2021 Best Schools in America

Phillips Academy

• Private School
• ANDOVER, MA
• 9-12
• Rating 4.5 out of 5  141 reviews

Alum: My daughter graduated in 2011, and I am a member of the Alumni Council for Phillips Academy (full disclosure).

Even though I knew how special Andover was, I experienced an even better Andover through my daughter. She was a smart girl before, but she developed such confidence, particularly in math and science. I watched the self-doubt become controlled and I saw a true leader develop. Even when there was a disappointment, she knew that she could power through it with the skills she possessed.

And the friendships! She has life-long friends, both boarders and day students, boys and girls, athletes and non-athletes. All are smart, confident, and succeeding in their fields, now that Andover is behind them. But, you never lose Andover; it is always with you, allowing you to strive and succeed in every way.
Read 141 Reviews

• grade A+

• 1,146 Students
• 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Phillips Exeter Academy

• Private School
• EXETER, NH
• 9-12
• Rating 4.31 out of 5  280 reviews

Senior: Phillips Exeter Academy is an amazing school. Students who are here actually want to be here, teachers are passionate and very intelligent, and the community is unparalleled. PEA offers so many opportunities to partake in such a wide variety of activities- from dance to sports to 3D design to robotics and everything/anything in between. There is something for everyone. And if there is not some club or student organization that draws your eye, you can always create it. PEA is prestigious; that is a known fact. But what's important to remember is the values the academy upholds and strives to emulate. Exeter becomes a home for most if not all students, and it's a wonderful place to explore, ask questions, be very confused, and learn!
Read 280 Reviews

• grade A+

• 1,085 Students
• 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

St. Mark's School of Texas

• Private School
• DALLAS, TX
• 1-12
• Rating 4.66 out of 5  68 reviews

Parent: I have friends who are attending various private and public schools in the Dallas-Fort Worth area from grades 5 on through 12. In sitting down with the other dads it is undoubtedly true that no school has done more to prepare post the outbreak of the pandemic then St Mark’s. Not only their children but their administration and teachers are out of this world!
Not only did the school literally review replace hundreds of things across the campus, they’ve also implemented a fantastic screening program, testing program, and communications program for SARS-COVID19.
I know that when selecting schools grades, scores and college admissions are the number one priority. I never thought I would pick a school based upon their ability to handle a medical global outbreak.
The school has literally blown us away! We are thankful that our son is there and hope that other schools can use them as a benchmark going into the winter of the pandemic.
Read 68 Reviews

• grade A+

• 863 Students
• 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

The College Preparatory School

• Private School
• OAKLAND, CA
• 9-12
• Rating 4.15 out of 5  80 reviews

Senior: I've absolutely loved my time at College-Prep. It's the perfect place for students to be challenged intellectually, yet it's in a safe and welcoming environment. In my experience, there isn't really a culture of competitiveness/cutthroat environment, but, as with everywhere you go, you'll undoubtedly find exceptions to the rule. College-Prep has been perfect for me and has been a place where I've succeeded. I've grown academically, socially, and emotionally, and I am forever grateful for the faculty, peers, and friends I have met along the way.
We get a pretty bad rep for sports, but it's a great place to try out new sports! If you're not an athlete and you want to start a sport, everyone's super nice and there aren't many expectations haha. Still, we do have some teams that tend to do pretty well in league or you could always play club so def not a dealbreaker in my opinion!
Read 80 Reviews

• grade A+

• 372 Students
• 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

The Hotchkiss School

• Private School
• LAKEVILLE, CT
• 9-12
• Rating 4.55 out of 5  75 reviews

Parent: Hotchkiss made a very generous financial aid offer that make selecting it a no brainer - so don't let the sticker price dissuade you from applying! Our "lower-mid" (10th grade) child has had a fantastic experience in her first few months, despite the Covid lockdowns. Of course the resources are fantastic, but what has especially impressed us as parents is the personal attention for our child from each of her teachers and deans. Go Bearcats!
Read 75 Reviews

• grade A+

• 600 Students
• 4:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Harvard-Westlake School

• Private School
• LOS ANGELES, CA
• 7-12
• Rating 4.44 out of 5  150 reviews

Junior: Throughout my five years at Harvard-Westlake, I have come to realize what a unique place it is. Anyone can find a path that suits them: regardless of whether you're a math superstar, a polyglot, or a talented thespian, there's something for everyone! With top-notch academics, incredible clubs and a dedicated student body, anyone can succeed and find their- so to speak- niche at HW.
Read 150 Reviews

• grade A+

• 1,625 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Trinity School

• Private School
• NEW YORK, NY
• K-12
• Rating 3.99 out of 5  68 reviews

Junior: An excellent education, especially with the upper school. Hands-on teachers, willing to help with anything. Great student body, and lots of wonderful extracurriculars. Facilities are top-notch, lots of space and natural light. Good performing arts program, as well as visual arts. Humanity classes are some of the best in the country. The only issue I have is with the math curriculum and how they use Problem-Based learning. Excellent and approachable college counselors. It is not a surprise that this is one of the best schools in the country.
Read 68 Reviews

• grade A+

• 1,001 Students
• 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Stanford Online High School

• Online School
• REDWOOD CITY, CA
• 7-12
• Rating 4.66 out of 5  149 reviews

Niche User: The Stanford Online High School has been great for both of our kids (one all four years of HS full time, the other 8th grade + all four years of HS full time)! The environment is friendly for students. So they get interest in learning new things. The academics are second to none, and the ability to log into classes from anywhere in the world has been a huge help (they are both competitive athletes who travel a lot). Most of the instructors have masters or doctorates in their teaching field.
Read 149 Reviews

• grade A+

• 804 Students
• 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Choate Rosemary Hall

• Private School
• WALLINGFORD, CT
• 9-12
• Rating 4.52 out of 5  149 reviews

Freshman: Overall, I would rate Choate 4 out of 5 stars just because Choate is still lacking in diversity. In terms of boarding schools, the diversity is WONDERFUL, but having attended a smaller, very diverse school before, it was a large change/adjustment.
The facilities and resources that Choate has is amazing. All of their programs are well funded and conducted. They have such a range of clubs and activities, there is something for everyone!
I would highly recommend Choate from my personal experiences, but of course everyone experiences differ. :)
Read 149 Reviews

• grade A+

• 867 Students
• 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Regis High School

• Private School
• NEW YORK, NY
• 9-12
• Rating 4.4 out of 5  134 reviews

Niche User: I commend the Founders and leadership. The vision, execution, and evolution of the model is spot on. Ask any student, parent, faculty, college admissions counselor, and Dean at any University and you will get the real story. It's not perfect but the school has been able to maintain it's high level of academics and keep its goal of providing a full scholarship education for future Catholic leaders, authors, scientists, etc.. The sincere approach to help diversify the classroom has been successful. With education costs going out of control, you would think governments and schools are studying how it's done at Regis.

Get a top notch education without lowering standards or using temp solutions ("shuttling" minorities in or subsidizing over priced tuition with"generous" financial aid packages to fill quotas for chess, academics, sports, and school team competitions). Colleges and employers love Regians!
Read 134 Reviews

• grade A+

• 532 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Horace Mann School

• Private School
• BRONX, NY
• K-12
• Rating 4.33 out of 5  138 reviews

Alum: Horace Mann has developed to be more diverse, inclusive staff wise in recent years which makes the school experience much better. After recently graduating, I feel that HM has prepared me for the competitive nature of college and working. There are a few things that could have been improved when I was there (like a more diverse teaching staff, putting more focus on racial issues, etc.), but have since been focused and improved on!
Read 138 Reviews

• grade A+

• 1,694 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Collegiate School

• Private School
• NEW YORK, NY
• K-12
• Rating 4.24 out of 5  25 reviews

Parent: My son joined Collegiate last Year as a seventh grader. The school is wonderful and it accommodate my son perfectly. The school assigned French and Music teachers for my son for the entire year since he didn’t have French or bass instrument before, at the end of the year he didn’t just catch up with the other kids but he also became proficient in both subjects and we couldn’t ask for more. On the other hand, the school environment and the parents are welcoming. As a family of color our experience of the diversity, inclusion, and belongings was excellent and our son fit perfectly at Collegiate.
Read 25 Reviews

• grade A+

• 651 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

The Brearley School

• Private School
• NEW YORK, NY
• K-12
• Rating 4.23 out of 5  70 reviews

Parent: Brearley is a top notch, wonderful school! My 8-year-old daughter is thriving, happy and growing leaps and bounds every year. The Brearley community is warm, down to earth and diverse. The administration and the teachers will go above and beyond for your daughter and your family. While it has always been an academic powerhouse, it is also a school that encourages all of it's students to be creative and unique individuals, while learning to embrace Brearley's core values of "honesty, kindness, respect, responsibility and courage." We are lucky to be a part of the Brearley community.
Read 70 Reviews

• grade A+

• 761 Students
• 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Castilleja School

• Private School
• PALO ALTO, CA
• 6-12
• Rating 4.32 out of 5  57 reviews

• grade A+

• 430 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Crystal Springs Uplands School

• Private School
• HILLSBOROUGH, CA
• 6-12
• Rating 4.41 out of 5  44 reviews

Senior: Crystal prepares students for college!

The only major downside is that I wish that there was more racial/ethnic diversity. There are only a few African-American students, roughly 5% of the entire school population, and it can be extremely isolating. Additionally, it has also been hard for me due to the fact that I am transitioning to male and as much as the school is trying to support me and understand, I think there is still A LOT of work to be done in regards to supporting LGBT(+) students.

With that said, the academics are world-class. It definitely gives (and gave) me an advantage in testing, access to higher-level education, study skills, and essay writing.

To those who are looking to apply, the biggest advice I would give is: Don't be afraid of the cost. The school gives excellent financial aid to those who truly need it.
Read 44 Reviews

• grade A+

• 539 Students
• 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

The Lawrenceville School

• Private School
• LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ
• 9-12
• Rating 4.28 out of 5  141 reviews

Sophomore: It is so fun and amazing! All the people there are so nice and although the classes are pretty difficult, the school does everything they can to help you and make life easier. The house system allows you to form unbreakable bonds with teachers and students, and the teachers are always there to meet with you and answer any questions even if the school day is over. The schedule is perfect with the right amount of classes each day and Lawrenceville goes above and beyond with the curriculum of their classes. I could say so much more but don't have enough space!
Read 141 Reviews

• grade A+

• 822 Students
• 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Groton School

• Private School
• GROTON, MA
• 8-12
• Rating 4.42 out of 5  48 reviews

Junior: I came to Groton as a student who had never truly been challenged in any capacity in the classroom. Needless to say, I have now been challenged. I continue to be challenged in schoolwork, sports, and in most other facets of life at Groton school. This is the kind of place where you grow; not in a slow, easy-going manner, you are pushed, hard. And yet that is something I had never experienced until I came here. Groton is able to combine extremely rigorous academics with brilliant teachers who make teaching their first priority. Coming from public school, I was shocked at how ready, not to mention excited, my teachers were to meet with me outside of class, discuss extra material, and even help with other subjects! The connections I have made with my teachers are extraordinary. I will be forever grateful to the Groton School for providing me with the opportunity of experiencing what it is like to enjoy learning, to enjoy being challenged, even to enjoy failure (there's been quite a bit).
Read 48 Reviews

• grade A+

• 380 Students
• 4:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

The Nueva School

• Private School
• HILLSBOROUGH, CA
• PK, K-12
• Rating 4.58 out of 5  48 reviews

Junior: I personally love Nueva. I joined in 9th grade just for the high school and loved it! All the students are super welcoming, and the small class size (about 100 to a grade, 12-16 people per class) means that the environment is intimate and you get to know people really well. The school culture of calling our teachers by their first names means that we get to know them really well, and we know that they are there for us. Yes they are our teachers, but a lot of them are also friends! Further, I would say the best part about the school is how unique the classes and resources are. Classes like Neuroscience of Addiction and Experimental Research all take place in the top-notch biology labs, and our laser cutters, CNC machines, and woodcutters mean that kids can build literally anything in the i-Lab. All the clubs are open and there for you, and the school is 100% committed to diversity and comfort for all its students, and not afraid to discuss uncomfortable situations. Highly recommend!
Read 48 Reviews

• grade A+

• 605 Students
• 4:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Flintridge Preparatory School

• Private School
• LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE, CA
• 7-12
• Rating 4.64 out of 5  98 reviews

Alum: As a recent alum of Flintridge Prep, I can attest to the benefits it’s left me with. I am currently attending my #1 college (thanks to college counseling) and Flintridge focused on finding all of my classmates a college that fit us and wasn’t necessarily based on rank. I love Prep because of their spanish program that took me to Nicaragua and spurred my interest in public health (which is now my major). The teachers truly love their students and their jobs which is why this school is particularly unique. They want you to succeed and they push you to put in the hard work so that you truly are prepared for college. My freshman year began with a smooth transition and I feel capable in taking on my course work as a double major with a minor. Prep left me able to study independently, be professional, speak in public, thrive as an individual, and how to write a good email to my professors (a rare skill I’ve been told). I love this school, I really truly do, and I was there for 6 years!
Read 98 Reviews

• grade A+

• 530 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Noble and Greenough School

• Private School
• DEDHAM, MA
• 7-12
• Rating 4.65 out of 5  48 reviews

Parent: Nobles is an amazing school, filled with caring teachers and administrators and smart, nice kids who are talented in a lot of ways. The theatre program is top notch, as is the music. My son started this year as a freshman and is having an amazing time-- being challenged in his honors classes, and trying so many different clubs, from Model UN, to Chess team, to a cappella to Chamber Singers, to writing for science and humanities publications. This is a school that really cares about the students' well-being. Every morning they gather for assembly which often has performances. It's a noticeably joyful place and we are so glad our son is there.
Read 48 Reviews

• grade A+

• 614 Students
• 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Ransom Everglades School

• Private School
• COCONUT GROVE, FL
• 6-12
• Rating 4.3 out of 5  80 reviews

Alum: When someone affiliated with the school tells you it's not a school for everyone, they really mean that. There are very few POC students, but it's been improving slowly in the last few years. Academics are rigorous, and students are known to be competitive. The campus is beautiful, and the pool is incredibly impressive. The administration needs to improve how they handle students' mental health. There was one incident where a student went to the school's guidance counseling to discuss stress and poor mental health. The counselor ended up telling them "maybe this isn't the school for you" rather than helping them or guiding them.
Read 80 Reviews

• grade A+

• 1,130 Students
• 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Sidwell Friends School

• Private School
• WASHINGTON, DC
• PK, K-12
• Rating 4.16 out of 5  64 reviews

Parent: Sidwell has provided my children with an exceptional academic experience emphasizing critical thinking and problem solving, writing and communications, and quantitative reasoning. The workload has been substantial at times, but always enriching and interesting (i.e., rarely if ever busywork) and will fully prepare students for the rigors they'll experience in college and beyond. Moreover, Sidwell has done a great job of developing my children as well informed, highly engaged, and socially conscious citizens. Strongly recommend!
Read 64 Reviews

• grade A+

• 1,145 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Lakeside School

• Private School
• SEATTLE, WA
• 5-12
• Rating 4.47 out of 5  100 reviews

Senior: The education was amazing, and the teachers really care about each student's individual progress. There are so many opportunities to explore what you're interested in! Our electives are in-depth and curiosity-nourishing, and are taught by very qualified teachers who are clearly passionate about what they do. There are a million clubs (and ways to create your own club), plenty of sports, and an overall abundance of ways to make lifelong friends. Independent and self-driven students can really thrive here. The only thing I was not a fan of was the college counseling experience around financial aid specifically. I had to figure out how to manage the FAFSA and CSS profiles on my own, and I wish I had had more help picking out affordable schools.
Read 100 Reviews

• grade A+

• 838 Students
• 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Georgetown Day School

• Private School
• WASHINGTON, DC
• PK, K-12
• Rating 4.8 out of 5  46 reviews

Freshman: This is my first year at GDS, and so far it's been amazing! All of my teachers are excellent, the classes are challenging, and I've been learning so much. I've been able to go in person two days a week, which is great, and most of my teachers have been on campus as well. The facilities are nice and modern, the students are interesting, and everyone is really kind. The clubs are well-run, too. I would recommend GDS to anyone who is willing to put in work at school and pay the tuition.
Read 46 Reviews

• grade A+

• 1,075 Students
• 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Dalton School

• Private School
• NEW YORK, NY
• K-12
• Rating 4.25 out of 5  77 reviews

Senior: While yes, the academics are incredibly rigorous, and Dalton prepares us well for equally rigorous collegiate study, the methods with which certain students achieve in the high-school are often questionable, often downright immoral. 'Tutors' are rampant, brown-nosing is expected and encouraged, and the strict rules against cheating are often selectively enforced. Often success is directly correlated with socio-economic class, and what tier of donor you are. The fact is though, Dalton is almost certainly the least heinous offender of the aforementioned shady business within the private school circle, and the administration is at least attempting to reform itself. So if you are committed to sending your child to an elite/elitist NYC school, Dalton is probably your best option.
Read 77 Reviews

• grade A+

• 1,322 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio