Suggestions for K-5 private schools in Arlington/Alexandria City/395 Corridor area

[Anonymous]

We are just beginning to look into private schools in the area for kindergarten. We live Alexandria City/Seminary Road area and work in S. Arlington. We still have 2 years to go but I want to start looking now. I have no idea what's out there and I am open to all suggestions. (Moving is not an option.) Thanks in advance.

[Anonymous]

st. stephens and st. agnes (SSSAS) has 3 different campuses, all in alexandria. the lower school is the furthest off your path, off of w. braddock, but the middle and high schools are close to 395. not one of the big 3, but a pretty good private. you may want to repost in the independent schools forum for further advice...

[Anonymous]

also Burgundy, Browne, Alexandria Country Day, Grace Episcopal, several Catholic and other religious schools.....

[Anonymous]

The closest for you will be st stephens, grace episcopal, and alex country day

[Anonymous]

This is a weird request because your seem to already know what school is available. There is only one K-5 in Alexandria and that is Grace Episcopal.

The rest are K-8.

[Anonymous]

If you happen to be Jewish, Gesher has transportation from Beth El, which is right off 395.

[Anonymous]

St. Stephen's & St. Agnes in Alexandria has a great lower school program if you're looking to start in kindergarten. Small classes and veteran teachers with a well-rounded offering of 'specials' classes/opportunities (Spanish, science with lab time, music, service outreach, library time, art, chapel, p.e many times a week, etc.) have given our children an incredible education. An innovative curriculum with the BEST teachers! Many families come from Alexandria/Arlington and with a bus system, shuttle between campuses, extended day before school and after school, and a bunch of neat summer camps, it may be a good option for your family's needs on many levels.

[Anonymous]

Burgundy, Browne.

[Anonymous]

Thank you for all of the helpful responses. I will look into these. My elementary school in NY was K-4 and my husband's in CT was K-5 -- I did not know about the sole school in Alexandria and don't have any preference right now on a K-4 or 5 or 8. At this point, I had just planned to focus on finding an elementary school. Our current daycare is near Army Navy Drive, also near 395. We are not wedded to Alexandria -- S. Arlington is also an option and we would consider N. Arlington too. I commute over the American Legion Bridge to work so anywhere reasonably along the way is possible.

[Anonymous]

OP here again ... I looked briefly at the websites for 2 schools this morning -- St. Stephen's/St. Agnes and St. Thomas More Cathedral School) in Arlington. Please help to enlighten me -- why is there such an enormous difference in tuition between an Episcopal and Catholic school. (St. Thomas More is accredited too.) FWIW, we are former Catholic's turned Presbyterian 10+ years ago so from a religious standpoint, the fact that one is Catholic and one is Episcopal has no significant bearing for us.

[Anonymous]

I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but I think it's that SSSA is an independent while St Thomas More is affiliated with the parish.

[Anonymous]

If you're willing to consider Catholic, also look into Corpus Christi in Falls Church and Blessed Sacrament in Alexandria. Both give preference to parishioners, and I'm not sure how non-parishioners fare in terms of admissions.

Grace Episcopal is much more reasonably priced than SSSAS. SSSAS is high-priced because it's very 'prestigious' and is not subsidized by the church/parish.

[Anonymous]

Westminster School might also be an option for you. It's in Annandale, VA - close to Arlington & Alexandria. It's an independent, K-8 and pretty reasonably priced. Strong academics, good teachers, and beautiful campus.

[Anonymous]

St Patrick's DC has an alexandria/Arlington population--literally over the bridge

[Anonymous]

Another one to consider: Immanuel Lutheran School is a fabulous classical Jr K - 8th grade school right off Russell Road in Alexandria. The acclerated classical curriculum is very impressive, class sizes are small, and the tuition is a fraction of most other privates. The Jr. K program is for 4 year olds, but features K level work (and higher)and goes from8:20 am – 1:00 pm, 5 days /wk. A great option for "older" 4 yr olds or if you are not quite sure if your 5 yr old is ready for K. Latin starts in 3rd grade. Really one of the "best kept secrets" in terms of great schools in the area.