Renaissance School provides intellectually and artistically motivated high ability high school students with an interdisciplinary learning environment that integrates the arts, humanities, and sciences.
Renaissance School offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum that readies students for lives of scholarship and artistic expression.
We foster the scholastic and artistic excellence of our students by nurturing an academic, ethical, and collaborative community of learners.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked VA School
- School Type: School with Special Program Emphasis
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 49 students
- Yearly Tuition: $25,750
- Average class size: 10 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Renaissance School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Virginia for:
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Year Founded
1999
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
49 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
20 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
2:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
76%
Average Class Size
10 students
List of Courses Offered
Average SAT score
1360
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
32
(Out of 36)
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$25,750
Tuition Notes
Renaissance School has an all-inclusive tuition model. Renaissance School offers tuition assistance for families with demonstrated need.
% on Financial Aid
52%
Sports
Total Sports Offered
3 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
7 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Baking Club, Chess Club, Debate Club, Model General Assembly, Model UN, Student Government
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Ski and Snowboard Club
Baking Club, Chess Club, Debate Club, Model General Assembly, Model UN, Student Government
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Ski and Snowboard Club
School Notes
Renaissance School excels at serving the unique needs of high
ability students.Our flexibility in tailoring the academic
experience to the individual student means that we regularly:
Renaissance School serves students who are curious and who like to learn. Our learners have unique talents and needs, so we target enrollment of just 15-20 new students per year. Maintaining an appropriate level of challenge for high ability students is only possible with both flexibility and a high faculty-to-student ratio, and that is our goal. A "small school" is not for every student, but it is the perfect environment for students who like to learn and who are good at it. We have many students who are achieving at the highest level in their fields, including but not limited to:
In fact, Renaissance School was the Niche #1 High School for the Arts in Virginia for 2023. We are here to guide our students towards excellence in all of the areas that motivate them. We encourage all students who are creative, passionate about learning, and willing to work hard to apply.Standardized testing does not always adequately identify ability, especially if students are highly gifted, twice exceptional, multilingual, think originally, or have unique personal or cultural circumstances - all of which are characteristics that describe students we are proud to call RHS alumni.
- Accelerate and enrich student learning in areas of strength
- Facilitate dual enrollment in college courses at UVA, PVCC, and other national and international schools
- Plan individual student class schedules around competitive or pre-professional practices in arts, athletics, or other domains
- Support twice exceptional students with existing IEPs that play to their strengths while building necessary skills
- Promote student-driven learning through Academic Distinction and Independent Study programs
Renaissance School serves students who are curious and who like to learn. Our learners have unique talents and needs, so we target enrollment of just 15-20 new students per year. Maintaining an appropriate level of challenge for high ability students is only possible with both flexibility and a high faculty-to-student ratio, and that is our goal. A "small school" is not for every student, but it is the perfect environment for students who like to learn and who are good at it. We have many students who are achieving at the highest level in their fields, including but not limited to:
- One of only 45 World Science Scholars, worldwide
- One of only 12 22x20 Civics Interns, nationwide
- One of only two high school teams to be invited to pitch to the UVA Darden School of Business iLab
- One of only two published BioTrek student scientist teams in Virginia
- Multiple Jefferson Scholar finalists
- Multiple festival award-winning filmmakers
- Multiple English Speaking Union Shakespeare Monologue Contest-Winners
- Multiple elite student art portfolios
- Multiple elite athletes in golf, equestrian sports, fencing, and other sports
In fact, Renaissance School was the Niche #1 High School for the Arts in Virginia for 2023. We are here to guide our students towards excellence in all of the areas that motivate them. We encourage all students who are creative, passionate about learning, and willing to work hard to apply.Standardized testing does not always adequately identify ability, especially if students are highly gifted, twice exceptional, multilingual, think originally, or have unique personal or cultural circumstances - all of which are characteristics that describe students we are proud to call RHS alumni.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Renaissance School cost?
Renaissance School's tuition is approximately $25,750 for private students.
What sports does Renaissance School offer?
Renaissance School offers 3 interscholastic sports: Cross Country, Cycling and Swimming.
What is Renaissance School's ranking?
Renaissance School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Virginia for: Highest average SAT score and Highest average ACT score.
When is the application deadline for Renaissance School?
The application deadline for Renaissance School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is Renaissance School located?
Renaissance School is located in the North Downtown neighborhood of Charlottesville, VA. There are 2 other private schools located in North Downtown.
School Reviews
5 11/9/2021
As a former parent (and a former board member), I can only praise Renaissance School. It couldn't have prepared our child better for college. Not only was he academically ready, but he was also sufficiently independent to be able to take advantage of the offerings of a mid-size university in a large city. We credit Renaissance which provides both substantial independence and a nurturing and challenging environment. Its size allows for truly personalized education, with substantial opportunities for community engagement and extracurriculars. Students can follow their passions and will find themselves supported by teachers and fellow students. And the best part, every year Renaissance gets better: new opportunities, new courses. The school never stops innovating.
5 11/8/2021
Six years after my son`s graduation from Renaissance, I still think regularly of the positive impact the school had on his life at a time when he was really struggling. Starting with school head Sara Johnson, the staff made an incredible effort to support and inspire my son, to *know* him. He loved being treated like an adult - for example, being allowed to enroll in an advanced language class at UVA and ride the free trolley to class a couple of days a week - and his mother and I loved that that freedom came with the responsibility of taking care of business academically. A perfect anecdote about the Renaissance experience: my son has never had much love for math; and one year he complained daily that his math teacher would not leave him alone. "He pesters me during my free periods! He`s always asking to help me with the homework!" Well, the teacher recognized that my son was struggling and did all he could to come to his aid. There was no reason he needed to do this, and I imagine it was not much fun for him dealing with all that teen angst. But he cared enough about my son to do it anyway. By the end of the semester, my son was singing his praises - and he did well in the class! So my son who barely survived 8th grade ended up at Bard College where he pursued his love of languages, art, and music. He lives in New York City now, where he teaches art and has participated in several gallery shows. I always think of him as a Renaissance man- and I know who to thank for that!
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