Most Selective Boarding Schools

All Schools 400+ students 200-400 students

< 200 students

Among "Schools with < 200 Students", view the boarding schools with the lowest acceptance rates (2021).

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.

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.

THINK Global School Photo - You'll be exposed to a wide array of truly unique customs, like this elephant blessing in Hampi, India.

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.

Northwood School Photo - Northwood School is set on an 88 acre campus, walking distance from the village of Lake Placid, NY and based in the 6 million acre Adirondack Park.

Oldfields School Photo - Oldfields' campus is 130 acres located in Maryland's scenic horse country, and is close to cultural centers including Washington, DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York City and only 30 minutes from the international airport, BWI.

Thomas Jefferson School Photo - Congrats to our class of 2018! Next stops: Missouri University of Science and Technology | American University | Smith College (x2) | Knox College | Washington University in St. Louis (x2) | University of Aberdeen | St. Louis College of Pharmacy | Johns Hopkins University

The White Mountain School Photo - All students complete an independent project through our LASR program. LASR stands for Leadership, Arts, Service, and Research. These general categories demonstrate the range of projects that students choose to undertake. This program is our way of saying that passion matters, and that we know each and every student has a spark that we want to help focus.

Blue Ridge School Photo - Our lake offers students a chance to relax, fish, canoe - in the center of campus.

Dublin School Photo - Winners of Bronze at Nationals, none had ever rowed before Dublin. Dublin is a place where you can discover your passion and have the opportunity and support to achieve it.

Hoosac School Photo - Hoosac School rests on 350 rolling acres in the Northern Berkshires in New York. Hoosac believes that the individual student is the centerpiece of their education. We structure our academic programs to suit the strengths and passions of each student, helping them to reach their full potential.

Besant Hill School Photo - A spectacular view of the Topa Topa mountains from the common room in our Phoenix dorm. Students gather here for study sessions, snacks and social activities.

Midland School Photo - Midland's 10-acre certified organic garden. It currently provides 80% of the produce that our community consumes in the dining hall.

St. Timothy's School Photo - The Commons is equal parts living room and dining room. The newest building on campus, the Commons is a gathering space that houses the dining hall and the new Redlands Cafe.

Bridgton Academy Photo - Welcome to Bridgton Academy! Located in the Western Maine foothills and the heart of Maine's Lake Region, we've been preparing young men for the rigors of college and beyond since 1808. We Know PG.

Chatham Hall Photo - Our traditions are a vital force: They bridge the generations, bond students, and help us continually build our community. Best of all, they're a lot of fun (and they help make Chatham Hall the unique place it is).

Hyde School - Bath, ME Photo - Located in the quaint and historic shipbuilding city of Bath, Maine, on the Kennebec River, the 145-acre Hyde-Bath School campus was founded in 1966. Year-round, students and faculty enjoy miles of wooded running, bicycling, and cross-country skiing trails that extend beyond the campus.

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May 27, 2021

Things That Keep Me Awake At Night

The pandemic has upended our lives in ways we never imagined. Heads of school also have been impacted as they try to plan for the future. Concerns about enrolment, community safety, and the school's finances are just a few of their worries.

May 20, 2021

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May is the month for private school graduations. Boarding school graduation is an especially poignant occasion. Why not mark it with a special gift?

May 19, 2021

5 Things You Didn't Know About Boarding Schools

Boarding schools are a subset of private schools which many people don't know much about. Here are five points to ponder as you research boarding schools.

Featured Schools

Most Selective Boarding Schools

Lowest Acceptance Rates (2021)

Among Schools with < 200 Students (out of 66 schools)