Founded in 1865, Cushing is an independent, college preparatory school for girls and boys in grades 9 through 12 and post-graduate.
Cushing Academy exists for students and develops curious, creative, and confident learners and leaders.
Our beautiful 162-acre campus is located in Ashburnham, Massachusetts, just one hour northwest of Boston.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12, PG
- Enrollment: 385 students
- Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $72,850
- Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $51,050
- Average class size: 12 students
- Application Deadline: Feb. 1 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Cushing Academy ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 280 schools) for:
Category
Attribute
Student Test Scores
School Overview
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
Learning Difference Programs
Language Based Learning Differences and Mild Learning Differences
n/a
Year Founded
1865
1907
Campus Size
162 acres
125 acres
Colors
White, Purple
School Calendar
Student Body
Enrollment
385 students
319 students
% Students of Color
17%
27%
% International Students
30%
21%
% Students Boarding
92%
67%
Offers Post-Grad Year
Yes
No
Academics and Faculty
Saturday Classes
No
No
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
7:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
21
18
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
65%
72%
Summer Program Details
Tuition Cost
Endowment Size
$84 million
$30 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
(Boarding Students)
$72,850
(See website for fees and optional services: cushing.org/admissions/tuition)
(See website for fees and optional services: cushing.org/admissions/tuition)
$66,900
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
$51,050
(See website for fees and optional services: cushing.org/admissions/tuition)
(See website for fees and optional services: cushing.org/admissions/tuition)
$35,500
Tuition international students
$77,850
$58,300
Summer Program Cost
$6,500
(See website for more information: www.cushing.org/summer)
(See website for more information: www.cushing.org/summer)
% Students on Financial Aid
27%
40%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$49,544
(See www.cushing.org/admissions/financial-aid)
(See www.cushing.org/admissions/financial-aid)
$25,000
Merit Scholarships Offered
No
No
Admissions
Application Deadline
Feb. 1 / rolling
Jan. 15
Director of Admissions
Catherine Pollock
Tyler Hart
Tyler Hart
AP / Advanced Courses
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
21
18
Courses
Advanced Art Portfolio, AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Chemistry, AP Chinese Language + Culture, AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science Foundations, AP Economics - Macro, AP Economics - Micro, AP English Language + Composition, AP English Literature + Composition, AP European History, AP French Language + Culture, AP Physics C: Mechanics + Electricity/Magnetism, AP Physics I, AP Psychology, AP Spanish Language + Culture, AP Statistics, AP United States Government + Politics, AP United States History, Multivariable Calculus
Sports
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
22
16
Extracurriculars
Total Extracurricular Organizations
22
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Ambassador Program, Black Student Union, CA Super Fans, Classics Club, Community Service Club, Debate Team, E-sports Club, Economics Team, Environmental Action Coalition, Ethics Committee, Gold Key Society, Habitat for Humanity, Kindness Club, PRIDE, Student Leader Program, Writing Center Tutors
Arts and Music Programs:
A Capella, Chamber, Cushing Chorus, Dance Club, Winter Musical
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Aerobics
Ambassador Program, Black Student Union, CA Super Fans, Classics Club, Community Service Club, Debate Team, E-sports Club, Economics Team, Environmental Action Coalition, Ethics Committee, Gold Key Society, Habitat for Humanity, Kindness Club, PRIDE, Student Leader Program, Writing Center Tutors
Arts and Music Programs:
A Capella, Chamber, Cushing Chorus, Dance Club, Winter Musical
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Aerobics
College Matriculation
School Notes
- School Motto: Cushing Academy exists for students and develops curious, creative, and confident learners and leaders.
- School Mascot: The Penguin
- Founded as a coeducational institution in 1865, Cushing Academy offers a transformative learning experience for students in grades 9-12 and PG. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 6:1, Cushing's 390 students-hailing from 28 states and 30 countries-are afforded individual attention and guidance within the school's rigorous academic curriculum. The Academy also offers Academic Support and English as a Second Language tailored to students' needs. A dynamic five-week summer program is also available.
- Cushing boasts a long tradition of excellence in athletics and is also home to expansive visual and performing arts programs.
- Cushing's 162-acre campus features several new, state-of-the-art facilities including a field house, expanded dining commons, two new dormitories, a resurfaced turf field, and a renovated ice arena.
- Cushing Academy is located one hour northwest of Boston. We invite prospective students and families to make an appointment for a virtual or in-person visit. Details at www.cushing.org/admissions.
- LD types supported: Language Based Learning Differences and Mild Learning Differences
- Cushing Academy accreditations: NEASC, NAIS, TABS
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Bette Davis '26 - American actress of film, television, and theater
- Nate Berkus '90 - American interior designer, author, and television personality
- John Lilley '91 - Retired American professional ice hockey player and member of 1994 men's U.S. Olympic ice hockey team
- His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck '99 - King of Bhutan
- John Cena '95 - American professional wrestler, actor, rapper, and television presenter
- Tom Poti '96 - American former professional ice hockey player and member of the 2002 silver-medalist men's U.S. Olympic ice hockey team
- Chris Bourque '04 - American professional ice hockey forward
- Erika Lawlor '05 - Member of the silver-medalist 2010 women's U.S. Olympic ice hockey team
- Meghan Duggan '06 - American ice hockey forward and member of the 2010 and 2014 women's U.S. Olympic ice hockey teams (two silver medals) and captain of the 2018 U.S. women's gold-medal Olympic ice hockey team
- Broc Little '07 - American professional ice hockey forward in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) and member of the 2018 men's U.S. Olympic ice hockey team
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Cushing Academy cost?
Cushing Academy's tuition is approximately $72,850 for boarding students and $51,050 for day students.
Who are famous alumni from Cushing Academy?
Cushing Academy famous alumni include: Bette Davis '26, Nate Berkus '90, John Lilley '91, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck '99, John Cena '95, Tom Poti '96, Chris Bourque '04, Erika Lawlor '05, Meghan Duggan '06 and Broc Little '07.
What sports does Cushing Academy offer?
Cushing Academy offers 22 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Ballet, Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Cross Country Running, Dance, Esports, Field Hockey, Figure Skating, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Paddle Tennis, Skiing, Snowboarding, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track, Track and Field and Volleyball.
Does Cushing Academy offer a summer program?
Yes, Cushing Academy offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What is Cushing Academy's ranking?
Cushing Academy ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for High ACT scores.
When is the application deadline for Cushing Academy?
The application deadline for Cushing Academy is Feb. 1 / rolling (applications are due on Feb. 1 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
Alumni Reviews Review School
Review
Description
Cushing Academy’s family atmosphere and welcoming community is one that sets them apart from every other prep school. The people on campus make it a special place where everyone feels part of something bigger than. . .
For me Cushing's highlight was definitely that it had its own rink. For someone that lives the ice, like me, this was amazing. . .
It's a place where they not only encourage students to go out and make a difference, but they help make that possible by supporting student endeavors. A lot of what happens at the school is. . .
Related Schools
Show me:
People that viewed Cushing Academy also viewed these schools: Deerfield Academy, Berkshire School, Phillips Academy Andover, Northfield Mount Hermon and Brewster Academy.
The nearest boarding school to Cushing Academy is Applewild School (6.0 miles away)
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
653 students 35.7 miles 7 Boyden Lane
Deerfield, MA 01342
(413) 774-1400
Deerfield, MA 01342
(413) 774-1400
35.7
9-12, PG
653
400 students 84.5 miles 245 North Undermountain Road
Sheffield, MA 01257
(413) 229-1003
Sheffield, MA 01257
(413) 229-1003
84.5
9-12, PG
400
1,154 students 39.6 miles 180 Main Street
Andover, MA 01810
(978) 749-4050
Andover, MA 01810
(978) 749-4050
39.6
9-12, PG
1,154
630 students 29.3 miles One Lamplighter Way
Mount Hermon, MA 01354
(413) 498-3227
Mount Hermon, MA 01354
(413) 498-3227
29.3
9-12, PG
630
355 students 74.7 miles 80 Academy Drive
Wolfeboro, NH 03894
(603) 569-7200
Wolfeboro, NH 03894
(603) 569-7200
74.7
9-12, PG
355
Recent Articles
Wait A Year Before Going to College
This article explores the benefits of taking a gap year or a postgraduate year before attending college. It discusses how these options can provide students with additional time to refine their academic skills, gain practical experience, and mature before entering higher education. The article highlights the advantages of both paths, including improved college readiness and enhanced personal growth.
The St. Grottlesex Schools
Generous financial aid and a commitment to diversity are hallmarks of the 21st century release of St. Grottlesex. More here.
Financing a Boarding School Education
Financing a boarding school education can be very confusing for many parents. Here are some strategies to help you understand your options.
