Kimball Union Academy
Our mission is to create a deep sense of belonging for every member of our community. Through intentionally designed experiences and challenges, our students develop the knowledge, voice, and character to live with purpose and integrity.
Quick Stats (2022-23)
- Grades: (Boarding) 9-12, PG
- Enrollment: 340 students
- Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $70,500
- Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $44,800
- Acceptance rate: 38%
- Average class size: 12 students
- Application Deadline: Feb. 1
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Kimball Union Academy ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 310 schools) for:
School Overview
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
Year Founded
1813
1907
Campus Size
1300 acres
125 acres
Student Body
Enrollment
340 students
304 students
% Students of Color
12%
26%
% International Students
25%
20%
% Students Boarding
80%
70%
Offers Post-Grad Year
Yes
No
Academics and Faculty
Saturday Classes
Yes
No
Frequency of Saturday Classes
Weekly
Weekly
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
7:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
20
17
ESL Courses Offered
No
Yes
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
75%
71%
Summer Program Offered
No
Yes
Tuition Cost
Endowment Size
$68 million
$25 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
(Boarding Students)
$70,500
(Inclusive of Books)
(Inclusive of Books)
$61,200
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
$44,800
(Inclusive of Books)
(Inclusive of Books)
$34,900
Tuition international students
$74,000
$55,000
% Students on Financial Aid
45%
40%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$38,000
$25,000
Merit Scholarships Offered
No
No
Acceptance Rate
Application Deadline
Feb. 1
Jan. 15
Acceptance Rate
38%
60%
Director of Admissions
Lesley Nesbitt
AP / Advanced Courses
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
20
17
Courses
AP Art History, AP Biology, AP Calculus (AB), AP Calculus (BC), AP Chemistry, AP Computer Science, AP Environmental Science, AP European History, AP French, AP Language and Composition, AP Latin, AP Literature and Composition, AP Mandarin Chinese , AP Microeconomics, AP Music Theory, AP Physics, AP Spanish, AP Statistics, AP Studio Art, AP US History, AP World History, Multivariable Calculus
Sports
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
20
16
Extracurriculars
Total Extracurricular Organizations
22
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Fire Brigade, Math Team, Relay Diversity Club, Residential Proctor, School Tour Guides, STEM, Student Government, The Penny Fellowship - Community Service, Yearbook
Arts and Music Programs:
Art Activity, Digital Film Editing, Pottery Activity, Rock Ensemble, Theater Activity, Winter Musical Production, Woodworking
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Equestrian, Instructional Golf, Instructional Tennis, Recreational Skiing, Strength & Conditioning Activity, Strength Training
Fire Brigade, Math Team, Relay Diversity Club, Residential Proctor, School Tour Guides, STEM, Student Government, The Penny Fellowship - Community Service, Yearbook
Arts and Music Programs:
Art Activity, Digital Film Editing, Pottery Activity, Rock Ensemble, Theater Activity, Winter Musical Production, Woodworking
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Equestrian, Instructional Golf, Instructional Tennis, Recreational Skiing, Strength & Conditioning Activity, Strength Training
College Matriculation
Year: 2017 - 2021
10 Most Popular College Choices (# Enrolled)
Northeastern University
15
Connecticut College
13
St. Lawrence University
13
University of Vermont
13
Endicott College
11
Boston University
9
Trinity College
9
New York University
8
St. Michael's College
8
Union College
8
School Notes
- KUA Design is our approach to learning at Kimball Union. Students' unique experiences, interests, and abilities influence how they learn and engage inside and outside the classroom and tell us how best to support and inspire them. That`s why, from the day students arrive at KUA, it`s our mission to learn about them. Using relationships as our foundation, we leverage everything we know about the science of learning and how the brain works to design intentional experiences to challenge and support their growth. As a result, students find their voice, develop new knowledge, and strengthen their character through a robust academic curriculum. This philosophy is infused throughout our environment. Learning transcends classroom walls; it occurs on a soccer field, on the stage, in an advisory group, over a shared meal, and throughout our residential programming. You`ll find that everyone here is highly invested in our students' intellectual and individual growth. Our teachers will engage students in all their pursuits, help them build confidence, and make education feel rewarding and satisfying.
- Kimball Union Academy offers a variety of residences for boarding school students to choose from, and students have a voice in where they`d like to live. We develop relationships within and across classes and give every student the chance to thrive in the nurturing environment of multi-aged supporters. Each dorm is guided by a dedicated faculty member or House Head who creates a healthy environment where students can find friendships, connections, and space in different ways. Each House Head has their own approach to creating a "home away from home" that speaks to the individuality of the residents. For some, weekend baking and crafts are a favorite activity while other dorms enjoy grill nights and Sunday afternoon football games. Dorm families eat together, study together, tackle problems together, and find space away from each other when necessary, just like a family. Typically, dorm meetings are held on Tuesday nights as time for discussion and general housekeeping, but also for community time and celebration. Student proctors help create a sense of culture and maintain respect within the dorms.
- Day students are fully engaged members of the KUA community and are often described as "boarders who sleep at home." There`s no way to distinguish between our boarding and day students until the day is done. Our day student community about 75 students is fully invested in the KUA experience, participating in all academic, athletic, and extracurricular, and weekend activities. They hold leadership positions and help shape the life of the Academy and the community, and join their friends for meals in Doe Dining Commons.
- Kimball Union Academy opens opportunities for students to share their vision and tap into their creativity. Students will find a grounding in aesthetics, history, and criticism, and a chance to discover their unique voice. Regardless of their previous level of engagement, students will find a robust arts experience and immersive programming led by KUA`s exceptional faculty who are also practicing artists. Our artists find a home in the expansive Flickinger Arts Center. Students also benefit from our proximity to the rich cultural resources of Dartmouth College's Hood Museum of Art and Hopkins Center for Performing Arts, as well as Northern Stage. Our visiting artists' program exposes students to working professionals. While we require that every student fulfill visual and performing art requirements, most students explore the arts through afternoon activities and participation in ensemble groups. Our schedule is designed so students will never have to choose between the arts or another activity, like athletics.
- Kimball Union offers a competitive and engaging athletic and recreational program for student-athletes looking to progress in their sport. As a member of the New England Preparatory School Athletic Conference (NEPSAC) and the Lakes Region League, the Wildcats compete in 14 varsity sports, such as hockey, basketball, field hockey, and soccer, with more than 70% of students earning at least one varsity letter each year. Each year KUA graduates student-athletes who pursue their sport at the college and professional levels. They'll work closely with talented and experienced coaches, utilizing exceptional facilities, and leave KUA with self-confidence, commitment, time management, and leadership skills.
- Kimball Union Academy accreditations: NEASC
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Ernest Everett Just - African American biologist
- Dana Stone - Vietnam War photographer
- Chester Bradley Jordan - Governor of New Hampshire
- Kathryn Woodman Leighton - artist
- Augustus Washington - African American photographer
- Andrew Wheating - Olympian
- F. Lee Bailey - defense attorney
- Kasim Edebali - NFL football player
- Steven Sotloff - journalist
- Richard Aitson - Native American poet
Source: Verified school update
Alumni Reviews Review School
Review
Description
At KUA students are encouraged to explore themselves through other means of learning for example exploring a specific scholar program or receiving a Cullman Scholarship. During my time at KUA, I dived into both ends. . .
I feel like the sense of community is like no other at KUA. I graduated nearly 4 years ago, yet I am still in daily contact with at least 15-20 students from my school. It. . .
What is really unique about KUA is that the school keeps the student size relatively small; thus, you can always feel like you're at home. Everyone knows each other and every faculty knows every student's. . .
Show more reviews (3 reviews)
Related Schools
Show me:
People that viewed Kimball Union Academy also viewed these schools: Cushing Academy, Brewster Academy, Northfield Mount Hermon, Deerfield Academy and Proctor Academy.
The nearest boarding school to Kimball Union Academy is Proctor Academy (18.4 miles away)
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
Cushing Academy
(3)
390 students 52.6 miles 39 School Street
Ashburnham, MA 01430
(978) 827-7300
Ashburnham, MA 01430
(978) 827-7300
52.6
9-12, PG
390
355 students 50.9 miles 80 Academy Drive
Wolfeboro, NH 03894
(603) 569-7200
Wolfeboro, NH 03894
(603) 569-7200
50.9
9-12, PG
355
655 students 50.6 miles One Lamplighter Way
Mount Hermon, MA 01354
(413) 498-3227
Mount Hermon, MA 01354
(413) 498-3227
50.6
9-12, PG
655
648 students 61.3 miles 7 Boyden Lane
Deerfield, MA 01342
(413) 774-1400
Deerfield, MA 01342
(413) 774-1400
61.3
9-12, PG
648
375 students 18.4 miles 204 Main Street - P.O. Box 500
Andover, NH 03216
(603) 735-6652
Andover, NH 03216
(603) 735-6652
18.4
9-12, PG
375
Recent Articles
3 Tips For Finding A Boarding School Job
Tweak your job search strategies with these tips as you seek employment in a boarding school.
What is Progressive Education?
The promise of progressive education is as the students come to the solution, they’re active, they’re engaged, they’re motivated, and they’re learning. Most progressive schools encourage students to explore other areas of their development where young people find focus or uncover the contentment of stillness. It is about learning how to think, not what to think.
The Importance of Strong Connections with Family & School
We look at the roles in the partnership of school, parent, and student. Understanding each partner's responsibilities is essential for a successful boarding school experience.
