2023 Best College Prep Schools in New Hampshire

• Exeter, NH•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.34 out of 5  305 reviews

Senior: Truly rigorous classes with students who have a wide range of interests. Nothing can beat a boarding school with a billion dollar endowment that they can use to fund your passion projects and overall academic experience. Living with your classmates in this tiny New Hampshire town really forces you to battle the chem tests and history essays as a team. I have met my best friends at Exeter—that's why our alumni network is so strong. You only stay at Exeter for 4 years but they stick with you. Yes, the academics are hard. If you're not looking for challenge then don't come to Exeter. No, it's not a school full of boring workaholics—we have fun too! Yes, there is wealth, but Exeter offers great financial aid and people are generally humble. And of course, Exeter >>>>> Andover. Our campus is prettier, the dorm system better, and I've heard our student body culture is way less toxic than theirs.... Read 305 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1450

• Average ACT 33

• Concord, NH•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.44 out of 5  93 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 93 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1420

• Average ACT 32

• Dublin, NH•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.45 out of 5  56 reviews

Alum: Dublin School provided the most nurturing, challenging, and accepting environment for me during critical years of development. During my four years at Dublin, I was pushed academically, athletically, artistically and socially, while being acknowledged and respected for who I was. The entire community is incredibly welcoming. My strengths were built upon, and my weaknesses were met and addressed in a way that prepared me for the upcoming chapters of my life. In my opinion, the strongest attribute of the school is its size. I knew everyone on campus and the intimate classes allowed for impactful conversations, yet it was large enough to establish friendships with people that I could relate to on deeper levels. My Dublin friends are still my best friends, and I graduated over 14 years ago. Dublin is such a special place, and I am so grateful for the time I was able to spend there!... Read 56 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1280

• Average ACT 29

• Academy for Science & Design Charter School, NH•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  92 reviews

Senior: When I first started at ASD in sixth grade, I was determined to go somewhere else for high school. Now, I'm a senior, and staying was the best choice I ever made. ASD might be small and nerdy, but it has an incredible community. The teachers aren't there for the money; they're there because they're passionate and knowledgeable. The students all know and support each other. We're best known for our academics, and for good reason. The high-school-level classes start in 7th grade, and they remain challenging and innovative all the way through 12th. Overall, ASD was ranked the number one high school in NH, and it truly is.... Read 92 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1390

• Average ACT 33

• Holderness, NH•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.29 out of 5  70 reviews

Parent: My daughter is a junior at Holderness and she has had a wonderful journey thus far. Holderness has a way of blending a rigorous academic with a robust outdoor program/athletics on a campus that is welcoming and inclusive. My daughter loves every minute that she is at Holderness. The teachers are warm and available to the students and push them to attain their greatest academic achievements. We are excited that my son will be starting as a freshman next year!... Read 70 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Average SAT 1290

• Average ACT 29

• SAU 70, NH•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.02 out of 5  130 reviews

Senior: While Hanover High School may not be the best in the nation, it is a fantastic public school that gives students rigorous learning opportunities and allows us to excel, and also gives us a safe environment. I have had a good experience with other students and faculty, and (from the perspective of a Black LGBTQ+ student) people are accepting and open-minded. I have never had a bad teacher here and have truly enjoyed the classroom environment some of them have provided. Meetings with supportive counselors helped me through the college search and application process. And the friends I have met here are great! Our school building is well-maintained and our facilities are great, with spaces for people to hang out or work quietly. One of my favorite spots to be with friends is the often-unoccupied photo classroom tucked away in the art department. (We are pretty introverted and don’t like the loud atrium or cafeteria!) I can say that Hanover has given me a fulfilling high school experience.... Read 130 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Average SAT 1350

• Average ACT 31

• Meriden, NH•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  52 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 52 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Average SAT 1270

• Average ACT 28

• Manchester, NH•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  83 reviews

Parent: Our daughter is a sophomore and absolutely loves her teachers, classes, coaches, classmates, sports teams, music, singing, theatre and student leadership activities. It is an excellent, student- and community-centric school with an inclusive, positive culture. There is a morning, early and late afternoon bus to the seacoast and various other locations attracting students from NH and Mass. A wonderful school with really fantastic, caring teachers - most with masters and PhD's. The teachers and leaders of the school and the caring community they create are the reasons we are there. During covid, their caring, science-centric protocols were topnotch led by an epidemiologist. This is a very caring, positive school.... Read 83 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Average SAT 1320

• Average ACT 30

• Bethlehem, NH•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.59 out of 5  22 reviews

Parent: We have 2 children enrolled at WMS. Our daughter will be graduating in May. We have absolutely loved our 4 years at this school. The teachers are thoughtful and caring. The college prep process is amazing. Kids start the process their junior year by attending college prep classes as a graded course and are completely finished and ready to apply early decision or early action by the end of October their senior year. The teachers really are the hardest working group who make themselves available as needed. The campus is gorgeous with huge glass windows and small classes. Mandatory sports allow anyone to join, even if you have never stepped foot on a soccer or lacrosse field. Everyone is welcome and everyone plays. We are so grateful for this school and everything it has given our kids.... Read 22 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Average SAT 1270

• Average ACT 30

• Dover, NH•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.24 out of 5  136 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 136 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Average SAT 1260

• Average ACT 28

• Nashua, NH•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  272 reviews

Parent: We sent our three children to BG, and it is amazing! There's not a single school in the area that can compare. The faculty and staff are all top notch, and students receive an education that extends well beyond the classroom. Our kids learned to work hard (which paid massive dividends in college!), and they all have awesome careers now (software engineer, NP, and a Major in the military!) They built friendships that they've carried with them well beyond college, and are all fine adults. I can't say enough about a place "where all students are known, valued, and treasured."... Read 272 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Average SAT 1250

• Average ACT 27

• Andover, NH•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.28 out of 5  29 reviews

Parent: Proctor Academy has been an incredible gift to my son. He was doing well at a very competitive high school but was suffocating under the grind and had lost his love of learning. We kept running into apathetic teachers who did not seem to care much about the individual experience of students. He decided to make a move to this small private boarding school and it has changed his life. He has grown into a thoughtful, self aware and engaged young man who cares about his community, the people around him and the larger global context. The Proctor teachers care deeply about their students and work hard to both support and challenge them. He loves his classes and welcomes the hard work that allows him to excel academically. There is a certain joy that Proctor fosters and it comes across in the interesting curriculum, the 5 study abroad programs, the service days and all the other Proctor traditions. This place is a gem!... Read 29 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Average SAT 1220

• Average ACT 28

• Tilton, NH•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.35 out of 5  66 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 66 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Average SAT 1220

• Average ACT 25

• Manchester, NH•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  164 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 164 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Average SAT 1220

• Average ACT 28

• Hollis/Brookline Cooperative School District, NH•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  280 reviews

Parent: We have been extremely happy with HBHS! The teachers, administration and staff are very professional, knowledgeable and caring, especially during these difficult times of the pandemic. Also, parents and volunteers are often very generous with their time and involvement which makes a difference in their son/daughter's experience. So glad to be a part of this Hollis Brookline community! Also, we are very glad to see the new turf field come to fruition! It is a great asset to the school and community.... Read 280 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Average SAT 1260

• Average ACT 30

• New Hampton, NH•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  55 reviews

Alum: I was initially drawn to New Hampton for their academic prowess and diverse community. With rigorous course offerings and a large international population, my initial expectations were quickly exceeded. However, New Hampton has so much more to offer. I found the vast arts offering were particularly intriguing, which led me to participate in two pilot arts courses, one of which was co-taught by animators at the Walt Disney Family Museum. These courses led me to take additional art courses and eventually led me to take IB Visual Arts HL as part of the IB Diploma Program. New Hampton also excels in integrating experiential learning across the curriculum. Students also have the opportunity to design and lead a Project Week experience to explore a topic of their choice. Lastly, New Hampton's community is extremely inclusive — everyone has their own passion that they bring to the community. I cannot recommend New Hampton enough.... Read 55 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Average SAT 1220

• Average ACT 28

• 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

• grade A minus

• Average SAT 1230

• Average ACT 26

• Wolfeboro, NH•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  36 reviews

Senior: i spent all four years of high school at Brewster Academy and I can honestly say it was the best experience of my life. The teachers and staff are so unbelievably inclusive in regards to learning capabilities and learning disabilities. You step on campus and every person you see says hello to you, it’s like you’ve been there your whole life. I would recommend this school to anybody. I was absolutely blessed to have the opportunity to spend high school on the beautiful campus, steps away from Lake Winnipesaukee.... Read 36 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Average SAT 1170

• Average ACT 28

• Portsmouth School District, NH•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  156 reviews

Junior: Portsmouth High school is a well-developed and inclusive school. Portsmouth isn't an incredibly diverse community, but with all those who come through the school system, there is a reflectance of acceptance. This is seen among the staff and administration. As for the students, the majority are accepting and inclusive, but some outliers remain. Although these students remain within the Portsmouth district, they do not reflect the school's, overall, core values. In reference to academics, Portsmouth is a leading district within the state of New Hampshire. Portsmouth High School is a future-focused school and exerts all efforts to provide students with equal opportunities to succeed. Whether that means attending college or entering into a trade, there is a countless amount of support.... Read 156 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Average SAT 1230

• Average ACT 28

• Bedford School District, NH•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  500 reviews

Junior: My experience at Bedford High School has been pretty great! Due to the pandemic, I wasn't able to get a full high school experience but even without the full experience, it is still really great to attend. Sports and academics are personally the top quality's of the school because we are D1 and we are rated very high on academics, so those are the reasons my family moved to Bedford. i recommend it if you wish to have a challenge and get yourself at the top of the charts. I love it here.... Read 500 reviews

• grade A

• grade B+

• Average SAT 1260

• Average ACT 29

• Manchester, NH•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  23 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 23 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B+

• Average SAT 1200

• Average ACT 34

• Dover, NH•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  160 reviews

Junior: St. Thomas is a very good community. There is really no bullying or "mean girls" or anything like that. There are a lot of opportunities especially considering the seize of the school, and if someone wants to do something that the school does not offer then they will be helped by teachers or guidance counselors so students are never held back. The teachers are also extremely devoted to their work and are focused on giving students the skills that they will need later on for life rather than constantly making them memorize random facts.... Read 160 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B+

• Average SAT 1220

• Average ACT 28

• Nashua School District, NH•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  460 reviews

Parent: So many great activities and the curriculum for practical application skills like culinary, management, nursing etc are very impressive! Having teenagers leave high school with college skills and credits is fabulous. Beautiful building, safe and secure.... Read 460 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B+

• Average SAT 1210

• Average ACT 29

• Concord, NH•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  110 reviews

Senior: Bishop Brady is a small Roman Catholic high school in Concord, New Hampshire. As a fourth-year student at Brady, I am greatly pleased by my high school experience. The student body is around 300 kids which makes it easy to get to know all of the students in more of just a passing manner. The faculty and staff are incredible and are devoted to the three pillars which Brady is built upon; Leadership, Faith, and Service. The athletics of Brady (especially my senior year) are competitive and range from division 1 to division 4. A unique attribute of Brady is the number of fans that attend our female athletes' games! Brady also requires each student to complete 25 hours of service every year which amounts to 100,000 hours of service from the entire student body helping out our communities. Bishop Brady is home to many and is the reason I have so many opportunities for higher education.... Read 110 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B+

• Average SAT 1240

• Average ACT 28

• Amherst, NH•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  172 reviews

Senior: As a senior, I believe my experience at Souhegan High School has been excellent. I was new to the community my freshman year of high school and was positively overwhelmed with opportunities the first day I walked through the doors. The Souhegan Faculty create a welcoming environment in students which create a great amount of student involvement. I like how Souhegan has almost every club under the sun and are also very adaptable to new clubs that are student-run. Although diversity is poor, the community does a great job of having students connect with other communities. The faculty and administration truly does try to connect with the students and know everyone. Souhegan has lots of opportunities but students need to look for them! Overall, I could not imagine going anywhere else.... Read 172 reviews

• grade A

• grade B+

• Average SAT 1220

• Average ACT 27