Woodberry Forest School
898 Woodberry Forest Rd, Woodberry Forest, VA 22989
(540) 672- 3900
The purpose of the school is to develop in its students, under Christian principles, a high sense of honor and moral integrity, a deep respect for sound scholarship, a full acceptance of responsibility, a love of excellence, and a will toward personal sacrifice in service to others. It is likewise its mission, based on these ideals, to develop its students into leaders, to train its students toward a useful contribution to the democratic society in which they live, and to give them thorough preparation for the best colleges and universities consistent with their individual potentials.
Woodberry Forest School is an exceptional private school community for high school boys in grades nine through twelve. It is one of the top boarding schools in the United States and one of the only all-boys, all-boarding schools in the country. Woodberry's 1,200-acre campus is the largest boarding school campus near Washington, D.C. and one of the largest private school campuses in the country.
FAST FACTS
Head of School:
Dr. Byron C.J. Hulsey
Director of Admissions:
Chase Spong
Gender:
All boys
Religious Affiliation:
Christian (non-denominational)
Total Enrollment:
400
Percent Boarders:
100%
Percent International:
11%
Application Platorm(s):
SAO
Testing Plan:
Optional
Curriculum
Woodberry's academic program is carefully designed to prepare boys for their future. Courses in each department begin by helping students master the basics of a subject before moving on to a more critical, in-depth examination of each field. A Woodberry education is grounded in the idea that intellectual thoroughness and moral integrity are the best college prep a boy can receive. Our graduation requirements are designed to ground and challenge boys in the core academic subjects while giving them room to explore new interests and pursue a wide range of electives.
Programming
At Woodberry, you can pursue a range of activities outside of the classroom. Along the way, you'll gain valuable leadership skills and build friendships you'll keep for the rest of your life. There are more than thirty clubs and plenty of activities for you to enjoy at the Forest. You can choose to travel abroad, explore your spirituality, reduce your carbon footprint, become a photographer, publish a newspaper, mentor others, take a leadership position, paint or sculpt, or enjoy the great outdoors. You'll find that you have endless opportunities to learn, to grow, and to change your life forever at this top rated all-boys boarding prep school in Virginia.
Activity/Sports Requirements
Athletic excellence is a tradition at Woodberry. There’s a sport, and the right level of competition, for everyone. We encourage each boy to compete on a wide range of teams, though there are also chances for students with particular gifts to receive extra training in a specific sport. Your teammates will become some of your closest friends as you work side-by-side to build a successful season.
Dress Code
We encourage boys to wear what we refer to as "classroom attire" - polo or button down shirt, khaki pants or shorts, a belt, and close-toed shoes (tennis shoes are ok). Ultimately, we encourage you to come in what you are most comfortable in.
Seated Meals
Yes seated meals.
Study Hall
Not specified. Academic Help: Every boy at Woodberry Forest receives academic support from his teachers and advisor. Because the boarding school model allows teachers to have a smaller student load, faculty have plenty of time for one-on-one academic assistance. The Smoot Center for Academic Development is a resource for boys who need broader academic support that goes beyond assistance in a single subject. Members of the SCAD help students organize their work and develop new study skills.
Saturday Programming
At Woodberry Forest, student life extends well beyond the classroom. Whether competing in a friendly ping-pong tournament, heading off-campus for an excursion, or attending a formal dance, students find no shortage of activities to engage in. These experiences reflect the school’s broader goals of fostering camaraderie and student engagement. Off-campus trips are a staple of the Woodberry experience. Faculty chaperones accompany students on outings to destinations like Kings Dominion amusement park or Tysons shopping center, ensuring a balance of freedom and oversight.
Residential Life
At Woodberry, we promote the personal development of our students and secure the growth of a healthy residential community. In the dean of students office we work with faculty advisors to ensure that you build a relationship with caring adults who are committed to your academic success and character development. We work with the faculty who live in your dorm so your time there is safe, positive, and enriching. We work with the director of health services to help you receive the best medical care. We work with the activities director to plan student activities that are positive, appropriate, and fun.