Senior: Being a woman of color at Groton definitely comes with its challenges, and I won’t sugarcoat it. The facilities, teachers, and classes constantly push you—socially and academically—beyond your limits. This push has its ups and downs, but overall, Groton has elevated me more than it’s brought me down. I’ve grown into a great writer, a confident speaker, and a natural leader in any setting, whether it’s the classroom, the sports field, or extracurriculars. That said, the class differences and cultural isolation are real. These issues aren’t addressed by the faculty, and students are often too uncomfortable to unpack them (which, honestly, I get—it’s a super privileged environment). But with such a big focus on diversity, I think this should be one of Groton’s main priorities moving forward. Aside from that, Groton is tough but rewarding. It builds academic powerhouses and opens up an amazing network for both now and the future.... Read 121 reviews

Parent: I have had three children attend Phillips Academy. My youngest child is a current student. The academics are extremely strong and have prepared my older two-both now college graduates and working-to excel at their jobs and adult life. Attending PA to gain access to a particular college is a mistake. The legacy of PA is life long friendships and education that is recognized and respected all over the world. The sports teams can be iffy-some excellent coaches and others terrible-ask athletes about them first! There is a basic belief that each student is there because they proved that they were intelligent enough, kind enough, and open to a higher level of education and academic interaction. If a student is struggling they are rarely told to "just work harder" -they get support. Faculty recognize if a student isn't "getting it" then it is on them. Everywhere are aspects that surprise you with intensity and excellence. Two areas that do not rise to the PA level: Food; College Counseling.... Read 223 reviews

Senior: I have attended Exeter as a day student for the past four years. I have loved my time here and am so grateful for all the school has to offer, from 100s of clubs to super interesting electives (the Biology electives being my favorite) and the opportunity to meet some of my best friends. However, there are certainly some drawbacks. While the Harkness method is the focal point of our school, classes such as sciences and particularly math can be more challenging to learn without the traditional lecture style. Additionally, it may not be the best fit for you if you are looking for a larger school or a larger outside community as we are far from any cities. Overall, I will always have a special place in my heart for PEA and encourage anyone who is considering to apply!... Read 372 reviews

Junior: I love attending Choate. The school offers a rigorous yet rewarding academic environment with a strong sense of community. The workload is challenging, but the school provides ample support through dedicated faculty, peer tutoring, and structured study spaces. The student body is diverse and intellectually curious, fostering an atmosphere where discussions go beyond the classroom. Extracurricular opportunities are abundant, from competitive athletics to robust arts programs and unique signature programs like the Science Research Program. Dorm life helps build strong friendships, and weekend activities keep students engaged. While the fast-paced environment can be demanding, Choate ultimately prepares students well for college and beyond.... Read 218 reviews

Parent: Small school with a concentration of super bright, motivated and interesting kids with diverse skills and interests. Classes are rigorous and teachers expect a lot of diligence and high quality in written work and class participation. If your kid thrives on learning and academic challenge this is a wonderful place. Sports are not a major focus and sometimes we think the school should either put more focus on valuing sports or just reduce the requirement and give the kids more time for homework and other activities. Another important point for families looking at schools is that while Commonwealth is small, it is not a hand-holding, coddling kind of place. To be successful kids need to be or learn to be independent and self-organized. There is help if they ask — but they need to know when then need it, and ask effectively. This was a plus in our view.... Read 49 reviews

Parent: Of course, food and city access are important, but aside from those two things, I’d say Hotchkiss is an absolutely ideal environment. The courses the school offers, the culture of kindness and support inside and outside the classroom, the strong sense of teamwork between students and teachers that comes from being in a rural setting, and the wholesome way Sundays are spent—all of it made this the perfect place for my kids.... Read 101 reviews

Parent: My son is a senior at CPS and his experience has been nothing short of phenomenal. He has grown intellectually, discovered and embraced his passions, and matured as a leader. CPS challenged him academically, but he has always felt he had the support of his teachers and support staff when needed. Teachers and staff encourage students to be curious, question authority and care for one another. My son embraced these challenges and feels he is ready for the vigor of the Ivy league school that he will attend in the fall. CPS encourages students to find their tribe through numerous activities, and clubs and encourage them to fill the gap if they believe a voice is missing. My son has assembled a group of friends who are kind and joyful and truly look out for one another. I believe that CPS can improve in the area of diversity, specifically in the acceptance of black and brown students. With an improvement in diversity, I can not think of a better highschool experience for a student.... Read 124 reviews

Parent: Riverdale prepares its kids for college. The curriculum for each grade is several years ahead so I can see why recent graduates find college easy. The main reason for sending my children to Riverdale is not only to get them into a great college, but to really prepare them for college so that they can thrive when they get there. The school’s administration is organized, thoughtful and well-versed in what’s necessary to support each child emotionally and academically. I couldn’t be happier as a parent to send my children there.... Read 89 reviews

Freshman: St. Paul’s School in Concord, NH, offers a rigorous academic environment with highly qualified faculty, strong resources, and an excellent college counseling program. The curriculum is challenging, preparing students well for top universities. The beautiful, expansive campus provides state-of-the-art facilities, fostering both academic and extracurricular growth. The school also has a strong sense of community, with deep traditions, close-knit house bonding, and a variety of student-led activities. However, the demanding workload can be overwhelming, requiring strong time management skills. The social environment, while supportive for many, can feel competitive or cliquish at times. Additionally, its secluded location may not appeal to students who prefer an urban setting. Despite these challenges, St. Paul’s offers an exceptional education and a vibrant student experience for those who thrive in an academically intense and community-driven atmosphere.... Read 118 reviews

Sophomore: It is true that the course selection is as rigorous as it is diverse. This is often praised, and for the right reasons it certainly deserves to be. What is not often said, however, is the time eaten by preparation for classes and assignments. To make sure that your time and effort outside of school is exactly what you want, then consider the tradeoffs needed to make this happen for you. For example, consider writing key terms, "no less than 10 words" they say, for notes when you come across an important idea. Consider trusting yourself to do so (to remember), because discussions in class (which are significantly beneficial) serve as a place to bounce ideas around, so that term or idea, if important, will be discussed and you will remember. That's my experience with time here. This is something I am actively working on, and if this is my biggest issue than you'll know that OHS is a great place to satisfy your mandatory schooling. Best of luck if you choose to join our community!... Read 198 reviews

Middle school student: Harvard Westlake is a wonderful school in general. All the teachers are kind and help you with homework and tests if you ask. At the middle school, it isn't as competitive as the upper school. I love this school as it gives lots of opportunities and chances for students, like all the clubs, after school sports, plays, music department, etc. The campus is really clean and large, and there's a lot of freedom given to students. I love all the days off we get, it really helps me. Also the food is really good here and the cafeteria staff are super nice. Overall I love my experience here at the school.... Read 190 reviews

Senior: I have been at Pingry for 13 years now, and I would say overall my experience has been outstanding, and I am going to really miss coming to this school next year. I think Pingry's speciality is the close knit community that not only welcomes you as you walk into school, but also the community you are invited to make during your time at the school. I have made lifelong relationships, both with my peers and teachers, and I am grateful for everything Pingry has taught me.... Read 178 reviews

Parent: My daughter is currently in lower school. We were initially reluctant to place her in private school because of the cost but we are so glad we did. The school truly lives up to the hype. The children are taught in small groups at their level and my daughter has learned so much. The teachers are warm and caring and I’m impressed with the curriculum as a whole. Importantly, the school teaches kindness and respect and simultaneously teaches girls to speak up and be strong. The parent community is also great. The one area I wish they’d improve is the variety of lunch offerings (plain pasta is a staple here), but you can’t win everything! Overall, even though we feel the hit tuition wise, we couldn’t be happier with this school.... Read 107 reviews

Parent: One of my children has spent seven incredible years at Nueva, and I wholeheartedly recommend this school to gifted children—especially those with unique learning needs. Unlike traditional schools that can box students in, Nueva gives kids the freedom to drive their own learning journeys. Teaching reached a whole new level at Nueva. The faculty is truly outstanding, deeply knowledgeable, creative, and genuinely invested in each student’s growth. I’ve noticed that teachers who were gifted themselves as teens seem to have an intuitive understanding of these kids. They know what it means to crave depth, to wrestle with complexity, and to follow curiosity wherever it leads. My child is passionate about research and was constantly encouraged to go beyond the curriculum. Not once did a teacher say, “Stay on track.” Instead, they welcomed exploration—reading professional publications, designing experiments, and proposing original ideas were all seen as natural extensions of learning.... Read 82 reviews

Parent: SJS is the type of school that primarily exists in the northeast - Houston is very lucky to have it. A qualified student will receive an education that is among the very best in the country. The administration is phenomenal. They care for the best interest of each student and know the appropriate course selection, course load, and support that a student may need, even better than the student or the parents. The teachers are outstanding; fair, passionate, effective, challenging, loved by the students, and most have graduate degrees from the best colleges. The student body is diverse both in background and capabilities. There are the whiz kids taking all honors and AP classes and there is the larger body of smart kids that mostly takes level courses. Arts, sports, and clubs are abundant, the only problem is choice. The overall personal quality for most students and parents was gratifying. SJS is a well-oiled machine that has made education a science and outputs superb young adults.... Read 126 reviews

Other: Working TOGETHER over three years: “Emerge Transformed: The Campaign for Lawrenceville raised $475.7 million for School programs and priorities, making it the most successful fundraising campaign ever conducted by an independent school. The Campaign, which concluded on June 30, 2023, prioritized Scholarship Aid, Faculty and Academic Support, Campus and Community, and Financial Sustainability. In announcing the results, Head of School Stephen S. Murray H’54 ’55 ’63 ’65 ’16 P’16 ’21 said, “The resounding success of the Emerge Transformed campaign reflects the generosity of more than 7,000 individual donors, whose commitment to Lawrenceville ensures an exciting future for this great school. The fundamental and enduring values of a Lawrenceville education remain relevant, and are now further strengthened by our increased focus on new technologies and strategies to meet the challenges of the modern world.” IncREDible school and supportive community! Keep giving to the school you love.... Read 216 reviews

Senior: Regis high school has been by home for the past four years. I have made great friends here and learned so much. The work is very challenging: 3 to 4 hours of homework every night. The teachers expect a lot from the students and every class is honors level. But senior year the workload is reduced and you get a chance to perform community service full time for one term. This gives you time to complete college applications and essays. Regis prepared me for early decision acceptance into an ivy League school. Parents are super engaged and constantly donate their time and money to make sure all enjoy the Regis experience. The school has many travel abroad programs including exchange programs with international students, service travel programs where students help others, and travel to places like Rome, Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Ireland. Students who cannot afford such a trip can get financial assistance. Regis is a brotherhood; students look out for each other. I will miss it!... Read 202 reviews

Senior: I'm so grateful to be heading into college next year with the opportunities and skills that Chapin has given me. The staff, faculty, and student body create a work hard and high standard yet collaborative and fun environment. There's a very broad range of extracurricular interests outside the classroom, and I've gotten to try my hand at many, including speech & debate, publications, student government, admissions work, and more. It's easy to get involved in extracurriculars and you can build leadership/commitment over your four years. The curriculum is quite flexible to your interests, especially in junior and senior year, as you get greater choice over your history, english, math, and science classes/pathways. I also love being in an all girls environment, as it teaches invaluable empowerment skills. My grade is close and will show up for each other's school related events, whether that's Dance Club's Winter Performance or Varsity Basketball's next game.... Read 172 reviews

Alum: As a recent graduate of Dwight School, I had the best experience possible. The rigorous classes, wonderful faculty, kind friends, and great community is what makes this be the best place possible! Most importantly, each teachers have classes that are rigorous in material covered, while also providing opportunities for students to interact and grow together as a group by building presentations. Teachers are also always available for one-to-one meeting personalizing the experience and making learning of the best quality possible. With clubs that range from the Model United Nations to the Medical Occupations Club, Dwight truly has a great sense of vibrant community allowing students to interact even more outside of classes, grow in their fields most interesting to them, and explore new areas. To go further, Dwight even invites distinctive figures and pioneers in each field for Spark Talks, organized events that allow students to network and further develop their spark of genius.... Read 236 reviews

Parent: We are incredibly fortunate to be part of the Bishop's School community, our daughter has grown so much-both academically and personally-since the very first day at Bishop's. She is inspired and supported to explore her passions EVERY day, from EVERY teacher who always encourages her to grow with confidence and independence. The Bishop's School also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, from arts to sports, from world languages to student clubs, providing every student the opportunities to discover their passions. What has impressed us most is how well-organized everything is - from daily school life to special events and performances, every program runs smoothly. We are very grateful for all the opportunities Bishop's has given to our daughter and highly recommend this school to all our friends... Read 127 reviews

Parent: There are many greatest teachers in Math, French, Arts, English (writing), Biology, probably Prep has the best group of math teachers all over the country. Classes are difficult though not extremely difficult, it is uber hard to get all As. However students working hard on learning itself, not only for gradings. They school does not advocate much on grading, but encourage everyone to find their own interest. The only concern is sports are not strong at all, playing for fun.... Read 115 reviews

Sophomore: I firmly believe that joining the EPA was the best decision I have made. My English teacher is the most enthusiastic person that I have ever encountered. I still recall the first time I met with him, during which he proudly showcased his bookshelves in his classroom, and introduced me to several novels and dramas that deeply interested him. He truly shows a great passion and love for literature, and it can be easy to speculate on his life-loving personality. At the same time, my social science teacher, whom I admire, is equally excellent. When I heard that he learned at least seven languages and got a Phd degree, I felt astonished and surprised. His classes are not only abundant in content but also closely related to real life. Every student will be impressed by his discussion about water resources! I particularly like his respect and tolerance for his students. When he found out that I would like to learn Anthropology as my college major, he encouraged me to chase my dream.... Read 28 reviews

Middle school student: Nobles is for college prep. The kids are very good academically. The school is a perfect balance between sports and education. The hockey and golf programs are phenomenal! The facilities are world class and they blow away most colleges. The rink on campus is beautiful and brings a real big piece of Nobles culture because students attend the hockey games. The school is extremely small so everyone knows each other. Nobles is also loved by the Ivy League and Georgetown University. Go Bulldogs!... Read 67 reviews

Alum: Rye Country Day School is an exceptional community that fosters academic excellence, personal growth, and lifelong connections. The dedicated and passionate teachers go above and beyond to ensure each student reaches their full potential, creating a nurturing and supportive environment. The rigorous academics are balanced by a strong emphasis on character development, creativity, and collaboration. RCDS provides countless opportunities for students to explore their interests and discover their strengths. Beyond the classroom, the friendships formed here are genuine and lasting, creating a network of support that extends far beyond graduation. It’s a truly special place to have attended and to now have my children attend.... Read 135 reviews

Parent: Loomis is a school that truly cares about its students, whether in academics, extracurricular activities, or campus life. The school offers a wide range of programs, fully encouraging students to explore their potential. At the same time, Loomis emphasizes community integration by providing specialized courses for new students to help them adapt and engage with the community, as well as offering community service opportunities. The teachers are deeply caring, providing both challenges and support. The school has made tremendous efforts in fostering diversity and inclusivity, allowing students to embrace their individuality while feeling a strong sense of belonging. And lastly, the dining hall here is truly amazing!... Read 161 reviews