2023 Best Boarding High Schools in America (2023)

#1 Best Boarding High Schools in America

• Andover, MA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •

  Rating 4.46 out of 5 157 reviews

Alum: The great class of ‘75. We were the last class “de prepped “. We were two years apart and two years combined with Abbot. We met John Mason Kemper and carried on with “Doc” Sizer. We survived “Rinkydink” days and witnessed “Mother Phillips”. After all that, I’m totally jealous of what the students are offered and have available today. It’s awesome! And with “Need Blind” admission, who can compete! Go Big Blue!... Read 157 reviews

• gradeA+

• Students 1,187

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

#2 Best Boarding High Schools in America

• Wallingford, CT•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •

  Rating 4.56 out of 5 167 reviews

Alum: I'm a recent Choate grad and the school granted me a fantastic education with otherworldly opportunities. Choate changed the trajectory of my life and allowed me to elevate my educational and career goals. While being a non-rich student in such a wealthy environment was definitely tough at times, I am infinitely grateful for my Choate experience and would do it again in a heartbeat. The course offerings, clubs, and facilities at Choate match more of a small liberal arts college than that of a high school, and the opportunities granted to Choate students shine through after graduation.... Read 167 reviews

• gradeA+

• Students 868

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

#3 Best Boarding High Schools in America

• Exeter, NH•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •

  Rating 4.33 out of 5 301 reviews

Senior: Truly rigorous classes with students who have a wide range of interests. Nothing can beat a boarding school with a billion dollar endowment that they can use to fund your passion projects and overall academic experience. Living with your classmates in this tiny New Hampshire town really forces you to battle the chem tests and history essays as a team. I have met my best friends at Exeter—that's why our alumni network is so strong. You only stay at Exeter for 4 years but they stick with you.Yes, the academics are hard. If you're not looking for challenge then don't come to Exeter. No, it's not a school full of boring workaholics—we have fun too! Yes, there is wealth, but Exeter offers great financial aid and people are generally humble.And of course, Exeter >>>>> Andover. Our campus is prettier, the dorm system better, and I've heard our student body culture is way less toxic than theirs.... Read 301 reviews

• gradeA+

• Students 1,077

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

#4 Best Boarding High Schools in America

• Groton, MA•

• Private School•

• 8-12

• •

  Rating 4.52 out of 5 62 reviews

Alum: At Groton, I feel that I have been able to become a more independent and conscientious person during my time at this school. The best thing about this school is the resources that it provides the students. Here, I feel that I can be whoever I like because the teachers, dorm parents, coaches, and community is supportive of everyone's quirks, interests, and dreams. The teachers are approachable and dedicated, and work hard to provide students with a positive experience and I have made some of the truest and most diverse background friends. However, while at my time here, I have noticed that there is a toxically competitive culture here. Moreover, sometimes it is hard to get leadership positions in clubs because one has to be "connected" or popular, and the unsafe hook-up culture NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED! Overall, a great school, and despite the school's imperfections, I would not trade my experience at Groton for anything else in the world.... Read 62 reviews

• gradeA+

• Students 380

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

#5 Best Boarding High Schools in America

• Lakeville, CT•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •

  Rating 4.42 out of 5 86 reviews

Parent: Hotchkiss made a very generous financial aid offer that make selecting it a no brainer - so don't let the sticker price dissuade you from applying! Our "lower-mid" (10th grade) child has had a fantastic experience in her first few months, despite the Covid lockdowns. Of course the resources are fantastic, but what has especially impressed us as parents is the personal attention for our child from each of her teachers and deans. Go Bearcats!... Read 86 reviews

• gradeA+

• Students 599

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

#6 Best Boarding High Schools in America

• Princeton, NJ•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •

  Rating 4.93 out of 5 15 reviews

Alum: PRISMS is an amazing place! The diverse student body from across the world is unique and everybody here is extremely talented. The teachers are wonderful and the research equipment is college-level (PCR machine, AFM, laser cutter, CNC, lots of 3D printers, etc.). If you are looking for a STEM-focused education, PRISMS is the right place for you!... Read 15 reviews

• gradeA+

• Students 120

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

#7 Best Boarding High Schools in America

• Concord, NH•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •

  Rating 4.47 out of 5 90 reviews

Parent: If you want a well-rounded high school experience, St. Paul's is the place to go. It is clear that the school genuinely cares about its students, faculty, and staff. They've done a lot of research on diversity programs and, consequently, have done a great job of building a friendly and inclusive environment. Teachers are also very receptive and genuinely concerned about their student's well-being and success. SPS has had the most impact on our son's life. He adores his school classmates, deans, and advisers. As parents, we couldn't ask for a better school for our son! We are so relieved we decided to go with St. Paul's!... Read 90 reviews

• gradeA+

• Students 530

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

#8 Best Boarding High Schools in America

• Lawrenceville, NJ•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •

  Rating 4.23 out of 5 168 reviews

Alum: I loved my three years there! I have had invaluable once-in-a-lifetime opportunities and experiences here and I have grown so much from my journey! Fair warning, it is pretty rigorous academically and, and especially a rather sharp learning curve if you enter after freshman year ,(I was a new sophomore) but, once you find or reach out to the necessary people, it'll make the adjustment so much easier. Though your schedule will most likely almost always be packed, that also means you have a plethora of opportunities to stretch and apply yourself, not just in fields that you cam into high school good at, but in new subject areas and co-curriculars you might have never even heard of before.... Read 168 reviews

• gradeA+

• Students 822

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

#9 Best Boarding High Schools in America

• Deerfield, MA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •

  Rating 4.48 out of 5 69 reviews

Parent: Deerfield is the Columbia University of the Ivy League. Exeter/Andover is the Harvard/Yale. DA is compact, efficient, structured & fun. It has the hardest grading w severe grade deflation. There is only 1 GPA on a scale of 100. If you magically break 93, you are high honors. If you want the best odds of your child getting into an Ivy or Elite or Top LAC, Deerfield admit stats are up with the Top 5 feeders in the country. DA looks/feels like a country club, but the kids here work extremely hard unless you are shoo-in as recruited athlete or legacy. Regular Sit-down dinners force you to meet everyone in the school. Mandatory 1st or 2nd waiter duties teach humility. You get out of Deerfield, what you put into it because the resources are limitless. It's a tough place if your child needs coddling. But the best school if you want your kid to be an independent thinker and doer. The teachers and admin are unbelievably competent! It should be ranked 2nd/3rd but all these rankings are bunk... Read 69 reviews

• gradeA+

• Students 658

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

#10 Best Boarding High Schools in America

• Dedham, MA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •

  Rating 4.64 out of 5 53 reviews

Parent: Incredible school and culture of academics and athletics. Fantastic leadership and communication through ever changing scenarios of the pandemic. Our son, is happy, feels safe and thrives in an environment that encourages curiosity and inclusion.... Read 53 reviews

• gradeA+

• Students 614

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

#11 Best Boarding High Schools in America

• Windsor, CT•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •

  Rating 4.27 out of 5 142 reviews

Freshman: I like the welcoming environment and sense of belonging from going to this school. Loomis’s emphasis on the Best Self and Common Good is present throughout the school‘s culture and social life, and hence the school is very open and accepting. The diversity at the school made me feel welcome and accepted, and Loomis’s programs to raise awareness for groups like the LGBTQ+ community were reaffirming and a nice action for National Coming Out Day. The school’s academic programs are beneficially challenging as well, with flexibility in advancing in courses such that students are able to take sufficiently challenging courses. The music, arts and after school activities all have an abundance of applicable resources. The Loomis Chaffee School is a great place for students who are willing to take initiative and seek resources to advance their learning and skills.... Read 142 reviews

• gradeA+

• Students 741

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

#12 Best Boarding High Schools in America

• Concord, MA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •

  Rating 4.3 out of 5 101 reviews

Junior: I LOVE CA! As a current day student, I don’t have many regrets about my choice to go CA. The academics are manageable but rigorous, super friendly community, and most teachers really put in an effort to connect with students. CA is centered around common trust basically meaning that we all have trust in each other and put effort to foster a community. With that said, that is the case about 90% of the time. I’ve had a couple negative experiences with teachers and students who simply just don’t adhere to the common trust. For instance, I’ve a couple of teachers who just didn’t put in any effort to support me or my unique learning. Other than those few experiences, I have nothing but positive feedback for CA.... Read 101 reviews

• gradeA+

• Students 398

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

#13 Best Boarding High Schools in America

• Milton, MA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •

  Rating 4.24 out of 5 140 reviews

Senior: Milton Academy students leverage their top-tier academics to achieve their goals. Whether that be in academics, athletics, the arts, or in social justice, everything these students do is done at the highest caliber. We love to learn and bond through knowledge! I would describe its community as full of social nerds. Milton has provided me with endless opportunities and has expanded my network immensely. Thank you for a wonderful three years so far, Milton. While I’ll be moving onto a new chapter in the next couple years, I know I will always have Milton’s support.... Read 140 reviews

• gradeA+

• Students 1,020

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

#14 Best Boarding High Schools in America

• Carpinteria, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •

  Rating 4.32 out of 5 50 reviews

Parent: Faculties are good. This school is very hard to get the admission acceptance because lot of legacy students. Some employees’ working attitude not friendly, especially the workers in the health center, no patient, no mercy. Also some dorm parents are ex-Cate students whose attitudes are very mean!... Read 50 reviews

• gradeA+

• Students 298

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

#15 Best Boarding High Schools in America

• Concord, MA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •

  Rating 4.42 out of 5 66 reviews

Parent: My son recently graduated from MX and his experience was a game changer for him. It is academically intense but non competitive, with students studying together and helping each other succeed. It is one of the kindest places that fosters friendliness and acceptance. His friends are smart, caring, multi faceted and diverse in every sense. The teachers take the time to build relationships and get to know the kids, meeting weekly as advisors to learn about and support their students as they navigate academics, sports, friends and teen challenges. MX is a gem that you seek out for a different and special ISL experience. An incredible place filled with amazing people!... Read 66 reviews

• gradeA+

• Students 409

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

#16 Best Boarding High Schools in America

• Ojai, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •

  Rating 4.24 out of 5 96 reviews

Parent: My daughter graduated from Thacher last year and I must say that it was a truly transformational experience for her. While studying in a rigorous academic environment, she often spoke of how there was a spirit of cooperation amongst her peers and how her teachers were accessible. She was able to participate in many activities - athletics, performing arts, clubs, etc... during her time at Thacher. While busy, she wasn't overwhelmed. That is what I heard most often from her peers at other independent schools in our home town. Thumbs up to Thacher for preparing my daughter well for life!... Read 96 reviews

• gradeA+

• Students 259

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

#17 Best Boarding High Schools in America

• Southborough, MA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •

  Rating 4.3 out of 5 50 reviews

Junior: My St. Mark's experience so far has been great. The smaller sized classes allow for more individual attention and better communication between the students and teachers. There are also many opportunities available to students from community service to leadership positions. As a boarder, the dorm atmosphere is great and I've met many of my friends there!... Read 50 reviews

• gradeA+

• Students 385

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

#18 Best Boarding High Schools in America

• Lake Forest, IL•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •

  Rating 4.68 out of 5 72 reviews

Parent: During this pandemic, we are very grateful that Lake Forest Academy has provided a safe learning environment for our son and other boarders. The impact is minimized with the best efforts.... Read 72 reviews

• gradeA+

• Students 436

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

#19 Best Boarding High Schools in America

• Bloomfield Hills, MI•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •

  Rating 4.42 out of 5 260 reviews

Senior: I came to CK during the pandemic. It obviously was not a traditional experience, however, comparatively, the school's response to the pandemic in ensuring the best possible education was provided to their students was definitely exceptional. With the amazingly breathtaking campus, CK has the facilities and resources like no other high school that students have the full advantage of utilizing. Students had the opportunity to return to campus for in-person learning a lot sooner the other schools due to the spacing available. Now attending CK in a post-pandemic time, I can fully enjoy all that the school has to offer...and trust me, they've got lots!... Read 260 reviews

• gradeA+

• Students 1,659

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

#20 Best Boarding High Schools in America

• Plantation, FL•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •

  Rating 4.48 out of 5 691 reviews

Senior: American Heritage (Broward Campus) undeniably outperforms a vast majority of high schools in Florida in a variety of categories, such as Club/Activity opportunities, diversity, safety, and college readiness. Whether this be referenced in terms of the hundreds of student services, variance of student demographics, security reinforcements, and semesterly guidance involvement, the k-12 atmosphere has always boasted a comfortable and direct learning environment. I would only encourage consideration/improvement on staff morals, as many individual courses have become notoriously difficult and constructed by teachers with unnecessarily demanding curriculum. Food (and tuition alone) are also quite expensive, although there are cheaper options such as snack bars and pop-up bake sales. I have not experienced bullying, harassment, nor even the slightest concern of my safety while attending and have had an overall great experience!... Read 691 reviews

• gradeA+

• Students 2,794

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

#21 Best Boarding High Schools in America

• Hightstown, NJ•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •

  Rating 4.23 out of 5 150 reviews

Sophomore: Peddie makes an effort to inform prospective students of its academic rigor. And oh, is school hard at Peddie! The typical school day is packed with a class of challenging math, a productive discussion in Humanities, lectures and labs in Chemistry, Biology or Physics, and more. Students can explore and succeed in a many fields including Computer Science, the Arts or an additional language. After school, students are engaged in a required extracurricular activity. Many students opt for sports, which all have practices in state-of-the-art facilities with the guidance of devoted coaches. I've been on the swim team for the past year, and have found team culture to be wonderful and supportive. Other activities include being in the cast or set crew of musicals, Robotics (FRC), and community service. Dorm life is great too, the lounges are open and spacious, and SNAs (Saturday Night Activities) are aplenty.... Read 150 reviews

• gradeA+

• Students 532

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

#22 Best Boarding High Schools in America

• Mclean, VA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •

  Rating 4.18 out of 5 99 reviews

Senior: Madeira's mission of "launching women who change the world" guides every aspect of this unique educational experience. I am extremely grateful for my education and appreciate the environment Madeira fosters to make every student thrive. From small, personalized class with the modular schedule, to a tight community of both students and faculty, to worldly experiences, Madeira prepares us for the future that we will inherit. Of particular note is the Co-Curriculum program that gives us real world experiences each year -- something that a teenager cannot find anywhere else. It is extremely impressive to be able to go to a college interview or job interview and say you have worked on Capitol Hill! I think Madeira is made up of small moments - traditions, laughing in the library, baking with your teachers - that become impactful, life-changing moments at such a pivotal age. This personal attention gives us the confidence and the leadership skills to take on any issue. Life changing!... Read 99 reviews

• gradeA+

• Students 343

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

#23 Best Boarding High Schools in America

• Washington, DC•

• Private School•

• 4-12

• •

  Rating 4.57 out of 5 49 reviews

Junior: St. Albans has taught me time management skills because we are required to play a sport every season and practices end around 6. It truly is a strenuous environment academically but the friends you make in your years here make it all worthwhile. Knowing you aren’t the only person struggling or going through rigorous tests and papers makes it all more bearable. Other traditions like the BEEF Club, family style lunches, and chapels in the little sanctuary bring everyone closer together and really make you feel at home. I came to the school in eighth grade but even so I can tell I’ve made lifelong friends here. You’re excited to go to school everyday because your brothers will be there with you.... Read 49 reviews

• gradeA+

• Students 592

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

#24 Best Boarding High Schools in America

• Belmont, MA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •

  Rating 4.75 out of 5 24 reviews

Sophomore: Truly a safe and supportive environment to forge your own path, the Belmont Hill School has allowed me to explore all kinds of academic and athletic topics, and the wonderful teachers and tight-knit community make it truly a unique and spectacular place to flourish.... Read 24 reviews

• gradeA+

• Students 465

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

#25 Best Boarding High Schools in America

• Delray Beach, FL•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •

  Rating 4.45 out of 5 524 reviews

Junior: My experience at American Heritage has been great! The teachers, staff, and students have all contributed to make my experience enjoyable. The environment at American Heritage allows for students to reach their full potential and truly get a feel for different career paths.... Read 524 reviews

• gradeA+

• Students 1,797

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1