[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Boarding schools immerse you in a challenging academic environment. The top boarding schools also boost the odds of admission for college-bound graduates.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The best boarding schools stand out for their academic excellence, focus on student learning, and dedication to community service. Many top-ranked boarding schools feature a strong track record of college admissions at selective schools. Boarding schools also offer financial aid packages to help families cover the costs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This page ranks the top boarding schools in the U.S. Families considering these schools can use this information to find the right fit for their student’s needs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]15 Best Boarding Schools in the U.S.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]1. [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.exeter.edu/” target=”_blank”]Phillips Exeter Academy[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Location[/hen-ui-text]: Exeter, New Hampshire[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]More commonly known as Exeter, this New Hampshire school has been the unofficial feeder for Harvard for decades, serving boys and girls in grades 9-12 (post-graduate year available).[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can choose from more than 450 courses in 18 subject areas in true Exeter style: the Harkness method, the plan that calls for dialogue-based learning. The one-of-a-kind math curriculum focuses on problem sets and seminar-based learning, tossing traditional textbooks aside in favor of student-owned learning processes. More than 90% of the faculty are advanced degree-holders.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Since 2007, Exeter has implemented a financial aid initiative that provides a free education to any student whose family income is $125,000 or less. This makes a truly wealthy, world-class education available to anybody who qualifies for the rigorous course of study.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Percentage of students who board[/hen-ui-text]: 81%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Tuition, room, and board[/hen-ui-text]: $67,315[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Percentage of students who receive some form of financial aid[/hen-ui-text]: 45%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Notable alumni[/hen-ui-text]: Mark Zuckerberg (founder of Facebook), Dan Brown (author), Christopher Kimball (Cook’s Illustrated and America’s Test Kitchen)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]2. [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.andover.edu/Pages/default.aspx/” target=”_blank”]Phillips Academy (Andover)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Location[/hen-ui-text]: Andover, Massachusetts,[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Phillips Academy was founded in 1778 and is the oldest incorporated boarding school in the United States. Andover, as it is universally known, was an original feeder school for Yale. Like its rival, Exeter, Andover is rich in tradition.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The school, which also uses the Harkness method, prides itself on a small 5-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio and intense interactive classes. It offers 300 courses, eight world languages, 150 electives, and a wide array of music classes.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Beyond academics, all Andover students participate in a work-duty program and are assigned different jobs throughout the year. Andover is also the first private secondary school to implement a need-blind admission policy, meeting 100% of a family’s demonstrated financial status through grants.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Percentage of students who board[/hen-ui-text]: 75%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Tuition, room, and board[/hen-ui-text]: $76,731[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Percentage of students who receive some form of financial aid[/hen-ui-text]: 47%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Notable alumni[/hen-ui-text]: George W. Bush, Humphrey Bogart, Jack Lemmon, Julia Alvarez[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]3. [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.putneyschool.org/” target=”_blank”]The Putney School[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Location[/hen-ui-text]: Putney, Vermont[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Founded in 1935, the Putney School in Vermont offers a progressive, rigorous, hands-on education to students in grades 9-12. You are encouraged to pursue your academic interests through project-based learning, work programs, and leadership training.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Putney boasts a 600-acre campus with a 2-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio and a five-to-1 student-to-cow ratio. You participate in an arts-based program two nights a week and contribute to the community in various jobs to instill a work ethic not generally found in the classroom.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduates of Putney commonly gain entrance to the very best schools in the country; they attend Ivies like Yale, Dartmouth, Columbia, and Cornell, as well as famed liberal arts schools like Oberlin, Sarah Lawrence, and Boston College.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Percentage of students who board[/hen-ui-text]: 72%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Tuition, room, and board[/hen-ui-text]: $80,200[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Percentage of students who receive some form of financial aid[/hen-ui-text]: 37%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Notable alumni[/hen-ui-text]: Reid Hoffman (cofounder of LinkedIn), Nell Newman (founder of Newman’s Own), Felicity Huffman (actress)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]4. [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.gocfs.net/” target=”_blank”]Church Farm School[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Location[/hen-ui-text]: Exton, Pennsylvania[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The Church Farm School (CFS), located in Exton, Pennsylvania, was founded in 1918 as an independent college preparatory boarding school for boys in grades 7-12 on a historic campus. Loyal to its name and its Episcopal heritage, the school requires attendance at weekly chapel services and meetings.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At CFS, you participate in the co-curricular C.O.R.E. (Challenge Of Required Experience) program, which provides opportunities for community service, outdoor experiences, leadership training, and exposure to the cultural arts.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]CFS offers a 5-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, and 70% of faculty hold advanced degrees. It also has 30 athletic teams and a 100% college acceptance rate. Graduates frequently attend top schools such as Brown, Cornell, Emory, Princeton, Yale, Notre Dame, Penn, and Johns Hopkins University.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Percentage of students who board[/hen-ui-text]: 90%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Tuition, room, and board[/hen-ui-text]: $34,300[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Percentage of students who receive some form of financial aid[/hen-ui-text]: 90%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Notable alumni[/hen-ui-text]: Talmadge O’Neill (Silicon Valley entrepreneur), Chris Raab (actor), Michael Eric (NBA)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]5. [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.episcopalhighschool.org/” target=”_blank”]Episcopal High School[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Location[/hen-ui-text]: Alexandria, Virginia[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Located just seven miles from the White House, Episcopal High School is a private, coeducational school that boards 100% of its students, contributing to a thriving campus community. The school has a religious affiliation, and all students must attend chapel three times a week.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The school offers a signature Washington Program with four concentrations: public policy, sustainability, cultural awareness, and entrepreneurship. Sophomores try all concentrations, select one the following year, and engage in a year-long project and externship during their final year.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Around 80% of faculty hold advanced degrees and teach over 180 courses. In recent years, Episcopal graduates have matriculated at top institutions including the University of Southern California, Sewanee, Georgetown, the University of Virginia, William and Mary, Washington and Lee University, and Duke.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Percentage of students who board[/hen-ui-text]: 100%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Tuition, room, and board[/hen-ui-text]: $72,000[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Percentage of students who receive some form of financial aid[/hen-ui-text]: 35%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Notable alumni[/hen-ui-text]: Senator John McCain, Bryson Spinner (NFL)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]6. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.sps.edu/” target=”_blank”]St. Paul’s School[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Location[/hen-ui-text]: Concord, New Hampshire[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Founded in 1856, St. Paul’s School is an all-boarding school for students in grades 9-12 and an optional post-graduate year. Students and faculty live on campus, promoting a close, spirited campus community. You are also assigned a “big brother” or “big sister” to ease the transition to campus life.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Rigorous classes use the renowned Harkness method. Rather than offering physical education classes, St. Paul’s requires you to play sports. You’ll also be required to attend chapel services four days a week.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To increase accessibility, St. Paul’s offers full tuition support for students from households with an income of $150,000 or less. St. Paul’s recent graduates commonly attend top universities, including Princeton, Dartmouth, MIT, Yale, Stanford, Harvard, Williams College, and the University of Chicago.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Percentage of students who board[/hen-ui-text]: 100%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Tuition, room, and board[/hen-ui-text]: $68,353[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Percentage of students who receive some form of financial aid[/hen-ui-text]: 38% (need-based grants)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Notable alumni[/hen-ui-text]: Secretary of State John Kerry, John Jacob Astor IV (business magnate), Judd Nelson (actor)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]7. [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.ashevilleschool.org/” target=”_blank”]Asheville School[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Location[/hen-ui-text]: Asheville, North Carolina,[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Set in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, the Asheville School is a private coeducational boarding school founded in 1900 for grades 9-12 students. You learn to challenge yourself academically and personally. For example, as a first-year student, you go on a three-day wilderness camping trip complete with a high-ropes course.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Academics cover a four-year sequence and include 20 advanced and 14 honors courses. You must also complete 40 hours of service for one organization and submit an essay about that experience to the headteacher.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Once you’re a senior, you must give “Chapel Talks” to hone your oral presentation skills and write a series of papers on a chosen topic before defending it to a faculty panel. In addition to Ivies, graduates attend UNC-Chapel Hill, George Washington University, and Purdue.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Percentage of students who board[/hen-ui-text]: 75%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Tuition, room, and board[/hen-ui-text]: $76,950[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Percentage of students who receive some form of financial aid[/hen-ui-text]: 33%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Notable alumni[/hen-ui-text]: Dr. D. Ralph Millard (plastic surgery pioneer), Edward Gaylord (media mogul), Pete Dye, Jr. (world-renowned golf course designer), Jennifer Phar-Davis (fastest hiker through the Appalachian Trail)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]8. [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.s-sm.org/” target=”_blank”]Shattuck-St. Mary’s School[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Location[/hen-ui-text]: Faribault, Minnesota[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Founded in 1858, Shattuck-St. Mary’s (SSM) is an independent coeducational boarding school for grades 6-12, with an optional post-graduate year. SSM provides a unique blend of tradition and innovation to its students.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The school maintains its traditional Episcopalian identity and offers weekly chapel services, religious classes, and the saying of grace before lunch. For graduation, you must also fulfill a community service requirement.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Academically, Shattuck-St. Mary’s offers signature multi-year, experiential programs through their Centers of Excellence in bioscience, engineering, sports (notably ice hockey), or a self-designed major.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]SSM also has a unique pre-conservatory program if you’re interested in attending the nation’s top music schools. Graduates have attended top-tier colleges including Brown, Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Penn State, Georgetown University, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Percentage of students who board[/hen-ui-text]: 75%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Tuition, room, and board[/hen-ui-text]: $63,500[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Percentage of students who receive some form of financial aid[/hen-ui-text]: 50%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Notable alumni[/hen-ui-text]: Townes Van Zandt (poet, musician), Brent Musburger (sportscaster), Jimmy Chin (National Geographic photographer and mountain climber), and numerous NHL players and Olympians in ice hockey[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]9. [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.standrews-de.org/” target=”_blank”]St. Andrew’s School[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Location[/hen-ui-text]: Middletown, Delaware[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Committed to its Episcopalian identity, St. Andrew’s is an all-boarding, coed private school for grades 9-12 students founded in 1929. St. Andrew’s is known for its community and values, though it also gained recognition for being the filming location of the 1989 filmDead Poets Society.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]St. Andrew’s prioritizes family-style meals during the week to build a close-knit community on campus. You are required to participate in a chore rotation. Attendance at chapels and Sunday services is required.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Academics are rigorous, with a 5-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of 10. As a senior, you’ll take reading and writing-intensive tutorials in the spirit of the Oxford tutorial method and then defend an original thesis to the English Department.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduates attend Ivy League schools and other top-tier colleges like NYU and Vanderbilt.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Percentage of students who board[/hen-ui-text]: 100%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Tuition, room, and board[/hen-ui-text]: $69,400[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Percentage of students who receive some form of financial aid[/hen-ui-text]: 40%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Notable alumni[/hen-ui-text]: Erin Burnett (CNN journalist), Loudon Wainwright, Jr. (Life magazine columnist), Eric Boateng (basketball player)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]10. [hen-ui-link href=”http://thacher.org/” target=”_blank”]The Thacher School[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Location[/hen-ui-text]: Ojai, California[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Founded in 1889, the Thacher School is California’s oldest coed boarding school. Campus community life is built around formal dinners four nights a week and seven-day-long camping trips each semester.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Academics encourage responsibility and critical thinking, with seniors developing, researching, and presenting a senior thesis. Over 70% of faculty hold advanced degrees and the school boasts a 6-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The school also features a unique horsemanship program that helps you develop self-esteem, problem-solving skills, and responsibility. You’ll get a single room during your first year at Thacher and will participate in the mandatory Horse Program, where you learn all the basics of caretaking and riding horses. You also take at least one overnight horse-packing trip during the year.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Thatcher students have been accepted to and matriculated at Stanford, Harvard, Dartmouth, Brown, Columbia, NYU, Tulane, and UPenn.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Percentage of students who board[/hen-ui-text]: 93%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Boarding tuition[/hen-ui-text]: $77,880[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Percentage of students who receive some form of financial aid[/hen-ui-text]: 31%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Notable alumni[/hen-ui-text]: Howard Hughes (aviator, filmmaker, and industrialist), Thornton Wilder (writer), Noah Wyle (actor)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]11. [hen-ui-link href=”https://deerfield.edu/” target=”_blank”]Deerfield Academy[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Location[/hen-ui-text]: Deerfield, Massachusetts[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Founded in 1797, Deerfield Academy is an independent, coed boarding school for students in grades 9-12 that offers an optional post-graduate year. An impressive 70% of the faculty hold advanced degrees in their subject areas, and nearly all (98%) of the faculty live on campus, creating a vibrant campus learning community.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Deerfield Academy emphasizes cultivating personal interests and a sense of community with traditions like sit-down meals and the singing of Evensong. You must participate in a co-curricular activity each term to develop diverse skillsets.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Deerfield’s academic focus is joy in learning, helping you prepare to continue your education at top institutions like Yale, Harvard, Dartmouth, Georgetown, UVA, and Middlebury College.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Deerfield offers generous financial aid packages, with US families making up to $150,000 paying $0. Families who earn over $150,000 won’t pay more than 10% of their income per child.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Percentage of students who board[/hen-ui-text]: 80%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Tuition, room, and board[/hen-ui-text]: $71,770[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Percentage of students who receive some form of financial aid[/hen-ui-text]: 40%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Notable alumni:[/hen-ui-text] Nelson Doubleday, Jr. (publisher), King Abdullah II of Jordan, Michael Glazer (television producer), and Henry W. Kendall (Nobel prize-winning physicist)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]12. [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.choate.edu/” target=”_blank”]Choate Rosemary Hall[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Location[/hen-ui-text]: Wallingford, Connecticut[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Founded in 1890, Choate Rosemary Hall is a private coed boarding school for students in grades 9-12 with an optional post-graduate year. What sets Choate apart is its extensive course offerings. You can choose from more than 300 classes, eight signature programs, and six languages.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can also focus on unique programs like the interdisciplinary environmental immersion program, Middle Eastern studies, or the arts program. You work with your advisors on a capstone project within a concentration, a rigorous course of study culminating in the final term of the senior year.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Choate graduates attend top universities, including NYU, University of Chicago, Yale, Columbia, Georgetown, Northeastern, Cornell, Brown, and UPenn. Choate covers 100% of the costs for students with demonstrated financial need.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Percentage of students who board[/hen-ui-text]: 80%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Tuition, room, and board[/hen-ui-text]: $72,420[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Percentage of students who receive some form of financial aid[/hen-ui-text]: 34%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Notable alumni[/hen-ui-text]: President John F. Kennedy, Adlai E. Stevenson II (Illinois governor, two-time Democratic presidential candidate), Alan Jay Lerner (lyricist, librettist), Edward Albee (playwright), Michael Douglas and Jamie Lee Curtis (actors)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]13. [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.woodberry.org/page/” target=”_blank”]Woodberry Forest[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Location[/hen-ui-text]: Madison County, Virginia[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Woodberry Forest is an all-boys, all-boarding school founded in 1889 and set on a beautiful 1,200-acre campus. An impressive 78% of faculty hold advanced degrees, and the small 6-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Woodberry’s academic courses are designed to empower you to take risks, discuss new ideas, and work with your hands. Woodberry Forest requires 60 hours of community service before graduation. Half the hours must be “spent in direct contact with those benefitting from their service.” Additionally, you are required to enroll in a leadership development program.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Woodberry Forest graduates attend the Ivies, Washington & Lee, UNC-Chapel Hill, the College of William & Mary, and the University of Richmond.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Percentage of students who board[/hen-ui-text]: 100%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Tuition, room, and board[/hen-ui-text]: $67,650[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Percentage of students who receive some form of financial aid: [/hen-ui-text]44%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Notable alumni[/hen-ui-text]: Johnny Mercer (musician and songwriter), Bosley Crowther (film critic for the New York Times), Paul C.P. McIlhenny (CEO and producer of McIlhenny Co., the Tabasco sauce company), Halsey Minor (founder of CNET networks)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]14. [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.wra.net/” target=”_blank”]Western Reserve Academy[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Location[/hen-ui-text]: Hudson, Ohio[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Founded in 1828 as the “Yale of the West,” Western Reserve Academy (WRA) is a private, coed boarding school serving students in grades 9-12. It also has an optional post-graduate year. Support is close by, as 77% of faculty live on campus and 86% hold advanced degrees.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]WRA prides itself on long-standing traditions. It still requires you to adhere to a strict, formal dress code. Other traditions include Friday study breaks that celebrate the coming of the weekend and Wednesday sit-down, family-style lunches with the entire faculty.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In place of Saturday classes, WRA extends learning to the Saturday Academy, a time allotted for in-depth subject study or class meetings. Graduates have attended Ivies and other top colleges, such as the University of Chicago, Northwestern, Duke, Georgetown, NYU, and the U.S. Naval Academy.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Percentage of students who board[/hen-ui-text]: 64%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Tuition, room, and board[/hen-ui-text]: $76,975[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Percentage of students who receive some form of financial aid[/hen-ui-text]: 41% (grants)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Notable alumni[/hen-ui-text]: Ian Frazier (author, essayist), Lee Morin (NASA astronaut)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]15. [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.vvsaz.org/” target=”_blank”]Verde Valley School[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Location[/hen-ui-text]: Sedona, Arizona[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Founded in 1948, the Verde Valley School is an independent, coeducational boarding school for students in grades 9-12. As an International Baccalaureate World School, Verde Valley focuses its course content on IB courses. With only 100 students, the school creates a small, unique community.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Verde Valley emphasizes a life lived with curiosity and connection, strong academics, impressive outdoor adventures, and extraordinary competitive sports seasons. You are also required to complete daily morning dorm chores, a weekly job program, and several community work days throughout the year.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduates attend many top colleges, including Cornell, Dartmouth, Johns Hopkins, Vassar, Stanford, Harvey Mudd, and Claremont McKenna.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Percentage of students who board[/hen-ui-text]: 60%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Tuition, room, and board[/hen-ui-text]: $60,000[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Percentage of students who receive some form of financial aid[/hen-ui-text]: 50%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Notable alumni[/hen-ui-text]: Phil Noyes (documentary filmmaker, PBS producer), Chris Lemmon (actor), Carol Tantau (leader in domestic violence prevention)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How We Chose These Schools”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At TheBestSchools, we use trusted data from the U.S. Department of Education to evaluate schools without bias. Our ranking methodology helps prospective students from various backgrounds find the best fit. We consider key factors like academic quality, extracurricular offerings, and affordability so every type of student can find the best fit for them.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For this ranking, we assessed schools where at least half of all students lived on campus, regardless of school size. We then weighed each school according to three criteria:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”number”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Availability of specialized programs[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Dedication to an innovative curriculum[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Emphasis on student-involved community service[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The tuition price comes from the most current figure posted on each school’s website. Most of the numbers listed do not include the cost of extracurriculars, materials, and other fees. Learn more about how our formula works on [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/ranking-methodology/”]our ranking methodology page[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Other Top Boarding Schools in the U.S.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]These schools just missed our cutoff of the top 15, but are still among the best boarding schools in the U.S.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]10 Other Top U.S. Boarding Schools[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Boarding Schools[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Location[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Cost[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Percentage of student who board[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Percentage of students who receive some financial aid[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.taftschool.org/” target=”_blank”]The Taft School[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Boarding Schools”]Watertown, Connecticut[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Location”]$78,300[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Cost”]84%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Percentage of student who board”]35%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ormeschool.org/” target=”_blank”]The Orme School[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Boarding Schools”]Mayer, Arizona[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Location”]$51,500[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Cost”]96%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Percentage of student who board”]65%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.rabungap.org/” target=”_blank”]Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Boarding Schools”]Rabun Gap, Georgia [/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Location”]$65,000[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Cost”]60%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Percentage of student who board”]75%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.foxcroft.org/” target=”_blank”]Foxcroft[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Boarding Schools”]Middleburg, Virginia[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Location”]$75,200[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Cost”]70%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Percentage of student who board”]54%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.trinitypawling.org/” target=”_blank”]Trinity-Pawling[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Boarding Schools”]Pawling, New York[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Location”]$76,500[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Cost”]80%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Percentage of student who board”]35%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.blair.edu/” target=”_blank”]Blair Academy[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Boarding Schools”]Blairstown, New Jersey[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Location”]$78,980[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Cost”]84%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Percentage of student who board”]36%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.thehill.org/” target=”_blank”]The Hill School[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Boarding Schools”]Pottstown, Pennsylvania[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Location”]$78,300[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Cost”]79%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Percentage of student who board”]38%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://peddie.org/” target=”_blank”]Peddie School[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Boarding Schools”]Hightstown, New Jersey[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Location”]$75,700[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Cost”]60%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Percentage of student who board”]40%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.misshalls.org/” target=”_blank”]Miss Hall’s School[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Boarding Schools”]Pittsfield, Massachusetts[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Location”]$79,000[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Cost”]70%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Percentage of student who board”]70%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.berkshireschool.org/” target=”_blank”]Berkshire School[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Boarding Schools”]Sheffield, Massachusetts[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Location”] $76,100[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Cost”]87%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Percentage of student who board”]25%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Is a Boarding School?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A boarding school is an educational institution where you live in residence throughout the academic year, typically from late August to May or June. In addition to educational courses, boarding schools typically offer diverse extracurricular activities, including sports, music, the arts, and computer programming.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Boarding schools tend to have structured programs during the evenings and weekends, allowing you to participate in an immersive, comprehensive experience. Community-building activities may include formal meals, chapel services, and other school-specific traditions.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students and their families choose boarding school for all kinds of reasons, but one of the most common is the opportunity to build a stronger academic and personal foundation, often with higher education in mind.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Choosing a Boarding School: 4 Key Factors[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Choosing a boarding school for yourself or your child is a huge decision. The faculty, culture, academics, and extracurricular activities will all shape educational outcomes and integration at the school. Key considerations include cost, location, and your specific goals.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Student Values and Goals[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many boarding schools are known for their strong culture and traditions. Understanding the school’s values and religious affiliations (if any) and visiting to get a sense of the culture can be a first step in choosing a boarding school.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Consider what you want to get from the boarding school experience. Some schools specialize in specific outdoor activities, the arts, STEM, or unique experiences. Many top boarding schools are known as feeder schools for Ivies, potentially offering advantages for future goals.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Cost[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While most top boarding schools charge tuition between $60,000 and $80,000 annually, some are also known for their generous financial aid. For example, a few schools on the list above offer free tuition for students whose families make less than $150,000 a year.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Extra fees for special programs such as STEM, skiing, wilderness trips, or horseback riding can add many thousands of dollars to the base tuition rate.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Student Needs and Interests[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Every student is unique, so the culture and academics that work best are also personal. Look at subject areas you excel in, where you like to build strength, and the specializations and unique offerings that can set you up for college and life.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Consider both academic programs and extracurricular activities you enjoy participating in. For example, some schools require you to play sports. You should also consider the housing situation, required activities like volunteering, and other lifestyle factors that can affect how well you integrate with the school culture.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Location[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Lastly, location should be a significant deciding factor. While some families are happy sending their children across the country, proximity to home and ease of transportation are essential for others. Consider how you or your child will get to school and whether you plan to visit regularly.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Demystifying Boarding Schools: Are They Good or Bad?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Boarding schools can be a life-changing, positive experience for many students, but negative experiences are not uncommon. There have been reports sexual abuse, financial impropriety, and other scandals dating back decades. However, most graduates claim boarding school gives them a valuable head start, setting them up for life after school.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Ultimately, boarding schools are neither intrinsically good nor bad. When deciding whether to attend or send your child to boarding school, consider personality, comfort zone, goals, and the school’s alignment with your family’s values.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]And do your research: look into the school’s reputation, culture, and community, and whether graduates have reported positive experiences. All of these elements can deeply impact your student’s overall boarding school experience.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Boarding Schools[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How much are boarding schools?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The full tuition for boarding schools typically ranges from $60,000 to $80,000, averaging around $70,000 annually. However, many of these boarding schools have large endowments, allowing them to offer full scholarships or grants to qualifying students with demonstrated need.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With these scholarships, you could send your student to boarding school for much less, perhaps for as little as 10% of your household income (or less).[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Why do people go to boarding school​?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]People attend boarding schools for a myriad of reasons: to improve their learning, build independence, or join a unique community. For some families, boarding school is a tradition and rite of passage; for others, it is a decision based on an individual student’s needs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Other reasons people choose boarding schools over traditional schools include academic strengths, extracurricular activities, alumni networks, small class sizes, and personalized attention that these institutions deliver.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How do boarding schools work?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Boarding schools allow you to live in dormitories or rooms within homes on campus. You attend regular academic classes, eat meals with other students and faculty, and have opportunities to participate in a rich array of extracurricular activities after school and on the weekends.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some common extracurriculars include sports, arts, and STEM programs, but specific offerings vary by boarding school. Additionally, some schools offer wilderness adventures or other off-campus outings, while others require regular all-campus meals, worship services, volunteer time, chores, or other activities.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is boarding school like​?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At its best, boarding school is a life-changing experience where you can explore new activities, discover more about yourself, build lifetime friendships, and grow in independence.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You will attend classes like any other school, but you may also have the chance to get to know the faculty in more informal settings. You’ll be exposed to expert instruction or get to master unique activities not available at home.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You’ll also live with other students, which can be a way to forge deeper friendships. Boarding schools have dorm supervisors, house mothers, or other live-in adult supervision and student support to give you support even when you’re far from family.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Discover More College Resources” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,905,1063″][/hen-ui-article-row]