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Miller School of Albemarle

United States, Charlottesville

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees $34,800 - 73,500
Ages 13 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 260
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 1878
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)
Taught languages Spanish, French, Latin
Typical class size 10
Strengths STEM, Outdoor Education, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Leadership and Professional
Stages Middle School, High School
Introduction

Located on a 1,100-acre campus in Charlottesville, Miller School of Albemarle offers a rigorous American college-preparatory program for students aged 13 to 18, with both boarding and day options. The curriculum includes Advanced Placement courses and Dual Enrollment, plus specialty tracks in Applied Engineering, Humanities, and Sustainable Agriculture. Hands-on learning is central, featuring Design/Build projects, fieldwork in earth science, surveying, water sampling, and land management. Signature programs in Engineering, Sustainable Agriculture, and Design/Build connect academics to real-world applications. The Student Success Center provides tutoring, academic planning, college counseling, and opportunities for internships and mentorships. Campus facilities include Alumni Gym and Massey Gymnasium, a 12-acre lake for paddle boarding, extensive trails, and a wireless environment that supports honors and AP offerings. The Mind, Hands, and Heart motto guides independent thinking, resilience, and compassionate service across academics, athletics, and co-curricular life. Students build leadership, stewardship, and collaboration through projects, clubs, and service.

1000 Samuel Miller Loop, Charlottesville, VA 22903

The Essentials

Miller School of Albemarle has 260 pupils, typical class sizes of 10, instruction in English.

Location

The Miller School of Albemarle is located in Charlottesville, Virginia. The campus address is 1000 Samuel Miller Loop, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903. The school operates as a coed boarding and day school serving kindergarten through 12th grade.

Stages

Kindergarten through 12th grade.

Type

coed boarding & day school

Pupil Nationality Mix

Boarding students come from 11 states and 16 countries (6 continents).

Additional learning support

The school provides learning support through the Student Success Center, including individualized academic advising, tutoring, and study skills classes. The SSC coordinates internships, mentorships, and enrichment opportunities, and staff provide specialized learning support and accommodations when needed.

School day structure

Regular days begin with breakfast around 7:30–8:15, followed by class periods from about 8:30 to 3:20, with optional afternoon programming from 3:40 to 5:10.

Bus service

The Miller School can provide transportation to and from local public transportation centers through Bowles Transportation or the duty team.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements

Five- and seven-day boarding is offered for girls and boys. There are two on-campus dorms: Wayland Hall for girls and Old Main for boys; girls have single-occupancy rooms and boys share rooms with one or two roommates. The boarding population is diverse, with students from 11 states and 16 countries, and there are about 90 boarding spots. Boarding life includes on-campus amenities such as a lake, outdoor pool, gym and weight room, a working farm, 16 miles of trails, a Student Center, an 18-hole disc golf course, a dance and yoga studio, and tennis courts.

Uniform Requirement

There is a dress code rather than a traditional uniform. Academic day attire is governed by guidelines, and Graduation Attire is specified: ladies must wear solid white outfits for graduation (the Baccalaureate outfit may be any color); dresses and skirts have length restrictions; pants worn for graduation must be solid white; gentlemen wear dress khaki pants and a solid white dress shirt for graduation, with a navy jacket and a tie.

Food Options

On-campus dining is provided with a Bistro on campus. The dining staff can accommodate religious dietary restrictions, and there are provisions for dietary needs; students may use a debit card system for dining on campus.

House System

The school uses an Advisory System rather than a traditional house system. Each student is assigned a Faculty Advisor who meets regularly; advisors sit with advisory groups at assemblies and meals; residential life includes Residential Advisors who supervise dorm life.

Governance and Ownership

The school is governed by a Board of Trustees, which adopts the mission, vision, and strategic goals, and oversees policies and plans. The board also acts as stewards of the school's resources to support its mission.
Fees

Annual tuition at Miller School of Albemarle ranges from USD 34,800 to USD 73,500 for 2026/27.

Application fees

- Clarity Financial Aid Application submission fee: USD 60.

Tuition fees — per academic year (2026–2027 academic year)

- Day Student (per year): USD 34,800.
- Five‑Day Boarding (per year): USD 59,900.
- Seven‑Day Boarding (per year): USD 65,800.
- International Boarding (per year): USD 73,500.

Billing schedule and payment terms (how tuition may be billed and due dates)

- One installment: full tuition paid on or before July 1, 2026.
- Two installments: first installment due July 1, 2026; remaining balance due by December 1, 2026. (Each installment = 50% of the listed annual tuition.)
- Ten installments: ten equal monthly payments between July 1, 2026 and April 1, 2027. (Each monthly payment = annual tuition ÷ 10.)

Examples of installment amounts (rounded to cents):

- Day student: two installments USD 17,400; ten installments USD 3,480 per month.
- Five‑day boarding: two installments USD 29,950; ten installments USD 5,990 per month.
- Seven‑day boarding: two installments USD 32,900; ten installments USD 6,580 per month.
- International boarding: two installments USD 36,750; ten installments USD 7,350 per month.

Boarding fees and what's included for residential students

- Boarding status is charged as the annual tuition amounts shown above (Five‑Day, Seven‑Day, International Boarding). Room and board and the school meal plan for boarders are included in those boarding tuition figures. Weekend and enrichment opportunities are included with some exclusions.

Other mandatory and common additional costs

- New Student Fee (one‑time, new enrollee): USD 750 (includes MSA jacket, hooded sweatshirt, t‑shirt, and hat; USD 500 of this fee is allocated to a one‑time endowment contribution).
- Senior Fee (graduating class): USD 500 (covers graduation and senior trip).
- Health insurance: all students must carry a health insurance policy for the ten months of the school year; international students may purchase coverage through the school's designated vendor.
- Academic costs: estimated additional cost for books and academic supplies ranges from USD 500–750, depending on courses; all students are required to have a laptop (PC or Mac).
- Parents Association Fee: USD 50 per child enrolled.
- Seasonal athletic fees: most seasonal athletic fees are covered by tuition except for Equestrian, Cycling, Baseball, and ski/snowboard club which may carry separate charges.
- Meal coverage: three meals per day for boarders and mid‑day meals for day students are part of the tuition inclusions.

Tuition refund and insurance

- Tuition insurance is available as an optional purchase; parents may elect tuition insurance and should contact the school representative listed for details on coverage and premiums. Health insurance for students is required for the school year.

Fee payment options and processing

- Payment plans available: one full payment, two equal payments, or ten monthly payments as described above.
- Payments and family account management are handled through the school's Veracross/parent portal and admissions/application portals used by the school. International families are directed to follow the payment instructions provided for non‑U.S. payers within the school's payment portal.

Other notes on costs

- Dual‑enrollment courses carry per‑credit charges through the local community college.
- Optional charges (for example specific co‑curricular trips, certain athletic clubs, or course‑specific materials) may apply depending on selections; parents should expect modest additional charges beyond the items listed above for electives or optional activities.

If you need these figures presented in a specific format for your database, include them as listed above; they reflect the school's 2026–2027 published tuition categories and the listed common additional fees and payment plans.
Academics

Miller School of Albemarle teaches American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP) for students aged 13 to 18.

Curriculum

The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment options, plus specialty tracks in Applied Engineering, Humanities, and Sustainable Agriculture. A full spectrum of courses includes honors sections, and hands-on learning is integrated through Design/Build, Engineering, Land Management, and Sustainable Agriculture.

Student Teacher Ratio

7:1

Higher Education Progression

Graduates enroll in a wide range of colleges and universities, including James Madison University, University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, University of Colorado Boulder, Emory University, Penn State, Boston University, Longwood University, Michigan State University, Roanoke College, College of William & Mary, George Washington University, Hampden-Sydney College, Northeastern University, Tulane University, University of Glasgow, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Mary Washington, University of Tennessee, University of Vermont, University of Wisconsin–Madison, and others. The school does not rank students or weigh GPAs.

Gifted and Talented

Signature Programs include Humanities and Engineering; AP courses and Dual Enrollment are available to advanced learners.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Mind, Hands, and Heart guide Miller School of Albemarle's approach to education. A strong mentor–mentee relationship between teachers and students shapes daily learning and school life. The school provides a challenging, structured curriculum that engages minds and hearts and emphasizes respect and service within a diverse community. SEL is reinforced through the school's culture, leadership opportunities, and campus activities that connect learning to real-world impact. Staff-hosted monthly SEL workshops and campus discussions support healthy relationships, responsible decision‑making, and overall wellbeing.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Academic accommodations are available to support students' learning needs. Standardized testing accommodations are available to eligible students. The Student Success Center offers individualized learning opportunities, tutoring, academic planning, and support for all students. Daily help sessions and a wide range of tutoring are provided to assist students in meeting their goals. The program includes peer tutoring and other academic supports designed to help students progress.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

International students begin taking the TOEFL test to measure English proficiency, and TOEFL scores are reported to monitor students' progress in English.

Mental Wellbeing

Mental wellbeing is supported as part of the school's SEL initiatives and wellness culture. The school has on‑campus counseling and wellness programming, including monthly SEL workshops that address healthy relationships and resilience. A campus emphasis on self‑care, service, and community support helps students manage stress and develop coping strategies. Initiatives like student‑led wellness activities and advisory resources contribute to a culture that prioritizes emotional health. SEL workshops and discussions are designed to foster resilience and proactive help‑seeking.

Safeguarding

On-site counseling is available through licensed professionals, with on-site therapy days (for example, Tuesdays). The school's handbook includes Health and Wellness, Counseling, Privacy and Confidentiality, and policies on Healthy Relationships, Sexual Misconduct, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Stalking, and Hazing. Staff are responsible for protecting student privacy and confidentiality. The handbook also covers a Code of Conduct, Student Expectations and Policies, and processes related to safeguarding and student safety.
Parent Experience

History

Miller School of Albemarle was founded in 1878. It is a coed boarding and day school for kindergarten through 12th grade in Charlottesville, Virginia. The school emphasizes bridging academics with practical, hands-on learning.

Community

The Miller School community centers on the Student Experience, Boarding, Alumni Network, Leadership Opportunities, and Faculty & Staff. Boarding students come from 11 states and 16 countries, creating a diverse, globally connected community. An active Alumni Network and Leadership Opportunities extend the Miller School experience beyond graduation. Faculty and staff support students across academics, the arts, and campus life.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

Miller School of Albemarle sits on a 1,100-acre campus in Charlottesville, Virginia. The campus features a 12-acre lake used for stand-up paddle boarding and a wide network of hiking and mountain biking trails. Meadows overlook Skyline Drive, offering outdoor spaces for study and recreation. The campus supports a hands-on, experiential approach to learning through its outdoor spaces and integrated programs.

Sports Facilities

On-campus athletic facilities include Alumni Gym and Massey Gymnasium. The athletic program offers baseball, cross country, cycling, disc golf, girls tennis, boys soccer, volleyball, track & field, softball, and swimming, among other sports. Co-curricular Activities include Applied Engineering, Yearbook, Badminton, and Strength & Conditioning.

Academic Facilities

Academics offers AP and Dual Enrollment courses and tracks in Applied Engineering, Humanities, and Sustainable Agriculture. Signature Programs include Engineering, Sustainable Agriculture, and Design/Build. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, with activities such as surveying equipment in geometry, water sampling in earth science, and building models in Design/Build. The Student Success Center provides tutoring, academic planning, and college counseling, and supports internships, mentorships, independent studies, and enrichment opportunities. The curriculum is delivered on a wireless campus with many honors and AP options to meet students' needs.

Extra Curricular Facilities

The 1,100-acre campus features campus trails and a 12-acre lake that support outdoor activities like stand-up paddleboarding. Co-Curricular Activities include Applied Engineering, Yearbook, Badminton, and Strength & Conditioning. The athletics program offers a wide range of sports, including baseball, cross country, cycling, disc golf, tennis, soccer, swimming, squash, volleyball, and softball.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

The Miller School of Albemarle offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with ample hands-on learning. Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment courses are available. Signature offerings include Engineering, Sustainable Agriculture, and Humanities. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on experiences and real-world applications beyond the classroom, with field trips and access to University of Virginia resources.

Arts & Creative

Fine Arts and Performing Arts are core components of the curriculum. Departments include English, Science, History, Fine Arts, and World Language. Studio Music is offered as part of the arts program. Performing Arts and Fine Arts are highlighted among the signature offerings.

Cultural & Language

World Language is a department. Beyond the classroom, students experience culture through field trips to Shakespeare plays and museum visits. The proximity to the University of Virginia provides access to its resources through research workshops, facility visits, and interlibrary loans. These experiences foster an appreciation for culture and language.

Social & Hobbies

Cycling is a signature program at Miller School of Albemarle. The cycling team is an internationally recognized school-based girls and boys junior development cycling program. Other signature offerings include Engineering, Sustainable Agriculture, and Design/Build that encourage teamwork and hands-on collaboration. These activities contribute to student life and campus community.

Leadership & Professional

Leadership opportunities are part of student life. Advisory Groups provide a transformative experience guiding each student's journey at MSA. The Student Success Center offers tutoring, academic planning, and support to help students reach their goals. The College Placement Office assists students in selecting the college that best fits them.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

The Miller School of Albemarle is a coeducational day and boarding school on a 1,100-acre campus. Boarding life is a for students to learn, live, and grow in a supportive, diverse, and engaging community. The school emphasizes its Mind, Hands, and Heart motto, guiding students to be independent thinkers who are resilient and compassionate. Athletics and outdoor activities, including the cycling program, support physical well-being and healthy competition.
Languages

Language Provision

Languages taught: French, Latin, Spanish, and English as a Second Language. All students complete three credits of foreign language study. The program emphasizes listening, speaking, reading, and writing to enable students to communicate effectively in the language.
Admissions

Admissions

1. Start Application. To begin the application process, fill out an inquiry form. After submission, you will receive an email inviting you to create an account and begin an application in MillerConnect. If you have already started, log in to continue your application. Miller School also allows the Standard Application Online (SAO) through SSAT to apply.
2. Visit & Interview. You can schedule a campus visit by contacting the Admissions Office. If in-person visits are not possible, a virtual interview and tour will be offered.
3. Records & Recommendations. Submit transcripts, attendance records, and student conduct records. These may be uploaded by the family or the school directly to the application portal. Three teacher recommendations are required and are submitted through the application portal.
4. Standardized Testing. MSA is test-optional for domestic students for the 2025-2026 school year. If you have already taken the SSAT or another standardized assessment (e.g., SOL, PSAT), submit those scores for review in the application. International students must submit the TOEFL, TOEFL Junior, or Duolingo English Test.
5. Important Dates. We are accepting applications on a rolling basis for the 2026-27 school year. Admissions Applications Deadlines for 2027-2028: Early Admissions Deadline - December 10, 2026; Regular Admissions Deadline - January 16, 2027.

Scholarships

Affording Miller School of Albemarle: The school provides need-based financial assistance (nearly $2 million awarded each year) to eligible students. Awards are grants based on demonstrated financial need and individual merit. To be considered for aid, a student must apply for admission and be accepted; indicate your intent to apply for financial aid on the enrollment application. The Clarity Financial Aid Application is used to determine need; families must complete Clarity and upload tax returns and supporting documents. Annual renewal requires updating information; grants are awarded for one year. Additional resources include 529 plans and education loans.
School Events
The school has not added events