The goal of its founders was to provide for their daughters the academic opportunities offered to their sons by the University of Virginia.

In 1910 the Reverend Henry B. Lee, Rector of Christ Episcopal Church, persuaded his vestry to purchase the institute.

The school has an honor system ( “A student is not to lie, cheat or steal.”) and weekly chapel services.

The Greenway Rise Campus, located on Ivy Road, is home to the Upper School (grades 9th to 12th), as well as the Administrative, Arts, and Alumni/Development buildings.

Recent additions include a 105,000-square-foot (9,800 m2) Learning Village, a squash court complex, and a state-of-the-art turf athletic field.