Alexandria Country Day School Photo #2 - Sixth graders test the SeaPerch underwater remotely operated vehicle they designed and built.

Alexandria Country Day School

It All Starts Here Your child's kindergarten through eighth grade years are a crucial time for developing all dimensions of his or her intellect and character. At ACDS, we provide a more personalized experience for your child, which leads to superior preparation for continuing academic and personal success.Our curriculum and instruction challenges top students while meeting the needs of all students by offering flexibility, effective assessment, an array of methodologies, thoughtfully integrated use of technology, and a student-centered approach.
Our unique emphasis on speaking, writing, and multimedia communication skills across all curricular areas better prepares students for school, work, and life.
Our approach to assessment encourages reflection, self-awareness, and critical thinking, skills that are essential to future academic success. Our students are better able to work with others, ask questions, organize workload, and seek both challenge and support.
Our attention to balance and social-emotional learning help our students become kind, empathetic, and community-minded citizens who are able to work effectively with others and know how to engage in respectful discourse.

Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Top Ranked VA School
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-8
  • Enrollment: 224 students
  • Average class size: 13 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 15 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Alexandria Country Day School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Virginia for:

Category
Attribute

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-8
Year Founded
1983

Student Body

Total Students
224 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
13%
State avg.: 30%
Students by Grade
Alexandria Country Day School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
30 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
65%
Average Class Size
13 students
List of Courses Offered
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Khaki pants, skirt or dress and a green or white shirt or blouse

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Jan. 15 / rolling
% on Financial Aid
26%
Admissions Director
Liz Hendrickson
Admissions Associate
Ann Whaley
Endowment Size
$1 million

Sports

Total Sports Offered
6 sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
3 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
We have a robust after school program with a wide range of activities offered

Arts and Music Programs:
Band, Drama productions

School Notes

Application Process Age Requirements Kindergarten applicants must be five years of age by September 30 of the year they plan to enroll.
  • Application The first step in the process is to submit an application along with the $75 fee.
  • Student Visit Student visits occur after an application has been submitted. Kindergarten and Grade 1 prospective students will visit for a half-day. Grade 2-8 prospective students will visit for a full-day. Additionally, if at all possible we will visit a Kindergarten applicant`s current school to observe the child in a familiar environment.
  • Parent Interview The parent interview is an opportunity for you to ask questions about ACDS, to further inform us about your child, and for us to get to know you. The interview will be scheduled once the application has been received.
  • Teacher Recommendations Kindergarten and Grade 1 One current teacher recommendation is required. Grades 2-8 Two current teacher recommendations are required.
  • Testing Kindergarten applicants are required to take the WPPSI-IV (Wechsler Preschool Primary Scale of Intelligence Test, Fourth Edition). First grade applicants, depending on their age, are required to take either the WPPSI-IV or the WISC-V (Wechsler Intelligence for Children, Fifth Edition). Applicants for grades 2-5 are required to take the WISC-V. Applicants for grades 6-8 are required to take the ISEE or SSAT. The school code is 472603 for ISEE and 1190 for SSAT. Please register at www.erbtest.org (ISEE) or www.ssat.org (SSAT).
  • School Records Kindergarten and 1st grade: please submit any records and testing information that is available. Grades 1-8: please include a transcript of all courses and grades for past years and the current year and all testing information available.
  • A completed file includes: Application Application Fee WPPSI-IV, WISC-V, ISEE or SSAT Test Results School Transcript (current year and past two years) if applicable Teacher Recommendation, one for K-1 and two for grades 2-8 Writing Sample (Grades 6-8 only) Student Visit Parent Interview
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

What schools are Alexandria Country Day School often compared to?
Alexandria Country Day School is often viewed alongside schools like Browne Academy by visitors of our site.
What sports does Alexandria Country Day School offer?
Alexandria Country Day School offers 6 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis and Track and Field.
What is Alexandria Country Day School's ranking?
Alexandria Country Day School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Virginia for: Largest student body.
When is the application deadline for Alexandria Country Day School?
The application deadline for Alexandria Country Day School is Jan. 15 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 15 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
In what neighborhood is Alexandria Country Day School located?
Alexandria Country Day School is located in the North Ridge neighborhood of Alexandria, VA. There are 2 other private schools located in North Ridge.

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (3 reviews)
5  
BEST SCHOOL.
- Posted by
5  
We have been at Alexandria Country Day School for six years now. My daughter is in 6th grade and started in K. My son is also there now and he is in 3rd grade. What we love about the school is that the small class sizes has allowed my kids to really love school. There is not a day that goes by that they are not excited to go. Heaven forbid that a doctors appointment takes place during school hours because, no matter what class they will miss, its a favorite. Additionally they have a really curiosity about everything. This curiosity is generated by the teachers and the curriculum and how they bring it alive to the students.
- Posted by
5  
My son attends this school and we have been extremely pleased with our experience. The teachers are caring and provide a top-notch education. The environment integrates play into learning. My son is excited to attend school and is doing great in this type of school culture.
- Posted by

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Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Top Ranked VA School
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-8
  • Enrollment: 224 students
  • Average class size: 13 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 15 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Alexandria, VA is $27,426 for elementary schools and $45,484 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Alexandria, VA is 69% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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