2022 Best Boarding Schools in the New York City Area

Hackley School

• Private School•
• TARRYTOWN, NY•
• K-12
• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  73 reviews

Alum: I began attending Hackley in the sixth grade and remained there through the end of my high school career. With such great academic resources at your disposal, it's hard to not garner great college readiness. That being said, near-college level stress on children definitely creates a stress-inducing atmosphere. While this may be perceived as preparing kids for the real world, providing few mental health resources and being in the predominantly white, affluent bubble of Hackley does anything but that...Very grateful for the great opportunities the school afforded me both in and out of the classroom, particularly through travel, which was covered by my hefty financial aid. I would make sure families considering Hackley (particularly families of color or little financial means) know that the adjustment may take a toll on your student...Read 73 Reviews

• grade A+

• 834 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

The Stony Brook School

• Private School•
• STONY BROOK, NY•
• 7-12
• •
  Rating 4.35 out of 5  74 reviews

Alum: I would not expect a fuller and more meaningful four years at a high school. As an international student, I think I have regarded The Stony Brook School as my second home over the four years. Teachers on this campus are very dedicated and loving, willing to do everything in their ability to make you better. My peers at the Stony Brook School are no less knowledgable, intelligent, and motivated than students in any other elite private high school. Not to emphasize figures, but over 36 percent of my class got into US News top 25 universities in the nation. Most importantly, SBS is a place that motivates you to explore more about the world, whether it be science, math, humanities, or arts. My intellectual curiosity is cultivated here and I think I will benefit from this spirit throughout my college time and entire life. I feel grateful that I end up(whether it be God's will or pure randomness) at this magical place. I will definitely recommend this school to any friend!...Read 74 Reviews

• grade A+

• 446 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

The Masters School

• Private School•
• DOBBS FERRY, NY•
• 5-12
• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  119 reviews

Parent: We love Masters! Our 3 kids have thrived since starting their education at the school. The academic education they have received has been excellent. They have been challenged to learn what is important to them and stand up for their beliefs. We love the diverse and welcoming community. The Harkness Learning Method makes sure all student voices are engaged. Laura Danforth is a rock star and surrounds herself with a top notch team. She has a way of making all the students feel special. As we enter our 7th year at Masters, we couldn't be more proud to be parents of three future Masters graduates...Read 119 Reviews

• grade A+

• 694 Students
• 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Léman Manhattan Preparatory School

• Private School•
• NEW YORK, NY•
• PK, K-12
• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  90 reviews

Parent: Our child is thriving at Leman!They have been able to open the school during the pandemic and have met or exceeded all the requirements for CDC compliance. Their optional online program has been successfully seamless and the teachers and administrators are working hard to make sure the children stay engaged. ...The school has a balanced and rigorous academic program. The Morris Street campus is beautiful with sweeping views of New York City. The energy in the school is palpable akin to the excitement of New York City. ...The school has a beautiful swimming pool, outstanding gym and of course New York City as their extended classroom.Read 90 Reviews

• grade A+

• 880 Students
• 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Pioneer Academy

• Private School•
• WAYNE, NJ•
• PK, K-12
• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  75 reviews

Parent: I am mother of a high schooler in Pioneer. My son has attended Pioneer Academy since he was in 5th grade. We travelled from Europe and I thought he might have some difficulties to adapt and blend in. Thanks to the Pioneer Academy dedicated and Professional Middle School Team he had no struggle at all. Pioneer Academy was able to manage the diversity of the student body and they build and reflect tolerance and respect between students. My son is now in 9th grade and attending Pioneer Academy. When teachers welcome students, everyone in the class welcomes each other. They form a great connection between teachers and students. Pioneer has very strong academics preparing students for their future colleges. My son took Algebra 1 at 8th grade and participated many math and science competition. Overall I appreciate the education Pioneer offering and I thank all Pioneer Academy Staff and Admin but particularly to the Middle school team...Read 75 Reviews

• grade A+

• 325 Students
• 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

The Knox School

• Private School•
• ST. JAMES, NY•
• 6-12
• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  30 reviews

Alum: I attended the Knox School myself and my niece and nephew are current students at Knox. I highly recommend the school to any parent seeking a school that helps each student become the best version of themselves. Not only is the academic program stellar, but there is a great family atmosphere. The amount of individualized attention your child will receive is unparalleled. There are many extracurricular activities as well. Throughout the pandemic, the school has gone well above and beyond to keep the students and staff safe and healthy, but the school created an amazing virtual learning environment. Thankfully the students are back in person; however, the amazing work the school did to create a wonderful virtual environment is a testament to how hard they work for their students...Read 30 Reviews

• grade A+

• 127 Students
• 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Elite Preparatory Academy

• Private School•
• HOPATCONG, NJ•
• 9-12

• grade A+

• 201 Students
• 2:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

EF Academy New York

• Private School•
• THORNWOOD, NY•
• 9-12
• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  95 reviews

Parent: My son loves EF Academy!!! The EF Academy’s spirit was one of the reasons why he wanted to attend the school. As a Junior, and pursuing an international baccalaureate degree, my son cannot think of any other school he would want to attend. Even as a day student, he practically lives on campus, which he refers to as his second home. He has made friends with other students from around the globe and is exposed daily to the wealth of information and learning opportunities that comes along with such a diverse community. As well, his teachers and the administration at EF Academy serve as a solid foundation and create the environment that allows him to excel academically. EF Academy is a unique and exceptional high school and is meeting all of our expectations. I am confident that my son is in good hands at EF Academy and that he will be adequately prepared for his next step in life and his future. If you are considering sending your child to this school, there will be no regrets...Read 95 Reviews

• grade A+

• 450 Students
• 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Long Island Lutheran Middle & High School

• Private School•
• BROOKVILLE, NY•
• 6-12
• •
  Rating 4.24 out of 5  149 reviews

Alum: I graduated from LuHi 2 years ago and I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to go there. LuHi taught me so many skills that are invaluable to me. I also had the opportunity to take electives that ultimately pointed me in the direction of my major and future career. It is not something that I ever saw myself doing and without my guidance counselor pushing me to try new things, flexibility in my schedule, and incredibly welcoming teachers, I certainly would have ended up down a different (and probably wrong) path...More important than all of this, LuHi taught me how to be a kind and empathetic person. I learned so many things I never knew I never knew from my diverse peers who were all from very different backgrounds. I have always said that even the people I was not friends with while at LuHi, I can without hesitation call good people. ...LuHi is a really really special place and I feel so blessed that I was able to spend 6 years there!Read 149 Reviews

• grade A+

• 428 Students
• 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Yeshiva University High School for Boys

• Private School•
• NEW YORK, NY•
• 9-12
• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  21 reviews

Alum: From my experience at YUHSB from 2015-2019, I can relay that the high school puts a tremendous amount of resources toward student activities, extra-curriculars, and experiential learning. There are a plethora of student-led clubs and teams, as well as a host of guest speakers on a variety of topics. Though my overall experience was wonderful, the school could've done better on transportation, and the environment toward LGBTQ+ students as well...Read 21 Reviews

• grade A+

• 280 Students
• 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

The Harvey School

• Private School•
• KATONAH, NY•
• 6-12
• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  56 reviews

Parent: The Harvey School has exceeded my expectations on all levels. When we first enrolled our older son in eighth grade three years ago, we were looking for a smaller class sizes and an inclusive community. We found that and so much more. We found teachers going the extra mile academically and providing other kinds of support during and after school. We found students who welcome all, and advisors, teachers and administrators who reach out to check in. We found a warm community of parents--and we found lots of opportunities to have fun! Harvey is the real deal, and the school honors it's mission statement of Rigor with Heart on every level. We now have two children at Harvey and couldn't be happier. As a footnote, the transition to e-learning has been seamless, and we are getting tons of support from the Parents' Association, teachers, and administrators. We even have after-school Zoom workouts, game afternoons and parent happy hours. We are so lucky to have found this gem of a school...Read 56 Reviews

• grade A+

• 350 Students
• 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Bridgeport International Academy

• Private School•
• BRIDGEPORT, CT•
• 9-12
• •
  Rating 4.29 out of 5  35 reviews

Parent: The academic and social environment at the school is excellent. Their "No Romantic relationships" Policy during school time removes a lot of the normal distractions of boy-girl attractions and jealousy and allows students to focus on their academic studies and true friendships. It is a testimony to the school that many of their current teachers are former students who have come back to give back to the school that gave them their start. The international boarding students also provide a rich and varied environment fo the students to be exposed to different cultures and ideas. Running a small school is not easy due to the constant pressure of money and resources but fortunately, the school has developed a strong relationship with the University of Bridgeport so that they can get access to their library, gymnasium, sports facilities and Dining Hall. I would definitely recommend this school for anyone looking for an intimate Prep school environment...Read 35 Reviews

• grade A

• 60 Students
• 4:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Green Meadow Waldorf School

• Private School•
• CHESTNUT RIDGE, NY•
• PK, K-12
• •
  Rating 4.6 out of 5  25 reviews

Parent: We cannot express enough the gratitude and admiration we have for Green Meadow. By focusing on and celebrating the best parts of childhood, the Green Meadow curriculum, campus, and faculty and staff cultivate creativity, curiosity, and joy within their students. Our child has benefited year after year from the hands-on experiences and the contemplative studies the school provides to each and every student. As parents in the 21st century, it's so reassuring to know that Green Meadow remembers what it's like to be a child. Their holistic approach to educating through the years with developmentally appropriate curricula allows children to see the world for its natural beauty and native brilliance. Because students are fully engaged in the learning process, from performances to immersive explorations (have you even seen their notebooks!?!) they develop an autonomy, agency, and confidence to take on the future in the face of all its uncertainties. It's truly a beautiful education...Read 25 Reviews

• grade A

• 246 Students
• 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Red Bank Catholic High School

• Private School•
• RED BANK, NJ•
• 9-12
• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  138 reviews

Alum: I graduated from Red Bank Catholic a few years ago. I had the opportunity to take some really cool classes (CADD, engineering, AP Physics) that really helped me get ahead my freshman year in college. Casey for life!Read 138 Reviews

• grade A

• 705 Students
• 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Whitestone Academy

• Private School•
• WHITESTONE, NY•
• 7-12
• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  4 reviews

Parent: This school is really very nice, students are very friendly to me, and teachers are willing to help you if you have any issue about the study or any other thing. When the holiday comes, we will have a party and celebrate together. I participate in class discussion and have a fun time in this school, And we also have field trips, and college tour for the seniors, I remember once we went to the Metropolitan Museum together, and tomorrow we are going to the Museum Of Natural History, I am so exciting about it !...Read 4 Reviews

• grade A minus

• 140 Students
• 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

St. Benedict's Preparatory School

• Private School•
• NEWARK, NJ•
• K-12
• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  68 reviews

Niche User: This school gives students a sense of community like no other. Although it has its flaws, the faculty, staff, and administration are welcoming and look to provide students with a great experience. The one thing I would say is that the school needs to put a little more into academics as opposed to athletics. This also depends on the type of student that you are and which one you sway towards more, although you can be well-rounded in both. the school should better I must add that it does have a new Girls Prep Division, separate from the Boys Prep Division (both are high schools), and the dynamic of the school has been all the more wonderful. Endless opportunities and endless ways to network!...Read 68 Reviews

• grade A minus

• 750 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School

• Private School•
• BROOKLYN, NY•
• 9-12
• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  234 reviews

Senior: Overall, I would have to say that I have enjoyed my experience at Bishop Loughlin. They have many different opportunities to get involved in the school whether you are into sports or liberal arts. What I like about Bishop Loughlin is that you can always find a place to fit in. The academics at Bishop Loughlin are pretty rigorous but at the same time they are also pretty timid therefore it's pretty easy to get your school work done. Bishop Loughlin's has an exceptional liberal arts program. They have 3 bands, a choir, and numerous dance groups. Their sports program is also not something to look away from either. They have 3 amazing basketball teams for both men and women. They also have an amazing track team. Another sport that is slowly growing at Loughlin would have to be our men's and women's lacrosse team. They have numerous other teams as well. Something I wish they helped more with was college preparation. At times I felt very alone in the process without any help...Read 234 Reviews

• grade B

• 660 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Saint Thomas Choir School

• Private School•
• NEW YORK, NY•
• 3-8
• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  7 reviews

Parent: My son is about to graduate and is off to an amazing boarding school next year. We could not be more grateful and pleased with everything the Choir School is. The academics, the like-minded peers, the artistic and intellectual setting, our "Choir School family" and the MUSIC! -- if your son is looking for more (so, so much more) from school, check out Saint Thomas. There is nothing like it in the US, and the boys leave with incredible life skills that extend well beyond music and academics...Read 7 Reviews

• grade A+

• 26 Students
• 2:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Immaculate Conception School

• Private School•
• BRONX, NY•
• PK, K-8
• •
  Rating 3 out of 5  1 review

• grade unavailable

• 540 Students
• 24:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Keio Academy of New York

• Private School•
• PURCHASE, NY•
• 9-12
• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

• grade unavailable

• 347 Students
• 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Eagle Hill School

• Private School•
• GREENWICH, CT•
• K-9
• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  3 reviews

Parent: With Dyslexia and CAPD, my son entered 6th grade as a non-reader effecting every level of his academics and significantly impacting his self-esteem. He spent 4 amazing years at EHS progressing to an 8th grade reading level. His self-esteem greatly improved and he gained the freedom that reading gives you. This carried over to Math, Writing, Spelling and Speech and his belief that he could accomplish his goals. EHS utilizes research based programs and tailors a program for each student's needs. They group students into small class groups based on similar learning styles. Students are required to participate in after school activities with EHS teachers coaching and running activities; giving students the opportunity to work on communication and social skills with those who understands their needs. The life changing tools that my son gained at EHS carried over to H.S. and now he is aware of his learning needs and advocates for himself. EHS was life changing and we are forever grateful...Read 3 Reviews

• grade unavailable

• 265 Students
• 4:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Pillars Preparatory Academy

• Private School•
• SOUTH RIVER, NJ•
• PK, K-11
• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  6 reviews

Senior: I believe that Pillars provides a very safe and encouraging environment for developing minds. As a student I feel that I would like to be challenged academically, so I can work harder and aim higher. I do feel that the school prepares you for the outside world and college...Read 6 Reviews

• grade unavailable

• 191 Students
• 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Yeshiva Yesode Hatorah

• Private School•
• BROOKLYN, NY•
• K-9

• grade unavailable

• 178 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Overlake Preparatory Academy

• Private School•
• EDISON, NJ•
• 6-12
• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  3 reviews

Senior: Overlake Academy is an amazing environment for people who love a tight, close-knit community. There is so much support from your peers, teachers, and people that you barely know. Its great how it is so diverse and there are so many connections!...Read 3 Reviews

• grade unavailable

• 124 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Matheny School

• Private School•
• PEAPACK, NJ•
• PK, 2-12

• grade unavailable

• 41 Students
• 4:1 Student-Teacher Ratio