What grades does The Laurel School serve?

The Laurel School serves students in Junior Kindergarten through Grade 6.

Where is The Laurel School located?

The Laurel School is located at 7800 Salem Church Road N., North Chesterfield, VA 23237, serving families across the Richmond metro area.

Is The Laurel School a microschool?

No. The Laurel School is a fully staffed independent JK–6 private school, not a microschool. We are small by design, with dedicated teachers, structured curriculum, and traditional academic programming.

When does enrollment begin?

The Laurel School is currently accepting applications from founding families for the 2026-2027 school year. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis through TADS.

Does The Laurel School use standardized testing or letter grades?

No. The Laurel School uses narrative progress reports rather than letter grades, and does not administer standardized or benchmark testing.

Quietly Remarkable JK–6 Private School · 2027-2028 · North Chesterfield, Virginia

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JK–6 2027–2028

Small Class Sizes By Design

Rooted In Community

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A Minute Inside Our School

Our Mission

To cultivate an unhurried learning environment where children grow through inquiry, outdoor exploration, strong relationships, critical thinking, and meaningful work.

Our Belief

We believe children learn best when they feel safe, known, and genuinely engaged. Our small school model means every child is seen, every day. The Laurel School is not a compromise. It is a carefully designed environment where academic excellence and joyful childhood coexist.

A large shade tree in an open meadow at The Laurel School

Our Pillars

Purpose

Everything we do is intentional. From curriculum design to daily routines, every choice serves the growth of the whole child.

Belonging

Every child is known by name, by temperament, and by what makes them come alive. This is a school where no one gets lost.

Growth

Academic, social, and personal growth are inseparable here. Children leave each year more capable, more confident, and more themselves.

Our classrooms balance structure and freedom. Children receive clear, direct instruction alongside time for inquiry, investigation, and meaningful work. Small classes mean teachers respond to the actual child in front of them. No one disappears.

The James River, the city's neighborhoods, its green spaces and civic life are part of every lesson. A child who does not feel known cannot learn at full capacity. The teacher-child relationship is not a supplement to the curriculum at Laurel. It is part of the curriculum.

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Latest News

Enrollment

June 2026

Enrollment Is Now Open for the 2026–2027 School Year

We are thrilled to open enrollment for our inaugural year. The Laurel School will welcome its founding families this September, and we invite you to be part of something built from the ground up.

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Community

August 2026

Join Us for Our Open House

Saturday, August 8 at 2:00 PM at The Laurel School campus in North Chesterfield, VA. Visit the classrooms, meet the founders, and learn about our philosophy and daily life.

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Our Story

April 2026

Why We Started The Laurel School

The Laurel School was founded by educators who believed Richmond deserved a small, inquiry-driven school where every child is truly known, outdoor learning is daily, and academic excellence coexists with a joyful childhood.

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All News & Updates

Serving Greater Richmond

An Independent School for Families Across the Richmond Metro Area

The Laurel School sits in North Chesterfield, minutes from Route 288, Chippenham Parkway (Route 150), and Powhite Parkway, and about fifteen minutes from downtown Richmond. Centrally located where the region's main corridors meet, Laurel is one of the most convenient independent schools in the Richmond area for commuting families.