2023 Best Boarding High Schools in Massachusetts

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Mount Hermon, MA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  141 reviews

Alum: My cousins and sister attended Northfield Mount Hermon. Visiting them and hearing about their experiences, I'd dreamed of attending the school myself. When I was admitted, I was thrilled! The four years I spent at NMH were everything I hoped for and more. Academically, I was challenged and rewarded. Socially, I was awakened and embraced. Personally, I was impacted forever. The friends I made here are the deepest I have, almost 20 years later. I am eternally grateful that I was able to spend such formative years at such an incredible institution. If you are seeking a school that is constantly striving to do better and expects the same of their community, this is a place for you.... Read 141 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 655

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• North Andover, MA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.23 out of 5  52 reviews

Parent: I have two Children who attend Brooks. Both are 4 year boarders. The opportunity each of them has been given in attending Brooks as been incredible. They have been challenged in and out of the classroom. The academics are challenging, but are done in an environment that is always supportive, with a lot of encouragement to strive to be and do your best. My children have forged wonderful relationships with many of their teachers, advisors and coaches; ones that will last a lifetime. The school is very warm and welcoming, and has the feel of being "home". Athletics at Brooks are a great compliment to the academics. Brooks is always competitive in so many of their athletic teams. Brooks transitioned so quickly and so well to online learning during this past Spring when schools were forced to close. The transition was seamless for my children, and my children continued to be challenged during this remote learning time. I would highly recommend Brooks School.... Read 52 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 346

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Sheffield, MA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.49 out of 5  104 reviews

Alum: Attending Berkshire School was a life changing experience. From athletics, my participation in the arts, and most importantly academics, I was encouraged to be my best at everything I did, everyday. I use to think private schools can be overwhelming and ruthlessly competitive. However, Berkshire School is a small, loving, and supportive community that focuses on the collective success of the school rather than the success of one student, while always ensuring that students are held to a elite level standard. No matter where you are from, coming to Berkshire will give you the opportunity to do everything at the highest level, it was truly the place where I began to understand my identity, unlock my passions, and hold myself to high standards.... Read 104 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 425

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Ashburnham, MA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.52 out of 5  106 reviews

Parent: Our daughter graduated in 2022 from Cushing, transferring in after her Sophomore year at another solid prep school.She reclassed because she knew she would love Cushing and simply wanted to spend three years there, not just two. She drove the decision to transfer and did all the research, identifying two strong boarding schools. She wanted to board. Early on, we decided to focus on Cushing. In hindsight, it was the best decision we could have made. We found Cushing to be a very welcoming, caring community. Academics are rigorous as you want. Plenty of AP courses offered as well as advanced courses. Engineering was one of her favorite classes and helped her decide that a STEM career is what she wanted to pursue in college. Visual Arts programs offered are amazing. She enjoyed glass making, creating a few treasured gifts. She sang and did theater; Performing Arts also excellent. Athletics programs are strong. Excellent coaches. There are athletic opportunities for every student.... Read 106 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 380

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Wellelsey, MA•

• Private School•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 4.21 out of 5  71 reviews

Parent: We have experienced both public and private high schools and in the end, it’s what the student makes of the available opportunities. We find Dana Hall to be an excellent school with caring and responsive staff. Students have weekly one on one meetings with their advisor as well as daily group meetings. The environment promotes girls to take on leadership roles as well as fostering a spirit of sisterhood through their many school traditions. We were initially hesitant about sending our kid to an all girls school but so far, she academically amply challenged and is very happy where she is.... Read 71 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 481

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Easthampton, MA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.3 out of 5  142 reviews

Parent: Our son went to Williston last year for a repeat junior year. Though his public-private high school in Vermont offered ample opportunities, the Covid experience had impacted his academic sequence and experience. He'd also come to realize Vermont's competition levels and potential for exposure didn't align with his aspirations for next-level play. Williston came well-recommended by a college friend whose son had been their for a few years, especially for its community. Even more than meeting our expectations for the sports, we were thrilled to see the community and academic experience energize him to new levels. He thrived with connections to students from around New England, the country, globe, and local community! We are thrilled with his academic interest and relationships. He is extremely excited to return for senior year, and I encourage any family seeking a prep experience to look at the school!... Read 142 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 450

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Weston, MA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.29 out of 5  70 reviews

Senior: The history, art, and dance department are fantastic! The students are given a good amount of freedom to be creative, and the class options are very extensive. Test taking and paper writing are more limited, so college preparation in those areas is difficult. The student body is small so a little cliquey. You'll have a good time if you find your "group" however.... Read 70 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 311

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Byfield, MA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  65 reviews

Parent: My son is currently a senior at Governor's and has had a fantastic experience! It truly is a very special place and we are so grateful he has had the opportunity to attend...The academics are definitely tough, but Governor's finds a way to create balance. There are prep schools out there that are so rigorous kids are stressed out and depressed. I distinctly recall touring one elite school which had an entire floor of a building dedicated to counseling offices because kids were so stressed out. That is not the case at Govs. Balance is important in life and Govs makes a conscious effort to explicitly weave that into the experience. I highly recommend Governor's to any parent looking for a school which will not only prepare your son or daughter for college, but one that will encourage growth on many levels.... Read 65 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 404

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Cambridge, MA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.46 out of 5  81 reviews

Parent: An outstanding, thoughtful, knowledgeable, and passionate team delivering world class education! ISB offers a strong curriculum, offers best practices from across the world, and gives our children the option of a global education. We have been very impressed in all aspects of our experience thus far, from management to operations, and most importantly the way everyone interacts with the children. It is a beautiful experience to watch a child get excited about learning a new language from a community they enjoy being a part of. The safety and wellbeing of our children and teachers is very apparent by their detailed and well thought out protocol surrounding the pandemic. Their consistent, supportive and transparent approach with families, along with open dialogue is much appreciated.... Read 81 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 570

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Marion, MA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.41 out of 5  54 reviews

Junior: As a current junior day student, I really love Tabor! I can tell that the school really cares about the students and values our feedback. The classes are hard but manageable as long as you pay attention. There are class levels for everyone, opportunities to study abroad, great athletics, amazing food, and plenty of opportunities to get off campus as a boarding student. I would absolutely recommend this school to anyone. I know Tabor faculty works hard to make an inclusive, fun atmosphere for all students.... Read 54 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 538

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Groton, MA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.8 out of 5  50 reviews

Parent: My son has had an incredibly positive experience at Lawrence Academy. The teachers are wonderful and nurturing; and the advisor program encourages involvement and good study habits. Lawrence Academy is a community rich with actives; arts and music, athletics, clubs, charitable events as well as leadership opportunities. The staff and administration are continually providing many different ways for students to become involved, promoting the diverse interests of all the students. By joining the soccer team his freshman year, my son made lots of great friends very quickly, both other freshman and upper class-men. He has found LA to be a warm and welcoming environment. Lawrence is a great balance of academics, activities and community. I'm so thankful to have found this perfect place for my son to grow and develop throughout his high school years. I would highly recommend LA!... Read 50 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 416

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Granby, MA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.45 out of 5  64 reviews

Senior: I'm currently a senior at MacDuffie. I'm very grateful for the teachers and the community for teaching me so much throughout the years. MacDuffie's college prep and counseling are also great, so I strongly recommend this school!... Read 64 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 182

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Pittsfield, MA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  125 reviews

Freshman: As a rising sophomore at Miss Hall's next year, I can confidently say that this school is an amazing community, full of wonderful people. I spent my freshman year here and it was everything I needed it to be and more. This school helped me gain more confidence, explore sides of me that I hadn't utilized as much before, and nurture my passions. I met some of my closest friends and formed relationships that I will carry with me as long as I can. I participated in a bunch of activities, leadership opportunities, and sports and ensembles. This year has been also great for me academically, as I enjoyed my classes and learned much in various areas of study. I acquired skills and abilities that help me organize, plan and lead, and I have grown a lot. Miss Hall's School is a school I recommend to everyone who wants to learn and become a better version of themselves, and I know you will love it here just as much as I do!... Read 125 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 180

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Wilbraham, MA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  105 reviews

Parent: We chose WMA for its strong academic reputation noted for intelligent, caring faculty, a wonderful curriculum and diverse extracurricular activities but ended up getting far more! Our impression is that WMA somehow magically selects talented students from caring families creating an amazing student body full of smart but thoughtful human beings. This community quickly becomes a little family where the students support each other & feel cared for by faculty. WMA definitely has something for everyone. Not only was our son exposed to a vast array of Sports: Rugby, Water polo, Football and the Arts: Music/Theater but a myriad of other wonderful things. Most importantly though is the exceptional student body. It’s a nice balance between a “Mini United Nations feel” & Local Community Vibe blending perfectly students from this rural New England area and from across the globe. We were fortunate to host many students during breaks and now have lifelong friends throughout the world.... Read 105 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 397

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Worcester, MA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.02 out of 5  140 reviews

Senior: Worcester Academy is a private preparatory school in the heart of Worcester. It boasts a beautiful campus and tons of well kept facilities. Overall, it stands out from other prep schools because it has an urban environment. One discrediting factor is the food, most of the meals are subpar at best. They have options for people with allergies and other dietary restrictions, but they aren’t very good. Overall the food in general is not that good.... Read 140 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 590

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Lexington, MA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  69 reviews

Parent: Our family has been a part of the Lexington Christian Academy community for five years. Our child is in the Upper School, is thriving and loves LCA. 2020 has been a year like no other and LCA has risen to the challenge to provide an excellent education. When the pandemic hit, LCA was able to pivot to online learning within a couple of weeks. The administration and teachers worked tirelessly to create a learning experience as close to what is provided in-person at LCA. The technology, support, consistent communication to all parents and students was in place. This school year, LCA has been in-person with some remote days. The transition between the two has been seamless. LCA has taken all the necessary precautions to allow students and staff to be in-person at LCA. Smaller student cohorts, daily health checks, clear safety guidelines, and social distancing have given us confidence in sending our child to LCA. We highly recommend Lexington Christian Academy!... Read 69 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 291

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1