Blair Academy

PO Box 600
Blairstown, NJ 07825
Founded in 1848, Blair Academy is a dynamic, coeducational boarding school in northwest New Jersey, located 65 miles from New York City.
Amid a caring, vibrant community, 469 students pursue a superior college preparatory education and explore their passions through myriad co-curricular activities.
Strong faculty-student relationships lead to exceptional learning and empower students to become persons of great accomplishment and character.
Blair graduates distinguish themselves at top colleges and as leaders in their professions and communities.

Quick Stats (2023)

  • Grades: (Boarding) 9-12, PG
  • Enrollment: 465 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $66,500
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $46,500
  • Acceptance rate: 18%
  • Average class size: 11 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 15 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Blair Academy ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 296 schools) for:

Category
Attribute

School Overview

Definition of Terms | 2022 School Data
Blair Academy
Boarding School Avg.
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Grades Offered (Boarding)
9-12, PG
9-12
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
Religious Affiliation
Non-denominational
Year Founded
1848
1906
Campus Size
463 acres
125 acres

Student Body

Enrollment
465 students
315 students
% Students of Color
22%
25%
% International Students
17%
20%
% Students Boarding
80%
69%
Offers Post-Grad Year
Yes
No

Academics and Faculty

Saturday Classes
Yes
No
Frequency of Saturday Classes
Weekly
Weekly
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
business casual; no denim
Casual
Average Class Size
11 students
12
* National Avg. »18
Student : Teacher Ratio
5:1
7:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
54
17
ESL Courses Offered
No
Yes
Summer Program Offered
No
Yes

Tuition Cost

Endowment Size
$145 million
$25 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
$66,500
$62,000
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
$46,500
$35,070
% Students on Financial Aid
35%
40%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$40,000
(Need-based aid.)
$25,000
Merit Scholarships Offered
No
No

Acceptance Rate

Application Deadline
Jan. 15 / rolling
Jan. 15
SSAT Required
Yes
Yes
Acceptance Rate
18%
58%
Director of Admissions
Teddy Wenner
Associate Director of Admissions
Caroline Wilson

AP / Advanced Courses

# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
54
17
Courses
Art History, Biology, Calculus A, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, Chinese Language and Culture, Comparative Government/Politics, Computer Science, English Language, English Literature, Environmental Science, European History, French Language, French Literature, Latin, Microeconomics, Music Theory, Physics 1, Physics C - Electricity and Magnetism, Physics C - Mechanics, Psychology, Spanish Language, Studio Art Portfolio, US History

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total Extracurricular Organizations
35
23
Extracurriculars
Blair Academy Singers, Christian Fellowship Club, Community Service Club, Environmental Science Club, Jazz Choir (by audition only), Junior Statesmen of America, Lower School Interns, Native American Afro-Latino Student Alliance, PE Weight Training and Conditioning, Students Government

Club or Organization:
Academic Honor Committee, Blair Girls Who Code, Blair Literary Magazine, Blue and White Key, Drone Club, Earth Club, Hand Bells, Oriocos, Photo Silkscreen, Research Activity, Stagecraft, Student Plays (by audition only), TEAM, The Forum, Yearbook

Arts and Music Programs:
A Capella, Blair Academy Dancers, Red Inc., Student Rock Bands, Study Skills, Theatre and the Arts, Video Production, Wind Symphony

Recreational Athletic Programs:
Headmasters' Societies Competitions, The Annual (school yearbook)

College Matriculation

Year: 2013 - 2017
10 Most Popular College Choices  (# Enrolled)
New York University
26
Lehigh University
18
Cornell University
16
Boston College
14
The George Washington University
14
University of Pennsylvania
13
Lafayette College
10
University of Miami
10
Bucknell University
8
Syracuse University
8

School Notes

  • Founded in 1848, Blair Academy is a dynamic, coeducational boarding school that engages 469 students in grades nine through twelve. On our historic campus, located 65 miles from New York City innorthwestern New Jersey, students pursue a superior college preparatory education amid a rich, vibrantcommunity life.Strong student-teacher relationships are at the heart of the Blair experience. Expert faculty membersteach our classes to exacting standards, yet, at the same time, they truly know-and care about-ourstudents as scholars, leaders, athletes, artists, friends and individuals. This knowledge fosterspersonalized learning opportunities and leads to higher academic achievement as students arecontinually challenged to reach their full potential.At Blair, two faculty members mentor each student as he or she explores passions and interests in andout of the classroom. Our robust curriculum offers core courses and innovative electives, including morethan 50 honors, Advanced Placement and post-AP classes, and our emphasis on effectivecommunication ensures students learn how to clearly articulate ideas and knowledge. Blair boasts a fineand performing arts program of depth, breadth and diversity. Regular art exhibits and theatricalproductions, instrumental and choral ensembles, and eclectic courses invite students to develop theircreativity. Fine art and technology intersect in the Chiang Center for Innovation and Collaboration, astate-of-the art learning hub where intellectual discourse, discovery and partnership are fostered inacademic spaces, including media production and art studios, a maker space and Collaboration Forum.Blair has a broad athletics program that emphasizes teamwork, resilience, self-discipline andsportsmanship. Students may choose from among 28 varsity and 18 JV and thirds teams in traditionalhigh school sports, as well as golf, skiing, squash and crew. A host of clubs, weekend events and time tosimply relax with friends round out the Blair experience, giving students myriad opportunities todiscover their best selves.In all of our offerings, Blair prepares our students for success. Leadership education and meaningfulservice initiatives are infused throughout our community and curriculum, and students at every levellearn and practice effective communication, team-based problem solving, ethical decision making andcross-cultural relationship building. Each is a critical skill that will not only help Blair graduatesdistinguish themselves at top colleges and universities, but, more importantly, find professional andpersonal fulfillment by making a difference in their communities and in the world.
  • Blair Academy accreditations: Middle States; TABS; NJAIS
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Blair Academy cost?
Blair Academy's tuition is approximately $66,500 for boarding students and $46,500 for day students.
What is the acceptance rate of Blair Academy?
The acceptance rate of Blair Academy is 18%, which is lower than the boarding school average of 58%. Blair Academy's acceptance rate is ranked as one of the top boarding schools with low acceptance rates.
What sports does Blair Academy offer?
Blair Academy offers 22 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Baseball, Basketball, Crew, Cross Country, Cross Country Running, Dance, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Squash, Swimming, Tennis, Track, Track and Field, Volleyball, Water Polo, Winter Track and Wrestling.
What is Blair Academy's ranking?
Blair Academy ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for Highest endowment/student, Low acceptance rates and High # of AP/advanced courses offered.
When is the application deadline for Blair Academy?
The application deadline for Blair Academy is Jan. 15 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 15 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

Alumni Reviews Review School

Review
Description

Class of 2018
5.00
University of Southern California
Blair's emphasis on community made it stand out. For me, that started on my tour, when everyone seemed to know everyone else as we walked around the 400-acre campus. The friendly atmosphere and. . .

Class of 2015
5.00
Columbia University in the City of New York
Consistent with its relatively small student body as compared to many other boarding schools, Blair is a place that knows the value of both its community and the relationships cultivated therein. From the moment I. . .

Class of 2015
5.00
Williams College
The amazing student-faculty relationships definitely made Blair special for me; the faculty are not only your teachers but also your coaches and mentors and dorm-parents, and all of that inter-relatedness allows the students and faculty. . .
Show more reviews (6 reviews)
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