2024 Best College Prep Schools in America

• Redwood City, CA•

• Online School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.66 out of 5  169 reviews

Alum: I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Stanford Online High School (SOHS). For an online school, they prioritized social life more than I initially expected. From clubs and in-person meetups to online alternatives, I connected with my friends and classmates often. So I loved the people I met and the educated and accomplished faculty! However, if I could change something I would change the accessibility of instructors. I felt closer to the instructors of my brick and mortar school and often lacked the personal touch with my teachers.... Read 169 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1500

• Average ACT 34

• Exeter, NH•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.35 out of 5  322 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 322 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1460

• Average ACT 33

• Studio City, CA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.48 out of 5  163 reviews

Parent: Joyful pursuit of excellence! My two daughters are attending Harvard-Westlake. One is in lower school and the other is a junior in the upper school. For the past several years they have been evolving and focusing on the health and well-being of the students! Late starts for high school students, days off for high school students, day trips to Disneyland! Head of School Rick Commons and Associate Head of School Laura Ross are incredible! The teachers are passionate, enthusiastic, outstanding (they often incorporate curbed grading) and there's a supportive team/learning specialists, psychologists who are there for students and parents no matter where they are on their journey! My kids are learning to listen effectively. work collaboratively, enhancing their emotional intelligence quotient. Applying historical-cultural insights to contemporary moments, have a richer appreciation for the need to be an engaged active glocal and global citizen and are more than ready for college!... Read 163 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1480

• Average ACT 33

• Andover, MA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.44 out of 5  168 reviews

Sophomore: I am extremely grateful to PA. Coming from a lower income background, Andover has opened doors and introduced me to countless opportunities. I’ve been able to gain new passions, such as running and activism, and practice my old ones under incredible instruction and with access to fantastic resources. My only issue with the school is that it’s an incredibly stressful environment for 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18 year old students - meaning students are handling both normal teenage stress (pertaining to popularity or pop culture), along with the stress of elite college admissions. There’s not much done by the administration to combat this, meaning students have to tackle it themselves, resulting in people getting overwhelmed, and sometimes leaving the school. However, most of us stick it out, but at what cost? All in all, I would recommend Andover if you’re someone who feels as if your current environment is too restricting and you want to broaden your horizons and meet new people.... Read 168 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1480

• Average ACT 33

• Bronx, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  150 reviews

Alum: The school is excellent in every regard except for the student culture. Everyone is extremely nice and there haven't been any problems with bullying, but it comes at the cost of near complete grade-centrism. Grades are so important that, in many cases, comprehension and enjoyment of the subject falls second. It creates tension and competition, and I'm pretty sure the stress took more than a few years off my life. Still, I've loved attending here and from my parent's perspective, the administration was unbelievably organized and generally very responsive to issues. Also, if you're interested in engineering like I was during high school, there were only two classes with engineering in the name. To make up I joined one of the (several) robotics teams and took all the math, physics and compsci classes I could, which were excellent, but it's a noticeable hole in the school's diverse curriculum.... Read 150 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1450

• Average ACT 33

• Dallas, TX•

• Private School•

• 1-12

• •
  Rating 4.63 out of 5  79 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 79 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1490

• Average ACT 33

• Mclean, VA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  62 reviews

Parent: My 2 children have attended Basis for 6 years, since elementary age and are currently in middle and high school. My children are thriving both socially and academically, they are challenged! It is an environment that will teach self advocacy, independence, executive functioning skill sets that will bring out your child's grit. It will make them stronger, more confident in themselves and their abilities. It isn't for the faint at heart when it comes to work, time management is taught and is critical in grades 8 and above. Every school has its share of issues, but if you want a stellar education and a place where they will learn resilience, commitment and discipline then consider Basis. I gave it 4 stars only because they lack high quality PE facilities that other private high schools in the area have.... Read 62 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1470

• Average ACT 33

• Hillsborough, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.43 out of 5  51 reviews

Senior: Pros: An extremely close-knit student body. Strong humanities program that will overprepare you for college. State-ranked sports teams in golf, track, cross country, tennis, etc. Passionate teachers. Pretty good lunch food. Cons: High tuition. Support for STEM programs is still growing right now, which is actually a pro if you're a self-motivated, hard-working student that can take advantage of the situation. Almost too strong of an emphasis on DEI that only seems to be growing---mandatory, bi-weekly affinity spaces based on race so that we can socialize with others "of our race" is overkill. (If this is a pro for you, that's great! Personally not my favourite thing.) What makes Crystal different than other schools is its kind, caring community. No other high school that I've visited or been to on the entire peninsula/Bay Area has as nice of a student body as Crystal does.... Read 51 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1490

• Average ACT 33

• Wallingford, CT•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.57 out of 5  178 reviews

Alum: I was able to achieve so much as a high school student through the support of genuine, kind friends, encouraging teachers, and an incredibly welcoming community. The opportunity to involve yourself in so many different areas of study, as well as attempt new things without the fear of feeling unqualified was such a freeing experience, and one that many ever get to experience. Without a doubt, rigor and high achievement stress is always present, and several other factors play into creating an environment of pressure. However, Choate is a place that cares and works to improve.... Read 178 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1430

• Average ACT 33

• Lawrenceville, NJ•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.31 out of 5  173 reviews

Alum: I loved my three years there! I have had invaluable once-in-a-lifetime opportunities and experiences here and I have grown so much from my journey! Fair warning, it is pretty rigorous academically and, and especially a rather sharp learning curve if you enter after freshman year ,(I was a new sophomore) but, once you find or reach out to the necessary people, it'll make the adjustment so much easier. Though your schedule will most likely almost always be packed, that also means you have a plethora of opportunities to stretch and apply yourself, not just in fields that you cam into high school good at, but in new subject areas and co-curriculars you might have never even heard of before.... Read 173 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1450

• Average ACT 33

• Durham, NC•

• Public School•

• 11-12

• •
  Rating 4.43 out of 5  157 reviews

Parent: NCSSM has been an incredibly enriching experience for my daughter. The classes are unique and rigorous. I expected great science and math courses, of which there are many, but there is also a robust humanities department with equally amazing classes. Many of the classes are topics you typically only see offered at colleges. The teachers challenge the students and share their passion for their area of expertise. Students have opportunities for research, mentorship with professionals, and study abroad trips. There are also many clubs and activities to keep the students engaged. The boarding school community allows the students to grow socially as well. My daughter finally found her people! The administration is supportive and there is a continuous focus on mental well being. NCSSM has nurtured my daughter and helped her become confident in being her authentic self. I am so thankful she accepted the greater challenge!... Read 157 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1450

• Average ACT 33

• Bronx, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.36 out of 5  76 reviews

Parent: Our two children attended Riverdale Country School from 6th through 12th grades, and it has been our pleasure to be members of the Riverdale community for the past eleven years. Both have now graduated, and our daughter is following in her older brother’s footsteps to attend her first choice college this fall. We have loved being Riverdale parents and watching our children thrive. The school excels on so many levels — from extraordinarily qualified and dedicated teachers and school leaders who really get to know your children, to a wide range of course offerings in every subject, to all the after-school athletics and arts, and a true school spirit running through it all. Just as an example, both children had the chance to perform independent research side-by-side with a teacher/supervisor in their senior years, in areas of study they developed themselves. What an amazing experience!... Read 76 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1460

• Average ACT 33

• Hillsborough, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.55 out of 5  67 reviews

Freshman: I love it here! I have never been more supported at school. There's tutorials, teachers are always flexible to meet anytime. You can email, sign up on calendly, or find them anytime at their desk. There is also WRC writing tutoring support as well as student peer tutors in all kinds of subjects. It's really just a safe environment where you feel comfortable talking to anyone of all ages, whether it's the college counselor, admissions officers, or cracking jokes with the head of school. And I'm excited that trips this year are out of state again!... Read 67 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1500

• Average ACT 34

• New York, NY•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  80 reviews

Senior: Lots of opportunities to do things and the worst part was when there was the opportunity, but I could figure out how to get to it. Generally good with Financial Aid with some exceptions like having to be in a music program in order to get music lessons, but largley only being able to be in a program if you already played something. The athletic options were good, both on teams and otherwise. The art department was fantastic and many students were close with the teachers. Though other kids' experiences varied, I liked all my teachers. We learned a lot and had easy accessibility to things outside of the classroom, including trips, (moderately) job opportunities, hearing from speakers and alumni, community service, general get-to-gethers/events, and more.... Read 80 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1510

• Average ACT 34

• Palo Alto, CA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.43 out of 5  61 reviews

Alum: In the beginning, I felt quite alienated due to entering the school as a "new nine," but once I began stepping out of my comfort zone and attempting to make friends, all students wholeheartedly embraced me. Every day I am amazed at how committed my peers are to their own education, and unlike most other secondary schools, every student here comes to school with a genuine desire to learn and grow. They are dedicated to their academics and extracurriculars but also know how to have fun and relax at the same time, which nurtures a healthy learning environment. Likewise, the teachers actually care about both their students' understanding of the material and their wellbeings. They are flexible and willing to accommodate their students while also being able to adjust course schedules accordingly, which is an extremely admirable trait. I personally have really really appreciated my time spent at Castilleja School and wouldn't have wanted to spend my four years of high school anywhere else.... Read 61 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1480

• Average ACT 33

• Oakland, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  95 reviews

Parent: I feel that my child has gained self confidence, self awareness, and self acceptance by attending this school. The diversity of the student body, faculty, and staff is reflective of the world we live in today and creates an environment where all cultures are celebrated. Sure, it is academically challenging; but that is what makes it great. They are developing students to think so that one day they can change our world for the better. By attending College Prep, my child has risen to the occasion and is reaching his full potential . Yes, my child participates in sports here; and they CAN play sports! The 2022 NCS Boys Fall Soccer Championship Division 2 went to CPS. These students are the Champion Pacesetter Scholars: Intelligent and Athletic. No high school is perfect, but in my humble opinion, this one comes pretty close.... Read 95 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1490

• Average ACT 34

• Livingston, NJ•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.27 out of 5  130 reviews

Middle School Student: As a student who goes to Newark Academy, there are many things about NA that you won’t find at any other school. This school has an amazing community where students and teachers are able to have a good relationship. The Equity and Inclusion team makes sure that you belong and that others understand you. The arts program is wonderful and has a variety of things for everyone. The academics go beyond the books and are very hands on. I would recommend this school to anyone in the area who cares about their child and wants them to have a good future!... Read 130 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1460

• Average ACT 33

• Dublin, CA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  196 reviews

Alum: Since 2016, Quarry Lane School has been an integral part of my life, and I am incredibly grateful for the education and support it provided. The dedicated teachers and staff members created a nurturing and intellectually stimulating environment that not only helped me achieve academic success but also prepared me for the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead. Quarry Lane's tight-knit community and inclusive culture fostered personal, social, and emotional growth, equipping me with the skills and confidence necessary to pursue my passion for computer science at Harvey Mudd College this fall and beyond. I express immense gratitude for the incredible experiences I've had at Quarry Lane School. It has truly become a second home to me!... Read 196 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1450

• Average ACT 32

• Groton, MA•

• Private School•

• 8-12

• •
  Rating 4.47 out of 5  66 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 66 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1460

• Average ACT 33

• Boston, MA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.36 out of 5  69 reviews

Parent: My son is a Sophmores at BUA, and we could not be happier. Students truly are kind and curious, and very participatory in co-creating their experience. The teachers are phenomenal, and can challenge the students on many levels. They are also kind and interesting. The staff and administration are among the helpers in the world. There are endless opportunities for students to learn, create, and grow. And trying something new is highly encouraged! Pairing of families is thoughtful and considerate, as is student advising. BUA is both supportive and challenging, engaging and fun. There are many clubs and opportunities to socialize! As well as leadership opportunities. Each student is known and loved, and made to feel welcome!... Read 69 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1460

• Average ACT 34

• New York, NY•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.56 out of 5  113 reviews

Parent: We have two daughters at Chapin, both of whom started in Kindergarten, and could not be happier with the school. As parents, our desire is to help our daughters become independent thinkers who love to learn. So far, Chapin has been incredible in this regard. Chapin combines intense academics and social-emotional learning in a way that develops thoughtful, emotionally mature, successful students. The school's access to resources and extracurricular offerings is incredible, enabling the girls to try out sports and activities. Having K-12 under one roof is a real plus, especially with easy access to Carl Schurz park, Asphalt Green, and Randall's Island. Overall, we couldn't be happier with our choice of Chapin for our family!... Read 113 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1410

• Average ACT 33

• Ojai, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  100 reviews

Senior: I really like the Thacher school and the experience it's given me. It's pretty small so you know everybody and a lot of community knowledge, which sometimes is good and bad. However, because of its small class size, you get to interact with amazing people and know them really well. Everyone is from all over the world so you get to open your horizons and find out about the world as a whole and different cultures.... Read 100 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1440

• Average ACT 32

• Lakeville, CT•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.52 out of 5  90 reviews

Parent: Hotchkiss was an incredible experience for both of our children. The academics were certainly challenging, but the support of teachers and advisors made it all manageable. Both kids are now in college and found the transition to be minimal. Sports were important to both of our kids. For one, the sports media program was an incredible experience and for the other varsity sports were an incredible experience. Away from sports, the residential life program was amazing and both kids made friends for life. As a family, we often heard that Hotchkiss could be a pressure kicker, and while it is demanding, it is also a school that cares about its students and strives to have a thoughtful balance between hard work and fun. Hotchkiss was life changing for both of our kids and our family would strongly recommend the school.... Read 90 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1430

• Average ACT 32

• Boston, MA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.85 out of 5  40 reviews

Alum: I had a wonderful experience at Commonwealth. As a shy middle school student, I was advised by a family friend to look into small schools during my high school search. The community at Commonwealth helped me find my voice, connect closely with my friends and teachers, and learn about myself in a controlled environment. Although a large portion of my experience was heavily affected by the pandemic and the school chose some subpar ways to foster longtime school traditions, I still consider what I gained from my four years to have outweighed my losses. I'm eternally grateful to Commonwealth for my four years there and what I hope will become a lifelong connection to the community.... Read 40 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1510

• Average ACT 34

• L•

• Online School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.76 out of 5  63 reviews

Works Here: Finally! An educational establishment with integrity, that values and respects both students and teachers alike. CGA strives to support its students, not just with their academic studies, but with preparation for the uncertain future they are facing, by offering social, entrepreneurial, creative, collaborative and community-focussed opportunies at every level. We teachers are supported both within the classroom and outside it, with technological and peer support as well as regular and relevant professional development opportunities. I was offered a position within the company in August, 2022 and accepting it was one of the best decisions I have ever made.... Read 63 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1390

• Average ACT 24