St. Anne’s-Belfield School
General Information
About (Overview)
St. Anne’s-Belfield School is a distinguished independent day and boarding school located in Charlottesville, Virginia, offering a comprehensive PreK–12 education. The school occupies two campuses on about 49–55 acres in the heart of central Virginia and draws on a rich heritage dating back to the mid-19th century. The institution emphasizes the development of “body, mind, heart, soul,” a motto that underscores the holistic nature of its approach to student growth—academic excellence balanced with character, service, and community engagement.
With small average class sizes, a low student-to-teacher ratio (~9:1), and a focus on personalized learning, St. Anne’s-Belfield fosters meaningful student-faculty relationships and empowers learners to explore curiosity, leadership, creativity, and global citizenship. The school community features day students from the local region as well as residential (boarding) students from around the world, enhancing cultural diversity and domestic enrichment. Through rigorous academics, an array of co-curricular activities, and strong traditions including weekly chapel and honor-system values, St. Anne’s-Belfield positions its graduates to be thoughtful, engaged leaders in college and beyond.
Contact Informations
- Address: 2132 Ivy Road, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903, USA
- Phone Number: (434) 296-5106
- Email Address: admission@stab.org
School Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1910 (merged legacy incl. Albemarle Female Institute 1856) |
| Motto | “Body. Mind. Heart. Soul.” |
| Grades Served | PreK (age 2) – Grade 12 (day & boarding for 9-12) |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | Approximately 9:1 |
| Enrollment | ~900–1,000 students |
| School Type | Independent, coeducational, day & boarding |
| Tuition (Upper School) | Day: ~$36,400; Boarding: ~$73,670 |
St. Anne’s-Belfield School Rankings
| Category | Rank / Note |
|---|---|
| Overall Niche Grade | A+ for private K–12 schools in Virginia |
| Boarding School Rank in Virginia | #3 of 7 for Boarding K-12 in Virginia |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 30% for boarding/day upper school admission |
St. Anne’s-Belfield School Academics
St. Anne’s-Belfield School Faculties / Departments
- English & Humanities
- Mathematics & Computer Science
- Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science)
- Social Studies & Global Studies
- World Languages & Cultural Studies
- Visual & Performing Arts
- Physical Education & Athletics
- Residential Life (Boarding 9-12)
- Counseling, College & Career Readiness
- Experiential Learning & Intensives
St. Anne’s-Belfield School Courses and Programs / Majors
- A full college-preparatory curriculum with the option of Advanced Placement (AP) courses (reporting ~39 AP or advanced options)
- Unique “Intensive” experiential learning blocks where students engage in real-life projects and interdisciplinary studies
- Robust arts, athletics, and service-learning programs integrated into the schedule
- Boarding program offering global residential experience for Grades 9-12 (about 16–19% boarding population)
Online Learning
St. Anne’s-Belfield incorporates digital learning tools and blended instruction across divisions, enabling flexible access to curriculum and supporting academic continuity. While primarily day and boarding instruction is delivered on-campus, the school has demonstrated responsiveness to virtual or hybrid delivery when conditions require.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Average Score |
|---|---|
| SAT | ~1350 (25th-75th percentile ~1200-1440) |
| ACT | ~28 (upper school average) |
Retention and Graduation Rates
St. Anne’s-Belfield enjoys high retention and strong graduation outcomes, with nearly all upper school students advancing to college. Informally, the school reports around 87% of its upper school graduates gain admission to their first or second choice institution.The supportive community, small class sizes, and embedded college-prep ethos contribute to this strong performance.
St. Anne’s-Belfield School Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Prospective students to St. Anne’s-Belfield are expected to show academic readiness aligned with college-preparatory standards. While the school does not publish a minimum GPA threshold, the average metrics listed above (~1350 SAT, ~28 ACT) provide a benchmark of performance for incoming upper school students.
St. Anne’s-Belfield School Acceptance Rate
| Category | Rate / Note |
|---|---|
| Upper School Admission (Day) | Rolling, competitive (~<35% as indicated in boarding data) |
| Boarding Program Admission | Highly selective (~30% acceptance) |
St. Anne’s-Belfield School Application Requirements
Applicants must complete a comprehensive admission portfolio that includes previous school transcripts, standardized test scores (when required), teacher recommendations, and an interview or student visit. The boarding component adds consideration of residential suitability and global mindedness. The school values not only academic achievement but also character, curiosity, and a willingness to engage in community life and service.
Application Process
- Submit online application form for desired division (Early Childhood, Lower, Middle, or Upper School).
- Provide previous academic records and teacher recommendations.
- Attend interview or campus visit (or virtual if needed).
- Submit standardized test results (for upper school as required).
- For boarding applicants: complete residential life questionnaire and interview.
- Receive decision and submit enrollment contract and deposit to confirm admission.
St. Anne’s-Belfield School Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Event | Typical Timing |
|---|---|
| Priority Application Deadline | Late January |
| Additional Deadlines/ Rolling Review | Through March and as spaces permit |
| Boarding Decision Notification | Late winter/early spring |
Essay Prompt
For certain divisions and boarding applicants, students are asked to submit a short personal statement or respond to specific questions about why they seek to attend St. Anne’s-Belfield, how they engage in community and service, and what they hope to bring to their school experience.
St. Anne’s-Belfield School Scholarships
The school offers substantial need-based financial aid—approximately 30% of students receive some form of aid, with average awards varying by division.(stab.org) Merit scholarships may also be available for international or boarding applicants in select cases.
St. Anne’s-Belfield School Tuition and Fees
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Upper School Day Tuition (9-12) | ~$36,400 per year |
| Upper School Boarding Tuition (9-12) | ~$73,670 per year (tuition + room & board) |
| Application Fee | Varies by division and boarding/day status |
St. Anne’s-Belfield School Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
St. Anne’s-Belfield enrolls approximately 900–1,000 students across PreK–Grade 12, with around 16–19% of upper school students in the boarding program. The student body includes international students representing over a dozen countries, enriching the cultural diversity of the community.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
While the school is a tuition-based independent institution, it is committed to socioeconomic diversity through its need-based financial aid program. Roughly 30% of students receive aid and the school dedicates a significant portion of its budget to supporting access. Students with learning support needs are accommodated through an inclusive model and dedicated resources.
Student Body
| Category | Approximate Number |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | ~900-1,000 students across divisions |
| Boarding Students | ~16-19% of Upper School population |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | ~9:1 |
School Diversity
St. Anne’s-Belfield emphasizes an inclusive and globally aware environment. With boarding students from around the world and day students from the regional community, the school fosters cross-cultural interaction and understanding. Weekly chapel, community-wide events, and service opportunities bring together students of diverse backgrounds in meaningful shared experiences. The intimate size allows students from varied backgrounds to engage in leadership roles, collaborate across age groups, and deepen cultural literacy—providing a strong foundation for citizenship in an interconnected world.
Average Earnings
As an independent school preparing students for top colleges and universities, graduates of St. Anne’s-Belfield are positioned for strong long-term earning potential. While specific alumni salary data is not publicly disclosed, the school’s college-preparatory focus, high student-teacher support, strong matriculation outcomes, and global network of alumni support suggest graduates are well-placed for success in competitive fields such as STEM, business, arts, and leadership roles.
St. Anne’s-Belfield School Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
The faculty at St. Anne’s-Belfield includes highly qualified educators—approximately 77–80% hold advanced degrees—and the average class size is approximately 12–13 students.The boarding division is supported by a residential life staff and global academic advisors.
Faculty Profiles
Faculty members are not only subject-matter experts but also mentors committed to guiding student development as scholars, artists, athletes, and global citizens. They engage in interdisciplinary teaching, coach co-curricular programs, and develop immersive learning experiences like “Intensives” that extend learning beyond the classroom. These professionals bring a combination of teaching excellence, leadership in their fields, and a dedication to student growth.
St. Anne’s-Belfield School Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
St. Anne’s-Belfield operates two interconnected campuses: one for the Lower and Middle School divisions (PreK–Gr 8) and one for the Upper School (Gr 9–12), both set amid the scenic grounds of Charlottesville, Virginia. The boarding program for Upper School students provides residential facilities that support international, domestic day, and weekend boarding arrangements. The school emphasizes opportunities for student engagement in athletics, arts, leadership, community service, and global experiences. Student life is deeply enriched by a tight-knit community, weekly chapel gatherings, campus traditions, and an honor system that fosters character and connection.
Transportation
Day students commute from Charlottesville and the surrounding Albemarle County region, with access to school-run buses or parental transport. The campus is located only minutes from the University of Virginia, enhancing opportunities for collaboration and culture. Boarding students arriving from across the country or world are supported through residential life services, weekend programs, and travel coordination.