Most Selective Boarding Schools

The average acceptance rate across the 51 ranked boarding schools with more than 400 students is 45% (2026-27).
Among boarding schools with more than 400 students, the one with the lowest acceptance rate is Blair Academy, with 15%.

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • # Schools with 400+ Students Ranked: 51
  • Top 20 Range (Lowest Acceptance Rates): 13%–34%
  • Schools with 400+ Students Avg.: 45%
  • National Avg.: 59%

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • # Schools with 400+ Students Ranked: 51
  • Top 20 Range (Lowest Acceptance Rates): 13%–34%
  • Schools with 400+ Students Avg.: 45%
  • 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: 13%–98%, avg 45%)
Acceptance Rate Range: 13% 98% Avg. Acceptance Rate: 45%

Lowest Acceptance Rates (2026-27)

Among Schools with 400+ Students (out of 51 schools)

Sorted by range (alphabetically within range)
Blair Academy Photo
#1(T1–T13)Blair Academy
Gr: 9-12, PG
2 Park St
Blairstown, NJ 07825
(908) 362-2009
(9)
Choate Rosemary Hall Photo
Gr: 9-12, PG
333 Christian Street
Wallingford, CT 06492
(203) 697-2239
(30)
Deerfield Academy Photo
#1(T1–T13)Deerfield Academy
Gr: 9-12, PG
7 Boyden Lane
Deerfield, MA 01342
(413) 774-1400
(14)
The Governor's Academy (formerly Governor Dummer Academy) Photo - Beautiful Setting: A 456-acre campus with extensive facilities for academics, athletics, and visual and performing arts.
Gr: 9-12
1 Elm Street
Byfield, MA 01922
(978) 499-3120
(8)
The 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.
#1(T1–T13)The Hill School
Gr: 9-12, PG
860 Beech Street
Pottstown, PA 19464
(610) 326-1000
(8)
Lawrenceville School Photo - The Bowl is an iconic spot on campus and is the natural gathering place for ninth grade students, who live on either side of The Bowl
Gr: 9-12, PG
2500 Main Street
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
(609) 895-2030
(6)
Loomis Chaffee Photo - Loomis` beautiful 300-acre campus is located at the confluence of the Farmington and Connecticut rivers in Windsor, Connecticut. Affectionately referred to as the Island, Loomis is within walking distance of the town`s center, Amtrak train station, and other areas of interest.
#1(T1–T13)Loomis Chaffee
Gr: 9-12, PG
4 Batchelder Road
Windsor, CT 06095
(860) 687-6400
(30)
Middlesex School Photo - English Class
#1(T1–T13)Middlesex School
Gr: 9-12
1400 Lowell Road
Concord, MA 01742
(978) 371-6524
(28)
Milton Academy Photo - Milton Academy is only eight miles from Boston's museums, schools and attractions, but it has the benefits of a 130-acre New England campus-with green quads and lots of fall foliage.
#1(T1–T13)Milton Academy
Gr: 9-12 | K-12 (day)
170 Centre Street
Milton, MA 02186
(617) 898-2227
(8)
Phillips Academy Andover Photo - The quintessential New England campus is 21 miles to Boston by car or train, and a 10 minute walk to downtown Andover.
Gr: 9-12, PG
180 Main Street
Andover, MA 01810
(978) 749-4050
(16)
Map of Phillips Exeter Academy
Gr: 9-12, PG
20 Main Street
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 777-3437
(30)
St. George's School Photo - Seaside Campus overlooking the Atlantic Ocean
Gr: 9-12
Episcopal
372 Purgatory Rd
Middletown, RI 02842
(401) 842-6600
St. Paul's School Photo
#1(T1–T13)St. Paul's School
Gr: 9-12
Episcopal
325 Pleasant Street
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 229-4700
(4)
Episcopal High School Photo - EHS
#14(T14–T15)Episcopal High School
Gr: 9-12
Episcopal
1200 N. Quaker Lane
Alexandria, VA 22302
(703) 933-4062
(12)
Mercersburg Academy Photo
#14(T14–T15)Mercersburg Academy
Gr: 9-12, PG
100 Academy Drive
Mercersburg, PA 17236
(717) 328-6173
(20)
Baylor School Photo - Baylor School is situated on 690 acres along the Tennessee River.
#16(T16–T23)Baylor School
Gr: 9-12 | 6-12 (day)
171 Baylor School Road
Chattanooga, TN 37405
(423) 267-5902
(4)
Lake Forest Academy Photo - Lake Forest Academy's 452 students are from over 19 states and 40 countries. Our student body includes 22% international students, 43% domestic students of color, and 34% of students receive financial aid.
#16(T16–T23)Lake Forest Academy
Gr: 9-12, PG
1500 West Kennedy Road
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 615-3267
(2)
Lawrence Academy Photo
#16(T16–T23)Lawrence Academy
Gr: 9-12
26 Powderhouse Road, P.O. Box 992
Groton, MA 01450
(978) 448-1530
(1)
Northfield Mount Hermon Photo - NMH is a coed boarding school serving 650 students in grades 9-12. We also offer a postgraduate year. Our wooded campus borders the Connecticut River in western Massachusetts, and in this beautiful setting, we challenge young people to think hard, work hard, discover new talents, and hone the ones they already possess.
Gr: 9-12, PG
One Lamplighter Way
Mount Hermon, MA 01354
(413) 498-3227
(15)
St. Anne's-Belfield School Photo
Gr: 9-12 | PK-12 (day)
2132 Ivy Road
Charlottesville, VA 22903
(434) 296-5106
Westminster School Photo - Gund Reading Room in the Cole Library, a stunning place to study, meet and hold events.
#16(T16–T23)Westminster School
Gr: 9-12, PG
995 Hopmeadow Street
Simsbury, CT 06070
(860) 408-3060
(10)
The Williston Northampton School Photo - Williston has 10 dorms, five for girls and five for boys. Freshmen live in separate ninth grade dorms but all other dorms are mixed grades. Outside of the dorms, students can enjoy fires around our campus fire pits, play spikeball on one of our myriad setups, and enjoy the beauty of Western Massachusetts in an Adirondack chair.
Gr: 9-12, PG | 7-12, PG (day)
19 Payson Avenue
Easthampton, MA 01027
(413) 529-3241
(18)
Woodside Priory School (Priory) Photo - School spirit is huge at Priory. More than 30 club and activity choices are available to High School students. Clubs provide opportunities to discover passions, develop strengths, apply academic knowledge in a practical way, develop self-knowledge, and learn to make the choices necessary to manage a busy schedule independently.
Gr: 9-12 | 6-12 (day)
Catholic
302 Portola Road
Portola Valley, CA 94028
(650) 851-8223
(2)
Cranbrook Schools Photo
#24(T24–T25)Cranbrook Schools
Gr: 9-12 | PK-12 (day)
PO Box 801 39221 Woodward Ave.
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48303
(248) 645-3610
(10)
Western Reserve Academy Photo
Gr: 9-12, PG
115 College Street
Hudson, OH 44236
(330) 650-9717
The Stony Brook School Photo - The Stony Brook School is a private Christian college preparatory boarding and day school (grades 7-12), distinguished for its academics and set apart by its mission. The 55-acre campus is located 50 miles east of New York City on Long Island's north shore and is home to 460 students from 20 countries and all over the United States.
Gr: 7-12
Christian
1 Chapman Parkway
Stony Brook, NY 11790
(631) 751-1800
Avon Old Farms School Photo - Nestled among Cotswold-inspired architecture on 860 acres in the Farmington Valley, Avon Old Farms stands as the leader in preparing boys to become men.
#27(T27–T31)Avon Old Farms School
Gr: 9-12, PG
All-boys
500 Old Farms Road
Avon, CT 06001
(800) 464-2866
(6)
Culver Academies Photo - An aerial view of Memorial Chapel and Lake Maxinkuckee. Situated on 1,800 acres of green hills and pristine woodlands, Culver's storied campus is home to three distinct leadership-development experiences: Culver Military Academy, Culver Girls Academy, and Culver Summer Schools and Camps.
#27(T27–T31)Culver Academies
Gr: 9-12
1300 Academy Road
Culver, IN 46511
(574) 842-7100
(21)
Darlington School Photo - Darlington's expansive curriculum includes unique offerings such as Robotics, which is supported by a MakerSpace.
#27(T27–T31)Darlington School
Gr: 9-12, PG | PK-12, PG (day)
1014 Cave Spring Road, SW
Rome, GA 30161
(706) 236-0436
(11)
Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School Photo
Gr: 7-12 | PK-12 (day)
Presbyterian
339 Nacoochee Drive
Rabun Gap, GA 30568
(706) 746-7720
(1)
Sun Valley Community School Photo - Students from around the nation and world come to Sun Valley Community School in Sun Valley, Idaho, to fulfill their potential and pursue their passions.
Gr: 9-12 | PK-12 (day)
1 Community School Drive
Sun Valley, ID 83353
(208) 622-3960
North Broward Preparatory School Photo - Within the picturesque grounds of North Broward's campus, students from Florida and around the world are warmly welcomed by talented and caring faculty and staff into a warm and nurturing environment.
Gr: PK-12
7600 Lyons Road
Coconut Creek, FL 33073
(954) 247-0179
(1)
St. Stephen's Episcopal School Photo
Gr: 8-12 | 6-12 (day)
Episcopal
6500 St. Stephen's Drive
Austin, TX 78746
(512) 327-1213
(1)
The Village School Photo - The Village School boarding students reside in on-campus dormitories. We take pride in providing a safe, nurturing living environment.
#32(T32–T34)The Village School
Gr: 6-12 | PK-12 (day)
13051 Whittington Drive
Houston, TX 77077
(281) 496-7900
Admiral Farragut Academy Photo - Steeped in history, with alumni in the White House, on the moon's surface, professional athletes, and key leadership positions worldwide, Admiral Farragut Academy is an international preparatory school offering elite academics and outstanding global leadership development. AFA's global headquarters and international boarding school is on the waterfront in tropical St. Petersburg, Florida.
Gr: 8-12 | K-12 (day)
501 Park Street North
St. Petersburg, FL 33710
(727) 384-5504
(10)
Foxcroft Academy Photo - www.foxcroftacademy.org or follow us on Twitter @foxcroftacademy
#35(T35–T41)Foxcroft Academy
Gr: 9-12, PG
975 West Main Street
Dover Foxcroft, ME 04426
(207) 564-8664
(2)
The Linsly School Photo - Linsly's lower school (grades 5-8) program of studies emphasizes the mastery of fundamental concepts through innovative cross-curricular programs and regimented learning, all of which are designed to prepare students for college preparatory curriculum of the upper school (grades 9-12).
#35(T35–T41)The Linsly School
Gr: 7-12 | 5-12 (day)
60 Knox Lane
Wheeling, WV 26003
(304) 233-1436
McCallie School Photo - The College Counseling office works with our students to help them find the best college fit and to ensure they are well prepared for the application and financial aid processes.
#35(T35–T41)McCallie School
Gr: 9-12, PG | 6-12, PG (day)
All-boys (Non-denom. / Christian)
500 Dodds Avenue
Chattanooga, TN 37404
(423) 624-8300
(3)
Principia School Photo - Principia's supportive community is one where all levels come together to cheer on our sports teams.
#35(T35–T41)Principia School
Gr: 8-12 | PK-12 (day)
Christian
13201 Clayton Rd
St. Louis, MO 63131
(314) 514-3188
Saint Andrew's School Photo - Our residential life students always have fun at the beach.
#35(T35–T41)Saint Andrew's School
Gr: 9-12
Episcopal
3900 Jog Road
Boca Raton, FL 33434
(561) 210-2020
(3)
Worcester Academy Photo - With over 180 courses, 45 honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses and an immersive middle school curriculum, you are sure to find a course of instruction that excites you.
#35(T35–T41)Worcester Academy
Gr: 9-12, PG | 6-12, PG (day)
81 Providence Street
Worcester, MA 01604
(508) 459-5481
(1)
The Brook Hill School Photo - The Brook Hill School. Christ-Centered. College Prep.
#42(T42–T51)The Brook Hill School
Gr: 8-12 | Pre-K-12 (day)
Christian
1051 N Houston
Bullard, TX 75757
(903) 894-5000
(3)
Cotter Schools Photo
#42(T42–T51)Cotter Schools
Gr: 7-12 | PK-12 (day)
Catholic
1115 West Broadway Street
Winona, MN 55987
(507) 453-5102
Currey Ingram Academy Photo - Aerial view of Currey Ingram's 83-acre campus.
#42(T42–T51)Currey Ingram Academy
Gr: 9-12, PG | PK-12, PG (day)
6544 Murray Lane
Brentwood, TN 37027
(615) 507-3173
Fryeburg Academy Photo
#42(T42–T51)Fryeburg Academy
Gr: 9-12, PG
745 Main Street
Fryeburg, ME 04037
(207) 935-2013
(1)
The King's Academy Photo - 65-Acres located in the foothills of The Great Smoky Mountains.
#42(T42–T51)The King's Academy
Gr: 7-12 | PK-12 (day)
Christian
202 Smothers Road
Seymour, TN 37865
(865) 573-8321
(3)
Lincoln Academy Photo - Lincoln Academy's campus is large, safe, and beautiful. Located near the ocean and within a 10 minute walk of a vibrant small town, our students love living here!
#42(T42–T51)Lincoln Academy
Gr: 9-12, PG
81 Academy Hill
Newcastle, ME 04553
(207) 563-3596
(1)
Lyndon Institute Photo
#42(T42–T51)Lyndon Institute
Gr: 9-12, PG
PO Box 127, 168 Institute Circle
Lyndon Center, VT 05850
(802) 535-3700
New Mexico Military Institute Photo - Cadets forge lifelong friendships at NMMI.
Gr: 9-12, PG
101 West College Blvd
Roswell, NM 88201
(800) 421-5376
(7)
North Yarmouth Academy Photo - North Yarmouth Academy Curtis Building at 148 Main Street, Yarmouth, Maine, U.S.A. This building houses the main office and many Upper School classrooms, Safford Center dining hall, art studio, and the Bicentennial Learning Commons.
Gr: 9-12, PG | PK-12, PG (day)
148 Main St
Yarmouth, ME 04096
(207) 846-2376
Wisconsin Lutheran High School Photo - Founded in 1903, Wisconsin Lutheran High School is a prestigious, multiethnic Christian boarding and day school for grades 9-12.
Gr: 9-12
Christian
330 N. Glenview Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53213
(414) 453-4567
(2)

Frequently Asked Questions

Which boarding schools with more than 400 students have the lowest acceptance rates?
The boarding schools with more than 400 students with the lowest acceptance rates are Blair Academy, Choate Rosemary Hall and Deerfield Academy.
How many boarding schools with more than 400 students are ranked for the lowest acceptance rates?
51 boarding schools with more than 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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