Boarding Schools in United States

Overview: — · — · $56.1K–$71.8K

Phillips Exeter Academy, founded in 1781 in Exeter, New Hampshire, is one of America's most prestigious boarding schools, enrolling approximately 1,100 students in grades 9–12 plus a postgraduate year. Every class uses the Harkness Method — 12 students and one teacher in collaborative discussion around an oval table — making student-led inquiry the cornerstone of academic life. The school operates on a need-blind admissions policy and provides financial aid to nearly half its students, including full tuition waivers for qualifying families. Guided by its motto 'Non Sibi' (Not for Oneself), Exeter fosters intellectual excellence, personal character, and a commitment to purposeful, service-oriented lives.

Overview: — · — · $63.8K–$79.8K

Phillips Academy (Andover) is a coeducational boarding high school founded in 1778 in Andover, Massachusetts, widely regarded as one of the most prestigious prep schools in the United States. It enrolls approximately 1,169 students in grades 9–12 and PG, with over 75% living on campus in a richly residential community. The school is known for its rigorous academics, its motto 'Non Sibi' (Not for Self), and its commitment to developing principled, engaged citizens. Andover offers need-blind admission and meets 100% of demonstrated financial need, making it accessible to students from all economic backgrounds. Graduates consistently gain admission to highly selective universities worldwide.

Overview: — · — · $68.1K–$82.7K

The Lawrenceville School is a highly selective, co-educational independent boarding and day school for grades 9–12 located on a 700-acre campus in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, founded in 1810. It is distinguished by the Harkness teaching method, in which all classes are conducted around oval discussion tables that empower students to drive their own learning through dialogue and critical inquiry. The school's House system — 14 historic residential houses — provides an intimate community within which students are mentored by live-in Houseparents and develop leadership skills alongside peers. With an acceptance rate of approximately 18%, Lawrenceville offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum supported by comprehensive health and wellness services, need-based financial aid meeting 100% of demonstrated need, and extensive extracurricular offerings spanning athletics, arts, STEM, and community service.

Overview: — · — · $53.7K–$74.8K

Deerfield Academy, founded in 1797, is a prestigious independent boarding and day school serving grades 9–12 in Deerfield, Massachusetts. It offers a rigorous liberal-arts curriculum with minimal required courses, a robust co-curricular program spanning athletics, arts, and dozens of student clubs, and a close-knit residential life centered on community and character. With an endowment exceeding $920 million and a commitment to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need, Deerfield maintains a diverse student body drawing from 42 countries. The school's motto, 'Be Worthy of Your Heritage,' reflects its deep emphasis on scholarship, citizenship, and moral character.

Overview: — · — · $68.7K–$80.8K

The Hotchkiss School is a highly selective independent boarding school in Lakeville, Connecticut, serving grades 9–12 with approximately 599 students from 34 US states and 31 countries. Founded in 1891, it offers a rigorous academic program with average class sizes of 12 and a 4:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The school is renowned for its diverse extracurricular offerings — over 80 clubs and competitive athletics — set across a stunning campus that includes an 18-hole golf course, two NHL/Olympic-sized hockey rinks, and a 287-acre working farm. With nearly 34% of students receiving need-based financial aid and a commitment to pluralism, Hotchkiss cultivates intellectually curious, globally minded leaders.

Overview: — · — · $48.9K–$62.7K

Groton School is a historic, coeducational boarding and day school for grades 8–12, located on a 480-acre campus in Groton, Massachusetts, about an hour from Boston. Founded in 1884 by Rev. Endicott Peabody, it enrolls ~385 students from 30 U.S. states and 24 countries, maintaining an intimate 4:1 student-faculty ratio and average class size of just 11. The school's mission—to inspire lives of character, scholarship, leadership, and service—is embodied in its rigorous college-preparatory curriculum, vibrant arts and athletics programs, and close-knit residential community. Virtually all graduates matriculate to selective four-year colleges, with top destinations including the University of Chicago, Harvard, Stanford, and Yale. Robust need-based financial aid (average grant ~$47,000 for boarding students) ensures the school is accessible to families across income levels.