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Most Selective Boarding Schools

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400+ students

200-400 students < 200 students More

Among "Schools with 400+ Students", 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.

Milton Academy Photo - The typical class size at Milton is 14 students. Classes meet around the Harkness table, where students and faculty share dialogue, inquiry and reflection.

Phillips Exeter Academy Photo - Exeter`s campus is surrounded by fields, forests and a quaint New England town with shops and cafes. We are a 50-minute train ride from Boston and the Atlantic coast is just 10 miles away.

Shattuck-St. Mary's School Photo - The Shumway Arch marks the entrance to the Upper School campus.

The Taft School Photo - More than a century has passed since Mr. Taft founded our school. While the world and the school have changed dramatically, his fundamental values endure: work hard, without regard for public acclaim; develop all your talents: academic, artistic, and athletic; and most importantly, give of yourself to others.

Thornton Academy Photo - Thornton Academy has been preparing students for a changing world since 1811. A rigorous and broad-based program of academic, arts and athletic opportunities challenges students to reach their potential in readiness for lifelong learning and productive participation in our dynamic world.

Loomis Chaffee Photo - Loomis Chaffee campus

The Williston Northampton School Photo - Williston promises an academic culture that respects your ability to think for yourself and gives you the right balance of structure and freedom to make the most of it. You'll be immersed in a challenging curriculum that cultivates active, lifelong learning. And with an average class size of 13 students, your teachers are truly going to know you.

Culver Academies Photo - Culver's athletic facilities include: Golf Course (Nine holes), Polo Arena, Crew Sheds, two Ice Hockey Rinks, an 8 Lane Pool, Diving Tank, 14 Outdoor Tennis Courts, 6 Indoor Tennis Courts, State of the Art Fitness Center with Trainers, 6 Indoor Basketball Courts, Fencing Facility, Free Weight Room, Softball Field, Baseball Field, Lighted Football Field, Lighted Soccer and Lacrosse Fields.

Worcester Academy Photo - Worcester Academy is a place where life takes an interesting turn. It's called the real world, where success doesn't always come easy, but it's worth the extra effort.

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.

Middlesex School Photo - The Dining Hall at lunchtime

Chaminade College Preparatory School Photo - Chaminade is located 20 minutes outside of Downtown St. Louis in the lovely, green neighborhood of Creve Coeur. Our 55 acre campus is fun and lively throughout the school year and a wonderful place not only to study and play but also to become part of the family.

Hill School Photo - The Hill School sets a high standard for students in their dress and appearance to express pride in themselves and their respect for one another. Academic Dress is worn throughout the academic day whenever students are in an academic or public area, chapel services, sit-down meals, required evening performance, or any other designated occasion.

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School Photo - Founded in 1903, Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School is nestled on 1,400 acres in the Appalachian Mountains, just two hours from Atlanta, GA, Greenville, SC, and Asheville, NC.

San Domenico School Photo - The San Domenico Dance department offers an in depth training program in ballet, modern dance, jazz and choreography with professional master teachers and choreographers. The four-year program offers opportunities to explore dance from the beginning to the advanced level. Courses may include homework such as, journaling, book reports, field trips, performance critiques, resumes, biographies, grant proposals and choreography.

Wisconsin Lutheran High School Photo - Wisconsin Lutheran High School's 2018 graduates averaged more than $38,000 per student in scholarships to some of the nation's most prestigious schools, including Harvard College, University of Pennsylvania, University of Virginia, University of Michigan, New York University, Boston College, Villanova University, University of Miami, Purdue University, Rutgers University, Wisconsin Lutheran College, Martin Luther College and University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Wyoming Seminary Upper School Photo - Sem offers an exciting range and long list of clubs, activities and leadership opportunities. Often student-initiated, these groups provide experiences not found in the classroom or on the playing fields.

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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Featured Schools

Most Selective Boarding Schools

Lowest Acceptance Rates (2019-20)

Among Schools with 400+ Students (out of 70 schools)

Top School Listings by Category (2019-20)