2024 Best Private High Schools in New Hampshire

• Exeter, NH•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.35 out of 5  324 reviews

Parent: Boarding School is such a unique experience, and I truly believe no school can quite encompass that authentic "boarding school" experience like Exeter. From A tier academics, to amazing sports, Exeter has it all. Topping it off, most of the faculty here hold a PHD or some sort of master's degree in their field, which leads to meaningful and impactful classroom conversations everyday. I came to Phillips Exeter as a Sophomore and my only regret is that I only got to spend three years here!... Read 324 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,074

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Concord, NH•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.41 out of 5  95 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 95 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 530

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Dublin, NH•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.46 out of 5  57 reviews

Parent: Our older daughter was class of '22 and our younger is graduating with the class of '24. Both had a great experience at Dublin. There is so much to love about this school. The campus is absolutely gorgeous, the academics are challenging without being a grind, the teachers are dedicated, and the student body is amazingly diverse for rural NH. Due to the small size, there is space for everyone in any activity, and trying new things is actively encouraged. Both my kids discovered new passions and tried things they might not have at a bigger school. My older daughter was extremely well prepared for college. Dublin puts a high value on mental health and during our six years there as parents we have seen the school make huge changes with the goal of improving the student experience, from going to a block schedule to having a later start to the day to implementing an ungraded J-term. Highly recommend!... Read 57 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 169

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Holderness, NH•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.26 out of 5  74 reviews

Junior: Holderness has changed me for the best in my life in so many ways, the social development, the lessons I learned, the amazing people I met all are things things that I credit holderness too. Most of the faculty is amazing, but of course there are some bad apples. Hazing with freshmen do happen in some dorms (not all of them) and some dorm parents in those dorms seem not to care when it happens, but for me I loved the small dorms and my dorm parents. The kids at Holderness are different from other schools. Holderness kids are much more humble and carry themselves like they are more than just prep kids. Just genuine people who care about everybody no matter if you’re friends or not. Teachers care very deeply about their students and will go out of their way to help them if they are struggling. Academic facility’s are top notch but the athletic facility does need work. Drugs and alcohol are things on campus (obviously) but it isn’t big and nobody pressures people to make those decisions.... Read 74 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 300

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Meriden, NH•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  56 reviews

Alum: Great school! The teachers are very kind and helpful, the student body is great, but the most important thing about KUA for me is the amazing community. Everyone is very nice, and the faculty really care about you. Pros: Sports and fitness are a big part of KUA for most, but there are smaller circles more focused on theater or STEM, or you can mix and match. Dorms are a bit old but ok, and the campus is beautiful! Academically it's a great place for really anyone (whether you're an athlete, academic, both or neither!), and they have many options for tutoring and writing help. The health center is absolutely AMAZING. I cannot overstate this enough. Don't hesitate to go there if you need any sort of medical/psychological help. They will do whatever they can, and trust me they are great at it. Cons: Food is iffy. I also was NOT a fan of the extreme COVID restrictions but that's over now. The bottom line: it's a fantastic community, and a really great place to spend your teen years.... Read 56 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 340

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Bethlehem, NH•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.71 out of 5  24 reviews

Alum: I recently graduated from this amazing school and I am making my way to NYU in the fall. This is possible because of the culture made up by a diverse body of teachers, faculty, and especially the students who offer many perspectives. The academics allow you to engage with a small group of students to achieve a greater understanding of topics. The field course program is phenomenal and offers opportunities to visit many states and countries to further diversify one’s understanding of the world and themselves. I cannot tell you how many wonderful memories I’ve made here and I hope those coming here find a beautiful and accepting community with a plethora of opportunities for growth.... Read 24 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 140

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Andover, NH•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  32 reviews

Alum: Incredible community. Supportive teachers, and totally worthwhile off campus opportunities. Wouldn't have wanted to spend high school in any other place.... Read 32 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 371

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• New Hampton, NH•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  56 reviews

Alum: I had an amazing experience at New Hampton School. I was able to take advantage of the many opportunities the school had to offer, both academically and socially. I was able to play lacrosse and win three championships, which was an incredible experience. I also excelled in my classes and was able to take advantage of the many resources the school had to offer. I was also able to get involved in the community and do a lot of volunteer work. New Hampton School also prepared me for college. The teachers and staff were incredibly supportive and helped me to develop the skills I needed to be successful in college. I was able to take challenging classes and learn how to manage my time and prioritize my studies. I also had the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities and develop my leadership skills.... Read 56 reviews

• grade A

• Students 347

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Manchester, NH•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  88 reviews

Alum: Derryfield's holistic approach to education—through rigorous academics, excellent arts offerings, athletics, and clubs / activities—prepared me to think critically, communicate effectively, and advocate for myself and those around me. While it did ease the transition to college, the benefits of DS are most prominent in my professional life more than 10 years later, where well-developed, creative ideas and respectful debate are critical to my success. This is largely thanks to faculty, staff, and students working together to create a community rooted in kindness, respect, and integrity. Unlike another high school I had attended, Derryfield actively empowers and supports students who are motivated to explore all their curiosities and participate with the community. It was a deeply rewarding way to learn and grow.... Read 88 reviews

• grade A

• Students 416

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Wolfeboro, NH•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.18 out of 5  39 reviews

Works Here: I had never worked at a boarding school before arriving at Brewster. And I've since seen how this school lives up to its promise to help EVERY student find their success. The teachers have a team approach so no one falls through the cracks here. And students really support each other in their pursuits and passions. It's lovely to see. I remember going to my first all-school meeting. Some of the arts students were receiving awards that day, and the students who weren't into arts but more into athletics were whopping and cheering as loudly as anyone else! That never happened at MY high school, where the "jocks" and the "artsy kids" were in separate worlds. At Brewster, everyone shines and everyone gets to know each other authentically. I often chuckle with my fellow staffers, "Gee, I wish I had gone to Brewster!"... Read 39 reviews

• grade A

• Students 339

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Waterville Valley, NH•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  18 reviews

Alum: This a tight nit community, everyone knows everyone. You meet different and interesting backgrounds from everyone who attends with all have different motivations for their desired snow sport. This school is leading a new change in education, with stronger emphasis on classroom discussion, and students learning style will be adapted by the teacher. Students are on a schedule and are accounted for at all times. The staff is involved with students out of the classroom and caring for every student. WVA has had great success in getting students into great higher educational institutes, and students are well prepared for college life once the time comes.... Read 18 reviews

• grade A

• Students 18

• Student-teacher ratio 1:1

• Tilton, NH•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.34 out of 5  67 reviews

Senior: My experience at Tilton School was one to remember! I had so many great memories, whether it was on the turf, the MARC, or in the dorms. As a student of Tilton I always felt comfortable with both the teachers and other students. The teachers were always there for me no matter what the problem was, if it was an academic problem they could help me solve it and if it was a personal problem they could also solve it! The teachers at Tilton felt more like friends and family than teachers, I was always able to go to a teacher or my advisor and be able to talk to them about anything and when I would come out of those conversations I always felt much better. The students at Tilton also made this place feel more like home. There aren't cliques or groups, which is awesome! I feel like everyone there was a friend of mine. I know that it can be hard going somewhere else as a student but I really felt like Tilton was my home away from home.... Read 67 reviews

• grade A

• Students 240

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Dover, NH•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  141 reviews

Parent: PCA is a wonderful school community that nutures and challenges students at every grade level. Learning in an atmosphere that is based on and also teaches Christian values is building a strong foundation for our daughter to be able to grow in and handle our complicated secular world. PCA is focused on educating the whole person and helping them achieve their own God given potential. Lots of extracurricular options and sports, even in middle school! And parent voices and involvement matter and are encouraged here.... Read 141 reviews

• grade A

• Students 645

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Pike, NH•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  14 reviews

Alum: Oliverian was the "place" that helped our son discover his "place" both in educational terms and on a personal level. Oliverian provided a safe, nurturing, harmonious, caring, authentic environment for our son to re-discover goals and self-interests like pursuing a college education, that had been on-hold to deal with Depression/Anxiety/OCD. Our son graduated Oliverian in 2020 and is now a USC freshman. The loving staff and teachers helped our son to learn coping skills, manage his mental well-being and regain confidence to pursue his academic goals and many life interests, even whilst navigating during his senior year at Oliverian in 2020, during the pandemic. Our son had fun times and new adventures at Oliverian. Our son was able to find his authentic and genuine "place" within himself, discovering inner peace; a true sense of comfort with who he is. Our son and family made special friendships and important connections and we consider ourselves lucky to be part of the Oli Family.... Read 14 reviews

• grade A

• Students 32

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Sunapee, NH•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.58 out of 5  24 reviews

Middle school student: Mount Royal Academy is a fabulous traditional school for learning. In this loving and nurturing environment children are free to learn and enjoy being children without the social pressures found in most if not all public schools. There is no woke agenda, or pressure to become transgender. Everyone is loved at Mount Royal as everyone is special. The reachers are smart, committed and effective. A K-12 school is extremely difficult to find today and we are so grateful we found Mount Royal for our daughter. We moved to Sunapee from Brooklyn NY and between that move, and our choice to send her to Mount Royal, my wife and I have saved our daughter’s life and her future.... Read 24 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 195

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Wilton, NH•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.31 out of 5  26 reviews

Alum: I joined High Mowing School in my junior year. What I took away most from my two years at the school was the feeling of community. High Mowing is a Waldorf school, and the students there seemed to feel passionate about the Waldorf traditions and values that the school has. High Mowing is not only one of very few Waldorf boarding schools, it is also home to students who play in the Black Rock Football club, which brings students who are passionate about soccer from all over the world to the small New Hampshire school. I loved having the Black Rock students at school, and I was able to make friends and connections with people I never would have otherwise met.... Read 26 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 361

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Litchfield, NH•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 2.75 out of 5  4 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 70

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Nashua, NH•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  277 reviews

Senior: Overall, my experience at Bishop Guertin High School has been amazing, not only for furthering my academic knowledge but bringing me friendships with many that will last a lifetime. On the positive side of Bishop Guertin, the teachers are extremely knowledgeable and always have pushed me hard, no matter the subject, putting me in a far better place for my future than those attending public schools. In addition, I have always been held to a very high standard while at Bishop Guertin High School, which leads to the fact that I am well-prepared for my college years and all of my future endeavors. On the negative side of Bishop Guertin High School, there is almost too much homework and assessments as it becomes very overwhelming. Also, the teachers tend to put unnecessary stress on the students, which becomes exhausting. I personally would like to see the communication amongst the teachers be better and better security around the school, protecting the student population.... Read 277 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 788

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Chester, NH•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  15 reviews

Senior: I am a senior at Busche Academy. I was scouted to play baseball and to further my English reading, writing, and speaking skills. My classes are hard, but, BA has various tutoring and office hour opportunities which have helped me a lot. I came to the USA without speaking any English and now I am confident in my abilities to succeed in a university setting. I have had the college counselor sit with me one on one to apply to universities. Now, all I have to do is wait for my acceptance letters to come rolling in. Thanks, BA for your help!... Read 15 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 110

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Dublin, NH•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.68 out of 5  19 reviews

Parent: Dublin Christian Academy has been a great experience for our two children currently enrolled. The teachers are caring and committed to their jobs. The student culture has been positive and accepting, especially appreciated by my daughter who entered as a new student at the high school level. She was accepted into the social life with no difficulties. The communication between school and parents is excellent, with high quality notifications going out on a weekly basis. The overall atmosphere of the school is God honoring.... Read 19 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 174

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Manchester, NH•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  166 reviews

Parent: Trinity has been a great experience for my family. My son has enjoyed his 4 years there and has excelled academically and socially. The staff and school do an tremendous job in preparing these students for college and be able to go out into the world and be successful. The challenging academics they offer really an realistic prep for what is to come for the next level. The athletics are great, he participated in golf and baseball, with supportive coaches and staff. Trinity creates a sense of belonging, being a small private school the staff and administrators help new students feel at ease when coming to a new school, my son was welcomed with open arms. The guidance staff is outstanding, they do a one on one walkthrough with each student it help them with there college essays and with ACT and SAT testing prep. The staff also helps the student search and prep for college interviews and scholarship opportunities. Over all my sons experience has been a great one, great school.... Read 166 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 334

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Manchester, NH•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  24 reviews

Parent: Classic curriculum. Strong faith-based teaching. We have two children with different styles of learning and they are well accommodated. Small school. Tight knit community. Kindness pervades all aspects of life at this school; from teachers who care genuinely about their pupils mastering the subjects as well as applying the socratic method to debate and understand. The kids are well adjusted, kind, inclusive, confident and gracious. Multi-cultural, multi-racial mix. Everybody pitches in to make the school successful - parents as coaches, organizers, volunteers, board members, school leadership playing similar roles. Relaxed, tolerant environment. HFA feels like a different world than the lop-sided, oversensitive, angry and judgmental world we live in. A real breath of fresh air, if you want your child to be a child and learn for learnings' sake. Highly recommend it.... Read 24 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 95

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Concord, NH•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  37 reviews

Parent: CCA offers is a loving community that challenges every student, k-12 to achieve their full potential both academically and athletically. But most importantly they invest heavily in the soul of every child in their care!... Read 37 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 318

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Manchester, NH•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.21 out of 5  24 reviews

Freshman: Mount Zion Christian Schools has been a large part of my life. I'm so glad I've been at this school for nine years and I really appreciate all the fun memories and close relationships I've obtained over the years. Mount Zion has an advanced teaching style which goes over the average. Classes are small, but that only increases the welcoming atmosphere. Everyone is friends with everyone. Teachers clearly care about their students and can have more focus on each individual. I find myself talking to teachers with more respect than I would with a teacher who just sees me as an everyday student. Teachers give their all for their students. The school has made many accommodations for me and my family. I follow a Messianic faith, which means I have food restrictions and I have certain holidays I have to take off of school for. They have been respectful towards that and I've never felt so uplifted in my life. Thank you, Mount Zion, for giving me such an amazing experience.... Read 24 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 150

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Merrimack, NH•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  34 reviews

Senior: SMCA has been great for me personally I've loved being at the school. The teachers have been great and really care about each individual student, the administration is in it for you and they let us know that! The only thing I'd change about the school is the curriculum. It should be a little more challenging and include more AP and Honors courses.... Read 34 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 153

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1