Most Selective Boarding Schools

All Schools
All Schools 
400+ students
400+ students 
200-400 students
200-400 students 
< 200 students
< 200 students 
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  • Among "Schools with < 200 Students", view the boarding schools with the lowest acceptance rates (2018-19).
  • 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 (2018-19)

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

Sorted by range (alphabetically within range)
  • Boarding School Acceptance Rate Grades Location
  • 1.-4.
    American University Preparatory School
    American University Preparatory School Photo - AUP prepares students to be proficient in technological skills needed for the 21st century by requiring them to take Digital Media Arts and Computer Science courses. Our academic curriculum promotes digital fluency in and out of the classroom. Students build a digital portfolio with 2D/3D projects, video productions, computer generated animation artworks, and website/software designs.
    <25%
    Grades: 9-12, PG
    345 South Figueroa Street
    Los Angeles, CA 90071
    (213)400-4585
  • 1.-4.
    The Greenwood School
    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 
    <25%

    Grades: 6-12
    14 Greenwood Lane
    Putney, VT 05346
    (802)387-4545
  • 1.-4.
    North Central Texas Academy
    North Central Texas Academy Photo - The NCTA Pioneers captured back-to-back State Championships in 2002 and 2003 and are consistently in the TAPPS State playoffs each year.
    <25%

    Grades: K-12 | Pre-K-12 (day)
    3846 N. Hwy. 144
    Granbury, TX 76048
    (254)897-4822
  • 1.-4.
    THINK Global School
    THINK Global School Photo - Love sports? We find soccer fields in each country we visit, and it's just one of the many sports our students love to play. We also engage in physical activities popular in the countries we visit. Think yoga in India or kung fu in China.
    <25%

    Grades: 10-12
    1460 Broadway Street #7032
    New York, NY 10036
    (646)504-6924
  • 5.-7.
    Northwood School
    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.
    (1)
    35%-40%
    Grades: 9-12, PG
    92 Northwood Road
    Lake Placid, NY 12946
    (518)523-3382
  • 5.-7.
    Oldfields School
    Oldfields School Photo
    All-Girls 
    (9)
    35%-40%

    Grades: 8-12
    1500 Glencoe Road
    Sparks Glencoe, MD 21152
    (410)472-4800
  • 5.-7.
    The Storm King School
    The Storm King School Photo - The arts department at the Storm King School has produced notable authors and artists.
    35%-40%

    Grades: 8-12, PG
    314 Mountain Road
    Cornwall on Hudson, NY 12520
    (845)458-7542
  • 8.
    The White Mountain School
    The White Mountain School Photo - Living intentionally in a small, supportive community allows students to truly feel like White Mountain is a home away from home. Boarding students live in one of four dorms with their peers, faculty members and faculty families. Faculty doors are often open and their apartments can feel like an extension of the dorm.
    (Episcopal)
    (5)
    40%-45%
    Grades: 9-12, PG
    371 West Farm Road
    Bethlehem, NH 03574
    (603)444-2928
  • 9.-12.
    Blue Ridge School
    Blue Ridge School Photo - The historic Battle House is the center of the Blue Ridge campus.
    All-Boys  (Episcopal)
    (7)
    45%-50%
    Grades: 9-12
    273 Mayo Drive
    St. George, VA 22935
    (434)985-2811
  • 9.-12.
    Dublin School
    Dublin School Photo - We take the outdoors seriously. Our 500-acre campus offers miles of wooded trails for cross-country running and mountain biking to snow-shoeing and skiing. Our Nordic Center is one of the best and most challenging in the East. The Norm "Pro" Wight Ski Area allows alpine skiers and boarders the ability to ski under the lights in the center of campus.
    45%-50%

    Grades: 9-12
    18 Lehmann Way, PO Box 522
    Dublin, NH 03444
    (603)563-7075
  • 9.-12.
    Houghton Academy
    Houghton Academy Photo - The Guidance Office supports each student throughout the college application process.
    45%-50%

    Grades: 7-12 | 6-12 (day)
    9790 Thayer Street
    Houghton, NY 14744
    (585)567-8115
  • 9.-12.
    The Knox School
    The Knox School Photo - As an institution that is mission-driven and intentional in its structure and purpose, The Knox School created its academic program to provide capable students with opportunities to excel within a liberal arts program that are infused with artistic and athletic pursuits.
    45%-50%

    Grades: 6-12, PG
    541 Long Beach Road
    Saint James, NY 11780
    (631)686-1600
  • 13.-16.
    American Hebrew Academy
    American Hebrew Academy Photo - The International Jewish College Prep Boarding School
    (Jewish)
    (6)
    50%-55%
    Grades: 9-12, PG
    4334 Hobbs Road
    Greensboro, NC 27410
    (336)217-7070
  • 13.-16.
    Besant Hill School
    Besant Hill School Photo - Socratic teaching and emphasis on experiential learning create a stimulating environment where students learn how to think, not what to think.
    (1)
    50%-55%

    Grades: 9-12, PG
    8585 Ojai Santa Paula Road
    Ojai, CA 93023
    (805)646-4343
  • 13.-16.
    Midland School
    Midland School Photo - Our sophomore class installing our 13th 3-kW solar array on campus during Midland's annual Experiential Week.
    (4)
    50%-55%

    Grades: 9-12
    PO Box 8
    Los Olivos, CA 93441
    (805)688-5114
  • 13.-16.
    New York Military Academy
    New York Military Academy Photo
    (1)
    50%-55%

    Grades: 8-12, PG
    78 Academy Avenue
    Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY 12520
    (845)534-3710
  • 17.
    The Woodhall School
    The Woodhall School Photo - The Woodhall School is located in rural Bethlehem, CT on approximately twenty-five acres of woodlands and trails for hiking and biking. The campus is designed to enhance The Woodhall School`s individual approach. The academic and residential areas are architecturally conceived as a small village.
    All-Boys 
    55%-60%
    Grades: 9-12
    58 Harrison Lane
    Bethlehem, CT 06751
    (203)266-7788
  • 18.-30.
    Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall
    Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall Photo
    (2)
    60%-70%
    Grades: 9-12, PG
    785 Beaver Street
    Waltham, MA 02452
    (781)314-0806
  • 18.-30.
    Chatham Hall
    Chatham Hall Photo - Whether you ve been riding your whole life or have always wanted to you can find a place in our program. The Chatham Hall campus is home to more than 30 horses, three teaching arenas, a permanent Hunter Trials course, and plenty of trails. We teach hunt seat the Modern Forward Riding System with an emphasis on horse and rider
    All-Girls  (Episcopal)
    (3)
    60%-70%

    Grades: 9-12
    800 Chatham Hall Circle
    Chatham, VA 24531
    (434)432-5516
  • 18.-30.
    Hoosac School
    Hoosac School Photo - Athletics are an important part of any school. Hoosac offers many opportunities for students to have success. Hoosac Boys Basketball is two-time defending New England Champions. Our student-athletes are recruited by all levels of college coaches.
    (Episcopal)
    (1)
    60%-70%

    Grades: 8-12, PG
    PO Box 9
    Hoosick, NY 12089
    (518)686-7331
  • 18.-30.
    Hyde School - Bath, ME
    Hyde School - Bath, ME Photo - Hyde students all participate in visual or performing arts. The arts program allows students to express their creativity, appreciate the world around them, enhance public speaking and presentation skills, and take pride in their work.
    (3)
    60%-70%

    Grades: 9-12, PG
    616 High Street
    Bath, ME 04530
    (207)443-7101
  • 18.-30.
    Miller School of Albemarle
    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.
    60%-70%

    Grades: 8-12, PG
    1000 Samuel Miller Loop
    Charlottesville, VA 22903
    (434)823-4805
  • 18.-30.
    North Country School
    North Country School Photo - North Country School students in grades 4-6 take introductory music classes, and students in grades 7-9 choose from many arts electives, including a wide range of music offerings. Students are strongly encouraged to bring their musical instruments and may take private lessons in piano, woodwinds and strings.
    60%-70%

    Grades: 4-9
    4382 Cascade Road
    Lake Placid, NY 12946
    (518)523-9329
  • 18.-30.
    St. Thomas More School
    St. Thomas More School Photo
    All-Boys  (Catholic)
    60%-70%

    Grades: 8-12, PG
    45 Cottage Road
    Oakdale, CT 06370
    (860)823-3861
  • 18.-30.
    Scattergood Friends School
    Scattergood Friends School Photo - Scattergood Friends School offers engaging academics in a holistic learning environment. Offering students an inclusive community with opportunities to learn outdoors, go on adventures and make decisions about their learning. Set on a working organic farm and restored prairie we're celebrating 125 years of college preparatory education with Quaker values for grades 9 - 12, boarding and day.
    (Quaker)
    (1)
    60%-70%

    Grades: 9-12, PG
    1951 Delta Avenue
    West Branch, IA 52358
    (319)519-1856
  • 18.-30.
    Southwestern Academy
    Southwestern Academy Photo - A unique learning environment
    60%-70%

    Grades: 6-12, PG
    2800 Monterey Road
    San Marino, CA 91108
  • 18.-30.
    Springfield Commonwealth Academy
    Springfield Commonwealth Academy Photo
    60%-70%

    Grades: 6-12, PG
    1 Ames Hill Drive
    Springfield, MA 01105
    (413)285-8976
  • 18.-30.
    Steward Outdoor School
    Steward Outdoor School Photo - Come visit our beautiful 740 acre campus located in coastal Connecticut.
    (Episcopal)
    60%-70%

    Grades: 6-9
    253 Bushy Hill Road
    Ivoryton, CT 06442
    (860)767-0848
  • 18.-30.
    Thomas Jefferson School
    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
    (2)
    60%-70%

    Grades: 7-12
    4100 South Lindbergh Blvd.
    Saint Louis, MO 63127
    (314)843-4151
  • 18.-30.
    Wayland Academy
    Wayland Academy Photo - Wayland's 19 teams don't have "try outs," they have sign-ups. Yet, the Academy competes in a very competitive, small-school conference. Several Wayland alumni have gone on to college athletics, including D-1 colleges.
    (3)
    60%-70%

    Grades: 9-12
    101 North University
    Beaver Dam, WI 53916
    (800)860-7725
  • 31.-66.
    Academy of the Holy Family
    Academy of the Holy Family Photo - Good-bye dinner for senior boarding students
    All-Girls  (Catholic)
    >70%
    Grades: 9-12
    54 W. Main Street Box 691
    Baltic, CT 06330
    (860)822-6279
  • 31.-66.
    Bard Academy at Simon's Rock
    Bard Academy at Simon's Rock Photo
    >70%

    Grades: 9-10
    84 Alford Road
    Great Barrington, MA 01230
    (800)235-7186
  • 31.-66.
    Brandon Hall School
    Brandon Hall School Photo
    >70%

    Grades: 6-12
    1701 Brandon Hall Drive
    Atlanta, GA 30350
    (770)394-8177
  • 31.-66.
    Colorado Rocky Mountain School
    Colorado Rocky Mountain School Photo - With 165 students, relationships are at the core of the Colorado Rocky Mountain School experience. This close-knit community resides on a 320-acre historic ranch, at the confluence of two rivers and base of Mount Sopris, providing not only an outdoor learning laboratory but a launch point for boundless outdoor adventure.
    (4)
    >70%

    Grades: 9-12
    500 Holden Way
    Carbondale, CO 81623
    (970)963-2562
  • 31.-66.
    Colorado Timberline Academy
    Colorado Timberline Academy Photo - Raku Firing
    (4)
    >70%

    Grades: 9-12, PG
    454 Academy Drive
    Durango, CO 81301
    (970)247-5898
  • 31.-66.
    Darrow School
    Darrow School Photo - Our Academic Mentoring Program gives students the opportunity to work one-on-one with a mentor to develop their study skills and reach their full academic potential. Mentors teach students how to become better readers, writers, public speakers, etc...
    (1)
    >70%

    Grades: 9-12, PG
    110 Darrow Road
    New Lebanon, NY 12125
    (518)794-6006
  • 31.-66.
    Excelsior School
    Excelsior School Photo
    >70%

    Grades: 9-12
    1539 E. Howard St.
    Pasadena, CA 91104
    (626)398-2388
  • 31.-66.
    Fishburne Military School
    Fishburne Military School Photo
    All-Boys 
    (5)
    >70%

    Grades: 7-12
    225 S. Wayne Avenue
    Waynesboro, VA 22980
    (540)946-7700
  • 31.-66.
    Florida Prep
    Florida Prep Photo - Students are accepted from 6th - 12th grade
    (1)
    >70%

    Grades: 5-12
    1950 S. Academy Dr
    Melbourne, FL 32901
    (321)723-3211
  • 31.-66.
    Freeman Academy
    Freeman Academy Photo - Freeman Academy - Faith-inspired learning for LIFE
    (Christian)
    >70%

    Grades: 7-12 | 1-12 (day)
    PO BOX 1000748 S. Main St.
    Freeman, SD 57029
    (605)925-4237
  • 31.-66.
    Grand River Academy
    Grand River Academy Photo
    All-Boys 
    >70%

    Grades: 8-12, PG
    3042 College St.
    Austinburg, OH 44010
    (440)275-2811
  • 31.-66.
    Hillside School
    Hillside School Photo
    All-Boys 
    >70%

    Grades: 5-9
    404 Robin Hill Street
    Marlborough, MA 01752
    (508)485-3483
  • 31.-66.
    Lustre Christian High School
    Lustre Christian High School Photo - LCHS Students and community members work together to pack boxes for the Operation Christmas Child program.
    >70%

    Grades: 9-12
    294 Lustre Road
    Lustre, MT 59225
    (406)392-5735
  • 31.-66.
    Maharishi School
    Maharishi School Photo - Boarding students live with host families from the school community. Starting in 2018-19, Maharishi School will have an on-campus dormitory to host up to 30 students.
    (2)
    >70%

    Grades: 9-12 | Pre-K-12 (day)
    804 Dr Robert K Wallace Drive
    Fairfield, IA 52556
    (641)472-9400
  • 31.-66.
    The Marvelwood School
    The Marvelwood School Photo - Community Service Wednesday is an important part of the weekly schedule and the mission of the School. Faculty member Sharon O'Brien and students write, direct and create puppets for a show they perform at local nursery and elementary schools throughout the year.
    >70%

    Grades: 9-12, PG
    476 Skiff Mountain Road
    Kent, CT 06757
    (860)927-0047
  • 31.-66.
    Massanutten Military Academy
    Massanutten Military Academy Photo - Massanutten Military Academy, founded in 1899, is nestled between the Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains in Woodstock, Virginia. Massanutten is situated directly in a small and safe community with a long and rich history. Students at MMA hail from all over the country and even the world. Some students join us from large metropolitan cities and others from quaint towns.
    (5)
    >70%

    Grades: 6-12, PG
    614 South Main Street
    Woodstock, VA 22664
    (540)459-2167
  • 31.-66.
    Michigan Lutheran High School
    Michigan Lutheran High School Photo - Michigan Lutheran High School has provided quality Christian secondary education to southwestern Michigan and northwestern Indiana for over 40 years while serving domestic and international boarding students since 2014.
    (Christian)
    >70%

    Grades: 9-12
    615 East Marquette Woods Road
    St. Joseph, MI 49085
    (269)429-7861
  • 31.-66.
    North Cedar Academy
    North Cedar Academy Photo - Quiet, 96 acre campus just steps from city amenities.
    (1)
    >70%

    Grades: 9-12
    1500 Port Arthur Road
    Ladysmith, WI 54848
    (715)532-0201
  • 31.-66.
    Oak Grove School
    Oak Grove School Photo - Our boarding facility, Besant House, is a family-style program for 15-20 international and domestic students.
    (1)
    >70%

    Grades: 9-12 | Pre-K-12 (day)
    220 West Lomita
    Ojai, CA 93023
    (805)646-8236
  • 31.-66.
    Oak Hill Academy
    (Baptist)
    >70%

    Grades: 8-12
    2635 Oak Hill Road
    Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363
    (276)579-2619
  • 31.-66.
    Oakdale Christian Academy
    Oakdale Christian Academy Photo - One of our classrooms
    (Christian)
    (5)
    >70%

    Grades: 7-12
    5801 Beattyville Rd.
    Jackson, KY 41339
    (606)666-5422
  • 31.-66.
    Oakland School
    Oakland School Photo - Drama class
    >70%

    Grades: 1-8
    128 Oakland Farm Way
    Troy, VA 22974
    (434)293-9059
  • 31.-66.
    The Orme School
    The Orme School Photo - Our graduates are competent, confident and well positioned to meet the challenges of college and the world beyond.
    (2)
    >70%

    Grades: 8-12, PG
    1000 Orme School Road, H.C. 63, Box 3040
    Mayer, AZ 86333
    (928)632-7601
  • 31.-66.
    Pillsbury College Prep
    Pillsbury College Prep Photo
    >70%

    Grades: 6-12
    315 South Grove Avenue
    Owatonna, MN 55060
    (507)214-2200
  • 31.-66.
    Rock Point School
    Rock Point School Photo - Our Beautiful Building: on the shores of Lake Champlain and minutes from downtown Burlington, Vermont
    >70%

    Grades: 9-12, PG
    1 Rock Point Road
    Burlington, VT 05408
    (802)863-1104
  • 31.-66.
    St. Catherine's Academy
    St. Catherine's Academy Photo - Our unique military program is designed to help each boy rise to his fullest potential. Based on positive peer pressure, our program helps students develop leadership skills and increase their self-confidence.
    All-Boys  (Catholic)
    >70%

    Grades: 4-8 | K-8 (day)
    215 N. Harbor Blvd.
    Anaheim, CA 92805
    (714)772-1363
  • 31.-66.
    St. Margaret's School
    St. Margaret's School Photo - WE BELIEVE YOU BELONG HERE. * 10 acre historic waterfront campus * 42 acre athletic complex * Within 2 hours of Washington, DC, Richmond, Charlottesville, Williamsburg, and Virginia Beach
    All-Girls  (Episcopal)
    (5)
    >70%

    Grades: 8-12, PG
    PO Box 158, 444 Water Lane
    Tappahannock, VA 22560
    (804)443-3357
  • 31.-66.
    Spring Street International School
    Spring Street International School Photo - In the Middle School, key goals are to instill a love of learning and good study habits.
    (1)
    >70%

    Grades: 8-12 | 6-12 (day)
    505 Spring Street
    Friday Harbor, WA 98250
    (360)378-6393
  • 31.-66.
    Springdale Preparatory School
    Springdale Preparatory School Photo - "Old Main" (built 1849)
    >70%

    Grades: 5-12, PG
    500 Main Street
    New Windsor, MD 21776
    (855)405-8600
  • 31.-66.
    Squaw Valley Academy
    Squaw Valley Academy Photo - Students reside in one of three dormitories on campus. The new dormitory uses south-facing solar panels to take full advantage of the average 300 days of sunshine to reduce our environmental footprint.
    >70%

    Grades: 9-12, PG
    235 Squaw Valley Road | P.O. Box 2667
    Olympic Valley, CA 96146
    (530)583-9393
  • 31.-66.
    Stoneleigh-Burnham School
    Stoneleigh-Burnham School Photo - Learning to speak with confidence and clarity lies at the heart of the Stoneleigh-Burnham experience and is the mark of a Stoneleigh-Burnham girl. From our world-class debate and public speaking program to our student government organization and our tenth grade rhetoric course, our students have unending opportunities to discover and effectively use their voices.
    All-Girls 
    (15)
    >70%

    Grades: 7-12, PG
    574 Bernardston Road
    Greenfield, MA 01301
    (413)774-2711
  • 31.-66.
    Subiaco Academy
    Subiaco Academy Photo - Subiaco Abbey and Academy
    All-Boys  (Catholic)
    (1)
    >70%

    Grades: 7-12
    405 North Subiaco Avenue
    Subiaco, AR 72865
    (479)934-1034
  • 31.-66.
    Sunshine Bible Academy
    Sunshine Bible Academy Photo - In our agriculture, FFA, and Industrial Arts programs students get practical, hands on instruction in valuable areas like agriculture, automotive, carpentry, welding, and more. A leadership course is also available as part of the program.
    >70%

    Grades: 7-12 | K-12 (day)
    400 Sunshine Drive
    Miller, SD 57362
    (605)853-3071
  • 31.-66.
    The Vanguard School
    The Vanguard School Photo - Average class sizes are 6-8 students and student-to-teacher ratios are 5:1.
    >70%

    Grades: 6-12
    22000 Hwy 27
    Lake Wales, FL 33859
    (863)676-6091
  • 31.-66.
    Verde Valley School
    Verde Valley School Photo - The Equestrian program at Verde Valley School is varied and exciting. Riders can ride both Western and English, on trail rides or in our arena. Our campus herd is 30 strong and riders can also board their horse. The program is open to beginners and experts alike. The horse/rider bond is stressed and riders also assist with important jobs around the barn like giving vaccinations and horse care.
    (12)
    >70%

    Grades: 9-12
    3511 Verde Valley School Road
    Sedona, AZ 86351
    (928)284-2272
  • 31.-66.
    West Nottingham Academy
    West Nottingham Academy Photo
    (8)
    >70%

    Grades: 9-12, PG
    1079 Firetower Road
    Colora, MD 21917
    (410)658-9279

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