The Sycamore School is an independent non-profit secondary school serving middle and high school students.
We follow a mastery-based learning model that integrates academic development, social and emotional growth, and civic engagement. We create a meaningful learning process, whereby teachers personalize instruction according to students` interests, needs, and aptitudes. Teaching focuses on cultivating transferable skills in students that apply to various jobs or tasks across settings, such as effective communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity.
We`re intentionally small, maintaining a 1:6 teacher to student ratio.
We can accommodate students who have a specific learning disability, anxiety, ADHD, and/or social skills deficits. However, we are not a school specifically for students with learning struggles.
We want to attract a cross section of students who reflect the diversity that is present in our larger population. Our target student is curious, wants to learn, and is looking for a more progressive learning environment.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked VA School
- Grades: 5-12
- Enrollment: 61 students
- Yearly Tuition: $35,000
- Acceptance rate: 70%
- Average class size: 10 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
The Sycamore School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Virginia for:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
Extracurriculars
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Grades Offered
Grades 5-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Mild Learning Differences including Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, ADD/ADHD, ASD, Nonverbal LD
Year Founded
2015
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
61 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
20 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
3:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
50%
Average Class Size
10 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
We do not have a dress code
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$35,000
Tuition Notes
We offer need based financial aid and determine eligibility using a third party system called FAST.
% on Financial Aid
20%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$20,000
Acceptance Rate
70%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Mahshid Khavari
Sports
Total Sports Offered
1 sport
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
17 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Anime Club, Art Club, Book Club, Coding, Cooking, Dungeons & Dragons, Forensics, Math, Philosophy, Photography, Running Club, Sports, Theatre, Trivia, Ultimate Frisbee, Video Game Club, World Cultures
Anime Club, Art Club, Book Club, Coding, Cooking, Dungeons & Dragons, Forensics, Math, Philosophy, Photography, Running Club, Sports, Theatre, Trivia, Ultimate Frisbee, Video Game Club, World Cultures
School Notes
We offer middle and high school students a different type of
learning community that actively engages students through
providing:
- Small classes in a safe, nurturing, and inclusive community
- Self-paced competency-based learning
- Engaging "hands on" and cooperative learning opportunities
- Curricula that incorporates student interests and connects to life outside school
- Student choices of how they engage with the curriculum and display mastery
- Tools to increase self-awareness, self-monitoring and mindfulnessReal world learning experiences
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does The Sycamore School cost?
The Sycamore School's tuition is approximately $35,000 for private students.
What schools are The Sycamore School often compared to?
The Sycamore School is often viewed alongside schools like Commonwealth Academy by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of The Sycamore School?
The acceptance rate of The Sycamore School is 70%, which is lower than the national average of 83%. The Sycamore School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Virginia with low acceptance rates.
What sports does The Sycamore School offer?
The Sycamore School offers 1 interscholastic sports: Ultimate Frisbee.
What is The Sycamore School's ranking?
The Sycamore School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Virginia for: Lowest average acceptance rates and Most extracurriculars offered.
When is the application deadline for The Sycamore School?
The application deadline for The Sycamore School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is The Sycamore School located?
The Sycamore School is located in the Bluemont neighborhood of Arlington, VA. There are 2 other private schools located in Bluemont.
Related Schools
Show me:
Popular comparisons: The Sycamore School vs. Commonwealth Academy
People that viewed The Sycamore School also viewed these schools: Commonwealth Academy, The Howard Gardner School, Bishop Denis J. Oconnell High School, Immanuel Christian School and Loudoun School for Advanced Studies.
The nearest high school to The Sycamore School is Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School (1.1 miles away)
The nearest elementary school is Georgetown Montessori School (0.9 miles away)
The nearest preschool is Rosslyn Children's Center (0.2 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
Grades: 5-12 | 146 students 5.4 miles 1321 Leslie Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22301
(703) 548-6912
Alexandria, VA 22301
(703) 548-6912
5.4
5-12
146
The Howard Gardner School
Alternative School
Grades: 6-12 | 56 students 7.7 miles 4913 Franconia Road
Alexandria, VA 22310
(703) 822-9300
Alexandria, VA 22310
(703) 822-9300
7.7
6-12
56
Grades: 9-12 | 1,153 students 4.6 miles 6600 Little Falls Rd
Arlington, VA 22213
(703) 237-1400
Arlington, VA 22213
(703) 237-1400
4.6
9-12
1,153
Grades: K-12 | 630 students 8.2 miles 6915 Braddock Road
Springfield, VA 22151
(703) 941-1220
Springfield, VA 22151
(703) 941-1220
8.2
K-12
630
Grades: 6-12 | 35 students 24.5 miles 20577 Ashburn Road
Ashburn, VA 20147
(703) 956-5020
Ashburn, VA 20147
(703) 956-5020
24.5
6-12
35
School Reviews
5 6/21/2024
We have been at Sycamore for two years and it has been a very good experience. The teachers really care about the kids and my son feels safe, seen, and heard. The faculty really cares about the kids and reach out when needed. I especially appreciate their developmentally appropriate approach to technology.
5 5/25/2021
My son is in his second year at TSS. The environment has been perfect for his learning and social-emotional needs. When he was in public ES our son routinely was unsure of what was going on in class as he is very inattentive. At TSS, having two teachers in a classroom of 12 means he is kept on track and on task. He is also learning executive functioning skills such as timers and lists which will help him further manage his ADHD as he gets older. The mastery-based learning and no grades mean he has developed a sense of pride in his work that he never had when he was losing points for pointless errors that were unrelated to how much he knew about the topic. The school is located in Ballston, just off Route 66 with easy access to both the metro and local parks and trails. The physical space is very bright and airy and a happy learning environment.
5 8/26/2019
The Sycamore School is a godsend. It has helped my child enjoy school again and find her curiosity. The school offers student choice and self-paced learning that allows my child to thrive. They have field trips connected to student learning that bring the real world into the classroom. The teachers are dynamic and friendly. They work with you to help your child thrive. The administration is extremely responsive to parents and students. I`ve had an amazing experience.
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