Mouth Of Wilson, VA
AOverall grade99 students6 students per teacher
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.