Principal: Mary Beth Pittman

Basic Background: They first opened their doors for the 2005-06 school year, and are now in their third year. Next year Our Lady of Hope School will go through a self-study process to be individually accredited by the Virginia Catholic Education Association.
Mission Statement: The primary purpose of Our Lady of Hope Catholic School is to integrate the teachings, values, rituals, and traditions of the Catholic faith into the spiritual, intellectual, social, and physical development of all the students. Their aim is to empower and nurture all students to embody the message proclaimed by Jesus Christ. Administrators and faculty will be dedicated to creating a faith community that witnesses compassion and respect for others through their words and actions. Their goal is to insure that all students receive a strong academic and religious foundation so that they may achieve their full potential while at the same time becoming moral, responsible, respectful members of the community in which they live.
Teacher/Student Information: They currently have 200 students in grades K-8. The teacher to student ratio on average is 23 to 1. We still have about 75% of the staff that opened the school.

Teacher Certification: Teachers are either licensed through the Commonwealth of Virginia or through the Virginia Catholic Education Association. The staff has an average of 12 years of teaching experience.

Testing: Their students are not required to take the Virginia State SOLs, but instead take the Terra Nova Standardized Tests in grades 2-7. These are typically administered in April. Their 8th grade students take the High School Placement test in December.

Enrichment: OLOH offers Computer Lab, Library, Art, Music and Physical Education. They also have a part-time Resource Specialist.

Tuition and other costs: OLOH has a yearly book fee which the parents pay in January for the upcoming school year. They have a sliding scale for tuition with a one child, two children and three children tuition rate. Any family with more than three children in the school pays the three children rate.

Regional Makeup: Most of their students reside in Loudoun County.

What makes Their Lady of Hope Catholic School unique? “We are a Catholic school,” states acting Principal Mary Beth Pittman. “We truly incorporate the Catholic faith in most areas of the school. We also offer an academically challenging curriculum.”

46633 Algonkian Parkway, Potomac Falls, Virginia 20165
703/433-6760
www.school.theirladyofhope.net

 

Headmaster: Dr. Randall Hollister has been Headmaster for Loudoun Country Day School for 15 years and has been with the school since 1988. Until two years ago he also continued to teach English to the eighth grade classes. His credentials include a Ph.D. from the University of Buffalo; Ed.M. from the University of Buffalo; M.Ed. from Plymouth State College; and a B.S. from St. Bonaventure University.

Mission Statement: Loudoun Country Day School, an accredited, independent, coeducational school, educates students in prekindergarten through eighth grade. They cultivate the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical growth of each child. “We pride ourselves on our rigorous core curriculum, nurturing environment, and extensive programs in foreign languages, arts, computers, and athletics. LCDS inspires excellence and builds character, preparing each child for the challenges ahead.”
Teacher/Student information: LCDS currently has 267 students, with one teacher per 8 students. They have full-time assistants through second grade in each classroom, and have one assistant per two classes through 5th grade. “Our teacher turnover is very small and each employee is so valued that we are like a family,” says Amy Warner, Director of Communications and Public Relations for the school. One of their coaches, Chip Ross, has been with the school for 27 years – he is teaching children of the children he originally taught! The upper school director, Marty Hope, has been there 25 years. There are at least six teachers who have been here beyond 15 years. “If someone moves away, they often return to work here when they come back! We are a happy group,” adds Ms. Warner.

Teacher certification: According to Ms. Warner, “We do not require teacher certification; however, almost all of our teachers are certified. Our librarian has her doctorate, and several teachers have Masters Degrees. Although we have several teachers who we have hired right out of school, mostly we look for teachers with a record of effective, successful experience. Most of our teachers who are hired have a minimum of five years of experience.”

Testing: LCDS does not administer SOL’s, the Virginia Standars of Learning tests required in public schools. However, in grades 2-8, teachers administer the ERB’s (Educational Records Bureau); these tests give an assessment tool to help measure student progress.

Enrichment: “At Loudoun Country Day School,” explains Ms. Warner, “we offer an orchestra program, beginning in 4th grade, as well as a show choir in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. We have a math team, and our kids participate in the National MathCounts program and usually place. Our art teacher participates in the National Art Honors Association; we participate in the Geography Bee; our civics teacher does a segment on debate, which culminates in an event in our auditorium open to families; our science teacher has a LabRats program after school. Our kids have gone to Costa Rica and Key Largo to experience Marine biology and environmental studies with their science teacher. We have extensive field trips, some overnight (to Williamsburg for 8th graders) – even our prekindergarten goes to the National Art Gallery each spring after studying artists all year (Picasso, Matisse, etc.). We also have a very engaged parents association that holds fundraisers to enrich our teacher programs and provide materials, such a computers, to enrich our students’ lives. In fact, we have had teachers go to the Galapagos Islands and to Russia to study about other cultures and subjects, etc., just to name a few instances of teacher enrichment. This type of program is open to all teachers here. Also, our kids go on to do very well in secondary programs, whether in public or private school. We are proud of them, whichever avenue they pursue. A press release went out from Episcopal High School recently about how many of their students from Loudoun County received the high honors list last term. Almost every single student was an alumnus from our school!”

Tuition and other costs: For the current 2007-2008 school year – prekindergarten (half day): $9,000; junior kindergarten - $12,500; kindergarten through fifth grade - $14,100; sixth through eighth grade: $14,500. These costs will likely go up a few hundred dollars for next year. Their tuition includes most field trips and all books.

Regional Makeup of Student body: Most students come from the Leesburg/Ashburn area, although they do have a few from Great Falls and South Riding, as well as western Loudoun (Middleburg, Round Hill, etc.)

What makes LCDS unique? “Sometimes it’s hard to put this concept into words completely!” says Ms. Warner. “Many families say the moment they come through the door they feel a warm and welcoming atmosphere. We are very family-oriented and there is a creativity allowed here, both in the classroom and overall – you will see art everywhere – hanging from ceilings, on the walls, on tables – that is created both in the art class and in the classroom. We cherish a broad-based curriculum, with an ability to provide both a challenging academic experience as well as a highly nurturing environment that fosters creativity. Our headmaster, Dr. Randy Hollister, fosters an academic and creative approach. He received the Washington Post’s Distinguished Leadership Award in 2002. Our librarian, Dr. Eleanor Fall, received a county-wide award last year for Distinguished Women. You have to come here yourself to see in person what makes us unique! In 2009 we will move to a new 70-acre campus 5 miles away and we are very busy with that project right now. We also value community service; our teachers have ongoing projects with Birthday Blessings and Project Linus, and every year several girls donate their hair for Locks of Love. “

Pre-K through 8th grade
237 Fairview St., NW, Leesburg, VA, 20176 - 703/777-384
Website: www.lcds.org

Headmaster: Thomas Northrup, headmaster since 1981; BA/MA University of Pennsylvania.

Basic Background: The Hill School is a co-educational day school located on a 138 acre campus straddling both Loudoun and Fauquier Counties. Established in 1926, it was accredited by VAIS in 1974.

Mission Statement: The goal of a Hill School education is to build character, self-confidence, and scholarship through academic and co-curricular excellence, individualized attention, and a strong sense of community.

Teacher/Student Information: The Hill School currently has 239 students enrolled in grades K-8, with a seven to 1 student/teacher ratio. The average teacher experience at the Hill school is 13 years, with a low rate of teacher turnover – over last 10 years an average of 90% of the teachers have stayed on from year to year.

Teacher Certification: Teachers typically have a B.A., and lead teachers often have Master’s degrees.

Testing: Students are not required to take the Virginia SOLs, but they do take the ERB/CTP, a nationally normed test, and the school is a regular test center for the SSAT.

Enrichment: Treavor Lord of the Hill School states that the school has “all the standard equipment; we have the facilities and faculty to work effectively with all students in the school to meet individual needs.”

Tuition and other costs: This year’s tuition for grades one through eight is $18,000; textbooks are included and there are no other significant fees. The students are not required to wear or purchase uniforms, but there is a dress code.

Regional Makeup: Most students come from within a 20 mile radius of the school; the property is in both Fauquier and Loudoun counties, with the majority of students travelling from Leesburg, Purcelville, and Warrenton.

Kindergarten - 8th grade
P.O. Box 65, 130 S. Madison Street, Middleburg, VA 20117
540-687-5897
www.thehillschool.org

Basic Background: CF&FS was established in 1980, first as a preschool and then expanding to elementary classes and middle and high school. The preschool was accredited first, and the K-12 grades were given full accreditation in July 2007 by the prestigious Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). CF&FS is recognized as an accredited school by the state of Virginia through the Virginia Council for Private Education.

Headmaster: Kevin Jeter; BA in History, MA Education Administration, MBA Columbia University.

Mission Statement: The mission of Christian Faith & Fellowship is to have a positive influence on their world by developing students whose actions authentically reveal the character of Christ- by partnering with Christian families-to spiritually, academically, physically, and socially educate their children in a program of intentional excellence.
Teacher/Student information: Currently, 461 students are enrolled at Christian Faith and Fellowship School; the student/teacher ratio is one teacher to 14 students. Susan Rodgers of CF & FS states that “Many members of our faculty have been together for more than 10 years. In 2007, Faith Christian School was consolidated into CF&FS. Teachers who had been teaching there for more than 10 years moved to the newly consolidated school.”

Teacher certification: A requirement of their accreditation is that 85% of their teachers are degreed and ACSI accredited. “We are proud of the fact that 100% of our teachers are degreed and 95% are ACSI accredited as well.”

Testing: CF & FS does not take SOL’s, as that is a standard that has been established for public schools only. However, their students do take the Stanford Achievement Tests each year and are rated nationally. CF&FS does review the SOL requirements for each grade and/or class and then uses those guidelines as the minimum requirements for their lesson plans.
Graduation Rates: At the high school level, 100% of CF&FS students graduate, with each student being accepted at their first choice of colleges. Colleges accepting CF&FS students include: University of Virginia, Christopher Newport University, Liberty University, Olivett, College of William and Mary, Grove City, Virginia Tech, University of South Carolina, Virginia Commonwealth, Hood College, Lynchburg University, and George Mason University.

Enrichment: CF&FS maintains a state-of-the art computer lab and science lab for their students. In addition, they offer Spanish and World Drumming. For students presenting Learning Differences we are identified as a Program of Excellence through NILD (National Institute of Learning Differences) and have two full-time Level III educational therapists on staff.

Tuition and other costs: Tuition varies by grade. Their average tuition is $6,400.00 per year. This includes books and technology fees. Uniforms are required in K-8th grades.
Regional Makeup of Student body: The majority of CF&FS students come from Loudoun County.

What makes Christian Faith and Fellowship School unique? They are the only Christian school in Loudoun County accredited by the prestigious Association of Christian Schools International, ACSI. In addition, they are an approved school for International students.

Preschool– 12th Grade
21673 Beaumeade Circle, Ashburn, VA 20147
703/729-5968
website: www.CfellowshipS.org

 

Director: Monica Monk; B.S. Biology, M.S. Counseling, Association Montessori Internationale Certification

Basic Background: The Boyd School, founded in 1994, operates five school campuses that together serve more than 800 students in Northern Virginia. The Broadlands campus opened in 2002. The Boyd School was accredited in 2005 and is currently the only Montessori school in Loudoun County fully accredited by the American Montessori Society and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Mission Statement:
To provide a solid academic foundation in education employing the philosophy, methods and materials developed by Dr. Maria Montessori.

To provide a child-centered environment, which emphasizes the social, emotional, cognitive and physical development of the child.

To assist the child in developing a positive self-image and fostering satisfying personal relationships.

To provide a warm, secure and rich environment in which curious young children have the opportunity to develop a favorable attitude toward learning.

To accept each child as they are and to assist them in the development of their potential as fully as possible, in keeping with their own pattern of development.

To assist the child in understanding the law of “sow and reap” as a way in which life expresses itself.

Teacher/Student Information: The Boyd school’s total student population is 175. The classes are broken up into Toddlers (18 months -3 years) with two teachers for 10 students; Primary Students (3-6 years) with two to three teachers for every 15 to 22 students; and Lower Elementary Students (6-9 years) with two teachers for eight students. Ninety-two percent of the school’s teachers have worked at the Boyd School in previous years.

Teacher Certification: Lead teacher positions require Montessori certification and a four-year degree or equivalent. Work experience is preferred and required at certain levels.

Testing: Last year, their kindergarten students took the Metropolitan Achievement Tests, Eighth Edition. The students’ average scores in language and mathematics were equivalent to those found in second and third grade.

Enrichment: During the week, the school offers Spanish, Physical Education, Sign Language, Music, Junior Great Books, Art/Art appreciation, Silent Reading, Field Trips or Going Out Activities. Field Trips and Going Out Activities include the Kennedy Center, Broadlands Nature Center and Stream Valley Veterinary Hospital.

Tuition and other costs: The Boyd School tuition includes: extra lessons, materials, a Boyd School backpack, a Boyd School T-shirt, field trips and a catered hot lunch. Tuition Rates for the 2007/08 School Year are as follows:
Toddler Children 18 months – 3 years
Toddler…..8:30 am - 11:45 am…..$9,791
Lunch…..11:45 am - 12:45 pm…..$2,312
Lunch and After Care…..12:00 pm - 3:00 pm…..$4,788

Primary Children 3 – 6 years
Half Day Morning…..8:30 am – 12:45 pm…..$8,884
Extended Day…..8:30 am – 3:00 pm….. $10,458
Kindergarten…..8:30 am – 3:00 pm…..$11,205
Before School Program…..7:30 am – 8:30 am…..$1,594
After School Program…..3:00 pm – 6:00 pm…..$4,788

Elementary Children 6 – 12 years
School Only…..8:30 am – 3:15 pm…..$11,962
Before School Program…..7:30 am – 8:30 am…..$1,594
After School Program…..3:15 pm – 6:00 pm…..$3,990

Occasional care
7:30 am – 8:30 am and/or 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm…..$15 per hour or any portion of an hour

Additionally, there is a $60 non-refundable application fee, along with a $240 non-refundable enrollment fee.

Regional Makeup: Most of their students come from Loudoun County.

What makes The Boyd School unique? The Boyd School is one of the only fully accredited Montessori Schools in Northern Virginia. We are fully accredited by the American Montessori Society and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The campuses are all designed with children in mind. From the neutral colors and natural materials that are used in the design of the buildings both inside and out, to the materials in the classroom. The teachers all have 4-year degrees as well as their Montessori Certification  

Toddlers through age 9
42945 Waxpool Road, Ashburn, VA 20148
703/723-3364
www.theboydschool.com or contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it