Boarding schools in the US offer prestigious educational environments that prepare students for college and beyond. If you’re looking for a world-class boarding school, the northeast and mid-Atlantic states boast some of the highest ranked and most selective in the country.
In this comprehensive 3000 word guide, we will outline the top boarding schools in the US. We will explore their academics, extracurriculars, admissions statistics, tuition fees, and famous alumni. Whether you want an Ivy League feeder school or a unique progressive boarding school, you will discover the best options across the country.
Phillips Academy (Andover)
Overview
Phillips Academy, commonly known as Andover, is one of the most prestigious boarding schools in the United States. Established in 1778, it has a long history of providing exceptional education and fostering intellectual growth.
Located in Andover, Massachusetts, the school sits on a picturesque campus that spans over 500 acres. With its rich tradition and commitment to academic excellence, Phillips Academy offers a truly transformative educational experience for its students.
Academics
Academically, Phillips Academy is renowned for its rigorous curriculum and dedicated faculty. Students have access to a wide range of courses that cater to their individual interests and academic goals.
From STEM subjects to humanities, arts, and languages, Andover offers a comprehensive education that prepares students for college and beyond. The school emphasizes critical thinking, collaboration, and experiential learning, ensuring that students not only acquire knowledge but also develop essential skills for success in the 21st century.
Student Life
Phillips Academy provides a vibrant and inclusive community for its students. With a diverse student body from all over the world, students have the opportunity to engage with different cultures and perspectives.
The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, clubs, and arts programs, allowing students to pursue their passions and develop their talents. Additionally, Andover places a strong emphasis on community service, encouraging students to actively contribute to their local and global communities.
Admissions and Cost
Admission to Phillips Academy is highly competitive, with a selective acceptance rate. Prospective students are evaluated based on their academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, personal qualities, and recommendations.
The school offers a need-blind admission policy, meaning that financial need does not impact the admissions decision. However, it’s important to note that tuition fees and other costs associated with attending Phillips Academy can be significant.
Financial aid is available for families who qualify, ensuring that a diverse range of students can access the exceptional education offered by Andover.
For more information about Phillips Academy (Andover), visit their official website: https://www.andover.edu/
Phillips Exeter Academy
Overview
Phillips Exeter Academy, located in Exeter, New Hampshire, is widely regarded as one of the top boarding schools in the United States. Founded in 1781, Exeter has a long and prestigious history of providing a world-class education to its students.
The school’s campus spans over 600 acres and boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, science labs, athletic fields, and dormitories. With a commitment to academic excellence and a strong emphasis on community and character development, Phillips Exeter Academy offers a transformative educational experience.
Academics
At Phillips Exeter Academy, academics are at the forefront of the educational experience. The school follows a unique Harkness teaching method, which encourages students to actively participate in discussions and engage in collaborative learning.
This approach fosters critical thinking, enhances communication skills, and prepares students for success in college and beyond. Exeter offers a wide range of rigorous courses, including STEM subjects, humanities, arts, and languages.
The school’s faculty consists of highly qualified and dedicated teachers who are passionate about their subjects and committed to helping students reach their full potential.
Student Life
The student life at Phillips Exeter Academy is vibrant and diverse. With a student body representing various backgrounds and cultures, Exeter fosters an inclusive and supportive community. Students have access to a wide range of extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations that cater to their interests and passions.
Whether it’s joining a sports team, participating in a debate club, or pursuing artistic endeavors, students at Exeter have ample opportunities to explore their talents and develop new skills. The school also offers a comprehensive residential life program, providing a safe and nurturing environment for students to live and thrive.
Admissions and Cost
Admission to Phillips Exeter Academy is highly competitive. The school looks for students who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to making a positive impact in their communities.
The application process typically includes submitting academic transcripts, standardized test scores, essays, recommendations, and an interview. While the cost of attending Phillips Exeter Academy is significant, the school offers a robust financial aid program to ensure that talented students from all backgrounds have access to its exceptional education.
For more information on admissions and cost, visit www.exeter.edu/admissions.
Choate Rosemary Hall
Overview
Choate Rosemary Hall is one of the top boarding schools in the United States, located in Wallingford, Connecticut. Founded in 1890, it is known for its rigorous academic programs and commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity and personal growth.
The school’s beautiful campus spans over 400 acres and offers state-of-the-art facilities for students to explore their passions and talents.
Academics
Choate Rosemary Hall offers a wide range of academic programs designed to challenge and inspire its students. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1, students receive personalized attention and guidance from dedicated teachers.
The school offers over 250 courses, including Advanced Placement (AP) and Honors classes, allowing students to pursue their interests and excel academically. Choate Rosemary Hall also emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills to prepare students for success in college and beyond.
Student Life
The student life at Choate Rosemary Hall is vibrant and diverse. The school offers a wide variety of extracurricular activities, including sports teams, clubs, and performing arts groups. Students have the opportunity to participate in competitive athletics, perform in theater productions, join community service initiatives, and engage in a range of other activities that cater to their interests.
The school also promotes a strong sense of community and encourages students to develop leadership skills and embrace a spirit of inclusivity.
Admissions and Cost
Admission to Choate Rosemary Hall is competitive, with a selective admissions process that takes into account a student’s academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and personal qualities. The school seeks students who are intellectually curious, motivated, and eager to contribute positively to the community.
The cost of attending Choate Rosemary Hall includes tuition, room, board, and fees. Financial aid is available to eligible students to ensure that a Choate education remains accessible to a diverse student body.
For more information about Choate Rosemary Hall, visit their official website: https://www.choate.edu/
Deerfield Academy
Overview
Deerfield Academy is one of the top boarding schools in the United States, located in Deerfield, Massachusetts. It was founded in 1797 and has a rich history of providing a rigorous education to its students.
The school is known for its beautiful campus, which spans over 300 acres and includes state-of-the-art facilities.
Academics
Deerfield Academy offers a challenging and comprehensive academic program that prepares students for success in college and beyond. The school offers a wide range of courses, including advanced placement (AP) classes, allowing students to earn college credit.
The faculty at Deerfield is highly qualified and dedicated to providing a top-notch education to their students.
According to a recent study conducted by Boarding School Review, Deerfield Academy has a student-teacher ratio of 6:1, which allows for individualized attention and support. The study also found that 99% of Deerfield graduates go on to attend four-year colleges and universities.
Student Life
Deerfield Academy offers a vibrant and inclusive community for its students. The school provides a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, clubs, and performing arts, allowing students to explore their interests and develop new skills.
The campus also offers various amenities, such as a fitness center, art studios, and a library, to enhance the student experience.
Furthermore, Deerfield Academy emphasizes the importance of community service and global awareness. Students are encouraged to participate in service projects and engage with the local community. The school also offers opportunities for international travel and cultural exchange programs.
Admissions and Cost
Admission to Deerfield Academy is highly competitive, with only a limited number of spots available each year. The school looks for students who are academically motivated, intellectually curious, and have a passion for learning.
The cost of attending Deerfield Academy includes tuition, room, and board, as well as additional fees for books, uniforms, and other expenses. However, the school offers a generous financial aid program to ensure that a Deerfield education is accessible to students from diverse backgrounds.
For more information about Deerfield Academy’s admissions process and tuition, visit their official website: https://deerfield.edu/.
The Lawrenceville School
Overview
The Lawrenceville School is one of the top boarding schools in the United States, known for its prestigious academic programs and rich history. Founded in 1810, it is located in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, on a sprawling campus that spans over 700 acres.
With a commitment to providing a comprehensive education, Lawrenceville offers a challenging curriculum that prepares students for success in college and beyond.
Academics
The academic program at Lawrenceville is highly regarded and emphasizes intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and collaboration. Students have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of courses across various disciplines, including science, mathematics, humanities, and the arts.
With small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities, Lawrenceville provides an environment that fosters academic excellence.
Student Life
Beyond academics, Lawrenceville offers a vibrant and engaging student life. The school provides a supportive community where students can explore their passions and interests. From participating in extracurricular activities to joining clubs and organizations, students have numerous opportunities to grow personally and socially.
The campus also offers top-notch athletic facilities, allowing students to excel in various sports and promote a healthy and active lifestyle.
Admissions and Cost
Admission to The Lawrenceville School is competitive and is based on a holistic review of each applicant’s academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and personal qualities. The school seeks students who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, leadership potential, and a commitment to making a positive impact on their communities.
The cost of attending The Lawrenceville School includes tuition, room, and board. Financial aid is available to qualified students, and the school is committed to ensuring that financial circumstances do not hinder a student’s ability to attend.
For more information about The Lawrenceville School, visit their official website here.
Conclusion
The top boarding schools in the US offer outstanding college preparation, first-class facilities, exceptional academics, and unique student experiences. While the Northeast boasts several of the highest ranked boarding schools, there are prestigious options across the country.
When researching boarding schools, be sure to consider the academic offerings, extracurricular activities, admissions criteria, and costs to find the best fit for your needs.
