2023 Best Boarding High Schools in America

• Andover, MA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.43 out of 5  161 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 161 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,187

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Wallingford, CT•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.53 out of 5  170 reviews

Parent: Now that our son is a senior, I have actual experience to agree that Choate is the best school out there for our son. We are grateful for his continued growth as caring and kind young man, making life-long friends, with a solid academic foundation. Listening to his interests expand and develop in academic areas that we never expected really impressed us on how great Choate's teachers are engaging students to pursue their interests. In a conversation, our son said, "my friend xxx" and we didn't know who he was and asked which dorm he was in, and our son said, "he teaches." It was really wonderful to hear that he genuinely thinks some of his teachers are his friends. It makes a huge difference to have such mentors in boarding school. Not to mention, the community and environment is nurturing with good guidance for young adults in learning to make effective choices. In addition, he's an athlete committed to play D1 sports. These 4 years have been awesome.... Read 170 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 868

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Exeter, NH•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.34 out of 5  306 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 306 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,077

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• 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

• grade A+

• Students 380

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Lakeville, CT•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.42 out of 5  88 reviews

Parent: The Hotchkiss School is very generous with financial aid, and our student was supported well for all four years. Now that they are in college, some of the rough edges are smoothing out over time and they are more positive about their experiences on this campus. However, our student was a fine math student but felt that after precalculus, the math curriculum was not solid. So they have chosen to repeat calculus and other college level math courses taken at Hotchkiss in order to continue as a mathematics major at University. We cannot speak highly enough of the liberal arts education, especially in writing, literature, the classics and humanities, and of course, the uniquely beautiful setting in Lakeville. Over all, a very positive boarding school experience.... Read 88 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 599

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Princeton, NJ•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.59 out of 5  17 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 17 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 120

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Concord, NH•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.44 out of 5  93 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 93 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 530

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Lawrenceville, NJ•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.24 out of 5  169 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 169 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 822

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• 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

• grade A+

• Students 658

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Dedham, MA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.65 out of 5  54 reviews

Senior: It is hard to put into words the incredibly positive impact that this school has had on my life. Coming in as an awkward freshman, I was greeted by a welcoming community of intelligent, funny, and hard-working students and teachers that have supported me since day one. Through the most amazing sports teams, clubs, organizations, and even just academic classes, I have made memories and formed relationships (with students and teachers alike) that will last me a lifetime. Now as a senior in my fourth year at the school, I feel confident in myself as a learner, friend, teammate, leader, and person, and so much of this is thanks to Nobles. Starting with assembly in the morning, and ending with "Dogs on three, one, two, three, DOGS!" at the end of practice in the afternoon, the constant infectious energy makes it a joy for me to go to school each day. I will miss this place dearly and plan to stay connected long after I graduate.... Read 54 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 614

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Windsor, CT•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.29 out of 5  143 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 143 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 741

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Concord, MA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.28 out of 5  103 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 103 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 398

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Milton, MA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  141 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 141 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,020

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Carpinteria, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.31 out of 5  51 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 51 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 298

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Concord, MA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.43 out of 5  67 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 67 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 409

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Ojai, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  97 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 97 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 259

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Southborough, MA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.31 out of 5  51 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 51 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 385

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• 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

• grade A+

• Students 436

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Bloomfield Hills, MI•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.42 out of 5  264 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 264 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,659

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Plantation, FL•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.48 out of 5  695 reviews

Sophomore: I love the environment. It’s an incredibly diverse place. Everyone has a place there. The students are amazing and the teachers are definitely qualified for the job. They always respond quickly and teach amazingly. The school has so many resources that I can’t even count them all. They especially have a great college prep course. They constantly remind you and tell you to do research on colleges and to study for the past. Regarding the P-sat, they have many prep classes for it. Clubs and activities are a big part of the school. After-school, there’s constantly students on campus. If you think of any club, chances are that they have one. They have a great fine arts program. Classes range from guitar to dance and theater.Now for math and science they have specialized math competition classes and a pre-medical program. I love this school and am proud to say that I am a student there!... Read 695 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,794

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Hightstown, NJ•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  152 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 152 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 532

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Mclean, VA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.18 out of 5  100 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 100 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 343

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• 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

• grade A+

• Students 592

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Belmont, MA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.77 out of 5  26 reviews

Parent: My son is in middle school program. BH is a terrific school with very supportive faculty and administrative members who know how to mentor, coach and teach boys during their transformative phases as well as encouraging boys to take risk in order to get out their comfort zone and providing students just enough space to fail without dampening their enthusiasm and curiosity. The school has been working extremely hard to attract diverse student population to better overall student experience and promote inclusivity. Overall, I am very impressed with how thoughtful the school constructs the program and help the boys become excellent students and compassionate and supportive members of their respective communities.... Read 26 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 465

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Delray Beach, FL•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.43 out of 5  530 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 530 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,797

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1