Blue Ridge School is a private boys’ school that provides a sound college-prep education for capable and willing young men.
They offer admissions to these young men and provide a curriculum tailored to an individualized learning model explicitly designed for boys on their way to college. They also offer financial aid programs to help students that can not afford the fees.
To learn more amazing facts about this school – admissions, programs, tuition, scholarships; stay with us through this post.
A glance at the table of contents below reveals the order in which the facts about this school are embedded in this article.
Table of contents
About Blue Ridge School
Founded as the Blue Ridge Industrial School in 1909 by Reverend George Pickett Mayo, the school’s early mission was to provide vocational education for boys and girls who otherwise would not have had the opportunity to realize their rich potential. In their supportive, structured community, self-esteem is founded upon solid accomplishment in the classroom, athletic fields, arts, and co-curricular activities.
Now, Blue Ridge School is a private boys’ school like no other. They are one of the nation’s few all-boys, all-boarding schools for grades nine through twelve. With a good curriculum, theirs is an approachable, inclusive community filled with adventure. And, despite the rigorous and competitive spirit, they promise a uniquely supportive environment.
The hallmarks of the learning model at Blue Ridge School are an individualized, personal, and attentive learning space. Thus, with an average of 8 students per class, the curriculum stresses relational learning. This means boys learn best from people who are invested in them and can give them the time and attention needed to make lessons stick. With these working connections and just 40 students per teacher, the faculty has the time to organize their lesson plans to suit each individual.
Blue Ridge School also emphasizes project-based learning. They believe lessons are connected to creative hands-on, minds-on projects they can share, such as videos, performances, a podcast, or a piece of art. So, rather than just memorizing facts, they build an experience around their learning, enhancing comprehension and memorability. While these approaches may take more effort, they are critical to ensuring the school is constructed genuinely for how boys learn best.
Perks of Attending Blue Ridge School
It is believed that boys develop the traits they will take into manhood between grades nine and twelve. So, Blue Ridge School strives to build its curriculum, programs, and culture around cultivating men of character.
They nurture their values and integrity, teach and demonstrate awareness of personal responsibility, and people’s impact on others. And they encourage teamwork, volunteerism, and a sense of community. Since the character is reflected in how you act when nobody is watching, they plant the seeds of that in the form of teachable moments with each passing day.
The Blue Ridge School Community is designed to be a home-away-from-home for boys. Being all boarding, boys create close bonds with their “brothers” in the residence hall. They build friendships through various social activities, clubs, and sports. Also, because most faculty live on campus with their families, advisors and favorite teachers are available around the clock. They take pride in the fact that the supportive, engaging community they’ve built for boys at Blue Ridge School results in friendships, bonds, and mentorships that last a lifetime.
Ultimately, everything about the 750-acre campus located at 273 Mayo Drive, St. George, VA 22935, in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is for boys. There are miles of trails for exploring—fields, courts, and venues to support over 20 competitive sports teams. The renowned outdoor educational program instills leadership skills and stewardship for the environment. A lake for fishing and kayaking. And vast expanses of green to explore while contemplating life.
Why Study at Blue Bridge School?
It is an all-boys environment that allows them to tailor their curriculum to the relational and project-based approaches that distinctly resonate with young men. With small class sizes, they’re also able to provide individualized attention that strengthens learning.
Being an all-boarding school means their students are immersed in a structured, supportive, character-based culture that breeds confidence and independence.
The project-based learning at Blue Ridge School emphasizes and engages both linear and abstract thought.
They fortify that with supportive teachers who share their infectious love of learning, diverse topics to stimulate creative and academic exploration, and a character-based environment that gives boys room for their passions and ambitions to grow.
Blue Ridge School gives boys the freedom to explore new talents and skills. With a curriculum featuring unique electives to myriad outdoor activities, excursions, volunteer opportunities, and character-building activities, boys safely move beyond their comfort zones and take personal and academic risks they wouldn’t otherwise.
In the all-boys, all-boarding environment, exemplary mentors and role models are with boys 24/7, helping to shape their success skills. The faculty takes an individualized and supportive approach to each student in the classroom.
They are on duty during study periods, helping students engage with their subject matter. They also act as coaches, dorm parents, and advisors. Their #1 goal at all times is transforming boys into successful young men.
Blue Ridge School boasts an international array of students and alumni who are “brothers” through the unique experience of an all-boys boarding school.
About 20% of students are from other countries, giving boys a daily insight into different cultures and mindsets. No matter their socio-economic status, country of origin, or ethnicity, Blue Ridge boys form a common bond here that lasts throughout their lives, expanding their networks and perspectives as they enter adulthood.
Admissions and Requirements for Blue Bridge School
These are the steps to follow and the requirements to fulfill to become a student at Blue Bridge School:
Make Your Interest Official
Admission to the all-boys, all-boarding school is determined based on character, potential, and previous academic record. There was an initial deadline of February 6 for enrollment in the following fall semester. After that date, the management will review applications on a rolling basis. To make your interest in Blue Ridge School official, follow the five-step admission process below.
But if you have any questions, call 434-985-2811 or email admissions@blueridgeschool.com.
#1: Schedule a Tour
The best way to understand Blue Ridge School is to schedule a tour and live like a Baron for a day. Walk the halls, hike the campus, taste the food, and meet the students and faculty. While here, boys can complete their admissions interview (see Step 4).
#2: Apply Online
Complete the online forms below. The application/applicant profile requires a processing fee payable by credit card – $50 online for domestic and $100 online for international applicants.
- Application and Applicant Profile
- Parent Statement
- Student Questionnaire
#3: Transcripts and Recommendations
To submit a boy’s transcripts, you must complete the Release of Transcript and School Records form. This stage of the application process also requires a minimum of three recommendations. Provide the following links to the boy’s current teachers or mail completed forms to Blue Ridge School Admission Office at 273 Mayo Drive, St. George, Virginia 22935.
- English Recommendation Form
- Math Recommendation Form
- Principal/Head/Counselor Recommendation
- Personal Recommendation (optional)
- Release of Transcript (download pdf)
#4: Admissions Interview
Candidates who did not interview on their initial campus tour (see Step 1) take an interview. You may have to visit the campus to complete the interview and encourage parents to bring unofficial transcripts, recent report cards, or educational testing at that time. Students who cannot make it to campus for an interview may do so via Skype ®. Please call 434-985-2811 to schedule your consultation.
#5: Submit Testing
If a current (within two years) educational/psychological or other diagnostic testing related to the applicant’s aptitude or achievement is available, please forward copies to the Office of Admissions. Blue Ridge School may require testing before considering an application.
Second language applicants should submit official iTEP SLATE, SSAT, TOEFL Junior or TOEFL, and the Duolingo English Test scores.
Apply now to Ridge Technical College. See admission requirements and tuition here.
Programs at Blue Bridge School
The Blue Ridge School curriculum gives boys a thorough college-prep education guided by educational models that reflect how boys learn best. The classes are small, creating deeper connections between students and teachers.
Boys are also asked to think critically, speak persuasively, solve problems, and round their class schedules with music, the arts, and outdoor pursuits. The priority is to graduate discerning men who think for themselves and can go out into the world and make it a better place.
In this regard, they offer the following programs:
- English
- English Language Learners Program (ELL)
- Fishburne Learning Center
- Foreign Languages
- Mathematics
- Outdoor Education
- Performing and Visual Arts
- Science
- Social Studies
- Technology
Tuition of Blue Ridge School
The Annual Tuition of Blue Ridge School is $55,500.
Blue Ridge School builds significant value into the all-inclusive tuition—everything from room and board to off-campus trips, including nursing care. This means no financial surprises exist, and every Blue Ridge boy enjoys the same lifelong benefits of superior education. The annual tuition includes the following:
- Academic Tuition
- Three meals per day, plus snacks
- Double room
- Athletic fees, uniforms, travel expenses, and athletic trainer
- Outdoor program equipment such as mountain bikes, canoes, and fishing and climbing gear
- Off-campus trips
- Daily advising sessions
- 24-hour nurse and student health center
- Small class sizes
- Dedicated faculty, available to boys 24/7
Additional Programs
If the student is an international student, he will be enrolled in an English Language Learners program where he will receive additional reading comprehension and writing support to ensure he gets the most American education. Levels are assigned based on a boy’s progress through the program.
Boys of all nationalities with mild to moderate learning disabilities or attention deficit issues receive help by enrolling in the Fishburne Learning Center. Here, non-traditional learning techniques help to fulfill the boy’s learning potential. Both of these programs supplement our annual tuition costs.
ELL Level 1: $10,000 per year ($3,333/trimester)
ELL Level 2: $10,000 per year ($3,333/trimester)
$7,500 per year ($2,500/trimester) for ELL Level 3
College Readiness for International Students – $6,000 per year ($2,000/trimester)
FLC Level 1 (Beginner) – $9,000 per year ($3,000/trimester)
FLC Level 2 (Beginner) – $9,000 per year ($3,000/trimester)
($2,000/trimester): FLC Level 3 (Advanced) – $6,000 per year
FLC Level 4 (Advanced) – $6,000 per year ($2,000/trimester)
Scholarships/ Financial Aids at Blue Ridge School
Blue Ridge School is committed to building an engaged and adventurous student body. In 2020, more families came from 24 states and 19 countries (on five continents). In recent years, they have offered more than $2 million in assistance to nearly 40 percent of the student body. There are many ways to make tuition more affordable for those in need:
Payment Plan
Families may opt to extend their tuition payments to 10 separate payments.
Financial Aid
Grants are awarded to families based on financial need. Parents and guardians must complete the Parent’s Financial Statement (PFS) through the Schools and Student Service Program (SSS) NAIS program. You should complete the forms as soon as possible, as aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Merit Scholarship Award
Merit-based scholarships are awarded to returning students based on leadership, character, and academic achievement.
Baron Scholarship Program
This program offers substantial scholarships to boys applying for the 9th grade who exemplifies character and leadership potential. Qualified young men who are US citizens and demonstrate these qualities will be considered:
- Respect for himself and the world around him;
- An appreciation of an honor code and an understanding of his role in it;
- Experience in team activities, whether athletic, academic, or artistic, as well as an aspiration to gain a leadership role;
- An interest in various extra-curricular activities, including the outdoors, community service, and faith-based activities.
Interested applicants will complete the following:
- A BRS application and a Baron Scholarship Supplemental Application.
- An essay on his interest in BRS and the qualities he can bring to the school (included in the supplemental application).
- A campus visit with his parents for tours, interviews, and faculty, administrators, and Trustees meetings.
Candidates must be referred to the school by a qualified source (educational consultant, school counselor or teacher, current or former BRS parent, alumnus, or friend). To nominate a candidate, please complete this form.
Groves Family Legacy Tuition Program
In recent years, Blue Ridge has become a family tradition for many. Sons, grandsons, and nephews of our alumni are coming in more significant numbers, as are brothers, step-brothers, and cousins of current students.
The faculty and trustees see it as a tremendous compliment and a strong statement about the value of a Blue Ridge education. To celebrate and further encourage this progression, the Groves Family donated to BRS to create the Legacy Tuition Program. (https://thecenturionreport.com/)
New applicants to Blue Ridge with a family link to an alumnus or current student will receive an alumni tuition scholarship of 10%, which is applicable to the total amount of their tuition and fees. For families seeking merit or need-based financial assistance, this scholarship will be offered in addition to that assistance. The traditional application process will still apply for Legacy Tuition Program candidates. The Legacy Tuition Program will follow a student throughout their stay at BRS.
Trustee Award
Non-need-based grants are available through the generosity of our Board of Trustees.
Education Loans
Convenient financing for students’ education is available through these companies – Your Tuition Solution and Sallie Mae.
The financial aid and grant processes are separate from the admissions process. Decisions are made only when students complete all applications and submit all necessary paperwork to the Blue Ridge School.
Conclusion
Blue Ridge School is a place where people become better versions of themselves. Regardless of the school’s competitiveness, they have a relatively high acceptance rate. Students also enjoy an exciting campus and student life full of adventures.
I hope the information above helps you decide to study at the Blue Bridge School.
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