Boarding school can be an excellent opportunity for students to get a taste of campus life, learn from a diverse group of classmates, and explore new passions. Much like the college search process, there are a variety of institutions that students must consider before compiling their list of best-fit options for boarding school.
Students who are interested in this opportunity should start by researching various boarding schools and pinpointing the choices that best align with their needs and goals. If you’re looking for a starting point, keep reading to discover more about some of the top boarding schools in the United States.
Phillips Academy Andover
This Massachusetts-based boarding school is one of the most prestigious. With an average class size of just 13 students and over 300 courses with 150+ electives, every student has the opportunity to discover their own passions while receiving personalized guidance. When it comes to extracurricular activities, students can choose between more than 60 interscholastic teams, as well as various community engagement programs.
Groton School
Groton School was built on the model of a family and like a family, the institution strives to take care of its students and staff. The student to faculty ratio is just 4:1, meaning every student has the opportunity to receive hands-on instruction from teachers who are true experts in the fields they specialize in.
Phillips Exeter Academy
Phillips Exeter Academy offers more than 450 courses, including interdisciplinary and experiential options, all devised to help students develop powerful, creative insights. A global program opens doors across five continents, encouraging students to become curious explorers. Classes are discussion-based and limited to just 12 students to encourage everyone to participate and collaborate.
St. Paul’s School
This New Hampshire-based boarding school boasts more than 145 academic offerings, 17 different sports, over 60 student clubs, and an average class size of just 10. A Community Engagement service requirement encourages all students to make an impact through various service trips and initiatives.
Deerfield Academy
Deerfield Academy is a highly selective boarding school with rigorous academic programs, athletic prowess, and a vibrant campus in Massachusetts. Deerfield’s advising system ensures that every student receives personalized guidance that will empower them to make the most of their academic experience.
The Lawrenceville School
Located across 700 acres in the historic Lawrenceville section of New Jersey, this boarding school provides specialized instruction for more than 800 students hailing from 43 different countries. Average testing scores include a median ACT score of 33, a median SAT Math score of 760, and a median SAT Verbal score of 730.
Middlesex School
For over a century, Middlesex has retained its reputation as one of the top boarding schools in the country. Students have the opportunity to enroll in over 20 AP courses in classes that average 12 participants. Average test scores are equally impressive, with a median ACT score of 32, a median SAT Math score of 710, and a median SAT Verbal score of 700.
Milton Academy
Milton Academy’s list of impressive alumni is vast, including both T.S. Eliot and former senator Robert F. Kennedy. The majority of faculty holds an advanced degree and students benefit from small class sizes and a student to faculty ratio of just 5:1.
Choate Rosemary Hall
For students with specialized interests, Choate Rosemary Hall may be a top-tier option. The school boasts 8 signature programs in fields such as advanced robotics, government and public service, and environmental studies. Aspiring athletes can also choose from an array of sports teams such as diving, ice hockey, basketball, squash, track and field, and lacrosse.
The Thacher School
This California-based school combines rigorous academics with a host of extracurricular activities including visual and performing arts programs, athletics, community service projects, and global studies. The combined SAT average score for the class of 2020 is a 1421, with an ACT average of 31.
Research is one of the first steps towards applying to boarding school. Students who are interested in enrolling must weigh their options and give their all to every application. If you are currently in the midst of applying to boarding schools and looking for expert advice, our team of admissions counselors can guide you throughout the process in a WiseStart™ program.
