Blue Ridge School

St. George

Virginia

United States

Overview

Blue Ridge School helps transform boys into independent men of character, leadership, and scholarship. We encourage hesitant students with hands-on, experiential learning and provide the catalyst for lifelong learners through interdisciplinary investigation of important, real-world issues. As an all-boarding community where 80% of our faculty live on campus, Blue Ridge School is fully committed to the strength of relational learning. We know that boys learn best from people they believe are looking out for the best interests and who fully understand them. Our faculty also serve as coaches, dorm parents, and study hall monitors. They get to know our students in and out of the classroom, appreciating all aspects of the boys' personalities and abilities. Our faculty use project-based learning principals to better reach our students. We understand that boys engage in the classroom more fully when they are active learners. Blue Ridge School teachers regularly present at international conferences to share our successful teaching methods. Blue Ridge School's unique setting, a 20 minute drive to Charlottesville or to Shenandoah National Park, provides our students with a variety of opportunities. At the University of Virginia students have access to Division I athletics, performing arts, and leading scholars. The natural landscape of the region offers canoeing, hiking, rock climbing, fishing, and mountain biking. The BRS campus is well-known for having 17 miles of some of the best mountain biking trails in the state. We foster confidence in a supportive environment where students are pushed beyond their comfort zones and are encouraged to take risks. Students graduate from Blue Ridge School prepared to excel during their college experience.

Academics

Summary: We take special pride in helping those students who may not have realized their potential in other academic settings and instilling in them a love of learning that lasts a lifetime. An education at Blue Ridge School is holistic, with intellectual, social, spiritual and emotional dimensions. We believe in training the mind to think critically and creatively. Our caring and professional faculty and staff not only believes in developing skills needed to succeed in an increasingly interdependent, technology-based world, but also in developing the virtues needed to be good people, responsible citizens and assets to society.

Department Director Peter Bonds

Student/Teacher Ratio: 5:1

Average Class Size: 8

Summer Programs: Offered

Full Time Teachers: 32

Number of AP Courses Offered: 0

Teachers Holding Advanced Degrees: 44%

Number of IB Courses Offered: 0

English

Literature

History

Classical History
European History
United States History
World History

Foreign Languages

Chinese-Mandarin
Spanish
Portuguese

Humanities / Social Sciences

Economics

Sciences

Anatomy
Astronomy
Biology
Chemistry
Ecology
Environmental Science
Physical Science
Physics

Math

Computer Studies

Computer Programming

Music

Choral Music
Music Appreciation

Performing / Visual Arts

Ceramics
Drama
Studio Art

Special Programs

Outdoor Education

Distinctive or New Programs

Outdoor Program Fishburne Learning Center Dual Enrollment Program With Piedmont Virginia Community College

Campus Life

Dorm Life

Number of Dorms: 2

Average Students Per Dorm: 100

Number of Girls Dorms: 0

Number of Boys Dorms: 2

Dorm Amenities

Game Room
Laundry Facilities
Lounge
Vending Machines
Wireless Internet

Other Dorm Amenities

Facilities

All-Weather Track
Baseball Field
Basketball Court
Fitness Center
Football Field
Indoor Basketball Court
Indoor Climbing Wall
Pool
Technology Center
Volleyball Court

Other Facilities

Outdoor climbing tower
Soccer fields
Mountain Bike Trails
Weight Room
Tennis Courts

Clubs & Organizations

Astronomy Club
Community Service
Computer Club
Debate Club
Diversity Club
Dorm Proctors
FCA
Honor Council
International Club
Literary Magazine
Math Club
National Honor Society
Peer Counseling
Peer Tutoring
Quiz Bowl
Scouting
Skateboarding Club
Snowboarding Club
Student Activities
Student Government
Student Publications
Weightlifting Club
Yearbook
Yoga Club

Arts & Athletics

Arts Department Director: David Welty

Athletics Department Director: Bryan Puckett

Notable Achievements: VISAA Div. II State Champions (Basketball) VISAA Div. II State Champions (Football) VIC Champions (Track Lacrosse Basketball)

Arts

Ceramics
Drama
Studio Art

Interscholastic Sports

Baseball
Basketball
Cross Country Running
Football
Golf
Lacrosse
Martial Arts
Mountain Biking
Outdoor Education
Rock Climbing
Soccer
Tennis
Track and Field
Volleyball
Wrestling

Recreational Sports

Alpine Ski Racing
Camping
Canoeing
Golf
Hiking
Kayaking
Martial Arts
Mountain Biking
Nordic Ski Racing
Outdoor Education
Rock Climbing
Skateboarding
Snowboarding
Swimming
Table Tennis
Weight Lifting

Graduates

College Information

Percentage of graduates who attend college: 100%

Middle Percentile of SAT Scores	Reading	Math	Writing
25th percentile
75th percentile

Quotes From Alumni

“As far as the Blue Ridge culture goes, it is evident why so many do well here: we are always encouraged to try new things, and that fits my personality. It is one of the reasons I took up track.”

-, Class of , Attending Clemson University

“I have developed a love of learning, and no one can take that away from me. Coming to Blue Ridge took me from class clown to senior class president.”

-, Class of ,

“I had so many distractions around me before I came to Blue Ridge. Here I focus on my work, my goals and my future.”

-, Class of ,

-Aamir Simms, Class of , Attending Clemson University

“I have developed a love of learning, and no one can take that away from me. Coming to Blue Ridge took me from class clown to senior class president.”

-Aristotle MacDonald, Class of ,

“I had so many distractions around me before I came to Blue Ridge. Here I focus on my work, my goals and my future.”

-Chad Haley, Class of ,

Merit

Merit Scholarships: Offered

Students Receiving Merit Scholarships: 25%

Average Merit Scholarship: 7,500

Current Endowment Amount: $18,891,000

Interested in Blue Ridge School?

Vital Information

Student Body Type: All Boys

Total Boarding: 172

Total Day: 0

Total Enrollment: 172

Boys: 172

Girls: 0

Boarding Grades Offered: 9-12

Day Grades Offered: -

School Type:

Dress Code: Casual

Applications Accepted: SAO

Application Deadline: Rolling

Tuition & Financial Aid

7-Day Boarding: $51,350

5-Day Boarding: N/A

Day Tuition Fee: N/A

Need-Based Aid: Offered

Payment Plans: Offered

Students Receiving Aid: 35%

Average Awarded: $21,000

School Finances