Why Choosing the Right School Matters
Selecting the right school is one of the most important decisions a parent can make. In Virginia , there are numerous high-performing schools that offer excellent academics, extracurricular activities, and college preparation programs. Whether you’re moving to the state or simply looking for better educational opportunities, this guide will help you find the top schools in Virginia with full contact information and insights into their performance.
How We Ranked These Schools
Our list of top schools in Virginia is based on:
- Academic performance (standardized test scores)
- College readiness metrics
- Student-to-teacher ratios
- Graduation rates
- Reviews from parents and students
- Niche.com and U.S. News & World Report rankings
We’ve included both public and private schools across different regions of Virginia to give you a well-rounded view.
Top 10 Public Schools in Virginia
Here are some of the highest-ranking public schools in Virginia based on recent data:
1. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
- Location: Alexandria, VA
- Ranking: #1 in Virginia (U.S. News)
- Type: Magnet
- Website: https://tjhsst.fcps.edu
- Phone: (703) 790-0600
- Highlights: STEM-focused, nationally ranked, rigorous curriculum
2. Langley High School
- Location: McLean, VA
- Ranking: #2 in Virginia
- Type: Public
- Website: https://www.fcps.edu/school/langleyhs
- Phone: (703) 356-1800
- Highlights: Strong AP program, diverse student body
3. Chantilly High School
- Location: Chantilly, VA
- Ranking: #3 in Virginia
- Type: Public
- Website: https://www.fcps.edu/school/chantillyhs
- Phone: (703) 846-8000
- Highlights: Excellent sports and arts programs
4. Loudoun Valley High School
- Location: Purcellville, VA
- Ranking: #4 in Virginia
- Type: Public
- Website: https://louvalley.lvsd.org
- Phone: (540) 837-7200
- Highlights: Consistently high SAT/ACT scores
5. Westfield High School
- Location: Chantilly, VA
- Ranking: #5 in Virginia
- Type: Public
- Website: https://westfieldhs.fcps.edu
- Phone: (703) 446-2000
- Highlights: Strong STEM and arts programs
6. Herndon High School
- Location: Herndon, VA
- Ranking: #6 in Virginia
- Type: Public
- Website: https://herndonhs.fcps.edu
- Phone: (703) 813-3200
- Highlights: Diverse community, strong college prep
7. South Lakes High School
- Location: Reston, VA
- Ranking: #7 in Virginia
- Type: Public
- Website: https://southlakeshs.fcps.edu
- Phone: (703) 446-2020
- Highlights: International Baccalaureate (IB) program
8. Fairfax High School
- Location: Fairfax, VA
- Ranking: #8 in Virginia
- Type: Public
- Website: https://fairfaxhs.fcps.edu
- Phone: (703) 323-5700
- Highlights: Urban setting, strong performing arts
9. George C. Marshall High School
- Location: Falls Church, VA
- Ranking: #9 in Virginia
- Type: Public
- Website: https://marshallhs.fcps.edu
- Phone: (703) 536-6900
- Highlights: Award-winning academic teams
10. Woodson High School
- Location: Fairfax, VA
- Ranking: #10 in Virginia
- Type: Public
- Website: https://woodsonhs.fcps.edu
- Phone: (703) 323-5800
- Highlights: Strong athletics and advanced courses
Top 5 Private Schools in Virginia
If you’re considering private education options, here are the top five private schools in Virginia:
1. Potomac School
- Location: McLean, VA
- Ranking: #1 Private School in Virginia (Niche)
- Type: Private, Co-ed
- Website: https://www.potomacschool.org
- Phone: (703) 556-8300
- Highlights: Small class sizes, strong college placement
2. St. Albans School
- Location: Washington, D.C. (serves Northern Virginia)
- Ranking: #2 Private School in Virginia
- Type: Private, All-boys
- Website: https://www.stalbansschool.org
- Phone: (202) 537-6100
- Highlights: Episcopal-affiliated, rigorous academics
3. National Cathedral School
- Location: Washington, D.C.
- Ranking: #3 Private School in Virginia
- Type: Private, All-girls
- Website: https://www.cathedral.org
- Phone: (202) 537-6100
- Highlights: Affiliated with St. Albans, strong arts and sciences
4. Bishop O’Connell High School
- Location: Arlington, VA
- Ranking: #4 Private School in Virginia
- Type: Private, Catholic
- Website: https://www.occhs.org
- Phone: (703) 525-1300
- Highlights: Faith-based education, competitive athletics
5. Flint Hill School
- Location: Oakton, VA
- Ranking: #5 Private School in Virginia
- Type: Private, Co-ed
- Website: https://www.flintillschool.org
- Phone: (703) 620-8100
- Highlights: Strong STEM and arts programs
How to Choose the Best School for Your Child
When selecting a school, consider the following factors:
- Academic Focus : Does the school specialize in STEM, liberal arts, or college prep?
- Class Size : Smaller classes often mean more personalized attention.
- Extracurricular Activities : Sports, clubs, music, and theater can enrich a student’s experience.
- Location : Proximity to home or work can impact daily logistics.
- Special Programs : IB, AP, dual enrollment, and magnet programs can enhance learning.
- Parent and Student Reviews : Real-life experiences matter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the number one school in Virginia?
A: Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria is consistently ranked as the number one school in Virginia.
Q: Are there good private schools in Virginia?
A: Yes, Virginia has several top-tier private schools including The Potomac School, St. Albans School, and National Cathedral School.
Q: How do I apply to a magnet school like TJHSST?
A: Admission to Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology requires a competitive application process including grades, essays, teacher recommendations, and standardized test scores.
Conclusion
Choosing the best school in Virginia depends on your child’s needs, interests, and future goals. With so many high-quality public and private options available, families have the opportunity to find an educational environment that fosters growth and success.
Whether you’re searching for a STEM-focused magnet school or a faith-based private institution, this list provides you with the tools to make an informed decision.
Contact Information Summary
| School | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Thomas Jefferson High School | (703) 790-0600 | tjhsst.fcps.edu |
| Langley High School | (703) 356-1800 | langleyhs.fcps.edu |
| Chantilly High School | (703) 846-8000 | chantillyhs.fcps.edu |
| Loudoun Valley High School | (540) 837-7200 | louvalley.lvsd.org |
| Westfield High School | (703) 446-2000 | westfieldhs.fcps.edu |
For more detailed contact info, visit each school’s official website.