A family preparing to move to Springfield asked what they should do first to apply to private schools. They mentioned feeling overwhelmed by the many requirements, including applications, interviews, recommendation letters, and entrance exams. The process can indeed feel unfamiliar, as it differs significantly from the Korean education system.

There is a school that consistently comes up among Korean parents in the Springfield area: Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria. For the 2026-27 school year, the tuition for Catholic families is $21,550 for the first child, while non-Catholic families pay $26,250. Discounts apply for second and third children. Although the application asks about religious background, non-Catholic families can apply and enroll without any issues. This is why the tuition is set differently for Catholic and non-Catholic families.

The curriculum includes 26 Advanced Placement (AP) and dual enrollment courses offered each year. The college acceptance rates are impressive, with students going to prestigious institutions such as Notre Dame, the University of Virginia, Georgetown, Duke, Northwestern, and Boston College, as well as military academies like West Point, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy, and the Coast Guard Academy. Students also continue to enroll at Virginia Tech, William & Mary, George Mason, Penn State, and the University of Maryland. Compared to Flint Hill School in Centreville or TJ in Fairfax, Bishop Ireton has a relatively lower tuition burden. However, it is noted for its strength in supporting a broad range of career paths rather than just focusing on STEM fields.

The admission process is summarized as follows: First, submit the online application. Next, request a school visit and consultation. Finally, complete the paperwork by the deadline. If financial aid is needed, a separate financial aid application should be submitted. During the interview, it is common to be asked why you chose this school, so it helps to prepare your reasons with your child in advance for a smoother process. Springfield is also a neighborhood where many families commute to Washington D.C. via the metro, so it is common to consider the school's location and commuting routes when choosing a home.

Some families may find the tuition burdensome. In that case, it might be worth looking into public high schools within the Springfield area that offer International Baccalaureate (IB) or AP courses. When considering public alternatives, it is advisable to check ratings from GreatSchools or Niche, as these ratings are updated annually, and it is essential to verify the latest scores just before signing a lease. School district boundaries can change frequently, so it is advisable to check the assigned school for a specific address before securing a home.

Looking at the housing market, according to RentCafe's August 2026 data, the average rent in Springfield is $2,186. This is a 3.58% decrease from $2,268 a year ago. A one-bedroom apartment averages $1,969, a two-bedroom $2,269, and a three-bedroom $3,035. This is slightly lower than nearby Fairfax or Centreville. For families looking to reduce tuition costs while maintaining a reasonable commute, this difference can feel significant.

If moving from another state, it is important to review the property tax and insurance structures again. Virginia has different tax rates by county, so it is safest to check the exact numbers with the local tax office. Unexpected expenses often arise in the first year of moving, so it is wise to budget generously during the initial settling-in period. Mortgage rates can fluctuate frequently, so whether renting or buying may be more advantageous can change monthly. It is advisable to obtain estimates from multiple lenders for comparison.

Even if a school is not as well-known as Bishop Ireton, there are several public high schools in the Springfield area that are recognized for academic achievement. Instead of committing to just one private school from the start, it can be helpful to visit and consult with several options to aid in the decision-making process.

Private school admissions are not overly difficult once you understand the process. Calculating both tuition and housing costs can make the decision much easier. This article is not investment or legal advice. It is recommended to consult with school and real estate professionals before making any applications or contracts.