A compassionate community. A fresh start. The support your family deserves.
The announcement that St. Margaret’s Episcopal School in Tappahannock, Virginia, is closing has left many families searching for answers.
When your daughter’s school is closing, it can feel overwhelming. There’s the immediate concern—Where will we go now?—but also deeper questions about belonging, stability, and the goals you’ve worked so hard to support.
For students, the idea of saying goodbye to friends, teachers, and familiar routines can be emotional and unsettling. For families, it’s a time filled with difficult decisions.
If your daughter attended St. Margaret’s, you may be wondering what comes next. This isn’t just about finding another school—it’s about finding the right place to heal, grow, and continue her journey.
At Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Virginia, we understand the weight of this moment. Since the disruptions of COVID-19, many small boarding schools—some with decades or even centuries of tradition—have faced immense challenges. We’ve watched with compassion as beloved institutions made the heartbreaking decision to close their doors.
As a small, faith-based boarding school, we’ve seen firsthand how deeply rooted a school community can be. We’ve walked beside many students and parents through similar transitions. And we honor the legacy of St. Margaret’s—a school that has meant so much to so many.
We’re here not to replace—but to support. To offer continuity, care, and a path forward.
If St. Mary’s School is Closing, Here’s How Oak Hill Can Help
Transitions are never easy—especially unexpected ones. But with the proper support, this season of change can lead to new opportunities and growth.
At Oak Hill, many of our students have joined us after experiencing a transition like yours. This has provided us with crucial experience in helping students navigate mid-year or mid-high school transfers. Our admissions and residential life teams are deeply experienced in assisting new students to feel welcome, safe, and seen from day one.
Whether you’re looking for a replacement for St. Margaret’s Boarding School, or your child is searching for stronger academic support, or you’re simply exploring options for a structured, faith-based, college-prep environment, we invite you to consider Oak Hill.
As a small, close-knit community, we encourage students to try new things, build lasting habits, and redefine their potential. Some discover new, unexpected passions—like joining a team or experiencing our arts programs.
All are supported by caring faculty and surrounded by peers experiencing similar growth—and who can offer support born from firsthand experience.
A Boarding School for Girls in Virginia—And So Much More
While Oak Hill is coeducational, many of our incoming students are girls seeking the kind of tight-knit, values-driven environment they experienced at schools like St. Margaret’s. We foster a culture of inclusion and support—where girls are empowered, heard, and guided through one of life’s most formative chapters.
Whether you’re looking for a Virginia private Christian school, a faith-based college prep experience, or simply a place that feels like home, Oak Hill may be what you’ve been hoping to find.
If your daughter attended St. Margaret’s because of its equestrian program, Oak Hill may be a natural fit. We are a private school with horseback riding in Virginia where girls can continue building those skills while discovering new interests along the way.
A Personalized Approach for Families in Transition
Changing schools is a personal decision. It’s about people, emotions, and finding a place that feels right. And we treat it that way.
Our admissions process is built around meaningful conversation and care. We’ll walk beside your student—answering questions, offering insight, and creating a clear path for what comes next.
Our experience with international students means we’re also attuned to the extra layers of adjustment that can come with a big change. We take care to ensure that every student feels safe, seen, and supported.
Because we understand the emotional layers involved in leaving a school like St. Margaret’s, our admissions and residential life teams work closely with families to make such transitions smooth and personal. We support students while they settle in socially, academically, and emotionally—whether arriving from across the country or across the world.
Our team is ready to support your daughter with genuine connections, renewed purpose, and a sense of belonging.
Why Oak Hill?
We know starting over isn’t easy. But we hope Oak Hill can offer a sense of ease as you consider what’s next.
Oak Hill Academy is a Christian boarding school in Virginia serving grades 8–12. Since 1878, we’ve served as a place of continuity, stability, and second chances. We’ve helped students grow in confidence, character, and college readiness.
We’re proud to see our graduates continue to college—not just because of academics, but because they’re supported and encouraged to believe in themselves.
Rooted in Baptist values, Oak Hill is more than a place of learning—it’s a place of becoming. We believe in growth beyond the classroom: spiritual growth, personal integrity, and strong community bonds. We’re grounded in values, rooted in community, and committed to walking alongside students as they discover who they are and who they can become.
Here, your child will be surrounded by people who believe in their future—and who can help them find the tools to reach it.
At Oak Hill, we’re prepared to offer a welcoming experience for families seeking an alternative to St. Margaret’s School with:
- Small class sizes and supportive faculty focused on personal growth
- Tight-knit, inclusive community
- A faith-based learning environment
- Structured daily schedules with space to explore passions and purpose
- Transfer processes that support emotional and academic transitions
- 100% college acceptance
Your Next Step, Made Easier
Looking for a school like St. Margaret’s or need help transferring from St. Margaret’s School? We’re here to help. You’re not just moving schools—you’re starting fresh, with people who care deeply about helping your child thrive.
We’d be honored to be part of this next chapter, offering hope, stability, and a future full of promise. Let us help your family find what’s next.
Contact our Admissions Office to learn more about our transfer process, virtual tours, and personal consultations.
📧 admission@oak-hill.net
📞 276-579-2619