Most Selective Boarding Schools

Among "Schools with < 200 Students", view the boarding schools with the lowest acceptance rates (2023-24).
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.
Acceptance Rate Range: 12% 100% Avg. Acceptance Rate: 70%

Lowest Acceptance Rates

Among Schools with < 200 Students (out of 62 schools)

Sorted by range (alphabetically within range)
Boarding School
Acceptance Rate
Grades
Location
Rank: #1-31.-3
The Greenwood School
 Photo - "Makers of Vermont" is a signature program at The Greenwood School in VT, where students learn to craft metal objects and tools in our blacksmith's forge.
All-Boys
Acceptance Rate: <25%
Grades: 6-12
14 Greenwood Lane
Putney, VT 05346
(802) 387-4545
Rank: #1-31.-3
THINK Global School
 Photo - THINK Global School is comprised of 41 high school students who hail from all over the world. It's an opportunity to live next to and learn from a truly global student body.
Acceptance Rate: <25%
Grades: 10-12
1460 Broadway Street #4027
New York, NY 10036
(646) 504-6924
Rank: #1-31.-3
Wayland Academy
 Photo - Wayland Hall, the most historic buildings on campus, currently houses first-year and sophomore boys. The interior was remodeled recently and offers some of the nicest rooms and gathering spaces on any campus in America.
(4)
Acceptance Rate: <25%
Grades: 9-12, PG
101 North University
Beaver Dam, WI 53916
(800) 860-7725
Rank: #4-64.-6
Midland School
(4)
Acceptance Rate: 40%-45%
Grades: 9-12
PO Box 8 / 5100 Figueroa Mountain Road
Los Olivos, CA 93441
(805) 688-5114
Rank: #4-64.-6
Northwood School
 Photo
(1)
Acceptance Rate: 40%-45%
Grades: 9-12, PG
92 Northwood Road
Lake Placid, NY 12946
(518) 523-3382
Rank: #4-64.-6
Oldfields School
 Photo - Oldfields School`s Mission is to embrace each student`s authentic self, educate through collaboration, empower the individual voice, and inspire confidence and continual growth, leading to a life of purpose.
All-Girls
(12)
Acceptance Rate: 40%-45%
Grades: 8-12
1500 Glencoe Road
Sparks Glencoe, MD 21152
(443) 662-1050
Rank: #7-107.-10
Blue Ridge School
 Photo - Our lake offers students a chance to relax, fish, canoe - in the center of campus.
All-Boys (Episcopal)
(7)
Acceptance Rate: 45%-50%
Grades: 9-12
273 Mayo Drive
St. George, VA 22935
(434) 985-2811
Rank: #7-107.-10
Darrow School
 Photo
(5)
Acceptance Rate: 45%-50%
Grades: 9-12, PG
110 Darrow Road
New Lebanon, NY 12125
(518) 704-2760
Rank: #7-107.-10
Dublin School
 Photo - There`s dramatic beauty that is apparent on your first visit to Dublin. Surrounded by unspoiled forests, pristine lakes and Mt. Monadnock - the most climbed mountain in the world, our 500-acre campus supports a vibrant and supportive community of scholars, artists and athletes.
(1)
Acceptance Rate: 45%-50%
Grades: 9-12
18 Lehmann Way, PO Box 522
Dublin, NH 03444
(603) 563-7075
Rank: #7-107.-10
The Storm King School
 Photo - Small classes and a personalized environment enable college-bound students to succeed at The Storm King School.
(5)
Acceptance Rate: 45%-50%
Grades: 8-12, PG
314 Mountain Road
Cornwall on Hudson, NY 12520
(845) 534-9860
Rank: #11-1311.-13
Besant Hill School
 Photo - Besant Hill School is located in the Ojai Valley, on 500 acres of private land with beautiful vistas in every direction. Facilities include four dormitories, outdoor sports facilities including a new aquatic center, indoor theater, atelier, and classrooms nestled along winding paths and oak trees. We also have an eight acre organic farm.
(1)
Acceptance Rate: 50%-55%
Grades: 9-12, PG
8585 Ojai Santa Paula Road
Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 646-4343
Rank: #11-1311.-13
St. Timothy's School
 Photo - Completed in 2012, Dixon Hall is our state-of-the-art academic building. The technology-rich facility features the Taft Lecture Hall, the Coleman World Languages and Cultures Center, and a Center for Learning and Teaching.
All-Girls (Episcopal)
(2)
Acceptance Rate: 50%-55%
Grades: 9-12, PG
8400 Greenspring Avenue
Stevenson, MD 21153
(410) 486-7401
Rank: #11-1311.-13
West Nottingham Academy
 Photo
(10)
Acceptance Rate: 50%-55%
Grades: 9-12, PG
1079 Firetower Road
Colora, MD 21917
(410) 658-4901
Rank: #1414
Acceptance Rate: 55%-60%
Grades: 9-12
500 Holden Way
Carbondale, CO 81623
(970) 963-2562
Rank: #15-2115.-21
Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall
 Photo
(3)
Acceptance Rate: 60%-70%
Grades: 9-12, PG  | 7-12, PG (day)
785 Beaver Street
Waltham, MA 02452
(781) 314-0804
Rank: #15-2115.-21
The Kiski School
 Photo - Kiski's outdoor classroom and project-based learning culture gives boys the opportunity to get out of traditional four-walled classrooms and experience the beautiful scenery that Western Pennsylvania autumn offers! With our dedicated STEAM and Makerspace areas, young men get to roll up their sleeves and enjoy hands-on learning!
All-Boys
Acceptance Rate: 60%-70%
Grades: 9-12, PG
1888 Brett Lane
Saltsburg, PA 15681
(724) 639-8035
Rank: #15-2115.-21
The Knox School
 Photo - Founded in 1904, The Knox School is Long Island's oldest established private school. Our inclusive environment serves grades 6-12 and Post-Graduate, providing students with a broad world perspective and a wide range of skills to prepare them for the next phase of their journeys.
(1)
Acceptance Rate: 60%-70%
Grades: 6-12, PG
541 Long Beach Road
Saint James, NY 11780
(631) 686-1600
Rank: #15-2115.-21
New York Military Academy
 Photo - New York Military Academy, established in 1889 in Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York, is a private, international boarding school serving grades 7 through 12. NYMA is dedicated to a comprehensive and substantive process of developing young leaders who are `Set Apart for Excellence`. Our goal is to prepare our cadets for success and fulfillment in college and in life.
(1)
Acceptance Rate: 60%-70%
Grades: 7-12, PG
78 Academy Ave.
Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY 12520
(845) 534-3710
Rank: #15-2115.-21
Acceptance Rate: 60%-70%
Grades: 8-12, PG
45 Cottage Road
Oakdale, CT 06370
(860) 823-3861
Rank: #15-2115.-21
Thomas Jefferson School
 Photo - TJ sits on 20 picturesque acres in suburban St. Louis, MO.
(2)
Acceptance Rate: 60%-70%
Grades: 7-12
4100 South Lindbergh Blvd.
Saint Louis, MO 63127
(314) 843-4151
Rank: #15-2115.-21
Westover School
 Photo
All-Girls
(12)
Acceptance Rate: 60%-70%
Grades: 9-12
1237 Whittemore Rd.
Middlebury, CT 06762
(203) 577-4521
Rank: #22-6222.-62
Academy of the Holy Family
 Photo - Ambassadors Club
All-Girls (Catholic)
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 9-12
54 W. Main Street Box 691
Baltic, CT 06330
(860) 822-6279
Rank: #22-6222.-62
Asia Pacific International School Hawaii
 Photo
(Christian)
(1)
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 5-12, PG  | K-12, PG (day)
54-230 Kamehameha Hwy
Hauula, HI 96717
(808) 670-1909
Rank: #22-6222.-62
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 6-12, PG
900 South Brehm Lane
Carbondale IL, IL 62901
(618) 457-0371
Rank: #22-6222.-62
Bridgton Academy
 Photo - Our Humanities Center is one of two academic buildings on campus, and the hub for our academic administration, Focused Academic Coaching, Academic Support, and the Marcella/Sands Lecture Hall.
All-Boys
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 12-12, PG
11 Academy Lane
North Bridgton, ME 04057
(207) 647-3322
Rank: #22-6222.-62
Buffalo Seminary
 Photo - Our oldest tradition may be forward thinking but we are anchored in many other traditions too. Roses and white dresses for commencement. Our Social & Academic Honor Code. Morning Meeting to start the day. ..
All-Girls
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 9-12, PG
205 Bidwell Parkway
Buffalo, NY 14222
(716) 885-6780
Rank: #22-6222.-62
Colorado Timberline Academy
 Photo - Fall Trip in the Slot Canyons
(4)
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 9-12, PG
454 Academy Drive
Durango, CO 81301
(970) 247-5898
Rank: #22-6222.-62
EF Academy Pasadena
 Photo - EF Academy is an international high school welcoming day and boarding students from over 60 nationalities. At this sunny Pasadena, California campus, students have the opportunity to become global changemakers and participate in EF Academy's signature Global Leadership Program.
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 9-12
1505 E Howard St.
Pasadena, CA 91104
(626) 507-9223
Rank: #22-6222.-62
Excelsior School
 Photo
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 9-12
41 W Santa Clara St.
Arcadia, CA 91007
(626) 623-6339
Rank: #22-6222.-62
Fishburne Military School
 Photo
All-Boys
(7)
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 7-12
225 S. Wayne Avenue
Waynesboro, VA 22980
(540) 946-7706
Rank: #22-6222.-62
Freeman Academy
 Photo - Freeman Academy - Faith-inspired learning for LIFE
(Christian)
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 7-12  | K-12 (day)
PO BOX 1000 748 S. Main St.
Freeman, SD 57029
(605) 925-4237
Rank: #22-6222.-62
French Camp Academy
 Photo - student orientation
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 1-12  | 7-12 (day)
1 Fine Place
French Camp, MS 39745
(662) 547-7233
Rank: #22-6222.-62
Grand River Academy
 Photo
All-Boys
(1)
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 8-12, PG
3042 College St.
Austinburg, OH 44010
(440) 275-2811
Rank: #22-6222.-62
Hargrave Military Academy
 Photo - Hargrave is first and foremost a college preparatory boarding school. Our objective is to develop our cadets into leaders of character prepared for lifelong success.
All-Boys (Baptist)
(6)
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 7-12, PG
200 Military Drive
Chatham, VA 24531
(800) 432-2480
Rank: #22-6222.-62
Hillside School
 Photo
All-Boys
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 4-9
404 Robin Hill Street
Marlborough, MA 01752
(508) 485-3483
Rank: #22-6222.-62
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 9-12, PG
255 Olympic Valley Road | P.O. Box 2180
Olympic Valley, CA 96146
(530) 583-8665
Rank: #22-6222.-62
Life Quest Girls Academy
 Photo - Located in beautiful Southern Utah, our campus is the perfect way to study, grow, and play.
All-Girls
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 6-12, PG
69 East 100 South
Parowan, UT 84761
(435) 294-3129
Rank: #22-6222.-62
Linden Hall
 Photo
All-Girls
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 6-12, PG
212 E Main Street
Lititz, PA 17543
(717) 626-8512
Rank: #22-6222.-62
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 9-12
4 Lustre High Circle
Lustre, MT 59225
(406) 392-5735
Rank: #22-6222.-62
Maharishi School
 Photo - Maharishi School is a non-sectarian, PS-12, day and boarding school with students from over 30 countries. The School offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum and programs that expand a student's consciousness. Students start and end each day with yoga and meditation.
(2)
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 9-12  | PK-12 (day)
804 Dr Robert K Wallace Drive
Fairfield, IA 52556
(641) 472-9400
Rank: #22-6222.-62
Marvelwood School
 Photo - We offer a wide variety of competitive athletics each season.
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 9-12, PG
476 Skiff Mountain Road
Kent, CT 06757
(860) 927-0047
Rank: #22-6222.-62
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 5-12, PG
614 South Main Street
Woodstock, VA 22664
(540) 459-2167
Rank: #22-6222.-62
Michigan Lutheran High School
 Photo - Michigan Lutheran High School opened its best-in-class dormitory in August 2014. We are only one of six boarding schools recognized by the state of Michigan.
(Christian)
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 9-12
615 East Marquette Woods Road
St. Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 429-7861
Rank: #22-6222.-62
North Cedar Academy
 Photo - Welcome to North Cedar Academy!
(3)
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 9-12, PG
1500 Port Arthur Road
Ladysmith, WI 54848
(715) 609-1723
Rank: #22-6222.-62
North Country School
 Photo - North Country School's 220-acre campus is located in the Adirondack Mountains near Lake Placid, New York, a popular resort town and the site of two Winter Olympic Games. Many of our buildings use solar energy and biomass heating to help reduce the school's carbon footprint and to teach and model responsible and sustainable living practices.
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 4-9
4382 Cascade Road
Lake Placid, NY 12946
(518) 523-9329
Rank: #22-6222.-62
Oak Hill Academy
 Photo
(Baptist)
(1)
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 8-12
2635 Oak Hill Road
Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363
(276) 579-2619
Rank: #22-6222.-62
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 7-12
2317 Oak Ridge Road
Oak Ridge, NC 27310
(336) 515-8040
Rank: #22-6222.-62
Olney Friends School
 Photo - Each Wednesday, students take part in a dedicated three-hour art block with advanced art electives offered throughout the week. Recently, Olney has offered Murals, Digital Video, Impressionistic Art, Scaling and Scenery, Theater, Guitar, Native Art, Woodworking and Box Making courses.
(Society of Friends)
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 9-12
61830 Sandy Ridge Road
Barnesville, OH 43713
(740) 425-3655
Rank: #22-6222.-62
The Orme School
 Photo - Caravan offers a unique outdoor adventure and academic program for students. Led by faculty, class-sized trips explore Southwest's stunning landscapes, diverse cultures, and rich history. Camping in National Parks or wilderness, students gain outdoor skills and delve into the region's natural and human history. Caravan grants academic credits for graduation.
(7)
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 8-12, PG
1000 E. Orme School Road,
Mayer, AZ 86333
(928) 632-1566
Rank: #22-6222.-62
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 6-12
315 South Grove Avenue
Owatonna, MN 55060
(507) 214-2200
Rank: #22-6222.-62
Rock Point School
 Photo - Our Beautiful Building: on the shores of Lake Champlain and minutes from downtown Burlington, Vermont
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 9-12, PG
1 Rock Point Road
Burlington, VT 05408
(802) 863-1104
Rank: #22-6222.-62
St. Bernard Preparatory School
 Photo - Academic achievement is high on the list of St. Bernard Prep priorities, with students consistently ranking above national and state averages in ACT and National Merit Exams.
(Catholic)
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 7-12
1600 St. Bernard Drive, S.E.
Cullman, AL 35055
(256) 255-5890
Rank: #22-6222.-62
St. John's Northwestern Academies
 Photo - St. John's Northwestern Academies is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory boarding and day school for grades 6-12. Since 1884, they develop moral and ethical leaders who are inspired to improve the world through two paths! Their Military Academy pursues its mission using military leader development principles. Their Prefect Academy pursues its mission using contemporary organizational leader development principles. #LeadershipLivesHere
(Episcopal)
(4)
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 6-12
1101 Genesee Street
Delafield, WI 53018
(262) 646-7199
Rank: #22-6222.-62
St. Lawrence Seminary High School
All-Boys (Catholic)
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 9-12
301 Church Street
Mt. Calvary, WI 53057
(920) 753-7570
Rank: #22-6222.-62
SPIRE Academy
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 9-12, PG
5201 SPIRE Circle
Geneva, OH 44041
(440) 466-1002
Rank: #22-6222.-62
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 8-12  | 6-12 (day)
505 Spring Street
Friday Harbor, WA 98250
(360) 378-6393
Rank: #22-6222.-62
Stuart Hall School
 Photo - Students socialize between classes in the historic arcade
(Episcopal)
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 8-12, PG  | 6-12, PG (day)
235 West Frederick Street
Staunton, VA 24401
(540) 213-7774
Rank: #22-6222.-62
Subiaco Academy
 Photo
All-Boys (Catholic)
(4)
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 7-12
405 North Subiaco Avenue
Subiaco, AR 72865
(479) 934-1000
Rank: #22-6222.-62
The Vanguard School
 Photo - The Vanguard School is a learning community that offers academic, social, and personal growth designed to meet the needs of students who thrive in a small supportive setting.
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 6-12
22000 Hwy 27
Lake Wales, FL 33859
(863) 676-6091
Rank: #22-6222.-62
Verde Valley School
 Photo - World class rock climbing and hundreds of hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails near our campus keep our afternoon activities program varied and exciting.
(12)
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 9-12
3511 Verde Valley School Road
Sedona, AZ 86351
(928) 284-2272
Rank: #22-6222.-62
Wasatch Academy
 Photo - Wasatch Academy is located in Mount Pleasant, Utah, a quiet, mountain-valley town boasting a reputation for clean air, starry night skies, and safety. The campus is a 90-minute scenic drive from Salt Lake City International airport.
(4)
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 8-12, PG
120 South 100 West
Mt. Pleasant, UT 84647
(435) 462-1400
Rank: #22-6222.-62
The White Mountain School
 Photo - In these mountains, we are "surrounded by things greater than ourselves." We connect with a purpose beyond ourselves. Our mountain setting inspires us to explore more broadly, to think more deeply, and to experience the fullness of life. Our setting also allows our students to explore and excel in unique outdoor offerings.
(Episcopal)
(5)
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 9-12, PG
371 West Farm Road
Bethlehem, NH 03574
(603) 444-2928

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