Most Selective Boarding Schools

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  • Among "Military Schools", view the boarding schools with the lowest acceptance rates (2019-20).
  • Acceptance rates listed below reflect the average rate of acceptance for all applicants (boarding and day applicants) in the previous year.
  • Keep in mind that acceptance rates may be lower or higher than the average acceptance rate depending on: what grade you are applying for, whether you are a boarding applicant or day student applicant, and the time of year you are applying.
  • Schools typically have the most openings for freshmen and sophomores (many schools do not accept incoming seniors), so applying for entrance into 9th or 10th grade may improve your chances of admission.
  • Acceptance rates between boarding applicants and day student applicants may differ (i.e., schools in certain areas may a higher ratio of day student applicants to day student openings, versus boarding applicants to boarding openings; the acceptance rate of some schools will actually be lower for day applicants and higher for boarding applicants).
  • Many, but not all, schools will accept applications after application deadlines, but admission generally becomes more difficult.

Lowest Acceptance Rates (2019-20)

Among Military Schools (out of 15 schools)

Sorted by range (alphabetically within range)
  • Boarding School Acceptance Rate Grades Location
  • 1.Rank: #1
    New York Military Academy
    New York Military Academy Photo
    (1)
    50%-55%
    Grades: 8-12
    78 Academy Avenue
    Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY 12520
    (845)534-3710
  • 2.Rank: #2
    Fork Union Military Academy
    Fork Union Military Academy Photo - The cadets in parade formation. The first full dress parade of the year begins usually at the end of April and is on Sunday.
    All-Boys  (Baptist)
    (6)
    55%-60%
    Grades: 7-12, PG
    P.O. 278, 4744 James Madison Hwy
    Fork Union, VA 23055
    (800)462-3862
  • 3.Rank: #3
    Missouri Military Academy
    Missouri Military Academy Photo - Established in 1889, Missouri Military Academy has transformed young men into leaders who are well-educated, prepared gentlemen of character. Our long history and distinct traditions inspire a sense of pride and duty among the young men who seek to fulfill their potential at MMA.
    All-Boys 
    (3)
    60%-70%
    Grades: 7-12, PG
    204 Grand Street
    Mexico, MO 65265
    (573)581-1776
  • 4.-15.Rank: #4-15
    Admiral Farragut Academy
    (8)
    >70%
    Grades: 8-12
    501 Park Street North
    St. Petersburg, FL 33710
    (727)384-5500
  • 4.-15.Rank: #4-15
    Army and Navy Academy
    Army and Navy Academy Photo
    All-Boys 
    (4)
    >70%

    Grades: 7-12
    2605 Carlsbad Blvd.
    Carlsbad, CA 92008
    (888)762-2338
  • 4.-15.Rank: #4-15
    Camden Military Academy
    Camden Military Academy Photo - A Proud Family!
    All-Boys 
    (10)
    >70%

    Grades: 7-12, PG
    520 Hwy. 1 North
    Camden, SC 29020
    (800)948-6291
  • 4.-15.Rank: #4-15
    Fishburne Military School
    Fishburne Military School Photo
    All-Boys 
    (5)
    >70%

    Grades: 7-12
    225 S. Wayne Avenue
    Waynesboro, VA 22980
    (540)946-7706
  • 4.-15.Rank: #4-15
    Hargrave Military Academy
    Hargrave Military Academy Photo - Respect! Integrity! Success! Earn it at Hargrave!
    All-Boys  (Baptist)
    (3)
    >70%

    Grades: 7-12, PG
    200 Military Drive
    Chatham, VA 24531
    (800)432-2480
  • 4.-15.Rank: #4-15
    Marine Military Academy
    Marine Military Academy Photo - Nearly all MMA graduates earn acceptance at the college level or appointment to the service academies. Many matriculate to top-tier universities throughout the United States and the world: Arizona State University; Auburn University; Babson College; Baylor University; Berklee College of Music; Boston College; California Maritime Academy; California Polytechnic State University; California State: Chico; California State: Fullerton; California State: Sacramento; Carnegie Mellon University; Chaminade University of Hawaii; Clemson University;College of the Ozarks ; Colorado School of Mines; Colorado State University; Cornell University; Daniel Webster College; DePauw University; Delta State University; Duquesne University; East Carolina University; Embry Riddle University ; Florida Atlantic University; Florida International University ; Florida State University; Great Lakes Maritime Academy; Hawaii Pacific University; Houston Baptist University; Johnson & Wales University; Incarnate Word University; Illinois Institute of Technology; Indiana University; Lehigh University; Louisiana State University; Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Massachusetts Maritime Academy; McMurray University; Michigan State University; Montana State University; Murray State University; New Mexico Institute of Technology; New Mexico State University; North Carolina State; North Georgia State College; Northern Arizona University; Northeastern University; Norwich University; Ohio State University; Oklahoma State University; Otterbein College; Penn State; Purdue University; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; Rice University; Rochester Institute of Technology; Sam Houston State University; San Diego State University; San Francisco State University; San Jose State University; Santa Clara University; Sarah Lawrence College; Sonoma State University; Southern Methodist University; Southern New Hampshire University ; Southwestern University; St. Edward’s University; St. Louis University; St. John’s University; St. Mary’s University; Stephen F. Austin University; Swarthmore; Texas A & M University; Texas A & M at Commerce; Texas A&M at Corpus Christi; Texas A & M at Galveston; Texas A & M at Kingsville; Texas Christian University; Texas Lutheran University; Texas State University; Texas Tech University; The Citadel; Trinity University; Tulane University; United States Air Force Academy; United States Merchant Marine Academy; United States Military Academy; United States Naval Academy; University of Alabama; University of Alaska: Anchorage; University of Arizona; University of California: Davis; University of California: Northridge; University of Central Florida; University of Chicago; University of Cincinnati; University of Colorado; University of Denver; University of Georgia; University of Houston; University of Louisiana at Lafayette; University of Massachusetts: Boston; University of Miami; University of Mississippi; University of Missouri: Rolla; University of Nebraska; University of Nevada: Las Vegas; University of North Carolina: Charlotte; University of North Dakota; University of North Texas; University of Oklahoma; University of Oregon; University of Puget Sound; University of Southern California; University of St. Thomas; University of The South (Sewanee); University of Texas at Austin; University of Texas at Arlington University of Texas at Dallas; University of Texas at San Antonio; University of Tulsa; University of Washington; University of Wyoming; Villanova University; Virginia Military Institute; Virginia Tech University; Wabash College; Webster University; West Virginia University; Westminster College; Yale University; London School of Economics (UK); University of Manchester (UK)…just to name a few!
    All-Boys 
    >70%

    Grades: 7-12, PG
    320 Iwo Jima Blvd
    Harlingen, TX 78550
  • 4.-15.Rank: #4-15
    Massanutten Military Academy
    Massanutten Military Academy Photo - At Massanutten Military Academy, our holistic approach to education guides students to excel academically and grow as well-rounded adults. Our co-ed, college prep program focuses on character development, leadership, and service to help your student realize success. We believe in experiential learning promoting a STEM program, 100% college acceptances and 100% participation in athletics. Your child's success can begin today.
    (5)
    >70%

    Grades: 5-12, PG
    614 South Main Street
    Woodstock, VA 22664
    (540)459-2167
  • 4.-15.Rank: #4-15
    New Mexico Military Institute
    New Mexico Military Institute Photo - The Centennial Flame honoring all NMMI alumnae past and present burns brightly to underscore the Institute motto: Duty, Honor, Achievement.
    (7)
    >70%

    Grades: 9-12, PG
    101 West College Blvd
    Roswell, NM 88201
    (800)421-5376
  • 4.-15.Rank: #4-15
    Randolph-Macon Academy
    Randolph-Macon Academy Photo - Randolph-Macon Academy's Flight Program includes a drone class called Unmanned Flight Operations. Students finish with the knowledge base for the FAA exam so they can obtain their commercial drone license if they so desire. This class is just one of the innovative offerings at R-MA.
    (United Methodist)
    (4)
    >70%

    Grades: 9-12, PG
    200 Academy Drive
    Front Royal, VA 22630
    (540)636-5484
  • 4.-15.Rank: #4-15
    Riverside Military Academy
    Riverside Military Academy Photo - Riverside Military Academy cadet officers stand at attention during a parade on Maginnis Field.
    All-Boys 
    (5)
    >70%

    Grades: 7-12
    2001 Riverside Drive
    Gainesville, GA 30501
    (800)462-2338
  • 4.-15.Rank: #4-15
    St. Catherine's Academy
    St. Catherine's Academy Photo - St. Catherine's recognizes the important role that athletics plays in the development of a well-rounded young man. Our physical education program and championship athletic teams seek to develop skills and capabilities that reach far beyond the athletic field.
    All-Boys  (Catholic)
    >70%

    Grades: 4-8 | K-8 (day)
    215 N. Harbor Blvd.
    Anaheim, CA 92805
    (714)772-1363
  • 4.-15.Rank: #4-15
    St. John's Northwestern Military Academy
    St. John's Northwestern Military Academy Photo - Leadership training is one of the cornerstones of cadet life at SJNMA. The goal of the Academy is to prepare each of our cadets for success in life by instilling in them a solid work ethic, an understanding of the value of integrity and teamwork, and the ability to think critically, communicate well, and function in a diverse and ever-changing world.
    (Episcopal)
    (4)
    >70%

    Grades: 7-12
    1101 Genesee Street
    Delafield, WI 53018

Top School Listings by Category (2019-20)

Compare among: 

Selectivity
Lowest acceptance rates
Student Test Scores
Highest average SAT scores
Student Test Scores
Highest average SSAT score
Affordability
Least expensive tuition
Affordability
Highest percentage of students on financial aid
Student Attention
Smallest average class sizes
Student Attention
Lowest teacher:student ratio
Faculty Education
Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees
Boarding Focus
Highest percentage of boarding students
Diversity
Highest percentage of international students
Diversity
Highest percentage of students of color
Community Size
Largest student body (number of students)
Community Size
Smallest student body (number of students)
School Resources
Largest endowments
School Resources
Highest endowment per student
Offering Breadth
Most sports offered
Offering Breadth
Most extracurriculars offered
Offering Breadth
Most AP/advanced courses offered
School History
Oldest founding date
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