Desmond AbahWhen it comes to quality education combined with structure, discipline, and holistic development, boarding schools in Alexandria, Virginia stand out among the best in the country. This historic city, known for its proximity to Washington D.C., offers a blend of academic rigor, cultural enrichment, and community spirit that makes it an ideal place for students to thrive both intellectually and socially.
In this guide, we explore the top boarding schools in Alexandria, VA, their tuition fees, unique programs, and what makes each one a great choice for parents seeking the best educational opportunities for their children.
Top Boarding Schools In Alexandria VA And Fees
1. Episcopal High School
Location: 1200 North Quaker Lane, Alexandria, VA
Type: Private, Coeducational Episcopal Boarding School
Grades: 9–12
Annual Tuition & Fees: Around $69,700 per year (boarding)
Overview:
Founded in 1839, Episcopal High School (EHS) is one of the oldest and most prestigious boarding schools in the United States. The school is set on a stunning 130-acre campus in the heart of Alexandria and is well known for its college preparatory curriculum, honor code, and leadership development programs.
What Makes It Special:
EHS combines academic rigor with a strong emphasis on character formation and spiritual growth. Its proximity to Washington, D.C., gives students unique opportunities for real-world learning through the Washington Program, which allows seniors to engage in internships and civic projects in the capital.
Students also benefit from small class sizes, personalized college counseling, and diverse extracurricular offerings ranging from debate and robotics to athletics and performing arts.
Boarding Life:
All students at EHS live on campus, fostering a close-knit and inclusive community. Dormitories are well-equipped, and residential faculty ensure that students receive mentorship and support around the clock.
2. Bishop Ireton High School (with Boarding Options)
Location: 201 Cambridge Road, Alexandria, VA
Type: Private, Catholic, Coeducational
Grades: 9–12
Annual Tuition & Fees: $25,000 – $35,000 (approx., including boarding partnerships)
Overview:
Bishop Ireton High School, founded in 1964, is a respected Catholic college-preparatory school run by the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. While primarily a day school, Bishop Ireton partners with local family boarding programs and international student housing services to accommodate boarding students—particularly international enrollees.
What Makes It Special:
The school emphasizes academic excellence, faith-based education, and service to others. Bishop Ireton offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, honors tracks, and specialized programs in STEM and the humanities.
Students engage in over 40 extracurricular activities, including music, drama, robotics, and athletics. The school’s robust spiritual formation program encourages moral growth alongside intellectual development.
Boarding Options:
Though not a traditional boarding school, Bishop Ireton’s partnerships with homestay and residential programs allow international students to live in safe, supervised environments within commuting distance of the school.
3. Commonwealth Academy
Location: 1321 Leslie Avenue, Alexandria, VA
Type: Private, Coeducational, College Preparatory
Grades: 3–12
Annual Tuition & Fees: $45,000 – $65,000 per year (boarding via housing programs)
Overview:
Commonwealth Academy is a progressive private school that provides a personalized learning environment designed for students who benefit from small class sizes and individualized instruction. While it primarily operates as a day school, it partners with residential programs for students who wish to board.
What Makes It Special:
The academy is best known for its focus on neurodiverse learners—students who may have learning differences such as ADHD or dyslexia but thrive in structured, supportive academic settings.
Its programs emphasize executive functioning skills, self-advocacy, and college readiness. Teachers use evidence-based instructional approaches that build confidence, curiosity, and critical thinking.
Boarding Options:
International and out-of-state students can participate in boarding arrangements through accredited residential programs located in the Northern Virginia area, allowing them to experience community living while attending Commonwealth Academy.
4. Randolph-Macon Academy (Located Nearby)
Location: 200 Academy Drive, Front Royal, VA (approx. 80 miles from Alexandria)
Type: Private, Coeducational Military Academy
Grades: 6–12
Annual Tuition & Fees: $41,000 – $49,000 (boarding)
Overview:
While technically located outside Alexandria, Randolph-Macon Academy (R-MA) is a top choice for families seeking a boarding school near Alexandria with a strong emphasis on discipline, leadership, and aviation education.
Founded in 1892, R-MA is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and provides both a college preparatory and Air Force JROTC program, making it one of the few schools in the U.S. with such specialized offerings.
What Makes It Special:
R-MA’s curriculum is designed to cultivate leadership, resilience, and self-discipline. Students can take college-level courses, participate in flight training, and engage in over 20 athletic and extracurricular activities.
Its scenic Shenandoah Valley campus offers a safe, inspiring environment that prepares students for both college and military service.
Boarding Life:
Students live in modern dormitories with dedicated mentors, ensuring that academics, physical fitness, and emotional wellness are balanced.
5. Madeira School (Nearby in McLean, VA)
Location: 8328 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA (about 20 minutes from Alexandria)
Type: Private, All-Girls Boarding School
Grades: 9–12
Annual Tuition & Fees: $69,500 per year (boarding)
Overview:
Though just outside Alexandria, Madeira School is one of the premier girls’ boarding schools in the region. It combines academic excellence, leadership development, and real-world experience through its groundbreaking Co-Curriculum Program.
What Makes It Special:
The Co-Curriculum Program provides students with internships in Washington, D.C., allowing them to work in government offices, non-profits, or private sector firms while still attending school.
Madeira has a reputation for producing confident, articulate young women who go on to attend top universities worldwide. The school’s nurturing atmosphere, combined with rigorous academics, makes it a preferred choice among parents seeking a female-focused education.
Boarding Life:
Students enjoy modern residential halls, weekend activities, and supportive faculty advisors. The sense of sisterhood at Madeira is deeply ingrained in its community culture.
6. St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School
Location: 1000 St. Stephen’s Road, Alexandria, VA
Type: Private, Episcopal, Coeducational
Grades: PK–12
Annual Tuition & Fees: $40,000 – $60,000 (boarding options via host programs)
Overview:
St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School (SSSAS) is one of the most prestigious private schools in Alexandria, known for combining faith-based education with academic innovation. While primarily a day school, SSSAS collaborates with host families and residential programs for students from outside the area.
What Makes It Special:
The school’s philosophy emphasizes “mind, body, and spirit” — fostering intellectual curiosity, athletic engagement, and moral responsibility. Students have access to advanced STEM facilities, arts studios, and a global studies program that broadens their worldview.
Boarding Options:
International students and those relocating for education can take advantage of supervised host arrangements, providing a boarding-like experience with structured support.
Average Boarding School Fees in Alexandria, VA
| School Name | Type | Grades | Annual Boarding Fees (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episcopal High School | Co-ed, Episcopal | 9–12 | $69,700 |
| Bishop Ireton High School | Catholic, Co-ed | 9–12 | $25,000–$35,000 |
| Commonwealth Academy | Co-ed, College Prep | 3–12 | $45,000–$65,000 |
| Randolph-Macon Academy | Co-ed, Military | 6–12 | $41,000–$49,000 |
| Madeira School | All-Girls | 9–12 | $69,500 |
| St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes | Co-ed, Episcopal | PK–12 | $40,000–$60,000 |
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Boarding School in Alexandria, VA
- Academic Reputation: Look for schools with a strong college preparatory focus and consistent university placements.
- Student Support Services: Especially important for international or neurodiverse students.
- Extracurricular Activities: A well-rounded school experience includes sports, arts, and leadership programs.
- Spiritual or Religious Affiliation: Many of Alexandria’s schools incorporate faith-based education.
- Location and Safety: Proximity to Washington D.C. offers unique opportunities but also requires careful consideration of commute and security.
How to Apply to Boarding Schools in Alexandria
Most boarding schools in Alexandria follow a competitive admissions process, which includes:
- Application form submission (online or through SSAT/SAO portals)
- Academic transcripts and teacher recommendations
- Standardized test scores (SSAT, ISEE, or equivalent)
- Personal statement or essay
- Interview (in-person or virtual)
Early applications typically begin in October, with final deadlines in January or February for fall enrollment.
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Conclusion
Alexandria, VA, is home to some of the most respected and historic boarding schools in the United States. Whether you prefer a traditional college-prep environment like Episcopal High School, a specialized program like Commonwealth Academy, or the structured approach of Randolph-Macon Academy, you’ll find a school that aligns with your child’s goals and learning style.
Investing in a boarding education in Alexandria means giving students access to academic excellence, life skills, and leadership experiences that will serve them well into adulthood.