The New Community School is a special education school in Richmond, VA, specializing in students with dyslexia and learning differences.
The New Community School is a specialized special education school in Richmond, VA, dedicated to empowering bright, talented students who are challenged by dyslexia and related learning differences. Using an innovative, research-based college preparatory curriculum, the school employs a customized educational approach designed to build essential skills in language and math while fostering the unique academic and personal strengths of every student.
The school provides a highly supportive environment featuring an average class size of just 6 students, ensuring personalized attention for each learner. The academic program is built around specialized supports, including Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), therapeutic services, and developmental support. With 67% of faculty holding advanced degrees, students benefit from highly trained educators experienced in navigating complex learning profiles.
Serving grades 5-12, The New Community School offers a robust range of extracurricular activities, from rock climbing and swimming to drama and visual arts. The school operates on a rolling admissions basis and provides financial aid to approximately 30% of its students. Tuition for the 2023-24 year is approximately $34,600 for grades 5-8 and $35,000 for grades 9-12.
At a Glance
TypeSpecial Education School
Grades5-12
Students229
Class Size6:1 ratio
Tuition$35,000
Fin. Aid30% receive aid
Est.1974
DeadlineNone / Rolling
Accreditation & Memberships
National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS), Southern Association of Independent Schools
School Information
| School Type | Special Education School |
| Year Founded | 1974 |
| Yearly Tuition Cost | $35,000 |
| Tuition Notes | 2023-24: $34,600 grades 5-8 $35,000 grades 9-12 |
| Total Students | 229 |
| Total Classroom Teachers | 57 |
| Percent of Faculty with Advanced Degree | 67 |
| Average Class Size | 6 |
| Grades Offered | 5-12 |
Admissions Information
| Admissions Director | Carolyn Tisdale |
| Admissions Associate | Margie Gray |
| Admission Deadline | None / Rolling |
| Percent on Financial Aid | 30 |
Student Body Information
| Student Body Type | Co-ed |
| Percent of Students of Color | 8 |
Academic Programs Information
Special Education Programs
Special EducationIndividualized Education ProgramsSpecial Needs SupportTherapeutic ServicesDevelopmental Support
Learning Programs Supported
Special EducationIndividualized Education ProgramsSpecial Needs SupportTherapeutic ServicesDevelopmental Support
Sports and Extracurricular Information
| Sports | Baseball · Basketball · Cross Country · Golf · Rock Climbing · Soccer · Swimming · Track and Field · Volleyball · Wrestling |
| Clubs and Organizations | Club or Organization: · National Honor Society · National Thespian Society · Various Clubs · Arts and Music Programs: · Drama · Music · Visual Arts |
Additional Information
| Classroom Dress Code | Casual |
| School Memberships | National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) · Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS) · Southern Association of Independent Schools |
| Religious Affiliations | Nonsectarian |
| Summer Program Details | View Summer Program Details |
| Summer School Offered | Yes |