It is a long-accepted fact that boarding schools in Virginia stand out when compared to day schools. This is because boarding schools in Virginia encourage self-reliance, as your child gets the idea of being away from home.
However, there is a need for you still make your choice from the best of them. Check out our 2025 ranking of the Best Boarding Schools in Virginia for Boys and Girls.
The decision to send your child to a boarding school can be very difficult for many parents. Due to the fact that they are wondering how their child will leave away from home at such a young age. Especially when they will be introduced to a whole new environment.
But looking past this, boarding schools in Virginia have a way to make students feel at home. This means that your child will receive more personal attention from teachers and will be getting encouragement to participate.
Also, a lot of these boarding schools in Virginia are there according to your budget, according to your criteria, and will surely get the best out of your child. Indeed, Virginia has stood out in the USA for having the best boarding schools that parents trust and rely on to give their children the best and proper upbringing.
But before we start stating the best 8 Boarding Schools in Virginia, there is some important information to aid you to make the best choice for your child. The table of content below will give you a brief overview of what this article has.
Why Should I Choose Boarding Schools in Virginia for My Child?
Sending children to boarding schools in Virginia is an important decision that parents make, in a bid to improve their future. Indeed, there are several reasons why you should choose boarding schools in Virginia for your child.
These are the essential benefits Virginia boarding schools can offer to your child.
In Virginia boarding schools, pupils are placed under guardians whose sole duty is to take care of the respective student. Often, these guardians can be a teacher or a parent.
Also, the guardians make sure they put various attributes into a child when she is at school. These attributes include discipline, independence, and trustworthiness.
Choosing a boarding school in Virginia will help your child learn how to discipline and to be more responsible.
As you know, there is always a big difference between day schools and boarding schools. This is because children in day schools spend all day in academic activities and few times involved in extracurricular activities.
On the other hand, boarding schools focus mainly on academics and also pay attention to other activities that are too important for a child in school.
This is a typical case of boarding schools in Virginia. As much as giving their students good and quality academic activities, they also pay attention to extracurricular activities.
Boarding schools are generally known as schools that far exceed the budget compared to normal day schools. This is due to the world-class facilities that students enjoy while staying at these amazing school residences.
Boarding schools in Virginia stand out in this aspect. Their facilities are like well-equipped labs, abundantly stocked libraries, and huge astronomical play areas. And also an unrivaled insightful board of directors equipped with incredible classrooms, 24/7 medical assistance in an emergency, etc.
These are just some of the reasons why parents have to pay a few extra dollars for boarding schools in Virginia compared to regular schools.
It was a challenge for Virginia’s parents but after seeing that their child is growing up in such an amazing environment, that’s when they felt their efforts are rewarded.
Most of the boarding schools in Virginia are over 50 years old. These schools are not only educational institutions but are now pillars of history to students in Virginia and across the because of their great architectural structures.
Sending your child to these legendary boarding schools in Virginia is a great privilege. Making these schools your child’s alma mater is a qualification itself in your child’s profile later in life.
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How Many Boarding Schools Are in Virginia?
Virginia is one state in the USA that has a lot of boarding schools for boys and girls.
So if you are in search of the best boarding schools in Virginia for your child, there are over 20 boarding schools in Virginia meant for boys and girls.
They include;
- Blue Ridge School
- Chatham Hall
- Christchurch School
- Episcopal High School
- Fishburne Military School
- Fork Union Military Academy
- Foxcroft School
- Hargrave Military Academy
- Massanutten Military Academy
- Miller School of Albemarle
- Randolph-Macon Academy
- St. Anne’s-Belfield School
- St. Margaret’s School
- Stuart Hall
- The Madeira School
- Virginia Episcopal School
- Woodberry Forest School
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How Much Do Boarding Schools Cost in Virginia?
According to Boarding School Review, the average boarding school tuition for US schools is $56,875 per year (as of October 14, 2025).
Although, the tuition ranges based on the type of boarding school you choose. To give you a little more of the framework, there are eight schools under $15,000, and 280 over $35,000 per year.
Meanwhile, when you are planning your finances around how much boarding school costs, it is important to look at what each school’s “tuition” includes. Also, put into consideration the following:
- Is the fee for room and board in the “tuition” or listed separately?
- Are books included?
- Is the uniform fee inclusive? (Don’t forget about “extra” uniforms like athletic ones.)
- Are meals part of the tuition, or listed separately? Are three meals a day for seven days included?
- Is a student expense account deposit required, and what does it cover?
- Is there a student services fee, and if so, what does it cover?
- Are there extra charges for programs your child might want to participate in, such as a traveling band or athletic team?
- Do the expected expenses listed by the school take into consideration spending money for the student or travel expenses?
- Do the tuition and fees cover weekend trips?
- Are laptops included in the tuition, or will my child bring their own?
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Which Other Ways to Fund Boarding Schools In Virginia?
For parents who may not be able to fund their child’s boarding tuition and fees, there are other ways schools have created to help such parents.
Many of the schools in Virginia encourage their students to apply for scholarships. Though most of these scholarships are on merit.
Hence, as a parent, your duty is to make sure your child performs well in the common entrance exam, in order to stand a chance of being qualified.
Another way to fund your child’s boarding fees is through financial assistance available in schools. Some schools may seem more expensive, but the average amount of financial aid may bring them closer to cheaper schools.
It is always a good idea to have a frank conversation with the admissions and/or financial aid offices to find out the actual cost of any boarding school you are considering.
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10 Best Boarding Schools in Virginia for Boys & Girls | 2025 Ranking
Choosing a school for your child is one of the most important decisions parents can make. You might be asking what are the best Boarding Schools in Virginia that are Co-educational?
Here we have a list of the boarding schools in Virginia and we have ranked the best out of them all.
In selecting the Best and Top Boarding Schools in Virginia for Boys and Girls in 2025, we will be considering several ranking factors. As much as the World Scholarship Forum Ranking of Best Boarding Schools in Virginia for Boys and Girls is considering many factors, we will make use of 4 major factors. They include:
Nature of School: We consider this as one important criterion for ranking the Best and Top Boarding Schools in Virginia for Boys and Girls. This is where we rate schools if they are Private or Public schools, and also if it is all boarding. This is because, in Virginia, most parents believe private schools should be better than public ones.
Students to Faculty Ratio: This criterion is very much important because a school can be considered good with great programs but yet not have quality. The class size matters a lot when ranking the top boarding schools in Virginia.
Enrollment Rate: This is one aspect that is also important because most parents consider the schools that won’t be difficult for their child to enroll in. This means that the enrollment rate of schools plays a big role in determining how conducive the learning environment will be.
Accreditation: We also rank these schools by the government’s authorization to function as a school. However, all the listed schools are accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent Schools.
#1. Episcopal High School
Episcopal High School is a private boarding school for boys and girls in grades 9 through 12. It is located in Alexandria, VA. Episcopal has an extraordinary residential community that provides the perfect setting for students’ educational experiences.
One important aspect of Episcopal High School is that Episcopal is 100% residential. All their students live on campus in one of their four boys’ or four girls’ dormitories having faculty and student supervision.
They basically have eight dorms (four for boys and four for girls) and it quickly becomes home for students.
In the dorms, students develop habits of responsibility as they learn to be considerate of others, care for personal and shared spaces, and conserve natural resources.
Today Episcopal is one of the best private boarding schools in Virginia, and these principles remain their foundation.
With regard to the cost of studying in this school, we can say that their tuition is good with their grand provision of financial assistance. The Comprehensive Fee for the 2025 School year is $63,200. This amount includes tuition, room and board, basic health center expenses, and the cost of most school-sponsored academic, athletic, and recreational activities.
Above all, 33% of Episcopal High School students receive financial aid.
Indeed, enrolling your child into Episcopal High School boarding will be a transformative experience for your child.
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#2. Virginia Episcopal School
Basically, the Virginia Episcopal School is an independent co-educational day and boarding school for students in grades kindergarten through grade 12. Located in Lynchburg, Virginia, United States, the school currently has 260 boys and girls enrolled with an average class size of 11.
Virginia Episcopal School has an extraordinary residential environment that provides the perfect setting for students’ educational experience, with 70% boarding students and 30% day students.
One important aspect of Virginia Episcopal School is that in their intentionally small, diverse, and engaging community comprising 260 young men and women and 40 faculty, they guide students to strive Toward Full Stature in their academic, ethical, spiritual, and personal growth.
Also, in the dorms, students learn, explore and mature to be the best person they can possibly be due to the supportive residential community.
For this reason, Virginia Episcopal School is now one of the best private boarding schools in Virginia, and its principles remain its foundation.
With regards to the cost of studying in this school, we can say that their tuition is good with their great provision of financial assistance. Though the price ranges based on the grade of the child.
Above all, 35% of Virginia Episcopal School students receive financial aid and scholarships. Most importantly, Virginia Episcopal School is fully accredited by the VAIS Virginia Association of Independent Schools and Advanced SACS.
Frankly, enrolling your child into Virginia Episcopal School boarding will be a transformative experience for your child.
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#3. Christchurch School
Christchurch School is a private college-preparatory boarding and day school for boys andgirls in grades 9 through 12. It is locatedon the scenic Rappahannock River an hour east ofRichmond, Virginia.
Christchurch School has an extraordinary residential community that provides the perfect setting for students educational experience.
The average enrollment is 200, with 70% boarding students and 30% day. One important aspect of Christchurch School is that day students and boarders benefit equally from the guidance and attention at the school.
Also, all their students that lives on campus in one of their dormitories gains a sense of independence and responsibility that prepares then for ollege and the world beyond.
Today Christchurch is one of the best private boarding schools in Virginia, and these principles remain their foundation.
With regard to the cost of studying in this school, we can say that their tuition is good with their grand provision of financial assistance. The Comprehensive Fee for the 2025 School year is $20,400 for day students and $52,750 for boarding students.
Above all, 46% of Christchurch School students receive financial aid. Also, Niche ranked them as one of the Top 15 “Best Colege Prep High School in America”.
Indeed, enrolling your child into Christchurch School boarding will be a transformative experience for your child.
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#4. Miller School of Albemarle (Virginia)
Basically, the Miller School of Ablemarle is a private co-educational college preparatory school available to students in grades 8-12. Located in Charlottesville, Virginia, the school currently has 185 boys and girls enrolled with an average class size of 10.
Miller School of Ablemarle has an extraordinary residential environment that provides the perfect setting for students educational experience, with 65% boys and 35% girls.
One important aspect of Miller School of Ablemarle is that they prepare young women and men for a productive, meaningful, and successful life, in college and beyond.
Now, the Miller School of Albemarle offers a number of AP courses and electives in visual and performing arts, music, and photography. The school continues following tradition and still offers woodworking as an elective.
Boarding students at the Miller School of Albemarle live in two dormitories. The girls live in Wayland Hall, while boys live in Old Main.
Today Miller School of Albemarle is one of the top private boarding schools in Virginia, and their principles remain their foundation.
With regard to the cost of studying in this school, we can say that their tuition is good with their great provision of financial assistance. The tuition fee for the 2025 school year is $41,695 and $20,885 Boarding & Day student respectively. This amount does not include a uniform and laundry fee.
Above all, 35% of the Miller School of Albemarle students receive financial aid. Most importantly, Miller School of Albemarle is accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent Schools.
Indeed, enrolling your child into the Miller School of Albemarle boarding will be a transformative experience for your child.
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#5. St. Anne’s-Belfield School
Basically, St. Anne’s-Belfield School is an independent co-educational day and boarding school for students in grades kindergarten through grade 12.
Located in Charlottesville, Virginia near the prestigious University of Virginia, the school currently has 892 boys and girls enrolled with an average class size of 13.
St. Anne’s-Belfield School has an extraordinary residential environment that provides the perfect setting for students’ educational experience, with 81% boarding students and 20% day students.
One important aspect of St. Anne’s-Belfield School is that for more than 100 years St. Anne’s-Belfield School has provided students with a multi-dimensional education experience that encourages them to grow into compassionate, engaged citizens.
Now, the St. Anne’s-Belfield School offers academic programs for day students as well as for those who choose to board in their dorms.
For this reason, St. Anne’s-Belfield School is now one of the top private boarding schools in Virginia, and their principles remain their foundation.
With regards to the cost of studying in this school, we can say that their tuition is good with their great provision of financial assistance. Though the price ranges based on the grade of the child.
Above all, 41% of St. Anne’s-Belfield School students recieves financial aid and scholarships. Most importantly, St. Anne’s-Belfield School is fully accredited by VAIS Virginia Association of Independent Schools and Advanced SACS.
Indeed, enrolling your child into St. Anne’s-Belfield School boarding will be a transformative experience for your child.
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#6. Randolph-Macon Academy
Basically, the Randolph-Macon Academy is an independent co-ed day and boarding school for students in grades 6-12. Located in Front Royal, Virginia, the school currently has 362 boys and girls enrolled with an average class size of 14-17.
Randolph-Macon Academy has an extraordinary residential environment that provides the perfect setting for students educational experience, with 81.78% boarding students and 18.22% day students.
One important aspect of Randolph-Macon Academy is that they do more than prepare students for college. They give them a solid foundation in Knowledge, Leadership, and Character, as well as inspire the rise within them. As they help them build their confidence, develop leadership skills, and discover a new level of potential.
Now, the Randolph-Macon Academy offers academic programs for day students as well as for those who choose to board in their dorms.
Today Randolph-Macon Academy is one of the top private boarding schools in Virginia, and their principles remain their foundation.
With regards to the cost of studying in this school, we can say that their tuition is good with their great provision of financial assistance. The tuition fee for the 2025 School year is $43,965 and $23,575 for Boarding & Day student respectively.
Above all, 38% of Randolph-Macon Academy students receive financial aid. Most importantly, Randolph-Macon Academy is fully accredited by the VAIS Virginia Association of Independent Schools and Advanced SACS.
Indeed, enrolling your child into Randolph-Macon Academy boarding will be a transformative experience for your child.
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#7. Massanutten Military Academy
Massanutten Military Academy is a co-educational, non-profit military boarding and day school in Virginia for middle and high school students (5-12) with post-graduate studies. It is located at 614 South Main Street, Woodstock, VA.
Massanutten Military Academy has an extraordinary residential community that provides the perfect setting for students educational experience.
One important aspect of Massanutten Military Academy is that they prepare cadets for their success by delivering structure and a superior educational experience.
In the dorms, students develop habits of responsibility as they learn to be considerate of others, care for personal and shared spaces, and conserve natural resources.
Today Massanutten Military Academy is one of the best private boarding schools in Virginia, and their principles remain their foundation.
With regard to the cost of studying in this school, we can say that their tuition is good with their grand provision of financial assistance. The tuition fee for the School year is $23,000 and $29,000 for 5-Day & 7-Day Boarding students respectively. This amount does not include a uniform and laundry fee.
Above all, the Scholarships and Financial Aid available at Massanutten Military Academy shades 20% off of the total tuition for the school year. Most importantly, Massanutten Military Academy is accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent Schools.
Hence, if you are thinking about sending your child to a private school, strongly consider looking into a military school. The sense of pride and accomplishment will remain with your student for a lifetime.
Enrolling your child into Massanutten Military Academy boarding will be a transformative experience for your child.
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#8. Stuart Hall School
Basically, the Stuart Hall School is a co-educational day and boarding school for students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. Located in Staunton, Virginia, the school currently has 300 boys and girls enrolled with an average class size of 12.
Stuart Hall School has an extraordinary residential environment that provides the perfect setting for students’ educational experiences.
One important aspect of Stuart Hall School is that the Residence Life Program at Stuart Hall creates a nurturing community in accordance with its mission by having a staff specially trained and well-suited to support our boarding students.
For this reason, Stuart Hall School is now one of the top private boarding schools in Virginia, and their principles remain their foundation.
With regards to the cost of studying in this school, we can say that their tuition is good with their great provision of financial assistance. Though the price ranges based on the grade of the child.
Most importantly, Stuart Hall School is fully accredited by the VAIS Virginia Association of Independent Schools and Advanced SACS.
Frankly, enrolling your child into Stuart Hall School boarding will be a transformative experience for your child.
Boarding Schools in Virginia FAQs
The comprehensive fee for the 2025 school year is $60,900. This fee includes tuition, room and board, basic health center expenses, and the cost of most school-sponsored academic, athletic, and recreational activities. This fee does not include books and personal expenses, which vary by student.
Conclusion
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