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 Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12, PG
- Enrollment: 340 students
- Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $83,300
- Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $52,500
- Acceptance rate: 28%
- 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 273 schools) for:
Category
Attribute
Offering Breadth
Student Test Scores
Student Test Scores
Student Test Scores
School History
School Overview
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
Learning Difference Programs
Dyslexia, Executive Function support
n/a
Year Founded
1813
1907
Campus Size
1300 acres
130 acres
First Day of School
Sun. Aug 30, 2026
Last Day of School
Sat. May 22, 2027
School Motto
Create a Deep Sense of Belonging
Student Body
Enrollment
340 students
320 students
% Students of Color
24%
27%
% International Students
25%
20%
% Students Boarding
80%
66%
SAT range (25th-75th percentile)
1240 - 1500
-
Offers Post-Grad Year
Yes
No
Academic Profile
Saturday Classes
Yes
No
Frequency of Saturday Classes
Weekly
Weekly
Student-Teacher Ratio
6:1
7:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
26
18
ESL Courses Offered
No
Yes
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
88%
73%
Summer Program Offered
No
Yes
Accreditations
The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS)
New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
26
18
Courses
AP Art HistoryAP Biology
AP Calculus (AB)AP Calculus (BC)
AP ChemistryAP Computer Science
AP Environmental ScienceAP European History
AP FrenchAP Language and Composition
AP LatinAP Literature and Composition
AP Mandarin Chinese AP Microeconomics
AP Music TheoryAP Physics
AP SpanishAP Statistics
AP Studio ArtAP US History
AP World HistoryMultivariable Calculus
Tuition & Financial Aid
Endowment Size
$92.3 million
$30 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
(Boarding Students)
$83,300
$69,500
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
$52,500
$38,700
% Students on Financial Aid
38%
40%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$42,000
$25,000
Admissions
Application Deadline
Feb. 1
Jan. 15
SSAT Required
Yes
Yes
Average Percentile SSAT
83%
-
Acceptance Rate
28%
64%
Director of Admissions
Josh Labove
Application URL
Sports
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
21
17
Colors
Black and Orange
School Mascot
Wildcats
Extracurriculars
Total Extracurricular Organizations
22
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Fire BrigadeMath Team
Relay Diversity ClubResidential Proctor
School Tour GuidesSTEM
Student GovernmentThe Penny Fellowship - Community Service
Arts and Music Programs:
Art ActivityDigital Film Editing
Pottery ActivityRock Ensemble
Theater ActivityWinter Musical Production
Recreational Athletic Programs:
EquestrianInstructional Golf
Instructional TennisRecreational Skiing
Strength & Conditioning ActivityStrength Training
College Matriculation
College Acceptance Rate
100%
Year: 2017 - 2026
10 Most Popular College Choices (# Enrolled)
New York University
15
Connecticut College
13
Dartmouth College
13
St. Lawrence University
13
Bates College
11
Boston University
9
Middlebury College
9
Cornell University
8
Harvard University
8
University of California - Berkeley
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.
- LD types supported: Dyslexia, Executive Function support
- 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
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Kimball Union Academy cost?
Kimball Union Academy's tuition is approximately $83,300 for boarding students and $52,500 for day students.
What schools are Kimball Union Academy often compared to?
Kimball Union Academy is often viewed alongside schools like Cushing Academy, Brewster Academy by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of Kimball Union Academy?
The acceptance rate of Kimball Union Academy is 28%, which is lower than the boarding school average of 64%.
Who are famous alumni from Kimball Union Academy?
Kimball Union Academy famous alumni include: Ernest Everett Just, Dana Stone, Chester Bradley Jordan, Kathryn Woodman Leighton, Augustus Washington, Andrew Wheating, F. Lee Bailey, Kasim Edebali, Steven Sotloff and Richard Aitson.
What sports does Kimball Union Academy offer?
Kimball Union Academy offers 21 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Cross Country Running, Dance, Equestrian, Field Hockey, Freestyle Skiing, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Mountain Biking, Riding, Rock Climbing, Snowboarding, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track and Track and Field.
What is Kimball Union Academy's ranking?
Kimball Union Academy ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for High # of AP/advanced courses offered, High average SAT scores, High SSAT scores, High ACT scores and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Kimball Union Academy?
The application deadline for Kimball Union Academy is Feb. 1.
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)
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Popular comparisons: Kimball Union Academy vs. Cushing Academy, Kimball Union Academy vs. Brewster Academy
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)
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Miles
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39 School Street
Ashburnham, MA 01430
(978) 827-7300
Ashburnham, MA 01430
(978) 827-7300
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80 Academy Drive
Wolfeboro, NH 03894
(603) 569-7200
Wolfeboro, NH 03894
(603) 569-7200
50.9 miles
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One Lamplighter Way
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(413) 498-3227
Mount Hermon, MA 01354
(413) 498-3227
50.6 miles
Gr: 9-12, PG | 630 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Avg. class size: 13 students Acceptance rate: 31% Tuition listed
7 Boyden Lane
Deerfield, MA 01342
(413) 774-1400
Deerfield, MA 01342
(413) 774-1400
61.3 miles
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204 Main Street - P.O. Box 500
Andover, NH 03216
(603) 735-6652
Andover, NH 03216
(603) 735-6652
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School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
204 Main Street - P.O. Box 500
Andover, NH 03216
((60) 3) -735-6652
Andover, NH 03216
((60) 3) -735-6652
18.4 miles
Gr: 9-12, PG | 388 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Avg. class size: 12 students Acceptance rate: 48% Tuition listed
62 Alumni Drive
Canaan, NH 03741
(603) 523-3548
Canaan, NH 03741
(603) 523-3548
22.3 miles
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30 School Street
Tilton, NH 03276
(603) 286-1733
Tilton, NH 03276
(603) 286-1733
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New Hampton, NH 03256
(603) 677-3401
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(603) 677-3401
31.1 miles
Gr: 9-12, PG | 330 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Avg. class size: 11 students Acceptance rate: 50% Tuition listed
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