The campus of Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire.

Best boarding schools in America

April 1, 2021
Dina Rudick // The Boston Globe via Getty Images

Best boarding schools in America

Getting accepted into college isn't easy, and students often seek every advantage possible. Many find that edge in U.S. boarding schools, which enrolled nearly 71,000 students for the 2020–2021 school year. A high percentage of these schools boast above-average standardized test scores, impressive curricula options, community-based living, and consistent acceptance to elite universities. Still, students and their families may have questions about whether or not boarding school is the best choice for the high school experience. For those with the financial means to pursue such secondary education, how does one decide which school is the best fit?

With that in mind, Stacker looked at how American boarding schools compare to one another, consulting Niche's list of the 2021 Best Boarding Schools in America. The rankings, reportedly the most comprehensive data in the industry, were calculated using data from the U.S. Department of Education, self-reported statistics from Niche users (parents and students), the National Center for Education Statistics, and information from the schools. Along with the numbers, we included key findings from our own research. The net price for each school reflects annual tuition rates before taking into account boarding fees or financial aid.

Most of the schools can demonstrate academic rigor and impressive facilities, and many have long histories complemented by state-of-the-art updates. A number have previously been (or, in many cases, still are) single-sex institutions. Well-known and celebrity alumni aren't uncommon, and more than one can claim a former U.S. president among their graduates. While New England campuses dominate the rankings, schools throughout the country are on the list. Some of the schools have been revered for generations, while others are young institutions breaking new ground in specialized studies.

Keep reading to learn more about the subculture of U.S. boarding schools, compare and contrast schools on behalf of a student in your life, and even discover on which campus students can earn a pilot's license alongside Advanced Placement and college prep classes.

#100. TMI Episcopal

- Location: San Antonio, TX
- Tuition and board: $52,750 (25% receive aid; $9,000 average aid)
- Grades offered: 6-12
- Students: 485 (43% female; 57% male)
- Demographic composition: 48.0% White; 24.5% Hispanic; 12.6% Unknown; 6.8%
- Student to teacher ratio: 7:1

The "TMI" in the name stands for Texas Military Institute, though participation in the school's Junior Reserve Officer Training (JROTC) program has been optional since 1974. At TMI Episcopal, about 30% of students are cadets in the school's JROTC program, one of the highest-ranked in the country.

#99. Salisbury School

- Location: Salisbury, CT
- Tuition and board: $65,000 (40% receive aid; $38,500 average aid)
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 310 (0% female; 100% male)
- Demographic composition: 66.1% White; 17.1% International; 4.8% African American; 4.5%
- Student to teacher ratio: 4:1

Salisbury, an all-boys school that opened in 1901, has an expansive campus of more than 700 acres with 10 residences. In addition to the college preparatory curriculum, there are numerous art programs like boatbuilding and woodworking.

#98. Avon Old Farms School

- Location: Avon, CT
- Tuition and board: $65,900 (36% receive aid; $36,000 average aid)
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 405 (0% female; 100% male)
- Demographic composition: 72.1% White; 12.6% Asian; 5.4% African American; 4.4%
- Student to teacher ratio: 6:1

The campus of Avon Old Farms School, founded in 1927, is a Cotswold-inspired village setting created by its founder, architect Theodate Pope Riddle. The all-boys school sits on 860 acres in Connecticut's Farmington Valley.

#97. Baylor School

- Location: Chattanooga, TN
- Tuition and board: $53,885 (33% receive aid)
- Grades offered: 6-12
- Students: 1,022 (52% female; 48% male)
- Demographic composition: 78.9% White; 5.9% African American; 5.2% Asian; 4.8%
- Student to teacher ratio: 9:1

Not to be confused with Baylor University in Texas, Chattanooga's Baylor School has grades six through 12, with boarding opportunities for grades nine and up. "Memoirs of a Geisha" author Arthur Golden is a graduate.

#96. Santa Catalina School

- Location: Monterey, CA
- Tuition and board: $59,000 (41% receive aid)
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 209 (100% female; 0% male)
- Demographic composition: 46.9% White; 20.1% International; 8.1% Multiracial; 7.7%
- Student to teacher ratio: 8:1

Santa Catalina, founded in 1950, is an all-girls school with a mission encompassing excellence, spirituality, responsibility, and service. The school offers 21 Advanced Placement courses and an average class size of 12.

#95. Maumee Valley Country Day School

- Location: Toledo, OH
- Tuition and board: $42,450 (50% receive aid)
- Grades offered: PK, K-12
- Students: 572 (51% female; 49% male)
- Demographic composition: 51.7% White; 16.8% Asian; 8.6% International; 7.2%
- Student to teacher ratio: 9:1

The most diverse of over 200 private high schools in Ohio, Maumee Valley Country Day School includes preschool through 12th grade. Originally launched as a boarding school for girls in New York, the school moved to Toledo in 1884 and ultimately became co-educational in 1934.

#94. Maharishi School

- Location: Fairfield, IA
- Tuition and board: $39,000 (75% receive aid; $15,100 average aid)
- Grades offered: PK, K-12
- Students: 186 (48% female; 52% male)
- Demographic composition: 45.7% White; 29.6% Asian; 7.5% Multiracial; 6.5%
- Student to teacher ratio: 6:1

Maharishi School describes itself as "one of America's most unique and progressive schools," with much attention paid to the alertness and well-being of their students. Emphasis is placed specifically on rest, and days include yoga, meditation, and time to pursue personal passions and interests. In 2011, Oprah Winfrey stopped at Maharishi School and later profiled the visit on the Oprah Winfrey Network.

#93. Interlochen Arts Academy

- Location: Interlochen, MI
- Tuition and board: $66,875 (79% receive aid; $34,530 average aid)
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 545 (64% female; 36% male)
- Demographic composition: 55.0% White; 14.3% International; 9.5% Multiracial; 7.3%
- Student to teacher ratio: 6:1

Part of the acclaimed Interlochen Center for the Arts, Interlochen Arts Academy is a boarding school offering studies in fine arts such as creative writing, dance, music, film, theater, and visual arts. It features a postgraduate gap year program, giving students an additional year in a high school setting to focus on their artistic preparation for college, conservatory, or art school.

#92. Miss Hall's School

- Location: Pittsfield, MA
- Tuition and board: $62,400 (73% receive aid; $39,068 average aid)
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 170 (100% female; 0% male)
- Demographic composition: 67.1% Unknown; 32.9% International; 0.0% African American; 0.0%
- Student to teacher ratio: 4:1

"Miss Hall" refers to school founder Mira Hall. The school was established in 1898 and has a long history as an all-girls boarding school. The campus is located in the Berkshires, and 73% of students take advantage of rooming opportunities.

#91. Lawrence Academy

- Location: Groton, MA
- Tuition and board: $65,925 (28% receive aid; $39,890 average aid)
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 409 (45% female; 55% male)
- Demographic composition: 67.5% White; 14.4% International; 4.9% African American; 3.9%
- Student to teacher ratio: 6:1

Lawrence Academy's campus is about 50 miles northwest of downtown Boston. The school offers an annual two-week Winterim for cultural immersion, academic field study, service, crafts, outdoor adventure, or travel, including a project ongoing since 2001 mentoring young girls in Costa Rica.

#90. Saint James School

- Location: Hagerstown, MD
- Tuition and board: $51,000 (59% receive aid; $25,000 average aid)
- Grades offered: 8-12
- Students: 225 (40% female; 60% male)
- Demographic composition: 51.6% White; 26.2% Asian; 14.7% African American; 4.9%
- Student to teacher ratio: 6:1

Among the best Christian high schools in Maryland, Saint James School's campus covers nearly 700 acres that include nine playing fields and 13 buildings. The Episcopal education center focuses on college preparedness.

#89. McCallie School

- Location: Chattanooga, TN
- Tuition and board: $56,940 (46% receive aid; $17,658 average aid)
- Grades offered: 6-12
- Students: 932 (0% female; 100% male)
- Demographic composition: 75.8% White; 7.3% Asian; 5.8% African American; 5.4%
- Student to teacher ratio: 10:1

McCallie School is a top-rated boarding high school and among the best high schools for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) in Tennessee. The all-boys school teaches students in grades six through 12 and has a mission emphasizing honor, truth, and duty. In 2020, five of McCallie's 165 graduates went on to Yale.

#88. Tabor Academy

- Location: Marion, MA
- Tuition and board: $64,500 (36% receive aid; $41,115 average aid)
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 538 (47% female; 53% male)
- Demographic composition: 69.7% White; 20.1% International; 4.1% African American; 2.8%
- Student to teacher ratio: 5:1

Tabor Academy, on Massachusetts' Buzzards Bay, uses its location to the fullest extent. The school offers numerous academic and extracurricular opportunities as a school by the sea, with a fleet of 96 boats.

#87. Oaks Christian School

- Location: Westlake Village, CA
- Tuition and board: $65,200 (45% receive aid)
- Grades offered: 5-12
- Students: 1,446 (45% female; 55% male)
- Demographic composition: 52.9% White; 14.8% Unknown; 9.1% Hispanic; 8.0%
- Student to teacher ratio: 9:1

Oaks Christian School, which incorporates Bible study into its educational programming, opened in 2000. In 2019, it launched its residential program as well as its IDEA (innovation, design, engineering, and aerospace) Lab to focus on STEM studies. Oaks Christian School is located in suburban Westlake Village, about 40 miles northwest of Los Angeles.

#86. Westover School

- Location: Middlebury, CT
- Tuition and board: $63,800 (40% receive aid)
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 189 (100% female; 0% male)
- Demographic composition: 45.0% White; 33.3% International; 7.4% Multiracial; 5.3%
- Student to teacher ratio: 4:1

Westover School, an all-girls high school, has a four-year STEM program called WISE (Women in Science Engineering). The campus also selects themes for each academic year.

#85. Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart

- Location: Lake Forest, IL
- Tuition and board: $54,530
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 131 (100% female; 0% male)
- Demographic composition: 46.6% Unknown; 25.2% White; 13.7% Hispanic; 9.2%
- Student to teacher ratio: 6:1

Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart is part of a network of 150 Sacred Heart schools, allowing the institution to foster a robust global exchange program in which 62% of students participate in some capacity. Roughly 21% of the student body at the all-girls high school lives on-campus.

#84. Saint John's Preparatory School

- Location: Collegeville, MN
- Tuition and board: $49,000 (100% receive aid; $7,500 average aid)
- Grades offered: 6-12
- Students: 274 (52% female; 48% male)
- Demographic composition: 66.4% White; 16.8% International; 6.6% Multiracial; 4.7%
- Student to teacher ratio: 7:1

Saint John's Preparatory School offers boarding options for grades nine through 12. Facilities are on the grounds of Saint John's University, providing students the opportunity to explore and use both campuses.

#83. Grier School

- Location: Birmingham, PA
- Tuition and board: $57,900
- Grades offered: 7-12
- Students: 260 (100% female; 0% male)
- Demographic composition: 47.7% White; 28.8% Asian; 15.4% Hispanic; 5.8%
- Student to teacher ratio: 4:1

Grier School, an all-girls campus, has an average class size of nine students, with none bigger than 14. Along with academic offerings that include Advanced Placement options, the student body participates in additional programs, including fine art, dance, music, theater, riding, and athletics. The Grier family bought the school three years after its 1853 founding and has remained involved ever since.

#82. Riverstone International School

- Location: Boise, ID
- Tuition and board: $51,500 (25% receive aid)
- Grades offered: PK, K-12
- Students: 371 (54% female; 46% male)
- Demographic composition: 66.3% White; 11.1% International; 8.9% Asian; 4.3%
- Student to teacher ratio: 8:1

Riverstone International School is ranked as the best private K-12 school and the best high school for STEM in Idaho. An International Baccalaureate school, Riverstone reports that combined average SAT scores are 200 points higher than statewide averages.

#81. The Governor's Academy

- Location: Byfield, MA
- Tuition and board: $65,800 (27% receive aid; $47,511 average aid)
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 406 (47% female; 53% male)
- Demographic composition: 69.0% White; 15.0% Asian; 6.0% Hispanic; 5.0%
- Student to teacher ratio: 4:1

The Governor's Academy has the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating boarding school in the United States. Its history includes relationships with Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, John Hancock, John Quincy Adams, Booker T. Washington, and more.

#80. Asheville School

- Location: Asheville, NC
- Tuition and board: $60,525 (25% receive aid; $31,000 average aid)
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 294 (53% female; 47% male)
- Demographic composition: 83.3% Unknown; 16.7% International; 0.0% African American; 0.0%
- Student to teacher ratio: 7:1

Asheville School, the highest-ranked boarding school in North Carolina, serves day and boarding students in grades nine through 12. The school's location in the Blue Ridge Mountains lends itself to a number of extracurricular programs, including equestrian and mountaineering.

#79. Westtown School

- Location: West Chester, PA
- Tuition and board: $63,650 (44% receive aid; $27,000 average aid)
- Grades offered: PK, K-12
- Students: 694 (49% female; 51% male)
- Demographic composition: 59.5% White; 9.9% Multiracial; 9.8% African American; 7.2%
- Student to teacher ratio: 8:1

The Westtown School was created by Philadelphia Quakers. It also has the distinction of being the first school in the country to educate both boys and girls, starting with its launch in 1799. Roughly three-quarters of Westtown's upper school students board.

#78. McDonogh School

- Location: Owings Mills, MD
- Tuition and board: $44,300 (22% receive aid; $20,505 average aid)
- Grades offered: PK, K-12
- Students: 1,439 (51% female; 49% male)
- Demographic composition: 63.9% White; 21.2% African American; 7.1% Asian; 5.5%
- Student to teacher ratio: 9:1

Comprised of a lower, middle, and upper school, McDonogh School's campus boasts six acres of farmland that provide food for the campus and experiential learning opportunities for students at all levels. The boarding program, available five days a week, is used by about 100 students.

#77. Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy

- Location: La Canada Flintridge, CA
- Tuition and board: $61,740 (0% receive aid; $9,700 average aid)
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 397 (100% female; 0% male)
- Demographic composition: 40.1% White; 14.6% Asian; 14.6% Hispanic; 14.6%
- Student to teacher ratio: 9:1

An all-girls high school, Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy's mission emphasizes faith, integrity, and truth. Boarding students (roughly 60 each year) talk highly of the Southern California location and lifestyle available to them in the hills above Pasadena.

#76. St. George's School

- Location: Middletown, RI
- Tuition and board: $61,550 (31% receive aid)
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 355 (50% female; 50% male)
- Demographic composition: 82.3% White; 7.3% African American; 4.2% Hispanic; 3.9%
- Student to teacher ratio: 6:1

St. George's School has 85% of its student population boarding. The campus overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and includes a marine research vessel.

#75. Fountain Valley School

- Location: Colorado Springs, CO
- Tuition and board: $61,500 (40% receive aid)
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 241 (50% female; 50% male)
- Demographic composition: 58.5% White; 26.6% International; 5.0% Hispanic; 4.6%
- Student to teacher ratio: 7:1

On the Fountain Valley School's 1,100-acre campus, students have use of a 60,000-square-foot athletics center with an eight-lane indoor pool and a 6,000-square-foot climbing gym. It was founded as an all-boys school in 1930 on the site of a large ranch, and it became co-ed in 1975. Sophomores spend time at the school's 40-acre mountain campus for a Western life immersion experience.

#74. Dana Hall School

- Location: Wellesley, MA
- Tuition and board: $64,580 (26% receive aid; $38,925 average aid)
- Grades offered: 5-12
- Students: 466 (100% female; 0% male)
- Demographic composition: 59.2% White; 11.4% International; 10.7% Asian; 8.2%
- Student to teacher ratio: 8:1

Dana Hall, an all-girls school with a middle school and an upper-class school, has boarding available at grade nine. The upper-school curriculum includes more than 140 courses emphasizing modern skills and technology.

#73. The Pennington School

- Location: Pennington, NJ
- Tuition and board: $64,300 (30% receive aid; $36,000 average aid)
- Grades offered: 6-12
- Students: 527 (49% female; 51% male)
- Demographic composition: 60.3% White; 15.0% International; 8.5% African American; 6.8%
- Student to teacher ratio: 5:1

The Pennington School opened a Center for Learning in 1975, meant to address different learning styles. Currently, the school offers a number of Advanced Placement courses, including marine biology.

#72. Fairmont Preparatory Academy

- Location: Anaheim, CA
- Tuition and board: $67,120
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 577 (44% female; 56% male)
- Demographic composition: 57.2% International; 29.5% Unknown; 5.2% White; 4.7%
- Student to teacher ratio: 10:1

Fairmont Preparatory Academy's college prep curriculum includes Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate coursework. Housing options for international students include staying with a host family and boarding. Fairmont Preparatory Academy is one of four Fairmont private schools, all of which are located in Orange County, California.

#71. Midland School

- Location: Los Olivos, CA
- Tuition and board: $62,100 (54% receive aid; $39,480 average aid)
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 84 (55% female; 45% male)
- Demographic composition: 54.8% White; 11.9% Multiracial; 10.7% Hispanic; 7.1%
- Student to teacher ratio: 4:1

The Midland School features a 2,860-acre campus, where students have installed solar power systems, grow more than half their food in organic gardens, raise cattle, light fires to heat its water supply, and share clean-up duties. In Midland's horse program, students learn horse behavior and communication, cow working, cowboy dressage, pasture management, and ranch work.

#70. Linden Hall

- Location: Lititz, PA
- Tuition and board: $59,670 (53% receive aid; $16,555 average aid)
- Grades offered: 6-12
- Students: 166 (100% female; 0% male)
- Demographic composition: 39.2% White; 30.1% International; 12.7% African American; 8.4%
- Student to teacher ratio: 6:1

Linden Hall, an all-girls school with grades six through 12, was founded in 1746. Extracurriculars include an aviation program. A maker space is also available, with technological equipment and supplies.

#69. Portsmouth Abbey School

- Location: Portsmouth, RI
- Tuition and board: $65,570 (40% receive aid; $38,000 average aid)
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 350 (46% female; 54% male)
- Demographic composition: 56.0% White; 20.6% International; 7.4% Unknown; 5.1%
- Student to teacher ratio: 6:1

Located on the coast of Rhode Island, Portsmouth Abbey School has nearly 80 courses available alongside six study abroad trips that include Rome, Spain, Ireland, England, and Costa Rica. The school was founded in the Catholic tradition and encourages the spiritual development of its students.

#68. The Cambridge School of Weston

- Location: Weston, MA
- Tuition and board: $64,900 (28% receive aid; $34,000 average aid)
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 314 (57% female; 43% male)
- Demographic composition: 68.2% White; 13.4% International; 7.3% Asian; 4.5%
- Student to teacher ratio: 5:1

Offering more than 250 courses a year, The Cambridge School of Weston advocates "active, experiential learning." Originally a girls school intended to prepare students for Radcliffe College, the school was the first independent in the country with a social justice graduation requirement.

#67. The Masters School

- Location: Dobbs Ferry, NY
- Tuition and board: $62,000 (26% receive aid)
- Grades offered: 5-12
- Students: 667 (48% female; 52% male)
- Demographic composition: 72.9% White; 8.7% African American; 8.1% Multiracial; 5.6%
- Student to teacher ratio: 6:1

The Masters School, with a blend of co-educational (grades five and nine through 12) and separated (grades six through eight) courses, sees 100% of its students earn college acceptance. Originally a girls school founded in 1877, the school has focused on college preparedness since the early 1900s and uses the Harkness teaching method.

#66. San Domenico School

- Location: San Anselmo, CA
- Tuition and board: $68,600 (39% receive aid)
- Grades offered: K-12
- Students: 680 (50% female; 50% male)
- Demographic composition: 63.2% White; 13.1% International; 11.9% Asian; 4.7%
- Student to teacher ratio: 9:1

Located on 515 acres north of San Francisco, San Domenico School was founded in 1850 and is the oldest independent school in California. The school teaches K-12 with 130 of its high school students living on campus.

#65. Saint Andrew's School

- Location: Boca Raton, FL
- Tuition and board: $59,850 (20% receive aid)
- Grades offered: PK, K-12
- Students: 1,280 (47% female; 53% male)
- Demographic composition: 82.0% White; 6.0% Hispanic; 4.0% Asian; 4.0%
- Student to teacher ratio: 7:1

Originally a high school for boys, Saint Andrew's School now serves boys and girls from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The curriculum includes Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses, along with various extracurriculars including aviation.

#64. Stevenson School - Upper Division

- Location: Pebble Beach, CA
- Tuition and board: $68,900 (40% receive aid)
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 495 (48% female; 52% male)
- Demographic composition: 46.5% White; 24.4% International; 11.1% Unknown; 8.5%
- Student to teacher ratio: 8:1

Located on California's Monterey Peninsula, the Stevenson School - Upper Division in 2019 moved to longer and fewer classes, reducing the homework load. Classes meet for 70 minutes, and students typically have three classes a day along with time for breaks and extra instructional help.

#63. Annie Wright Schools

- Location: Tacoma, WA
- Tuition and board: $63,270 (49% receive aid; $10,000 average aid)
- Grades offered: PK, K-12
- Students: 582 (62% female; 38% male)
- Demographic composition: 48.5% White; 14.9% Multiracial; 14.3% Asian; 13.1%
- Student to teacher ratio: 6:1

Founded in 1884, Annie Wright Schools have students from age 3 through high school. It is an International Baccalaureate World School that offers all-girls and all-boys academic programs. Boys and girls interact, work, and socialize outside the classroom.

#62. Brooks School

- Location: North Andover, MA
- Tuition and board: $64,950 (32% receive aid; $44,000 average aid)
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 355 (47% female; 53% male)
- Demographic composition: 62.3% White; 9.0% International; 7.6% Asian; 7.6%
- Student to teacher ratio: 6:1

Brooks School offers a college preparatory curriculum alongside arts, athletics, and exchange-student opportunities. Campus facilities include eight science labs, one robotics lab, two theaters, and 12 playing fields. The school was founded in 1926.

#61. Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities

- Location: Muncie, IN
- Tuition and board: unavailable
- Grades offered: 11-12
- Students: 307 (62% female; 38% male)
- Demographic composition: 70.7% White; 14.3% Asian; 5.9% Multiracial; 4.6%
- Student to teacher ratio: 9:1

Located on the campus of Ball State University, the Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities is tuition-free for qualifying students. Highly selective, it admits about 200 new students each year, most of whom are residential.

#60. Woodberry Forest School

- Location: Woodberry Forest, VA
- Tuition and board: $60,700 (47% receive aid; $37,345 average aid)
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 405 (0% female; 100% male)
- Demographic composition: 68.9% White; 9.4% International; 8.1% African American; 4.9%
- Student to teacher ratio: 7:1

An all-boys school founded in 1889, Woodberry Forest School has every student living on campus. It's also ranked the Best All-Boys High School in Virginia, and the third-best boarding high school in the state.

#59. Culver Academies

- Location: Culver, IN
- Tuition and board: $54,500 (35% receive aid; $30,274 average aid)
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 830 (42% female; 58% male)
- Demographic composition: 59.3% White; 21.7% International; 6.9% Asian; 4.6%
- Student to teacher ratio: 7:1

Culver Academies' lakeside campus is more than 1,700 acres, with room for multiple athletic and academic facilities including an equestrian center, ice arena, bird sanctuary, and challenge course. In addition to being ranked the top boarding high school in Indiana, it is also ranked as the best college prep private school in the state.

#58. Cushing Academy

- Location: Ashburnham, MA
- Tuition and board: $65,950 (44% receive aid; $36,600 average aid)
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 392 (45% female; 55% male)
- Demographic composition: 61.5% White; 22.7% Asian; 6.6% African American; 6.4%
- Student to teacher ratio: 6:1

Cushing Academy, which has been co-ed since its founding in 1865, has a student body representing 25 states and 30 countries. The school's mission emphasizes curiosity, creativity, and confidence. Notable alumni include actress Bette Davis, television personality Nate Berkus, and wrestler John Cena.

#57. The Village School

- Location: Houston, TX
- Tuition and board: $67,750
- Grades offered: PK, K-12
- Students: 1,773 (45% female; 55% male)
- Demographic composition: 21.7% International; 20.4% White; 15.7% Multiracial; 14.4%
- Student to teacher ratio: 9:1

The Village School is one of over 50 Nord Anglia international schools located across the globe. The school offers the International Baccalaureate program, as well as collaborations with The Massachusetts Institute of Technology for science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math, and The Juilliard School in New York for the arts.

#56. Suffield Academy

- Location: Suffield, CT
- Tuition and board: $65,225 (40% receive aid)
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 410 (48% female; 52% male)
- Demographic composition: 61.5% White; 20.7% International; 7.8% African American; 4.9%
- Student to teacher ratio: 4:1

Originally founded in 1833, Suffield Academy now includes students from 22 states and 27 countries in its community. Over a third of the student population is a legacy student, or family member of a Suffield alumnus.

#55. Berkshire School

- Location: Sheffield, MA
- Tuition and board: $66,200 (28% receive aid; $48,045 average aid)
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 409 (45% female; 55% male)
- Demographic composition: 60.6% White; 18.6% International; 6.6% Hispanic; 6.4%
- Student to teacher ratio: 4:1

Berkshire School is set in the Berkshire Hills, and students are encouraged to take advantage of its natural setting. The school offers an array of Signature Programs for students ranging in topic from aviation science to sustainability.

#54. Miss Porter's School

- Location: Farmington, CT
- Tuition and board: $58,730
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 325 (100% female; 0% male)
- Demographic composition: 71.7% White; 9.3% Asian; 8.7% African American; 5.3%
- Student to teacher ratio: 6:1

Miss Porter's School is a highly ranked high school for girls in Connecticut, and in the top 10% of girls high schools in the country. The school, founded in 1843, has day and boarding options and emphasizes a personalized and innovative curriculum.

#53. Woodside Priory School

- Location: Portola Valley, CA
- Tuition and board: $74,850 (17% receive aid; $46,250 average aid)
- Grades offered: 6-12
- Students: 382 (52% female; 48% male)
- Demographic composition: 45.8% White; 15.7% Asian; 11.8% Multiracial; 9.2%
- Student to teacher ratio: 6:1

Among the best Catholic high schools in California, Woodside Priory School is the state's only Benedictine College Preparatory school. Founded in 1957, Priory sees about 20% of upper-school students take advantage of boarding opportunities.

#52. Indian Springs School

- Location: Indian Springs, AL
- Tuition and board: $59,900 (36% receive aid; $11,800 average aid)
- Grades offered: 8-12
- Students: 294 (49% female; 51% male)
- Demographic composition: 68.0% White; 22.8% Asian; 7.1% African American; 1.4%
- Student to teacher ratio: 7:1

Author John Green and director of the Mars Curiosity Rover David Oh are among Indian Springs School's notable alumni. With a competitive curriculum that includes 15 Advanced Placement courses, the school is also ranked as Niche's top private high school in Alabama.

#51. The Hill School

- Location: Pottstown, PA
- Tuition and board: $61,410 (38% receive aid; $42,450 average aid)
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 529 (46% female; 54% male)
- Demographic composition: 60.1% White; 13.4% Pacific Islander; 10.2% Asian; 8.9%
- Student to teacher ratio: 9:1

At The Hill School, also known as The Family Boarding School, all students must board for at least a year of their academic careers. The school's motto, "Whatsoever Things Are True," complements a curriculum rooted in the liberal arts.

#50. Blair Academy

- Location: Blairstown, NJ
- Tuition and board: $66,500 (40% receive aid; $40,000 average aid)
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 469 (49% female; 51% male)
- Demographic composition: 72.1% White; 12.8% Asian; 8.5% African American; 3.2%
- Student to teacher ratio: 6:1

Blair Academy, founded in 1848, provides a 463-acre campus with extensive athletic facilities including a golf course, lake, indoor pool, and multiple athletic fields. The educational philosophy emphasizes relationships, global engagement, and public service, among other attributes. Students may also take advantage of travel opportunities and dozens of clubs.

#49. Oregon Episcopal School

- Location: Portland, OR
- Tuition and board: $67,100 (21% receive aid; $18,000 average aid)
- Grades offered: PK, K-12
- Students: 870 (51% female; 49% male)
- Demographic composition: 53.8% White; 20.1% Multiracial; 15.2% Asian; 5.9%
- Student to teacher ratio: 8:1

Oregon Episcopal School regularly ranks among the best college-prep high schools and best high schools for science, technology, engineering, and math in Oregon. It also is the oldest Episcopal school in the western United States. Boarding is available for students in grades nine through 12.

#48. Princeton International School of Math and Science

- Location: Princeton, NJ
- Tuition and board: $50,000 (20% receive aid; $5,557 average aid)
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 97 (28% female; 72% male)
- Demographic composition: 74.2% International; 15.5% Asian; 5.2% White; 2.1%
- Student to teacher ratio: 4:1

The Princeton International School of Math and Science (PRISMS) combines Chinese and American educational theory and teaching practices. Students can take a range of advanced classes from scientific writing to circuit design and robotics, with students in grades 11 and 12 focusing on two-year research and innovation projects.

#47. Shady Side Academy

- Location: Pittsburgh, PA
- Tuition and board: $53,495 (34% receive aid; $18,235 average aid)
- Grades offered: PK, K-12
- Students: 1,060 (45% female; 55% male)
- Demographic composition: 60.4% White; 15.4% Asian; 9.7% Multiracial; 6.0%
- Student to teacher ratio: 8:1

Shady Side Academy has five- and seven-day boarding options for students in grades nine through 12. The school ranks among the top Pennsylvania boarding schools and has a 100% college matriculation rate. Shady Side also runs a farm that is part of the curriculum for all grade levels.

#46. Georgetown Preparatory School

- Location: North Bethesda, MD
- Tuition and board: $63,800 (26% receive aid; $24,000 average aid)
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 496 (0% female; 100% male)
- Demographic composition: 63.9% White; 14.7% Asian; 10.3% African American; 7.1%
- Student to teacher ratio: 8:1

Georgetown Preparatory School, a Jesuit school, ranks among the best Catholic high schools and best boarding high schools in Maryland. Notable alumni include comedian and journalist Mo Rocca along with a number of government officials and military leaders.

#45. George School

- Location: Newtown, PA
- Tuition and board: $63,700
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 524 (52% female; 48% male)
- Demographic composition: 41.0% White; 17.2% African American; 14.9% International; 10.3%
- Student to teacher ratio: 7:1

A Quaker school, George School's core values emphasize transformative teaching and learning, integrity, diversity, and responsibility. The school, which opened in 1893, offers 59 International Baccalaureate and 21 Advanced Placement courses.

#44. The Stony Brook School

- Location: Stony Brook, NY
- Tuition and board: $63,000 (38% receive aid; $22,307 average aid)
- Grades offered: 7-12
- Students: 427 (42% female; 58% male)
- Demographic composition: 37.9% White; 28.6% International; 12.2% Asian; 11.7%
- Student to teacher ratio: 8:1

The Stony Brook School offers 190 courses to students and an average class size of 15. About 200 students live on campus. A train station with routes directly to New York City is located just off-campus.

#43. The International School of Minnesota

- Location: Eden Prairie, MN
- Tuition and board: $40,500 (20% receive aid)
- Grades offered: PK, K-12
- Students: 312 (50% female; 50% male)
- Demographic composition: 35.3% White; 27.2% International; 14.4% Native American; 11.9%
- Student to teacher ratio: 10:1

The International School of Minnesota offers early childhood education, as well as a lower, middle, and upper school. The curriculum includes world language instruction, and traditional college preparatory coursework, including Advanced Placement courses.

#42. Western Reserve Academy

- Location: Hudson, OH
- Tuition and board: $63,275 (51% receive aid)
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 402 (46% female; 54% male)
- Demographic composition: 46.8% White; 26.1% Asian; 9.0% Unknown; 8.2%
- Student to teacher ratio: 5:1

Western Reserve Academy opened in 1826. The affiliated Western Reserve College moved to Cleveland, where today it is Case Western Reserve University. The Academy features the Wang Innovation Center, opened in 2016, with state-of-the-art equipment and software for students to imagine, plan, design, and build projects and ideas.

#41. The Madeira School

- Location: McLean, VA
- Tuition and board: $63,250 (40% receive aid; $36,359 average aid)
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 324 (100% female; 0% male)
- Demographic composition: 52.8% White; 16.0% International; 12.0% African American; 8.0%
- Student to teacher ratio: 6:1

The Madeira School is ranked as the best of seven all-girls high schools in Virginia. For its first 25 years of operation, the campus was in Washington D.C.; the school moved to McLean, Virginia., in 1931. The curriculum includes STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) and humanities opportunities, as well as an experiential learning program.

#40. Episcopal High School

- Location: Alexandria, VA
- Tuition and board: $63,200 (35% receive aid; $49,000 average aid)
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 440 (50% female; 50% male)
- Demographic composition: 67.7% White; 11.6% International; 9.8% African American; 4.8%
- Student to teacher ratio: 4:1

Episcopal High School rates among the best Christian high schools and best boarding schools in Virginia. The entire student body lives on campus. All classes include a Washington Program component, using nearby metropolitan Washington D.C., in four areas of concentrated learning.

#39. Iolani School

- Location: Honolulu, HI
- Tuition and board: $59,225 (28% receive aid; $12,000 average aid)
- Grades offered: K-12
- Students: 2,150 (50% female; 50% male)
- Demographic composition: 36.7% Asian; 25.9% Multiracial; 15.2% Pacific Islander; 13.4%
- Student to teacher ratio: 11:1

Iolani School traces its roots to a mission school for boys started in 1862 during the reign of King Kamehameha IV. Girls were first admitted in 1979. About a quarter of its graduating seniors started out in Iolani's kindergarten.

#38. United World College USA

- Location: Montezuma, NM
- Tuition and board: $36,750 (81% receive aid; $28,826 average aid)
- Grades offered: 11-12
- Students: 235 (50% female; 50% male)
- Demographic composition: 36.2% White; 27.7% Multiracial; 17.4% Asian; 10.6%
- Student to teacher ratio: 9:1

United World College USA is one of 17 UWC schools, enrolling students from more than 90 countries for their final two years of high school. The International Baccalaureate program is available, along with opportunities in the arts, outdoors, and community service.

#37. Thomas Jefferson School

- Location: Saint Louis, MO
- Tuition and board: $53,450 (33% receive aid; $9,000 average aid)
- Grades offered: 7-12
- Students: 85 (41% female; 59% male)
- Demographic composition: 36.5% White; 27.1% International; 11.8% African American; 11.8%
- Student to teacher ratio: 5:1

Thomas Jefferson School, among the most diverse and best private Missouri high schools, was founded in 1946. The school provides a "classical liberal-arts" take on its college prep curriculum; 100% of its graduates attend college.

#36. Kent School

- Location: Kent, CT
- Tuition and board: $58,450
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 575 (44% female; 56% male)
- Demographic composition: 57.2% White; 27.0% Asian; 6.6% Multiracial; 5.0%
- Student to teacher ratio: 6:1

Kent School has a 1,200-acre campus with 13 playing fields, and sections of both the Appalachian Trail and the Housatonic River. The school offers academic opportunities including coursework in disciplines such as engineering, meteorology, and global economics.

#35. Pomfret School

- Location: Pomfret, CT
- Tuition and board: $61,000 (40% receive aid; $30,421 average aid)
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 355 (48% female; 52% male)
- Demographic composition: 65.6% White; 20.8% International; 4.8% African American; 3.7%
- Student to teacher ratio: 7:1

Pomfret School's hometown of Pomfret, Connecticut, has a population of 4,247, according to the 2010 U.S. Census. The school is one of the area's largest employers and offers a community impact statement on five different topics: economic, recreational, cultural, human, and environmental.

#34. The Athenian School

- Location: Danville, CA
- Tuition and board: $67,000 (22% receive aid; $28,594 average aid)
- Grades offered: 6-12
- Students: 533 (49% female; 51% male)
- Demographic composition: 42.8% White; 24.0% Asian; 10.1% International; 8.8%
- Student to teacher ratio: 9:1

The Athenian School, created in 1965, is also a founding member of the Round Square network of schools, which adopts a specific teaching philosophy with six themes for students to pursue and explore. In 2018, SAT combined averages from The Athenian School were 1385.

#33. The Webb Schools

- Location: Claremont, CA
- Tuition and board: $66,130 (36% receive aid; $37,000 average aid)
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 410 (50% female; 50% male)
- Demographic composition: 49.5% White; 34.1% Asian; 5.1% African American; 5.1%
- Student to teacher ratio: 8:1

Webb School of California was founded as a boys school in 1922 and now consists of two schools on one campus, with the addition of the Vivian Webb School, founded in 1981. Students are provided with a single-sex education that emphasizes liberal arts and sciences. Other highlights of The Webb Schools include a paleontology museum on campus.

#32. Northfield Mount Hermon School

- Location: Mount Hermon, MA
- Tuition and board: $66,810 (31% receive aid)
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 655 (48% female; 52% male)
- Demographic composition: 51.5% White; 24.7% International; 8.2% Asian; 8.2%
- Student to teacher ratio: 7:1

Originally two institutions (Northfield Seminary for Young Ladies and Mount Hermon School for Boys), the schools merged in 1971 to form Northfield Mount Hermon School. Notable alumni include actresses Laura Linney and Uma Thurman, founder of Reader's Digest DeWitt Wallace, and inventor of volleyball William Morgan.

#31. Emma Willard School

- Location: Troy, NY
- Tuition and board: $65,270 (41% receive aid; $30,161 average aid)
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 355 (100% female; 0% male)
- Demographic composition: 45.9% White; 23.1% International; 10.1% Unknown; 9.9%
- Student to teacher ratio: 6:1

An all-girls school established more than 200 years ago, the Emma Willard School has 135 courses available, including a host of performing arts opportunities, and a number of sports and other activities. Notable alums include actress Jane Fonda and U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand.

#30. Mercersburg Academy

- Location: Mercersburg, PA
- Tuition and board: $62,350 (50% receive aid; $35,806 average aid)
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 437 (48% female; 52% male)
- Demographic composition: 50.8% White; 22.2% International; 9.6% Asian; 7.6%
- Student to teacher ratio: 4:1

Mercersburg Academy alumni include actors Benicio Del Toro and Jimmy Stewart, former Maryland Gov. Harry Hughes, Nobel laureate Burton Richter, and a number of Olympic athletes. To date, faculty members have been involved in the creation of more than 20 e-textbooks.

#29. Peddie School

- Location: Hightstown, NJ
- Tuition and board: $58,100 (40% receive aid)
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 550 (46% female; 54% male)
- Demographic composition: 59.2% White; 16.0% Asian; 12.9% African American; 6.1%
- Student to teacher ratio: 6:1

Peddie School offers 150 courses, including 18 Advanced Placement courses. The school emphasizes innovative teaching, and provides advanced facilities, including a digital fabrication laboratory.

#28. Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics

- Location: Oklahoma City, OK
- Tuition and board: n/a
- Grades offered: 11-12
- Students: 150 (50% female; 50% male)
- Student to teacher ratio: 6:1

The Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics is a free residential high school for qualifying students in grades 11 and 12. Most of its faculty have doctorate degrees, the curriculum is college-level, and student life is strictly monitored, with mandatory evening study times and restrictions on cell phones and personal internet use.

#27. St. Mark's School

- Location: Southborough, MA
- Tuition and board: $65,460 (30% receive aid; $56,000 average aid)
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 371 (48% female; 52% male)
- Demographic composition: 46.6% White; 20.2% International; 11.1% Asian; 5.7%
- Student to teacher ratio: 4:1

The tagline for St. Mark's School is "intentionally small, thinking big." The average class size is 12 students, and signature programs relate to the school's core values of intellect, character, and leadership, along with traditional college prep courses.

#26. St. Andrew's School

- Location: Middletown, DE
- Tuition and board: $57,000
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 310 (49% female; 51% male)
- Demographic composition: 59.7% White; 17.1% Asian; 11.3% African American; 7.7%
- Student to teacher ratio: 6:1

St. Andrew's, an all-boarding co-ed Episcopal school, ranks as both the best private high school and the most diverse private high school in Delaware. Founded in 1929, the 2,200-acre campus includes six boys' dorms and eight girls' dorms.

#25. St. Stephen's Episcopal School

- Location: Austin, TX
- Tuition and board: $56,705 (18% receive aid; $31,920 average aid)
- Grades offered: 6-12
- Students: 696 (50% female; 50% male)
- Demographic composition: 51.6% White; 15.1% International; 10.9% Hispanic; 9.3%
- Student to teacher ratio: 6:1

St. Stephen's Episcopal School, founded in 1949, has the distinction of being the first coeducational Episcopal school in the United States. To support a college preparatory curriculum, St. Stephen's offers such facilities as an observatory, a fitness center, and an art gallery.

#24. St. Albans School

- Location: Washington, DC
- Tuition and board: $59,892
- Grades offered: 4-12
- Students: 585 (0% female; 100% male)
- Demographic composition: 66.5% White; 12.7% African American; 8.5% Multiracial; 6.8%
- Student to teacher ratio: 8:1

St. Albans School was founded in 1909. In addition to rigorous academics, there are opportunities in travel, arts, and athletics.

#23. Hackley School

- Location: Tarrytown, NY
- Tuition and board: $59,575
- Grades offered: K-12
- Students: 834 (48% female; 52% male)
- Demographic composition: 67.0% White; 12.4% Asian; 8.6% African American; 6.1%
- Student to teacher ratio: 8:1

Hackley School's K-12 students enjoy classes and optional boarding on its Hudson Valley campus. Among Hackley facilities are a performing arts center with a recording studio, a photo lab, a teaching garden, and seven computer labs.

#22. The Taft School

- Location: Watertown, CT
- Tuition and board: $62,500 (35% receive aid; $44,014 average aid)
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 587 (48% female; 52% male)
- Demographic composition: 59.6% White; 18.2% International; 5.6% African American; 5.1%
- Student to teacher ratio: 5:1

The Taft School student body represents 33 states and 44 countries. The curriculum has 29 Advanced Placement subjects, offered through seven different academic departments, as well as dozens of clubs and activities, arts opportunities, and athletics.

#21. Lake Forest Academy

- Location: Lake Forest, IL
- Tuition and board: $61,500 (34% receive aid; $45,100 average aid)
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 435 (45% female; 55% male)
- Demographic composition: 40.2% White; 25.3% International; 14.7% Asian; 7.6%
- Student to teacher ratio: 6:1

Lake Forest Academy was founded in 1857. The school's tagline, "Midwestern Heart. Global Mind," speaks to its location 30 miles north of Chicago. One hundred percent of Lake Forest seniors attend college, and members of the 2018 graduating class enrolled in 77 different institutions.

#20. The Hockaday School

- Location: Dallas, TX
- Tuition and board: $61,621 (16% receive aid)
- Grades offered: PK, K-12
- Students: 1,091 (100% female; 0% male)
- Demographic composition: 68.8% White; 13.0% Asian; 6.1% Hispanic; 6.0%
- Student to teacher ratio: 9:1

The Hockaday School is comprised of a lower, middle, and upper school for students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12, Hockaday provides rigorous academics, and 100% of its graduates attend college.

#19. The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science

- Location: Columbus, MS
- Tuition and board: unavailable
- Grades offered: 11-12
- Students: 238 (61% female; 39% male)
- Demographic composition: 57.1% White; 24.4% African American; 14.7% Asian; 2.1%
- Student to teacher ratio: 11:1

The Mississippi School for Math and Science was founded in 1987 as a public, residential high school to provide an immersive mathematics and science curriculum for grades 11 and 12. Its creation was the inspiration of then-Gov. William Winter after he toured the North Carolina School for Science and Math in 1981.

#18. Cate School

- Location: Carpinteria, CA
- Tuition and board: $65,500 (28% receive aid; $52,000 average aid)
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 298 (50% female; 50% male)
- Demographic composition: 47.7% White; 22.5% Asian; 10.1% Multiracial; 8.4%
- Student to teacher ratio: 6:1

Cate School incorporates its Southern California location into students' lives and learning. The school offers 155 courses, with an average class size of 10 to 12 students. Cate was founded in 1910 as a boys school for students in grades seven through 12.

#17. Cranbrook Schools

- Location: Bloomfield Hills, MI
- Tuition and board: $46,600 (33% receive aid; $17,102 average aid)
- Grades offered: PK, K-12
- Students: 1,659 (49% female; 51% male)
- Demographic composition: 54.9% White; 14.1% Asian; 10.5% Multiracial; 7.0%
- Student to teacher ratio: 7:1

Cranbrook Schools, which has earned #1 rankings in Michigan for best high school for STEM and best private high school, boasts a 319-acre campus with an ice arena, an art museum, an institute of science, and a natatorium. The upper school employs five full-time college counselors, and members of past graduating classes have gone on to attend hundreds of institutions worldwide.

#16. The Thacher School

- Location: Ojai, CA
- Tuition and board: $62,810 (31% receive aid; $52,652 average aid)
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 255 (51% female; 49% male)
- Demographic composition: 53.3% White; 15.3% Multiracial; 9.4% International; 9.0%
- Student to teacher ratio: 6:1

The Thacher School states that its 2% attrition rate is regularly the lowest of any U.S. boarding school. In addition to competitive academics, students have access to a horse program, outdoor opportunities such as rock-climbing, arts, and athletics. Thacher is also ranked as the best boarding high school in California.

#15. Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

- Location: Aurora, IL
- Tuition and board: unavailable
- Grades offered: 10-12
- Students: 647 (50% female; 50% male)
- Demographic composition: 43.0% Asian; 37.1% White; 7.7% Hispanic; 7.0%
- Student to teacher ratio: 12:1

The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy is a public residential high school for students in grades 10 to 12 and specializes in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Its notable alumni include YouTube co-founder Steve Chen, PayPal co-creator Yu Pan, Yelp co-founder Russell Simmons, and OkCupid co-founder Sam Yagan.

#14. The Loomis Chaffee School

- Location: Windsor, CT
- Tuition and board: $61,760 (33% receive aid)
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 736 (44% female; 56% male)
- Demographic composition: 45.1% White; 15.1% International; 11.5% Unknown; 9.6%
- Student to teacher ratio: 4:1

The Loomis Chaffee School, which opened in 1914, teaches 250 courses to a student body that is 70% boarding, 30% day. Distinguished alumni include journalist and author Frank Bruni, former U.S. Secretary of State George P. Shultz, Olympic gold medalist Gretchen Ulion Silverman, and actress Betty Gilpin.

#13. Middlesex School

- Location: Concord, MA
- Tuition and board: $64,150 (34% receive aid; $49,533 average aid)
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 409 (49% female; 51% male)
- Demographic composition: 64.5% White; 12.7% International; 11.0% Asian; 8.3%
- Student to teacher ratio: 4:1

Middlesex School counts actors Steve Carell and William Hurt, Instagram co-founder Kevin Systrom, and two former governors among its alumni. The mission emphasizes students' intellectual, ethical, creative, and physical development. Facilities include an observatory and a recently opened arts pavilion and visual arts center.

#12. Milton Academy

- Location: Milton, MA
- Tuition and board: $63,500 (35% receive aid)
- Grades offered: K-12
- Students: 1,020 (50% female; 50% male)
- Demographic composition: 57.0% White; 10.6% Multiracial; 9.1% Asian; 8.9%
- Student to teacher ratio: 6:1

Milton Academy's motto is "Dare to be true." The 185-acre campus has 12 athletic fields and four athletics buildings, an observatory, and a gallery. Milton sees 100% of seniors matriculate to college.

#11. Deerfield Academy

- Location: Deerfield, MA
- Tuition and board: $61,840 (35% receive aid; $35,000 average aid)
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 658 (48% female; 52% male)
- Demographic composition: 50.2% White; 11.6% International; 10.0% Asian; 8.5%
- Student to teacher ratio: 5:1

Deerfield Academy, founded in 1797, enrolls students from 38 states and 38 countries. Academic programs emphasize the humanities and STEM, with students also having the opportunity to take advantage of courses in the arts. Alumni include "Lost" actors Matthew Fox and Nestor Carbonell.

#10. Concord Academy

- Location: Concord, MA
- Tuition and board: $65,850 (26% receive aid; $49,390 average aid)
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 398 (53% female; 47% male)
- Demographic composition: 48.0% White; 12.1% Asian; 12.1% Multiracial; 9.5%
- Student to teacher ratio: 6:1

Founded in 1922 as a school for girls, Concord Academy became coeducational in 1971. The rigorous curriculum includes more than 230 courses in eight disciplines, including computer science, and modern and classical languages.

#9. North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics

- Location: Durham, NC
- Tuition and board: unavailable
- Grades offered: 11-12
- Students: 680
- Student to teacher ratio: 7:1

Part of the University of North Carolina system, the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics is a public high school offering a residential program to juniors and seniors. It was founded as the first school of its kind in 1980 and serves as a model for other such specialized schools around the world.

#8. St. Paul's School

- Location: Concord, NH
- Tuition and board: $62,000 (38% receive aid; $55,335 average aid)
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 544 (51% female; 49% male)
- Demographic composition: 51.3% White; 12.3% Multiracial; 11.8% International; 9.2%
- Student to teacher ratio: 5:1

St. Paul's School has all students living on campus in a total of 18 dorms. Originally a boys school, St. Paul's was the location of both the first ice hockey games and the first squash courts in the United States.

#7. Noble and Greenough School

- Location: Dedham, MA
- Tuition and board: $58,100
- Grades offered: 7-12
- Students: 614 (50% female; 50% male)
- Demographic composition: 68.7% White; 10.6% Asian; 9.0% Multiracial; 7.3%
- Student to teacher ratio: 5:1

Named for the founder and a teacher who later partnered with him, Noble and Greenough School consists of a middle and upper school, with five-day boarding opportunities for upper-school students. The academic curriculum is complemented by the Experience and Community Engaged Learning (EXCEL) program, which partners with more than 100 organizations to provide service, travel, and project opportunities.

#6. Groton School

- Location: Groton, MA
- Tuition and board: $55,700 (37% receive aid; $43,200 average aid)
- Grades offered: 8-12
- Students: 368 (48% female; 52% male)
- Demographic composition: 62.3% White; 19.0% Asian; 8.7% African American; 6.5%
- Student to teacher ratio: 4:1

The mission of Groton School, whose alumni include President Franklin D. Roosevelt, emphasizes character, learning, leadership, and service. The school, which features a rigorous curriculum and extensive arts, athletics, and extracurricular opportunities, has updated its 1899 schoolhouse to offer a fabrications lab, state-of-the-art classrooms, and more adaptable spaces.

#5. The Lawrenceville School

- Location: Lawrenceville, NJ
- Tuition and board: $62,190 (0% receive aid)
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 822 (48% female; 52% male)
- Demographic composition: 55.0% White; 21.3% Asian; 9.9% African American; 7.8%
- Student to teacher ratio: 7:1

The Lawrenceville School was founded in 1810. Its mission statement emphasizes learning, integrity, and high purpose, and "inspiring the best in each to seek the best for all." Notable alumni include country singer Dierks Bentley, rocker Huey Lewis, multiple governors and senators, and a number of professional athletes.

#4. Choate Rosemary Hall

- Location: Wallingford, CT
- Tuition and board: $61,760 (33% receive aid; $47,150 average aid)
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 867 (49% female; 51% male)
- Demographic composition: 38.3% White; 17.8% International; 13.8% Asian; 8.9%
- Student to teacher ratio: 7:1

Choate Rosemary Hall, which celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2018, counts among its alumni John F. Kennedy as well as actors Michael Douglas, Glenn Close, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Paul Giamatti. Signature academic programs include courses in robotics, Arabic and Middle Eastern studies, environmental immersion, and government and public service. A top-of-the-line arts center opened in 2019.

#3. The Hotchkiss School

- Location: Lakeville, CT
- Tuition and board: $59,990 (31% receive aid; $50,080 average aid)
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 600 (47% female; 53% male)
- Demographic composition: 54.2% White; 21.7% Asian; 11.0% African American; 9.5%
- Student to teacher ratio: 4:1

The Hotchkiss School, whose notable alumni include actress Allison Janney and founder of Time Inc., Henry R. Luce, was founded in 1891. The campus features 13 laboratory classrooms, an optics lab, a biomass facility, five black-and-white and color darkrooms, and a video editing room.

#2. Phillips Exeter Academy

- Location: Exeter, NH
- Tuition and board: $49,880
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 1,085 (48% female; 52% male)
- Demographic composition: 58.3% White; 20.8% Asian; 11.1% African American; 8.1%
- Student to teacher ratio: 5:1

Offering more than 450 courses, Phillips Exeter Academy was established in 1781. The student population is 80% boarding, 20% day students, with 43 states and 29 countries represented. Exeter has seen 100% of its graduates enroll in more than 180 colleges in the past three years.

#1. Phillips Academy

- Location: Andover, MA
- Tuition and board: $57,850 (47% receive aid; $41,500 average aid)
- Grades offered: 9-12
- Students: 1,146 (50% female; 50% male)
- Demographic composition: 54.2% White; 26.1% Asian; 7.9% Multiracial; 6.0%
- Student to teacher ratio: 5:1

The oldest incorporated boarding school in the United States, Phillips Academy is more commonly known as "Andover." The school now conducts need-blind admission, and meets 100% of demonstrated need, stating a desire to "provide world-class education...regardless of their families' economic circumstances." Alumni include actor Humphrey Bogart, Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush, and actress Olivia Wilde.

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