Ages 
Woodberry Forest School offers a special experience in beautiful countryside for ambitious boys – boys who are motivated, well-rounded and willing to be collaborative team players. Being in a setting that encourages boys to step outside their comfort zones while still allowing space for those who may not be the most outgoing creates a unique, balanced dynamic, one each student and teacher are proud of.
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Overview
- Student numbers
- 393
- Curricula
- American
- SEN provision
- SEN considered case by case
- Offers boarding
- Boarding
- Religion
- Non-denominational
- Fees
- US$ 69,850 for all grades, no extra fees.
Head of school
Headmaster
Dr Byron C Hulsey
Since 2014, Dr Byron C Hulsey BA (University of Virginia) MA PhD (University of Texas). A Woodberry alumnus (’86), Jefferson Scholar at the University of Virginia who spent two years teaching at Bryanston School in England - before returning home as
Entrance
Competitive but not impossible for those boys who tick the right boxes: strong academic foundation, varied extracurricular interests, a real desire to join in and a firm sense of self-discipline. Determined through testing, essays and interviews.
Exit
Although a few leave for honor code violations or because they don’t quite fit academically, most students graduate and head for top colleges and universities, mainly in the US but some overseas.
Because of its academic reputation,
Latest results
Standardised test score averages are respectable: SATs average 1290 (out of possible 1600) and ACT average 29 (out of possible 36).
Teaching & learning
There is no question that the academic programme is a major draw. Everyone - the headmaster, the teachers, the students and the families - has high expectations and it seems the school meets the mark. The 125 years of experience of teaching boys
- Curricula & qualifications
- American - American high school diploma (College Preparatory)
Learning support & SEN
Each student judged on his own merit. All students need to have the potential to manage the independent study skills required for the rigorous academics. Once in, three learning support staff, and an educational psychologist are on hand to support
Language support
No ESL support available. Students must be highly fluent in English to handle the curriculum.
Arts & extracurricular
A fantastic arts programme. Private lessons in a wide range of musical instruments; six different ensembles to join - even a pipe and drum corps. Plenty of opportunities for singers including ‘The Dozen’, a cappella group and a chapel choir. Bright
Sport
Eighty per cent of the boys engage in one of the many non-compulsory sports teams, many of which do very well in the local competitions. The grounds have exceptional facilities and they even offer mountain biking and clay shooting as options - there
Boarders
Boarding life at Woodberry allows boys to develop a strong sense of community outside the classroom because every student and 95 per cent of the faculty live on campus.
Woodberry Forest is all about providing a meaningful, well-rounded experience
Ethos & heritage
The school sits on 1,200 acres of beautiful woods and hills in the Virginia countryside, granted by Charles II to the Fairfax family. The main house was built by the brother of one president (James Madison) and partially designed by an actual
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Discipline is encapsulated in the Woodberry Forest Honor code: ‘I won’t lie, cheat or steal.’ Parents love it and they say the boys do too; everyone knows the boundaries and plays by the same rules, regardless of who you are or where you come from.
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review Woodberry's mobile device policy fosters respect and interpersonal engagement, granting increasing privileges with age. All devices must be on silent/vibrate mode. The campus is divided: phones are strictly prohibited (not visible or audible) in sacred spaces (dining hall, chapel). In community spaces (academic buildings) brief consultation for utilities (clock, calendar) is allowed. Usage is flexible down the hill. Crucially, younger students (third and fourth form) have limited usage and must store phones nightly in a central charging station. Older students (fifth and sixth form) have more flexible usage times, reflecting the school's commitment to trust and responsibility.
Classroom & community
The boys come from over 35 states and 20 countries (Canada, China, South Korea & Vietnam, to name a few), though Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, District of Columbia, Texas and Maryland have strong representation. No typical parent profile,
- School year
- September – late May
- School hours
- 8:00am – 3:30pm depending day of the week
- Student nationalities
- 10% international students
- Student nationalities - total
- 39
- Uniform requirements
- Yes
Money matters
Financially very healthy, mainly because of extremely loyal and dedicated alumni body, parents and friends. Among all independent schools in the US, Woodberry ranks sixth in terms of the amount of endowment per student. Forty-seven per cent of
- Annual fee range
- US$ 69,850 for all grades, no extra fees.
- Fee information
- Application fee: US$ 60
The last word
Woodberry Forest School offers a special experience in beautiful countryside for ambitious boys – boys who are motivated, well-rounded and willing to be collaborative team players. Being in a setting that encourages boys to step outside their comfort
Accreditations, inspections & memberships
- Accreditations/Inspections
- COGNIA (formerly AdvandED; SACS)
Virginia Association of Independent Schools- Memberships
- CASE, IBSC, NAIS, SAIS, TABS, VAIS
