Private schools offer families choices of traditional and nontraditional curriculums, along with alternative educational approaches.

The Virginia Council for Private Education (VCPE) is the only organization recognized by the Virginia Board of Education to oversee the accreditation of private schools. For details, call (804) 423-6435 or visit www.vcpe.org. For specialists at the Virginia Department of Education, call (804) 786-1062 or visitwww.pen.k12.va.us.

VCPE accreditation: If marked with *, the school is fully accredited; if **, school is currently a candidate for accreditation; if no asterisk, the school does not have a state-recognized accreditation.

Some schools affiliated with national groups are accredited by those organizations and do not seek state accreditation.

Many schools offer scholarships, need-based tuition assistance, or discounts for multiple family members.

The following list includes only schools that offer grade one or higher levels. (We do not have space to list schools offering only pre-school and kindergarten; however, we do note those programs below if they are offered with upper grades. PK3 means a pre-kindergarten class for 3-year olds etc.)

The list below offers details about private schools in central Virginia who returned a survey form to The Times-Dispatch or asked to be included.

Information for the schools is listed in this order: Name of school, address; type of school; year school was founded; current enrollment; student-to-teacher ratio; grade levels or age range; tuition range; focus or mission statement; phone number and Web site.

*Academy of Academic Excellence, 2545 Gayton Center Drive, Richmond, 23233. Nondenominational; 1997; 35; JK-3; 8:1; $9,500 - $9,700. Focus: AAE recognizes that students thrive when appropriately challenged and marvel when presented with alternative ways of approaching a problem or situation. Info: 740-6500; academy-of-excellence.com.

*All Saints Catholic School, 3418 Noble Ave., Richmond, 23222. Coed Catholic; 1982; 165; PK-8; 18:1; $4,200. Focus: To foster spiritual growth, honor cultural diversity and promote curiosity and creative expression. Info: 329-7524; allsaintsric.com.

All Saints Letsy Ann Memorial School, 2001 Royall Ave., Richmond, 23224. Coed Christian; 1992; 100; PK-3; 15:1; $2,700. Focus: To plant seeds of greatness and nurture students as they grow into their full potential in a safe Christian environment. Info: 232-3159

*Amelia Academy, 8741 N. Five Forks Road, Amelia, 23002. Coed, nondenominational; 1964; 175; PK-12; $4,880. Focus: To provide a strong, basic education enhanced by opportunities to develop individual academic, cultural and athletic interests. Info: 561-2270; ameliaacademy.com.

Atlee Christian Academy, 8391 Atlee Road, Mechanicsville, 23116. Coed Christian; 1997; 137; PK-5; 12:1; $3,500 - $3,600. Focus: To provide a safe, comfortable Christian environment for every child while providing a biblically-based educational program. Info: 746-3900; hanoverlife.com.

*Aylett Country Day School, 1657 Powcan Road, P.O. Box 70, Millers Tavern, 23115. Coed, nondenominational; 1966; 177; PK-8; 9:1; $2,300 - $6,575. Focus: To develop children's full potential in a creative, nurturing environment through an innovative, enriching academic curriculum. Info: (804) 443-3214; acdspatriots.net.

*Benedictine High School, 304 N. Sheppard St., Richmond, 23221. Boys Catholic, military, college prep; 1911; 275; 9-12; 9:1; $11,500. Focus: To help our Cadets develop morally, academically, physically and spiritually so that they are ready as adults to succeed in college and in life. Info: 342-1300; benedictinehighschool.org.

*Blessed Sacrament Huguenot, 2501 Academy Road, Powhatan, 23139. Coed Catholic; 1998; 485; PS-12; 10:1; $1,400$8,850. Focus: Catholic college preparatory school dedicated to educating the whole child in a traditional structured environment. Info: 598-4211; blessedsacramenthuguenot.org.

Broadway Christian School, 301 N. 15th Ave., Hopewell, 23860. Coed Christian, Baptist; 1965; 20; K4-12; 5:1; $2,000. Focus: To train students in the knowledge of God and the Christian way of life while providing an excellent education. Info: (804) 458-3750

*Brook Road Academy at St. Joseph's Villa, 8000 Brook Road, Richmond, 23227. Coed, non-traditional college prep; 2000; 45; 8-12; 5:1; $11,800 - $16,740. Focus: To prepare students for college by teaching the classic curriculum in a smaller environment that fosters individual discovery and engagement. Info: 553-3354; brookroadacademy.com.

*Brunswick Academy, 2100 Planters Road, Lawrenceville, 23868. Nondenominational; 1964; 441; PK-12; 12:1; $4,150 (PK)$4,200 (K) - $4,900 (1-8)$5,050 (9-12). Focus: To encourage students to set challenging goals, to acquire a strong academic foundation, and to become good citizens who make positive contributions. Info: (434) 848-2220; brunswickacademy.com.

Carmel Christian Academy, 9020 Jericho Road, Ruther Glen, 22546. Coed Christian; 1986; 135; PK3-12; 15:1; $3,600$4,000. Focus: To provide a basic and enriched instruction for grades K3 - 12; expose students to the joy, beauty, greatness and grace of God in the classroom and in all activities. Info: (804) 448-3288; ccawebsite.org.

*Chesapeake Academy, 107 Steamboat Road, P.O. Box 8, Irvington, 22480. Nondenominational, secondary-prep; 1889; 150; PS-8; 8:1; $2,889 - $7,975. Focus: Preparing each student for future academic, moral, social and physical endeavors in an intellectually challenging environment, promoting character development, citizenship and lifelong love of learning. Info: (804) 438-5575; chesapeakeacademy.org.

*Collegiate School, North Mooreland Road, Richmond, 23229. Coed college prep, nondenominational; 1915; 1,553; K-12; 15:1; $14,660 - $17,270. Focus: To create learners committed to a challenging and supportive educational experience that will foster the intellectual, moral, emotional and physical development of each student. Info: 740-7077; collegiate-va.org.

Elijah House Academy, 6255 Warwick Road, Richmond, 23224. Christian, nondenominational; 1989; 160; K4 - 9; 15:1; $0$4,500 (based on family income). Focus: To assist parents in providing a quality Christian education in a protected environment for children in the city. Info: 755-7051; elijahhouseacademy.com.

**Evangel Christian School & Preschool, 16801 Harrowgate Road, Chester, 23834. Coed Christian, college prep; 1987; 200; PK-12; 13:1; $4,700. Focus: To provide a Christian education in a framework of academic excellence. Info: 526-5941; EvangelChristian.com.

*Fuqua School, 605 Fuqua Drive, Farmville, 23901. College prep; 1959; 525; PK-12; 17:1; to be determined. Focus: To create a safe and supportive learning environment which fosters the development of boundless individual potential. Info: (434) 392-4131; fuquaschool.com.

Gill Grove Baptist School, 10726 River Road, Chesterfield, 23838. Christian; 1996; 75; PK-12; 7:1; $2,000 - $2,450. Focus: To train students to be good Christian leaders. Info: 590-1535; .

*Good Shepherd Episcopal School, 4207 Forest Hill Ave., Richmond, 23225. Coed Episcopal; 1971; 115; PK-8; 10:1; $3,490$6,520. Focus: Challenges each child to achieve academic excellence within a nurturing environment that builds character. Info: 231-1452; gses.org.

Grove Avenue Christian School, 8701 Ridge Road, Richmond, 23229. Coed Christian; 1978; 259; PK3-12; 12:1; $1,250 - $5,100. Focus: GACS provides a Christ-centered educational environment fostering academic and spiritual maturity in order that students bring glory to God in their lifestyle and chosen profession. Info: 741-2860; gabcs.org.

Guardian Christian Academy, 6851 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, 23832. Christian; 1975; 300; PS-8; $3,750 - $3,950. Focus: Equipping students in the present to become Christian leaders who impact the future. Info: 271-1891; gcakids.com.

*Hanover Academy, 115 Frances Road, Ashland, 23005. Christian, nondenominational; 1959; 135; PS-8; 15:1; $6,200 (K-5) - $6,400 (6-8). Focus: Hanover Academy is committed to achieving academic excellence through a loving and nurturing community that allows for individual successes and increased self esteem. Info: 798-8413; hanoveracademy.org.

IQRA Academy of Virginia, 6900 Carnation St., Richmond, 23225. Islamic; 1998; 70; PK-7; 12:1; $385 - $580 (monthly). Focus: To develop each student academically, socially, emotionally, physically and spiritually to be successful in both this life and the hereafter. Info: 330-4888; iqrava.com.

*James River Day School, 5039 Boonsboro Road, Lynchburg, 24503. College prep, coed day school; 1971; 250; K-8; 6.5:1; $6,415 - $6,980. Focus: We teach students to be scholars, leaders and citizens. Info: (434) 384-7385; jamesriverdayschool.com.

*Kenston Forest School, 75 Ridge Road, Blackstone, 23824. College prep; 1966; 375; PK-12; 10:1; $3,600 - $5,800. Focus: Develops in each student the qualities of leadership, scholarship, service and good character in an atmosphere that stresses family values and Judeo-Christian ideals. Info: (434) 292-7218; kenston.org.

Landmark Christian School, 4000 Creighton Road, Richmond, 23223. Christian; 1966; 205; PK-12; 20:1; $2,888 - $3,360. Focus: To give our youth the finest Christian education possible in an atmosphere that fosters a desire to know and please the Lord. Info: 644-5550; landmarkbaptistrichmond.org.

*Liberty Christian School, 8094 Liberty Circle, Mechanicsville, 23111. Christian; 1961; 200; PK3-6; 20:1; $4,150. Focus: Utilizes the Bible as the foundation of learning and recognizes Christ as the master teacher; dedicated to a strong academic program and opportunities in fine arts. Info: 746-3062; libertychristianschool.org.

*Love Covenant Christian School, 16410 Dunn St., Amelia, 23002. Christian; 2002; 28; K-12; 6:1; $3,500. Focus: School exists to grow a Godly generation, by loving children into the Kingdom and fostering a deep relationship with Christ, while educating them academically, socially and spiritually. Info: 561-3750

*Luther Memorial School, 1301 Robin Hood Road, Richmond, 23227. Coed Christian; 1856; 200; PK-8; 14:1; $3,000$6,500. Focus: To foster academic excellence and Christian faith and values in a safe, loving, grace-centered family atmosphere. Info: 321-6420; luthermemorial.com.

*Millwood School, 15100 Millwood School Lane, Midlothian, 23112. Coed, college prep; 1989; 300; JK-8; 14:1; $6,650 (JK)$9,000 (K-8). Focus: The mission of Millwood School is dedicated to the growth of each student in a supportive environment that challenges the intellect, develops the body and fosters moral values. Info: 639-3200; millwoodschool.org.

New Hanover Christian School, 10058 Chamberlayne Road, Mechanicsville, 23116. Coed, Christian; 2007; 7; 5-8; 15:1; $4,000. Focus: To inspire in students a love of learning, we provide a biblicallybased program of educational excellence while recognizing the value of every child. Info: 427-6418; nhpc.org.

*New Life Christian Academy, 9 Mahan Road, Farmville, 23910. Christian, Assembly of God; 1985; 78; K-12; 12:1; $3,850. Focus: Transforming lives through excellence in Christian education. Info: (434) 392-6236; nlca.net.

Nubian Village Academy, 2022 Sledd St., Richmond, 23220. International; 2001; 75; PK-8; 7:1; $5,600 - $6,960. Focus: To provide an education that engages the whole student and promotes a lifetime of learning through a program that is academically challenging and culturally relevant. Info: 329-3900; nubianvillageacademy.com.

**Orchard House School, 500 N. Allen Ave., Richmond, 23220. Girls independent school; 1998; 80; 5-8; 10:1; $12,255. Focus: To educate and inspire middle school girls, and to foster the authentic development of each girl in an optimal learning environment. Info: 228-2436; orchardhouse.org.

*Our Lady of Lourdes School, 8250 Woodman Road, Richmond, 23228. Coed Catholic; 1963; 400; PK-8; 18:1; $5,495. Focus: To develop the spiritual, academic and pastoral needs of each child. Info: 262-1770; ollschoolric.com.

Piedmont Christian School, 2382 Bethany Church Road, Bumpass, 23024. Coed, college-prep, nondemoninational; 1970; 110; K4-12; 10:1; $2,950. Focus: "Educating children for eternity." We strive to prepare students for the life God has planned for them, as well as eternity. Info: (540) 872-3543; gopiedmontcrusaders.com.

*R. A. Lewis Christian School, 300 Poplar Drive, Petersburg, 23805. Coed Christian; 1942; 22; K-8; 8:1; $333 (monthly). Focus: Provide students with comprehensive education to develop their mental, physical, emotional and spiritual capabilities for both now and eternity. Info: (804) 732-4733

The Restoration Military Academy and The Restoration Preparatory Academy, 210 S. Market St., Petersburg, 23803. Christian, military; 1999; 101; K-12; 10:1; $3,100. Focus: To mentor at-risk youth and provide structure, discipline and build self-esteem and self-worth in each student. Info: (804) 862-2661; houserest.org.

*Richmond Academy of Seventh-day Adventists, 3809 Patterson Ave., Richmond, 23221. Christian, Seventh-day Adventist; 1912; 117; K-12; 14:1; $2,550$5,920. Focus: Our mission is to lead our children to love, learn and live in Christ. We offer a loving, family-like environment with focus on college prep. Info: 353-0036; rasda.org.

*Richmond Christian School, 6511 Belmont Road, Chesterfield, 23832. Christian, independent; 1951; 550; PK4 - 12; 16:1; $3,900 - $5,100. Focus: The mission of RSC is to impact the world for Christ through education with superior academics, quality athletics and advanced Biblical understanding. Info: 276-3193; richmondchristian.com.

*Richmond Montessori School, 499 N. Parham Road, Richmond, 23229. Coed Montessori; 1965; 320; PK-8; 11:1; $7,250$10,600. Focus: An authentic Montessori school with a college preparatory curriculum; committed to providing a well-rounded, individualized and developmental experience that nurtures an enduring love of learning. Info: 741-0040; richmondmontessori.org.

Richmond Preparatory Christian Academy, 217 W. Grace St., Richmond, 23220. Christian, Liberal Arts, Performing Arts; 1983; 105; PK-8; 15:1; $5,000$5,500. Focus: Provides Christian education that stresses high moral standards, Bible study and loving one another. Info: 344-0051; richmondprep.org.

Richmond Waldorf School, 1000 Westover Hills Blvd., Richmond, 23225. Nondenominational, Waldorf School; 1996; 105; K-8; 12:1; $3,625 - $8,750. Focus: RSW combines intellectual learning with artistic and practical work in a supportive, structured environment. We are dedicated to preparing your child to meet academic and life challenges. Info: 377-8024; richmondwaldorf.com.

*Rudlin Torah Academy, 12285 Patterson Ave., Richmond, 23238. Coed Jewish; 1966; 160; K-8; 9-12 girls at Shaarei Torah; 9-12 boys at Yeshiva of Virginia; 11:1; tuition not available. Focus: To provide the highest quality Jewish and general education and prepare students to meet the challenges of modern society while imbuing a respect for all mankind. Info: 784-9050; rudlin.org.

*St. Andrew's School, 227 S. Cherry St., Richmond, 23220. Coed Episcopal; 1894; 100; K-5; 16:1; tuition free. Focus: To educate children of limited resources through a balanced academic, social and spiritual experience, shaped by the Episcopal tradition and inspired by Christian faith. Info: 648-4545; st-andrews-school.org.

*St. Benedict Catholic School, 3100 Grove Ave., Richmond, 23221. Catholic; 1919; 200; K-8; varies; $4,000 - $5,800. Focus: Prepares students with a Catholic education to assume responsible, creative roles in the church and society. Info: 254-8850; saintbenedictschool.org.

*Saint Bridget's School, 6011 York Road, Richmond, 23226. Coed Catholic; 1952; 484; K-8; 25-28:1; $4,205 (parishioner)$7,980 (non). Focus: To provide a strong academic curriculum in a Christ-centered environment that fosters spiritual growth, moral development and the pursuit of excellence in the whole person. Info: 288-1994; saintbridget.org.

*St. Catherine's School, 6001 Grove Ave., Richmond, 23226. Girls preparatory, Episcopal; 1890; 862; JK-12; 6:1; $13,050$17,690. Focus: Offers rigorous college preparatory education to graduate confident young women who exhibit integrity, social responsibility, and an appreciation for the dignity and differences of all persons. Info: 288-2804; st.catherines.org.

*St. Christopher's School, 711 St. Christopher's Road, Richmond, 23226. Boys Episcopal; 1911; 951; JK-12; 7:1; $13,925$17,925. Focus: School fosters personal integrity and honor, the achievement of each boy's full potential, love of learning, spiritual growth, respect for others, leadership and civic responsibility. Info: 282-3185; stchristophers.com.

*St. Edward-Epiphany School, 10701 W. Huguenot Road, Richmond, 23235. Coed Catholic; 1961; 440; PK-8; $3,600 (parishioner) - $6,325 (non). Focus: Committed to educating the whole child, spiritually, intellectually, socially and physically to develop close personal relationships with God. Info: 272-2881; seeschool.com.

*Saint Gertrude High School, 3215 Stuart Ave., Richmond, 23221. Catholic, independent day, girls, college prep; 1922; 277; 9-12; 9:1; $10,500. Focus: Building on a tradition of excellence, we offer students the opportunity to develop critical thinking, leadership potential, creative expression and reflective faith. We embrace and respect diversity. Info: 358-9114; saintgertrude.org.

*St. Joseph School, 123 Franklin St., Petersburg, 23803. Coed Catholic; 1876; PK-8; 15:1; $3,500 - $5,000. Focus: Provides academic excellence which incorporates Christian values for students using innovative, updated and technological resources. Info: (804) 732-3931; saintjosephschool.com.

*Saint Mary's School, 9501 Gayton Road, Richmond, 23229. Coed Catholic; 1964; 435; PK-8; 20:1; $5,110. Focus: Committed to creating a Christ-centered learning environment to share in the Eucharist, proclaim the Word of God, and model gospel values through actions and service. Info: 740-1048; saintmary.org.

*St. Michael's Episcopal School, 8706 Quaker Lane, Richmond, 23235. Coed Episcopal; 1957; 371; K-8; 20:1; $7,055 (K), $7,255 (1-5), $7,455 (6-8). Focus: To provide children with superior academic instruction in an environment that acknowledges and develops Christian values. Info: 272-3514; stmschool.net.

Salem Christian School, 1701 Cardwell Road, Crozier, 23039. Christian; 1996; 152; PK3-12; 18:1; $1,125 (PK3), $3,500 (1-5), $4,000 (6-8), $4,300 (9-12) . Focus: To provide a quality Christian education by working in cooperation with parents to provide opportunities for spiritual, mental, physical, emotional and social growth. Info: (804) 784-4174; salemchristianschool.com.

Seven Hills School, 1311 Overbrook Road, Richmond, 23222. Non-sectarian, boys; 2001; 67; Bridge classes grades 5-6 and 6-8; 16:1; $9,950. Focus: Offer a dynamic, rigorous program of academic study based on boy research, with emphasis on guided exploration, active learning, and opportunities to pursue intellectual curiosity. Info: 329-6300; 7hillsschool.org.

Southside Baptist Christian School, 5515 Bryce Lane, Richmond, 23224. Christian ; 1999; 70; K5-12; 10:1; $5,000 (K-5)$5,700 (6-12). Focus: Offering your family an elite educational experience, we are character-building specialists who not only teach how to earn a living, but also how to live. Info: 745-8660; sbcscares.com.

*The Steward School, 11600 Gayton Road, Richmond, 23238. Nondenominational, college prep; 1972; 600; K-12; 9:1; $14,900$16,670. Focus: We prepare our students for college and for life through rigorous academics, ample athletic and artistic opportunities and curricula grounded in the ethic of care. Info: 740-3394; stewardschool.org.

Tidewater Academy, 217 Church St., Wakefield, 23888. Independent day school, nondenominational; 1964; 240; PK4-12; 12:1; $4,650 - $5,700. Focus: Tidewater Academy provides a college-prep education, fostering a lifelove of learning, instilling core values of family, community and citizenship for an ever-changing world. Info: (757) 899-5401; tidewateracademy@-pvt-va.us.

*Trinity Episcopal School, 3850 Pittaway Drive, Richmond, 23235. Coed college prep; 1972; 445; 8-12; 10:1; $14,880. Focus: Motto: "Discover Your Path." Offers Richmond's only independent International Baccalaureate program. All students are encouraged to develop their individual strengths, passions and purpose. Info: 272-5864; trinityes.org.

**VERITAS Classical Christian School, 6627-B Jahnke Road, Richmond, 23225. Classical Christian; 2000; 190; K-10; 14:1; $4,400 - $7,400. Focus: To glorify God by cultivating students of wisdom through a Christ-centered, academically vigorous classical education. Info: 272-9517; veritasschool.com.

*Victory Christian Academy, 8491 Chamberlayne Road, Richmond, 23227. Coed Christian; 1985; 170; K3-12; 11:1; $4,100$4,400. Focus: To train students to develop the body, mind and spirit in academic and biblical preparation for their next step in serving others. Info: 262-8256; vca-edu.org.

*Ware Academy, 7936 John Clayton Memorial Highway, Gloucester, 23061. College prep; 1949; 148; PK4-8; 12:1; $4,000$6,900. Focus: A challenging curriculum, strong athletic program, fine and performing arts helps empower each student to achieve academic excellence, emphasizing the development of mind, body and character. Info: (804) 693-3825; wareacademy.org.

West End Christian School, 1600 Atlantic St., Hopewell, 23860. Christian; 1949; 220; K3-12; 11:1; $4,000 - $4,500. Focus: Multi-faith environment offers small class sizes, qualified teachers, technology, music and athletics; all committed to the emotional, spiritual and intellectual development of every child. Info: (804) 458-6142; wecs-hopewell.com.

West End Montessori School, 9307 Quioccasin Road, Richmond, 23229. Montessori; 1997; 125; PK-6; 5:1 to 14:1; $3,200$7,000. Focus: The child's experience at WEMS will allow him or her to develop a sense of self confidence that encourages inquisitiveness, independence and the joy of learning. Info: 523-7536; westendmontessori.com.

Woodlawn Christian School, 6764 Billy Williams Memorial Drive, Prince George, 23875. Christian, nondenominational; 1988; 150; PK-8; $4,300. Focus: To mature students spiritually, mold Christ-like character, motivate them to a higher academic standard and mobilize them to give Christian service. Info: (804) 732-3245; woodlawncs.com.

*Yale Seventh-day Adventist School, 19183 Courthouse Road, Yale, 23897. Christian, Seventh-day Adventist; K-8; $3,750. Focus: Provide an education that cultivates Christian character to help the student with daily victories through Christ, to serve the church, country and fellow men. Info: (434) 246-6300; yalesoa.org.