Inquire
Give
Login
Welcome to Keswick School
Dear Visitor,
Welcome to the new online home of Keswick School. Whether you are a parent, therapist, educational consultant, or someone exploring opportunities to join our team, we are glad you are here.
Keswick School was founded over sixty years ago with a bold and compassionate vision: to create a place where boys who struggled in traditional academic environments could find the support, structure, and encouragement they needed to thrive. That founding spirit continues to guide us today, even as we evolve and grow.
Our approach is relational. We believe that meaningful progress—academically, emotionally, and socially—happens when students feel safe, seen, and valued. Our campus, nestled on 25 peaceful acres at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, reflects that commitment. It’s not just a beautiful setting—it’s a space intentionally designed to foster healing, learning, and connection.
Over the past decade, we have invested in new dormitories, a modern academic center, a fully renovated train depot as our dining hall, recreational facilities, and expanded therapeutic spaces. However, our most significant investment is in our people. Our dedicated staff bring expertise, heart, and a shared belief in the potential of every student. Together, we help young men become not only capable learners, but also engaged members of their families and communities.
Keswick School is more than a therapeutic boarding school. It’s a community built on dignity, respect, and service. It is a place where tradition meets innovation, and where every student’s journey is honored.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about us. We invite you to explore further and discover what makes Keswick School a truly distinctive place.
With gratitude,
Marc J. Columbus
Head of School
Jody Berkey
Assistant Head of School
Our Mission
Founded in 1963, Keswick School is internationally recognized as a leader in long-term residential treatment for boys with complex social-emotional, executive functioning, and learning needs. We believe that meaningful relationships and continual opportunities to succeed help bring each child’s unique potential to light. We seek to make lasting change for our students as they develop a positive self-concept rooted in independence, resilience, and integrity. With nurturance, structure, and a nuanced understanding of each child, our mission is to provide our students and their families with the resources and support necessary to achieve sustained success for a lifetime at home, in school, and in the greater community.
Licensing & Accreditation
Licensing
Following the enactment of Federal Public Law 94-142 in 1975, Keswick School became a state-approved school to serve students with learning, developmental, and emotional challenges. Keswick School is licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Education, and the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.
Licensure is awarded on the basis of a thorough review of Keswick School’s facilities, services, and programs by representatives of these state agencies. Periodic announced and unannounced site visits occur at the minimum of every 6 months. The maximum licensure period, granted only to schools with a strong history of compliance with standards, is three years. Keswick School proudly maintains a 3-year licensure as evidence of our school's quality.
Accrediations & Memberships
Keswick School’s accreditation is granted through its membership in the Virginia Association of Independent Specialized Education Facilities (VAISEF). VAISEF is recognized by the Virginia Board of Education as the accrediting body for independent schools serving children and youth with specialized educational needs in Virginia. VAISEF maintains its standards through a five-year peer reviews and interim self-studies, which ensure a high-quality academic and residential program. Additionally, VAISEF accreditation allows high school credits to transfer to a student's home or subsequent school placement. In addition to VAISEF, Keswick School is also overseen by the Virginia Council on Private Education (VCPE), which works closely with the Virginia Department of Education to ensure regulatory compliance. Keswick School is also a member of the Small Boarding School Association.
Historically, we have held a long reputation of high standards; In 1995, TKS received a letter from VAISEF stating, “Congratulations on a most favorable site visit evaluation… Most outstanding was the unblemished site review report. Keswick School has gone down in VAISEF history to be the first residential school to meet all standards during the site review. This is certainly quite an achievement, and you and your staff should be quite proud of this accomplishment.”
In 2025, Keswick School was recognized as one of the Top Schools and Universitiesby Virginia Living magazine. This is an honor that was conferred on a select group of specialized education institutions each year.
