Blue Ridge School - Review #2

Read more details about Blue Ridge School on their 2024-25 profile page.
Blue Ridge School
5

About the Author:

Years Attended Boarding School:
1977-1981
Sports and Activities:
There were many activities at Blue Ridge School to participate in. I myself was involved in horseback riding, the drama club, the school newspaper, and the yearbook.
College Enrolled:
Hampde-Sydney College
Home Town, State:
Richmond, VA

Reflections and Advice:

1.) What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?
Blue Ridge School is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains 20 miles outside Charlottesville, Virginia. It is located on 750 Acres which covers the campus as well as mountain regions, and the view is spectacular. The school offers many outdoor activities including hiking, biking, climbing, running football, and basketball.
2.) What was the best thing that happened to you in boarding school?
The best thing about the school is the size. Many of the friends I made there are still my friends 30 years later. And many of the faculty that were there are still my friends 30 years later. in a small tight-knit community everyone is anxious for you to succeed and be supportive.
3.) What might you have done differently during your boarding school experience?
If you are more of a city person, Blue Ridge school is not for you. But if you like to explore nature on 750 acres of beautiful woods and mountains this is definitely the place for you
4.) What did you like most about your school?
I liked the intimacy of the school.
5.) Do you have any final words of wisdom for visiting or incoming students to your school?
If you visit but it Ridge, you must get to the top of Flat Top Mountain, it demands a view of the entire campus in the mountains surrounding it.

Academics:

1.) Describe the academics at your school - what did you like most about it?
Being a man's Preparatory School, Blue Ridge focused a great deal on academic Excellence. However I had a slight problem having had dyslexia as a child. The teacher-to-student ratio is one teacher for every five students. That was essential to me as the teachers could walk me through methods of keeping up with my fellow students and take the time to make sure that we were both comfortable with my progress.

Athletics:

1.) Describe the athletics at your school - what did you like most about it?
Blue Ridge had an excellent Athletic program. I myself was in horseback riding. However we had star athlete graduates of UVA not only teaching but also coaching our lacrosse wrestling and football teams. We want a couple of football games against the most prestigious boarding school (at that time) in Virginia. Also, Blue Ridge just completed construction about state-of-the-art Athletic Facility with excellent track facilities football field baseball diamond and a basketball court as well as a soccer field.

Art, Music, and Theatre:

1.) Describe the arts program at your school - what did you like most about it?
I was a member of the drama club and of the choir. No matter what your interest, there was something for everyone whether it be playing the organ and, directing a play writing acting prop scenery lights or sound there was something for everyone, and everyone was proud of our school productions.

Extracurricular Opportunities:

1.) Describe the extracurriculars offered at your school - what did you like most about it?
I was involved with the yearbook, the school newspaper and giving tours to prospective students and their parents. Everyone on campus was eager for new people to come to campus. Also the campus had a diverse makeup of people not only from the United States, but as far away as Costa Rica and Saudi Arabia.

Dorm Life:

1.) Describe the dorm life in your school - what did you like most about it?
Dorm life at school is great. That was helped by the intimate size of the school, and the fact that most of the teachers are also dorm monitors and had Apartments actually on the residence Halls.

Dining:

1.) Describe the dining arrangements at your school.
The dining at Blue Ridge school was pretty good. The service that the school used hired local folks from our community to come in and serve and pair the food. It was great because the ladies made sure that we ate well, it was great to know them in the community as well as inside the kitchen.

Social and Town Life:

1.) Describe the school's town and surrounding area.
There isn't really a town. There is a two-story General Store and gas pump a mile outside the school grounds. The great thing is, it is the rural nature of the school and the mountains in the views.
2.) Describe the social life at your school - what did you like most about it?
We had a good social life when I went to the school. Everyone was anxious to spend time together. And we also had very reliable buses that took us to the local girls schools and girls schools across the state for mixers.
Read more details about Blue Ridge School on their 2024-25 profile page.

Alumni Reviews Review School

Review
Description
Blue Ridge School Alumni #1
Class of 1987
5.00 4/18/2018
College of Charleston
Blue Ridge School is an all boys boarding school, so that sets it apart from many other boarding schools. Another thing that sets it apart are the sports programs offered. I believe they offer more. . .
Blue Ridge School Alumni #2
Class of 1981
5.00 2/24/2018
Hampde-Sydney College
Blue Ridge School is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains 20 miles outside Charlottesville, Virginia. It is located on 750 Acres which covers the campus as well as mountain regions, and the view is spectacular. . .
Blue Ridge School Alumni #3
Class of 2003
5.00 1/16/2018
Arizona State
Small classes more attention from teachers, also they had a great outdoor program, climbing walls, lake with canoes and kayaks, mt bike trails, with the blue ridge mtns in our backyard. . .
Show more reviews (4 reviews)

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Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Enrollment: 170 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $65,563
  • Acceptance rate: 49%
  • Average class size: 9 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update