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 (2023-24)
- Top Ranked VA School
- Grades: 5-12
- Enrollment: 61 students
- Yearly Tuition: $29,000
- 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
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
We do not have a dress code
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$29,000
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
$7,500
Acceptance Rate
70%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Karyn Ewart
Admissions Associate
Michelle Branco
Sports
Total Sports Offered
1 sport
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
12 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
and Ultimate Frisbee., Art Club, martial arts, Martial Arts, Our after school clubs include art, sports, Sports, theatre, Theatre, Ultimate Frisbee, video game, Video Game Club
and Ultimate Frisbee., Art Club, martial arts, Martial Arts, Our after school clubs include art, sports, Sports, theatre, Theatre, Ultimate Frisbee, video game, Video Game Club
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 $29,000 for private students.
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 84%. 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.
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).
School Reviews
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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