The United States has a wide range of schools, from public to private, from elementary to high school, and from college to graduate school. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to know which schools are the best. This article will take a look at some of the best boarding schools in the US, based on a variety of factors, including academic rigor, extracurricular offerings, college placement success, and long history of excellence.

10 Best Boarding Schools in the US

1. Phillips Exeter Academy
2. Phillips Academy Andover
3. Choate Rosemary Hall
4. Deerfield Academy
5. St. Paul’s School
6. Groton School
7. The Lawrenceville School
8. St. Albans School
9. The Hockaday School
10. The Thacher School

Please note that this is just a list of the top 10 boarding schools in the US, according to Niche rankings. There are many other excellent boarding schools in the States, and the best school for a particular student will depend on their individual needs and preferences.

Why Parents/Guardians Choose Best Boarding Schools in the US

There are several reasons why parents choose the top boarding schools. But importantly, parents choose these schools for their children because they want them to receive a top-notch education in a diverse and inclusive environment.

All these schools excel in preparing graduates for success in college and beyond. They are also renowned for fostering strong character and values.

1. Phillips Exeter Academy

• Type of education: Private boarding school
• Location: Exeter, New Hampshire
• National rank: #1 (Niche)
• Local rank: #1 (Niche)
• Special features: Exeter is a coeducational boarding school that has been educating students for over 200 years. The school boasts a rigorous academic program that challenges students to think critically and solve problems Exeter also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and clubs.
• Facts: Exeter is home to the oldest science building in the United States, which was built in 1781. Exeter also has a museum that houses a collection of over 100,000 artifacts.

2. Phillips Academy Andover

• Type of education: Private boarding school
• Location: Andover, Massachusetts
• National rank: #2 (Niche)
• Local rank: #2 (Niche)
• Special features: Andover is another coeducational boarding school with a long history of excellence. It is known for its challenging academic program, which prepares students for success in college and beyond. Andover also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and clubs.
• Facts: Andover is home to the oldest art museum in the United States, which was founded in 1836. Andover also has a library that houses a collection of over 1 million books.

3. Choate Rosemary Hall

• Type of education: Private boarding school
• Location: Wallingford, Connecticut
• National rank: #3 (Niche)
• Local rank: #3 (Niche)
• Special features: Choate is a coeducational boarding school that is known for its innovative academic program. Choate offers a variety of courses, including both traditional and non-traditional subjects. It also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and clubs.
• Facts: Choate is home to the largest theater in Connecticut. The school also has a library that houses a collection of over 100,000 books.

4. Deerfield Academy

• Type of education: Private boarding school
• Location: Deerfield, Massachusetts
• National rank: #4 (Niche)
• Local rank: #4 (Niche)
• Special features: Deerfield is a coeducational boarding school that is known for its commitment to diversity and inclusion. It has a student body from all over the world, and it is committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all students. Deerfield also offers a rigorous academic program and a wide range of extracurricular activities.
• Facts: Deerfield is home to the oldest schoolhouse in the United States, which was built in 1739. Deerfield also has a library that houses a collection of over 100,000 books.

5. St. Paul’s School

• Type of education: Private boarding school
• Location: Concord, New Hampshire
• National rank: #5 (Niche)
• Local rank: #5 (Niche)
• Special features: St. Paul’s is an Episcopal boarding school that is known for its strong academic program and its commitment to service learning. St. Paul’s students are required to complete a service project each year, and the school offers a variety of opportunities for students to get involved in the local community.
• Facts: St. Paul’s is home to the oldest chapel in the United States, which was built in 1785. St. Paul’s also has a library that houses a collection of over 100,000 books.

6. Groton School

• Type of education: Private boarding school
• Location: Groton, Massachusetts
• National rank: #6 (Niche)
• Local rank: #6 (Niche)
• Special features: Groton is an Episcopal boarding school that is known for its strong academic program and its commitment to character development. It offers a variety of courses, and it places a strong emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The school also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and clubs.
• Facts: Groton is home to the oldest schoolhouse in Massachusetts, which was built in 1728. Groton also has a library that houses a collection of over 100,000 books.

7. The Lawrenceville School

• Type of education: Private boarding school
• Location: Lawrenceville, New Jersey
• National rank: #7 (Niche)
• Local rank: #7 (Niche)
• Special features: Lawrenceville is a coeducational boarding school that is known for its rigorous academic program and its commitment to diversity and inclusion. Lawrenceville has a student body from all over the world, and it is committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all students. It also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and clubs.
• Facts: Lawrenceville is home to the largest art collection of any boarding school in the United States. Lawrenceville also has a library that houses a collection of over 200,000 books.

8. St. Albans School

• Type of education: Private boarding school
• Location: Washington, DC
• National rank: #8 (Niche)
• Local rank: #1 (Niche)
• Special features: St. Albans is a boys’ boarding school that is located in the heart of Washington, DC. St. Albans is known for its rigorous academic program and its focus on civic engagement. St. Albans students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of internships and programs that give them firsthand experience of government and public policy.
• Facts: St. Albans is home to the oldest schoolhouse in Washington, DC, which was built in 1806. St. Albans also has a library that houses a collection of over 100,000 books.

9. The Hockaday School

• Type of education: Private boarding school
• Location: Dallas, Texas
• National rank: #9 (Niche)
• Local rank: #1 (Niche)
• Special features: Hockaday is a girls’ boarding school that is known for its strong academic program and its commitment to empowering young women. Hockaday offers a variety of courses, and it places a strong emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Hockaday also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and clubs.
• Facts: Hockaday is home to the largest all-girls STEM program in the United States. Hockaday also has a library that houses a collection of over 100,000 books.

10. The Thacher School

• Type of education: Private boarding school
• Location: Ojai, California
• National rank: #10 (Niche)
• Local rank: #1 (Niche)
• Special features: Thacher is a coeducational boarding school that is known for its strong academic program and its commitment to environmental stewardship. Thacher offers a variety of courses, and it places a strong emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Thacher also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and clubs.
• Facts: Thacher is home to the largest solar panel installation on any school campus in the United States. Thacher also has a library that houses a collection of over 100,000 books.

Final Words: Best Boarding Schools in the US

These schools offer a challenging academic program, a wide range of extracurricular activities, and a supportive and enriching environment for students. They are also known for their high college placement rates.

When choosing a boarding school for your child, it is important to consider their individual needs and preferences. You should also consider the school’s academic program, extracurricular offerings, college placement record, and location.

We hope this list has helped you to narrow down your choices and find the perfect boarding school for your child.

Additional note:

It is important to note that this list is just a starting point. There are many other excellent boarding schools in the US. We encourage you to do your research and visit different schools to find the best fit for your child.