The Howard Gardner School is an intentionally small, independent, experiential school serving grades 6-12 on two campuses - one in Alexandria, VA and the other in Sterling, VA (Loudoun County). Our mission is to help bright, creative, non-traditional learners use their unique strengths to thrive academically, intellectually, and emotionally.
Our Alexandria Campus is home to both middle school (grades 6-8) and high school (grades 9-12) programs. Nestled in Rose Hill, the Alexandria Campus provides us with indoor and outdoor classrooms, laboratory spaces, and our beloved "tech shed," where we so often see the sparks and arcs of students bringing their projects to life.In the Fall of 2022, we opened our Fairfax-Loudoun Campus in Loudoun County, just east of Dulles Airport on the Route-28 corridor. There are both high school and middle school programs on the Fairfax-Loudoun Campus.
We are now serving bright, creative, non-traditional learners in both middle school and high school on both campuses. While we are fortunate to call these remarkable places home, we also spend a substantial amount of time in the world, exploring the vast cultural and environmental resources at our fingertips in this region.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked VA School
- School Type: Alternative School
- Grades: 6-12
- Enrollment: 56 students
- Yearly Tuition: $41,240
- Average class size: 8 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
The Howard Gardner School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Virginia for:
Category
Attribute
Advanced Degrees
School Overview
School Type
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 6-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Various
Year Founded
2004
Student Body
Total Students
56 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
34%
State avg.: 31%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
14 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
4:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
92%
Average Class Size
8 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$41,240
Tuition Notes
There are no additional fees. Tuition cost covers all programming.
% on Financial Aid
40%
Admissions Director
Erick Johnson
Admissions Associate
Mary Rodihan
Sports
Total Sports Offered
5 sports
School Notes
- Learning at HGS is active and hands-on, based on Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences, rooted in a tradition of progressive education, and clearly related to students own lives.
- Cooperative learning plays an important role in facilitating learning and group skills.
- Teaching of course content is fully integrated with weekly field studies trips throughout the area, and internships in the student's field of interest.
- The school environment and procedures are based on well-researched principles of adolescent development. The most fundamental tasks in adolescence are establishing identity and developing relationships. So, we make sure that our curriculum feels relevant to our students, that their internships help them explore different aspects of themselves, and we include a lot of group work so they can work on their relationship skills.
- We also believe in making learning fun.The Howard Gardner School features: enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff, very small classes, exciting, active hands-on learning, creative, college-prep curriculum, experienced college counseling, support for different learning styles, reduced homework load, 10:00 A.M. start time for high school, 9:30 A.M. start time for middle school.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does The Howard Gardner School cost?
The Howard Gardner School's tuition is approximately $41,240 for private students.
What sports does The Howard Gardner School offer?
The Howard Gardner School offers 5 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Paddle Tennis, Soccer and Ultimate Frisbee.
What is The Howard Gardner School's ranking?
The Howard Gardner School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Virginia for: Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees.
When is the application deadline for The Howard Gardner School?
The application deadline for The Howard Gardner School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
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