Choosing where your kids should go to school is a challenging process. From classroom size to the variety of curriculum, there’s a lot to consider when making the final decision for where your children should expand their educations.
Lucky for you, Northern Virginia is home to hundreds of hubs for education, including several private schools that host open houses on an annual basis each fall. At each event, you and your child have the opportunity to meet teachers and current students, peek into classrooms and walk around campus, truly getting a feel for the school.
Whether you’re set on immersing your son or daughter in a single-gender educational experience or are interested in learning more about college-preparatory schools, the choice is yours. Here, we share info on Northern Virginia private schools’ upcoming open houses.
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Burgundy Farm Country Day School
Oct. 11 & Nov. 11, 9-11 a.m.
Grades: Junior kindergarten through eighth grade
Mission statement: Burgundy Farm Country Day School believes that children learn best in an inclusive, creative and nurturing environment that engages the whole child. Burgundy’s innovative, hands-on approach to education cultivates independent thinking, promotes academic excellence, instills respect for diversity and teaches responsibility for self, for others and for the natural world. // 3700 Burgundy Road, Alexandria; RSVP required
Bishop O’Connell High School
Oct. 13, 1-4 p.m.
Grades: High school
Mission statement: We are a college-preparatory Catholic high school in the Diocese of Arlington serving ninth through 12th grade students in a co-educational setting. It is our mission to provide students an education rooted in the life of Christ and to foster the pursuit of excellence in the whole person. // 6600 Little Falls Road, Arlington
Commonwealth Academy
Oct. 15 & Nov. 12, 9:30-11 a.m.
Grades: Third through 12th
Mission statement: Commonwealth Academy is a coeducational, college preparatory day school for average to gifted students who benefit from small classes and instruction designed to address various learning styles, including those students who have organizational, attention or learning differences. // 1321 Leslie Ave., Alexandria
Potomac Crescent Waldorf School
Oct. 16, Oct. 28, Nov. 13 & Nov. 18, 9-10 a.m.
Grades: Early childhood programming and elementary education for first through fifth grade
Mission statement: We strive to develop thoughtful, fulfilled citizens who have the capacity to think imaginatively, communicate effectively and relate compassionately. We believe in the Waldorf curriculum for educating the whole human being: head, heart and hands, which nurture well-rounded individuals who will be successful in school and beyond. // 3846 King St., Alexandria; RSVP required
Middleburg Academy
Oct. 18, 8-11 a.m.
Grades: Eighth through 12th
Mission statement: Middleburg Academy inspires students to excellence in academics, the arts and athletics. We are a dynamic community of students, faculty, staff, parents and alumni dedicated to lifelong learning, service to others, personal growth and the success of each student: Cognoscere, Ducere, Servire (Learn, Lead, Serve) is not only our motto, but our daily practice. Middleburg Academy strives to develop young men and women of moral integrity who who are responsible leaders and citizens in a diverse and ever-changing world. // 35321 Notre Dame Lane, Middleburg; RSVP required
Oakcrest School
Oct. 19, 2-5 p.m.
Grades: Sixth through 12th
Mission statement: Oakcrest School, in partnership with parents, challenges girls in grades sixth to 12th to develop their intellect, character, faith and leadership potential to thrive in college and throughout their lives. // 1619 Crowell Road, Vienna
Ambleside School
Oct. 20, 3-5 p.m. & Nov. 6, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Grades: Lower and middle school
Mission statement: Ambleside School is a Christ-centered school committed to providing a Charlotte Mason “living education.” In partnership with the family, we guide and empower each student to think with the mind of Christ and to author a life rich in relationship to God, self, others, ideas and all of creation. // 8980 Brook Road, McLean; RSVP required
Westminster School
Oct. 22 & Nov. 11, 9-10:30 a.m.
Grades: Pre-K through eighth grade
Mission statement: Westminster School looks for families who are seeking an outstanding educational program and an all-around experience that will help their child grow in character, confidence and enthusiasm for learning and for life. // 3819 Gallows Road, Annandale; RSVP required
The Langley School
Oct. 23, 9-11 a.m.
Grades: Preschool through eighth grade
Mission statement: The Langley School’s Arc of Development recognizes that there are predictable cognitive, emotional and social milestones that do occur. With this model underlying our curriculum, schedule and classroom structure, Langley students receive age-appropriate instruction and challenges every day, and at every grade level, helping each student reach his or her intellectual, social and emotional potential. // 1411 Balls Hill Road, McLean; RSVP required
BASIS Independent McLean
Oct. 26, 10 a.m.-noon
Grades: Age 2 through 12th grade
Mission statement: Our mission is to educate students to the highest international levels with a spiraling liberal arts and sciences curriculum benchmarked to the best education systems in the world. Our advanced curriculum, unmatched in breadth and depth, prepares students with the content knowledge, critical thinking and self-advocacy skills needed to be successful throughout their education and well beyond. Our passionate, expert teachers are unwavering in their belief that with hard work, the right support, encouragement and inspiration, any child can excel. We are committed to a joyful learning culture where hard work is celebrated and intellectual pursuits result in extraordinary outcomes. // 8000 Jones Branch Drive, McLean
The Madeira School
Oct. 27-28, times vary & Nov. 14, 6:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
Grades: Ninth through 12th
Mission statement: Launching women who change the world; leading innovation in girls’ education.
Editor’s Note: The event in October is an overnight experience that will show prospective boarding students what it’s like to live at Madeira. // 8328 Georgetown Pike, McLean; RSVP required
The Potomac School
Oct. 27, 1-3 p.m.
Grades: Kindergarten through 12th
Mission statement: At The Potomac School, we believe that intellectual development, love of learning and strength of character are complementary and equally essential educational goals. With a firm commitment to our core values and a rigorous academic program, we prepare students to lead lives of purpose, achievement and generosity of spirit. // 1301 Potomac School Road, McLean
Congressional School
Oct. 29 & Nov. 21, 9 a.m.-noon
Grades: Preschool through eighth grade
Mission statement: We provide an inspirational and challenging student-centered educational experience within our diverse and supportive community where children question, collaborate, create and lead. // 3229 Sleepy Hollow Road, Falls Church; RSVP required
Saint Ann Catholic School
Nov. 3, noon-2 p.m. & Nov. 19, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Grades: Preschool through eighth grade
Mission statement: The Saint Ann Catholic School family believes, achieves and inspires. We believe in the Gospel teachings of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Redeemer. We achieve personal excellence in an academic community that strengthens and nurtures mind, body and soul. We inspire one another to glorify God by embracing His call to love and serve. // 980 N. Frederick St., Arlington
The Academy at Metropolitan School of the Arts
Nov. 4, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Grades: Seventh through 12th
Mission statement: The Academy at Metropolitan School of the Arts is a college preparatory performing arts conservatory for budding young artists who are dedicated to high caliber academics and pre-professional performing arts education. // 5775 Barclay Drive, Suite 4, Alexandria; RSVP required
Merritt Academy
Nov. 4, 9-11 a.m.
Grades: Infants through eighth grade
Mission statement: Our school is built upon three foundational pillars: academic excellence, character education and service to families. // 9211 Arlington Blvd., Fairfax; RSVP required
Green Hedges School
Nov. 9, 10 a.m.-noon
Grades: Montessori preschool through kindergarten & first through eighth grade
Mission statement: We inspire young people of talent and promise to develop clear values, a desire for wisdom and an appreciation for all endeavors which broaden the mind and enlighten the spirit. // 415 Windover Ave. NW, Vienna
The Country Day School
Nov. 9, 10 a.m.-noon
Grades: Preschool for children 18 months to 6 years old
Mission Statement: The philosophy of The Country Day School is to provide the best in early childhood education. The program’s focus is on developing children’s pleasure and excitement for learning, increasing their ability to problem solve, and fostering an awareness and enjoyment of their individual physical capabilities. The school also concentrates on helping each child develop a positive self-concept, respect and empathy for others, and the ability to become a constructive and contributing member of a group. // 6418 Georgetown Pike, McLean; RSVP required
Browne Academy
Nov. 11, 9-10:30 a.m.
Grades: Preschool through eighth grade
Mission statement: Browne Academy is a diverse independent day school committed to developing the whole child through extraordinary teaching, exceptional academic programs and a nurturing community. We empower students to be critical thinkers, inspired innovators, engaged peers and ethical leaders prepared with the confidence to thrive in a dynamic world. // 5917 Telegraph Road, Alexandria; RSVP required
Grace Episcopoal School
Nov. 11, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Grades: Preschool through fifth grade
Mission statement: The mission of Grace Episcopal School is to nurture a learning community that promotes academic excellence in the Episcopal tradition, and encourages spiritual growth, moral responsibility and service to others. We educate the whole child intellectually, spiritually, physically and socially, and build a solid foundation and enthusiasm for lifelong learning. // 3601 Russell Road, Alexandria; RSVP required
Pinecrest School
Nov. 11, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Grades: Preschool through sixth grade
Mission statement: Pinecrest School is a nonprofit, progressive private school in Northern Virginia, serving ages 3 to 12. We are committed to creating and supporting an inclusive and equitable community that values the diversity of our students, families and faculty. Pinecrest offers a strong focus on critical thinking, STEAM instruction, mindfulness and an individualized approach to education. // 7209 Quiet Cove, Annandale
Immanuel Lutheran School
Nov. 14, 9-11 a.m.
Grades: Pre-kindergarten through eighth grade
Mission statement: ILS offers a strong liberal arts curriculum, Christian character formation and a rich academic environment that encourages subject mastery and inspires a genuine love of learning. // 1801 Russell Road, Alexandria; RSVP required
Flint Hill School
Nov. 17, 2-4 p.m.
Grades: Junior kindergarten through 12th grade
Mission Statement: A Flint Hill education focuses on the learner. Within a context of strong relationships, we create developmental experiences that embrace the best practices of traditional and contemporary education. Through continuous growth, we actively and thoughtfully implement the ideas and resources that help each student investigate, create, and communicate collaboratively and effectively in a rapidly changing, interconnected world. // Lower and middle school: 10409 Academic Drive, Oakton; Upper School Campus: 3320 Jermantown Road, Oakton; registration required
