Most Selective Boarding Schools

The average acceptance rate across the 61 ranked boarding schools with 200-400 students is 56% (2026-27).
Among boarding schools with 200-400 students, the one with the lowest acceptance rate is Brooks School, with 25%.

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • # Schools with 200-400 Students Ranked: 61
  • Top 20 Range (Lowest Acceptance Rates): 14%–45%
  • Schools with 200-400 Students Avg.: 56%
  • National Avg.: 59%

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • # Schools with 200-400 Students Ranked: 61
  • Top 20 Range (Lowest Acceptance Rates): 14%–45%
  • Schools with 200-400 Students Avg.: 56%
  • National Avg.: 59%

National Average Acceptance Rate (Trends)

Showing 2016–2025. Full 12-year historical data available below ↓

Total Growth: +9.7% (+5.2% since 2016)

Show school map — National (Acceptance Rate range: 14%–98%, avg 56%)
Acceptance Rate Range: 14% 98% Avg. Acceptance Rate: 56%

Lowest Acceptance Rates (2026-27)

Among Schools with 200-400 Students (out of 61 schools)

Sorted by range (alphabetically within range)
Brooks School Photo - Come visit our beautiful 251 acre campus located on the shores of Lake Cochichewick.
#1(T1–T5)Brooks School
Gr: 9-12
Episcopal
1160 Great Pond Road
North Andover, MA 01845
(978) 725-6272
(10)
Cate School Photo - Day Walk
#1(T1–T5)Cate School
Gr: 9-12
1960 Cate Mesa Road, P.O. Box 5005
Carpinteria, CA 93013
(805) 684-4127
(20)
St. Andrew's School, DE Photo - St. Andrew's seminar style discussions, which include faculty and students seated at a central round table, are heard throughout English, history and language classes.
Gr: 9-12
Episcopal
350 Noxontown Road
Middletown, DE 19709
(302) 285-4231
(13)
The Thacher School Photo - In courses designed for intellectual and creative expansion, students and teachers meet in seminar circles, studios, and laboratories to create a learning environment that is vigorous and supportive, galvanizing and nurturing.
Gr: 9-12
5025 Thacher Road
Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 640-3210
(26)
The Webb Schools Photo - Imagine learning from expert teachers, exploring paleontology in the Alf Museum, and heading to LA for concerts, sports, or museums-all while living near beaches, mountains, and desert. For more than 100 years, Webb has prepared and placed students at the nation's top colleges.
#1(T1–T5)The Webb Schools
Gr: 9-12
1175 West Baseline Road
Claremont, CA 91711
(909) 482-5214
(29)
Kimball Union Academy Photo
Gr: 9-12, PG
7 Campus Center Drive
Meriden, NH 03770
(603) 469-2100
(6)
Portsmouth Abbey School Photo
Gr: 9-12
Catholic
285 Cory's Lane
Portsmouth, RI 02871
(401) 643-1248
(5)
Salisbury School Photo
#7(T7–T8)Salisbury School
Gr: 9-12, PG
All-boys
251 Canaan Road
Salisbury, CT 06068
(860) 435-5732
(2)
Indian Mountain School Photo - Aerial View of IMS Upper Campus
Gr: 6-9 | PK-9 (day)
211 Indian Mountain Road
Lakeville, CT 06039
(435) 480-0871
The Madeira School Photo - Madeira's 376-acre campus in McLean, Virginia, overlooks the Potomac River from a perch just 12 miles northwest of Washington, D.C.
#9(T9–T10)The Madeira School
Gr: 9-12, PG
All-girls
8328 Georgetown Pike
McLean, VA 22102
(703) 556-8273
(2)
Asheville School Photo - Asheville School is for those who dare to be extraordinary. It is a privilege to learn and live at Asheville School, a small and special enclave among ancient mountains.
#11(T11–T17)Asheville School
Gr: 9-12
Non-denom. / Christian
360 Asheville School Rd.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828) 254-6345
(4)
Cheshire Academy Photo - Our 104 acre (0.42 sq km) campus is in the center of the quiet, beautiful Town of Cheshire, CT. Though just a two hour drive to both Boston and New York, Cheshire is a quiet small town where students are in walking distance of a few area shops and cafes.
#11(T11–T17)Cheshire Academy
Gr: 9-12, PG
10 Main Street
Cheshire, CT 06410
(203) 439-7250
(5)
Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy Photo
Gr: 9-12, PG | K-12, PG (day)
65-1692 Kohala Mountain Road
Kamuela, HI 96743
(808) 881-4321
(8)
Miss Porter's School Photo
#11(T11–T17)Miss Porter's School
Gr: 9-12
All-girls
60 Main Street
Farmington, CT 06032
(860) 409-3530
(6)
Rectory School Photo - Being a member of a large, close-knit community lends itself to increased leadership skills, empathy, and understanding of one's self and those around them.
#11(T11–T17)Rectory School
Gr: 5-9 | K-9 (day)
P.O. Box 68 528 Pomfret Street
Pomfret, CT 06258
(860) 928-1328
(2)
Wilbraham & Monson Academy Photo
Gr: 8-12, PG | 6-12, PG (day)
423 Main Street
Wilbraham, MA 01095
(413) 596-9107
(11)
The Winchendon School Photo
#11(T11–T17)The Winchendon School
Gr: 9-12, PG
172 Ash Street
Winchendon, MA 01475
(978) 297-4476
(2)
Dunn School Photo - In 2020 the new Leadership Center was completed. Overlooking the open space known as Munger Common, the center provides state of the art meeting rooms and learning facilities, is home to the student-run Earwig Cafe, and hosts our college counseling team. Students can be found gathering both indoors and outside the center for conversation and relaxation.
#18(T18–T21)Dunn School
Gr: 9-12 | 6-12 (day)
P.O. Box 98, 2555 W. Highway 154
Los Olivos, CA 93441
(805) 686-0650
Holderness School Photo - In the Holderness classroom, each student is literally in the front row, with an average class size of 12. We offer AP courses spanning multiple disciplines and encourage students to pursue an intellectual passion of their own in their twelfth-grade year as part of the Senior Thesis program.
#18(T18–T21)Holderness School
Gr: 9-12, PG
Episcopal
PO Box 1879
Plymouth, NH 03264
(603) 536-1747
(9)
Hoosac School Photo - Hoosac School was founded in 1889.
#18(T18–T21)Hoosac School
Gr: 8-12, PG
Episcopal
14 Pine Valley Road
Hoosick, NY 12089
(518) 686-7331
Proctor Academy Photo - Students discover their sense of belonging on Proctor's beautiful New Hampshire campus, where our close-knit community helps each individual understand who they are and who they can become.
#18(T18–T21)Proctor Academy
Gr: 9-12, PG
204 Main Street - P.O. Box 500
Andover, NH 03216
(603) 735-6652
(12)
Brewster Academy Photo - Brewster Academy is a private, coeducational boarding and day prep school in New Hampshire serving students in grades 912 and postgraduate. Known for its supportive community and team-based learning approach, Brewster prepares diverse thinkers for lives of purpose through rigorous academics, meaningful relationships, and opportunities that extend well beyond the classroom.
#22(T22–T31)Brewster Academy
Gr: 9-12, PG
80 Academy Drive
Wolfeboro, NH 03894
(603) 569-7200
(10)
Delphian School Photo - Delphian is located just one hour from Portland, OR. on a large 720 acre wooded campus. The residential community is in constant motion, alive with students from all around the world.
#22(T22–T31)Delphian School
Gr: 5-12 | PK-12 (day)
20950 SW Rock Creek Road
Sheridan, OR 97378
(503) 843-3521
(28)
Grier School Photo
#22(T22–T31)Grier School
Gr: 7-12, PG | 5-12, PG (day)
All-girls
2522 Grier School Road
Birmingham, PA 16686
(814) 684-3000
(6)
The MacDuffie School Photo - Aerial view of MacDuffie's 250 acre campus
#22(T22–T31)The MacDuffie School
Gr: 6-12, PG
66 School Street
Granby, MA 01033
(413) 255-0000
(1)
New Hampton School Photo - Beautiful, 340-acre campus
#22(T22–T31)New Hampton School
Gr: 9-12, PG
70 Main Street
New Hampton, NH 03256
(603) 677-3401
(8)
Tilton School Photo - Tilton School is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory school serving students from 9th to 12th grade and postgraduates. Tilton's student body of 220 consists of day students and boarding students from 19 states and 16 countries. Although the Tilton Experience is different for every student, it challenges all students to try new things, learn new skills, and try new things.
#22(T22–T31)Tilton School
Gr: 9-12, PG
30 School Street
Tilton, NH 03276
(603) 286-1733
(1)
Trinity-Pawling School Photo - There are countless opportunities for students to develop leadership skills at Trinity-Pawling. Our community is intentionally designed to unleash the full potential of each student. Classes, clubs and activities, dorms, community service, and athletics are all venues for students to assume both official and unofficial positions of leadership, build their confidence, and become effective role models.
Gr: 8-12, PG | 7-12, PG (day)
All-boys (Episcopal)
700 Route 22
Pawling, NY 12564
(845) 855-4825
(1)
Walnut Hill School for the Arts Photo
Gr: 9-12, PG
12 Highland Street
Natick, MA 01760
(508) 650-5020
(3)
Westtown School Photo - Campus Photo
#22(T22–T31)Westtown School
Gr: 9-12 | PK-12 (day)
Quaker
975 Westtown Rd
West Chester, PA 19382
(610) 399-7900
(44)
Woodberry Forest School Photo
Gr: 9-12
All-boys (Non-denom. / Christian)
241 Woodberry Station
Woodberry Forest, VA 22989
(888) 798-9371
(2)
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.
Gr: 7-12, PG
All-boys (Baptist)
PO Box 278, 4744 James Madison Hwy
Fork Union, VA 23055
(434) 842-4205
(7)
Christ School Photo
#33(T33–T42)Christ School
Gr: 8-12
All-boys (Episcopal)
500 Christ School Road
Asheville, NC 28704
(828) 684-6232
(1)
Idyllwild Arts Academy Photo - Idyllwild Arts Academy is home to 280 students from over 30 countries and 27 US states, all devoted to intensive study of the arts. Named #1 High School for Arts in the nation by Niche in 2025.
Gr: 9-12, PG
52500 Temecula Road
Idyllwild, CA 92549
(951) 659-2171
(23)
Kents Hill School Photo - Our idyllic, 400-acre campus is nestled in the midst of the Belgrade Lakes and provides sweeping views of the mountains of Maine and New Hampshire.
#33(T33–T42)Kents Hill School
Gr: 9-12, PG
PO Box 257, 1614 Main St., Rte. 17
Kents Hill, ME 04349
(207) 685-1606
(1)
The Kiski School Photo - Beginning in 2024, Kiski will offer co-education, extending our outstanding opportunities and unique educational environment to both boys and girls.
#33(T33–T42)The Kiski School
Gr: 9-12, PG
1888 Brett Lane
Saltsburg, PA 15681
(724) 639-8035
Miller School of Albemarle Photo - Miller School of Albemarle, a coeducational day and boarding college preparatory school for students in grades 8-12 and post-graduate, opened its doors in 1878 with 33 students. Girls first enrolled in 1884, making it one of the nation`s oldest coeducational boarding schools. The school is situated 12 miles west of Charlottesville on a gently rolling campus of 1600 pristine acres.
Gr: 8-12, PG
1000 Samuel Miller Loop
Charlottesville, VA 22903
(434) 818-1385
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.
Gr: 7-12, PG
All-boys (Non-denom. / Christian)
204 Grand Street
Mexico, MO 65265
(573) 581-1776
(7)
Ojai Valley School Photo - OVS offers an exceptional college-prep program. Recent college acceptances for our students include Stanford, Columbia, Northeastern, NYU, Boston College, UC Berkeley, UCLA, Pitzer College, Smith College, Vassar College, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and many more.
#33(T33–T42)Ojai Valley School
Gr: 3-12 | PK-12 (day)
723 El Paseo Road
Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 646-1423
(2)
The Putney School Photo - The Putney School is located on a working dairy farm. We value the dignity and relevance of physical work, which shows through our Work Program. Students carry out daily chores, collaborate in teams, learn skills, and sometimes lead crews various areas: Barn, Kitchen, Land-Use, Dining & Maintenance.
#33(T33–T42)The Putney School
Gr: 9-12, PG
418 Houghton Brook Road
Putney, VT 05346
(802) 387-5566
(16)
Ross School Photo
#33(T33–T42)Ross School
Gr: 6-12, PG | PK-12, PG (day)
18 Goodfriend Drive
East Hampton, NY 11937
(631) 907-5400
The Webb School Photo
#33(T33–T42)The Webb School
Gr: 7-12 | 6-12 (day)
319 Webb Road East
Bell Buckle, TN 37020
(931) 389-6003
(10)
Army and Navy Academy Photo - Our 16-acre campus is bordered by the Pacific Ocean in the northern San Diego coastal town of Carlsbad, CA. State-of-the-art athletic facilities support ANA's 17 different sports teams, plus surfing, beach volleyball, and ice hockey.
#43(T43–T61)Army and Navy Academy
Gr: 7-12
All-boys
2605 Carlsbad Blvd.
Carlsbad, CA 92008
(888) 762-2338
(5)
Camden Military Academy Photo - A proud family!
Gr: 7-12, PG
All-boys
520 Hwy. 1 North
Camden, SC 29020
(803) 432-6001
(21)
Cardigan Mountain School Photo
Gr: 6-9
All-boys
62 Alumni Drive
Canaan, NH 03741
(603) 523-3548
(2)
CATS Academy Boston Photo - Adams Hall
#43(T43–T61)CATS Academy Boston
Gr: 8-12, PG
2001 Washington Street
Braintree, MA 02184
(857) 400-9700
(1)
Christchurch School Photo - "Set your course at the river. " Established in the Episcopal tradition, Christchurch is inclusive, welcoming students and families of all faiths and backgrounds.
#43(T43–T61)Christchurch School
Gr: 9-12
Episcopal
49 Seahorse Lane
Christchurch, VA 23031
(804) 542-6843
(1)
Fountain Valley School of Colorado Photo - Fountain Valley School is a coed independent college preparatory school offering boarding and day programs for students grades 9-12. FVS was established in 1930 and is located on an 1,100-acre campus in Colorado Springs, Colo., approximately 70 miles (115 km) south of Denver. Colorado's mountain ski resorts are two hours to the west.
Gr: 9-12 | 8-12 (day)
6155 Fountain Valley School Road
Colorado Springs, CO 80911
(719) 391-5251
(5)
Gould Academy Photo - Gould offers amazing outdoor opportunities in the Mountains of Western Maine and at Sunday River, but at it's core Gould is a traditional New England Boarding School with remarkable faculty mentors.
#43(T43–T61)Gould Academy
Gr: 9-12, PG
39 Church Street
Bethel, ME 04217
(207) 824-7777
(2)
Hillcrest Lutheran Academy Photo - Hillcrest started in 1916 out of the Bible school movement in America at the turn of the century. For the past 100 years Hillcrest has served families from nearly every continent and throughout the United States with a comprehensive boarding school program that disciples students and equips them for their next stages in life.
Gr: 10-12 | PK-12 (day)
Christian
610 Hillcrest Dr.
Fergus Falls, MN 56537
(218) 739-3371
(5)
Marine Military Academy Photo
Gr: 7-12, PG
All-boys
320 Iwo Jima Blvd
Harlingen, TX 78550
(956) 423-6006
(1)
Mount Michael Benedictine School Photo
Gr: 9-12
All-boys (Catholic)
22520 Mount Michael Road
Elkhorn, NE 68022
(402) 238-1457
Riverside Military Academy Photo
Gr: 6-12
All-boys
2001 Riverside Drive
Gainesville, GA 30501
(678) 696-2116
(5)
Riverstone International School Photo - Welcome to Riverstone International School! We look forward to welcoming you to our school in beautiful Boise, Idaho!
Gr: 8-12 | PK-12 (day)
5521 East Warm Springs Avenue
Boise, ID 83716
(208) 424-5000
Saint Bede Academy Photo - With an average student population of 300, our small class sizes offer students one-on-one interaction with their instructors.
#43(T43–T61)Saint Bede Academy
Gr: 9-12
Catholic
24 W US Highway 6
Peru, IL 61354
(815) 250-0285
St. John's Northwestern Academy Photo - Students walking through campus.
Gr: 7-12, PG
Episcopal
1101 Genesee Street
Delafield, WI 53018
(262) 646-7199
(4)
Saint John's Preparatory School Photo - We are located on 2900 of woodlands and lakes in Collegeville, MN
Gr: 8-12, PG | 6-12, PG (day)
Catholic
2280 Watertower Road
Collegeville, MN 56321
(320) 363-3315
Saint Mary's School Photo - At Saint Mary's School, girls take center stage. We know girls and we know the all-girl learning environment at Saint Mary's School inspires girls to step outside their comfort zone, engage their minds, amplify their voices, and discover who they are and who they want to become!
#43(T43–T61)Saint Mary's School
Gr: 9-12
All-girls (Episcopal)
900 Hillsborough Street
Raleigh, NC 27603
(919) 424-4100
(1)
Saint Stanislaus High School Photo - We make the most of our location right on the Bay, developing unique programs, clubs, and activities for our students to enjoy. Our scuba and sailing clubs enjoy time in the water, while our environmental club focuses on care for our oceans, too.
Gr: 7-12
All-boys (Catholic)
304 S. Beach Blvd.
Bay St. Louis, MS 39520
(228) 467-9057
San Marcos Academy Photo - San Marcos Academy has offered a tradition of excellence in private, Christian education since 1907.
#43(T43–T61)San Marcos Academy
Gr: 6-12 | Pre-K-12 (day)
Baptist
2801 Ranch Road 12
San Marcos, TX 78666
(800) 428-5120
SPIRE Academy Photo - Student-athletes train on a 725-acre campus with more than 800,000 square feet of indoor facilities, including an Olympic pool and a 300-meter indoor track. Coaches pair technical and tactical training with data from the SPIRE Performance Research Institute (SPRI), so every athlete trains with a plan and sees the progress.
#43(T43–T61)SPIRE Academy
Gr: 9-12, PG
5201 SPIRE Circle
Geneva, OH 44041
(440) 466-1002

Frequently Asked Questions

Which boarding schools with 200-400 students have the lowest acceptance rates?
The boarding schools with 200-400 students with the lowest acceptance rates are Brooks School, Cate School and St. Andrew's School, DE.
How many boarding schools with 200-400 students are ranked for the lowest acceptance rates?
61 boarding schools with 200-400 students are ranked for the lowest acceptance rates.

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Did You Know?

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.

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