Is Flint hill private school worth it?

[Anonymous]

Flint Hill is not worth it- not for Lower, Middle or Upper.

[Anonymous]

If your child needs substantial support, then yes. It's not highly regarded.

[Anonymous]

There is no single answer to this. It depends on the child, the family, and many many other things.

One important thing to understand is that for a non-magnet public HS, UVa will focus on the top 10-15% of graduating students. A lower tier student might well be accepted based on ECs or special circumstances or something, but the focus (and most acceptances) will be in that top 10-15% of the class. Colleges can figure the approximate percentage from the school profile, so lack of an official class rank will not change this.

For a magnet — OR for a private that UVa likes and that UVa thinks is rigorous (whether or not it really is rigorous), UVa will focus on the top 10-25% of the graduating class. No one on DCUM really knows whether FH is in that category or not. In other metro areas in-state, there are private schools that fit that category, at least 2 exist in Richmond.

[Anonymous]

A second thing to keep in mind is that for a “University of (state)”, UVA is visibly small. Many public universities in other states are MUCH larger. Several other good public universities in the Commonwealth are visibly larger. This makes UVa admissions from anywhere fundamentally more difficult, because their entering class is so much smaller.

The good news about Virginia is that several other good quality public universities exist as options. VT is very large and has a wide range of offerings. W&M is almost unique for a public university - smaller and somewhat like a LAC with good natural sciences offerings and a (relatively) ancient pedigree — founded 1693. W&M also is a tough admit, btw. Depending on the intended major, also consider at least VT, JMU, VCU, UMW, and (yes) GMU.

For any of these, engineering or nursing likely would be a tougher admit these days than other programs at the same university.

Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Honestly, an average student who is at a lower tier FCPS HS will have an easier time with college admissions than the same student with same academics at an upper-tier FCPS HS.

Many universities evaluate applicants in the narrow context of the applicant’s own HS offerings and that HS’s students, average test scores, and such.

[Anonymous]

Look at their 2026 decisions instagram. Not terribly impressive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There is no single answer to this. It depends on the child, the family, and many many other things.

One important thing to understand is that for a non-magnet public HS, UVa will focus on the top 10-15% of graduating students. A lower tier student might well be accepted based on ECs or special circumstances or something, but the focus (and most acceptances) will be in that top 10-15% of the class. Colleges can figure the approximate percentage from the school profile, so lack of an official class rank will not change this.

For a magnet — OR for a private that UVa likes and that UVa thinks is rigorous (whether or not it really is rigorous), UVa will focus on the top 10-25% of the graduating class. No one on DCUM really knows whether FH is in that category or not. In other metro areas in-state, there are private schools that fit that category, at least 2 exist in Richmond.

I am the college counselor who posted before who works with a lot of FH kids. I can tell you for sure that the potential scenario you described is NOT how UVA looks at FH. You need to be at the very top of the class, straight As.

[Anonymous]

I don’t think your child would end up at a better college if he goes to FH. His confidence may be higher. Everything at Langley is competitive. Your average child’s confidence may be shot there.

I have 2 kids at Langley and considering private for my youngest.

[Anonymous]

Flint Hill is just not worth the money. It's mediocre at best in LS, MS and US. Go somewhere else.

[Anonymous]

FH takes many kids who can't keep up from Basis.

[Anonymous]

We are at FH zoned for good public not Langley. Our child would have gotten lost in a large public. We think it is worth it 100%.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Flint Hill is just not worth the money. It's mediocre at best in LS, MS and US. Go somewhere else.

Said by the angry parent who wanted to get their kid in but was rejected.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is no single answer to this. It depends on the child, the family, and many many other things.

One important thing to understand is that for a non-magnet public HS, UVa will focus on the top 10-15% of graduating students. A lower tier student might well be accepted based on ECs or special circumstances or something, but the focus (and most acceptances) will be in that top 10-15% of the class. Colleges can figure the approximate percentage from the school profile, so lack of an official class rank will not change this.

For a magnet — OR for a private that UVa likes and that UVa thinks is rigorous (whether or not it really is rigorous), UVa will focus on the top 10-25% of the graduating class. No one on DCUM really knows whether FH is in that category or not. In other metro areas in-state, there are private schools that fit that category, at least 2 exist in Richmond.

I am the college counselor who posted before who works with a lot of FH kids. I can tell you for sure that the potential scenario you described is NOT how UVA looks at FH. You need to be at the very top of the class, straight As.

Where specifically do you work as a college counselor?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:FH takes many kids who can't keep up from Basis.

No kid would rather be at Basis than Flint Hill.

[Anonymous]

Flint Hill might be ok if your child needs a lot of support for anxiety and /or Adhd. Otherwise- not worth it.