Most Selective Boarding Schools
Among "Schools with 400+ Students", view the boarding schools with the lowest acceptance rates (2023).
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: 10%
98%
Avg. Acceptance Rate: 44%
Lowest Acceptance Rates
Among Schools with 400+ Students (out of 63 schools)
Sorted by range (alphabetically within range)
Boarding School
Acceptance Rate
Grades
Location
Rank: #1-151.-15
Acceptance Rate: <25%
Grades: 9-12, PG
245 North Undermountain Road
Sheffield, MA 01257
(413) 229-1003
Sheffield, MA 01257
(413) 229-1003
Rank: #1-151.-15
Acceptance Rate: <25%
Grades: 9-12, PG
PO Box 600
Blairstown, NJ 07825
(800) 462-5247
Blairstown, NJ 07825
(800) 462-5247
Rank: #1-151.-15
Acceptance Rate: <25%
Grades: 9-12, PG
333 Christian Street
Wallingford, CT 06492
(203) 697-2239
Wallingford, CT 06492
(203) 697-2239
Rank: #1-151.-15
Acceptance Rate: <25%
Grades: 9-12, PG
7 Boyden Lane
Deerfield, MA 01342
(413) 774-1400
Deerfield, MA 01342
(413) 774-1400
Rank: #1-151.-15
Acceptance Rate: <25%
Grades: 9-12
1 Elm Street
Byfield, MA 01922
(978) 499-3120
Byfield, MA 01922
(978) 499-3120
Rank: #1-151.-15
Acceptance Rate: <25%
Grades: 9-12, PG
2500 Main Street, PO Box 6008
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
(609) 895-2030
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
(609) 895-2030
Rank: #1-151.-15
Acceptance Rate: <25%
Grades: 9-12, PG
4 Batchelder Road
Windsor, CT 06095
(860) 687-6400
Windsor, CT 06095
(860) 687-6400
Rank: #1-151.-15
Acceptance Rate: <25%
Grades: 9-12
1400 Lowell Road
Concord, MA 01742
(978) 371-6524
Concord, MA 01742
(978) 371-6524
Rank: #1-151.-15
Acceptance Rate: <25%
Grades: 9-12 | K-12 (day)
170 Centre Street
Milton, MA 02186
(617) 898-2227
Milton, MA 02186
(617) 898-2227
Rank: #1-151.-15
Acceptance Rate: <25%
Grades: 9-12, PG
180 Main Street
Andover, MA 01810
(978) 749-4050
Andover, MA 01810
(978) 749-4050
Rank: #1-151.-15
Acceptance Rate: <25%
Grades: 9-12, PG
20 Main Street
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 777-3437
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 777-3437
Rank: #1-151.-15
Acceptance Rate: <25%
Grades: 9-12
325 Pleasant Street
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 229-4700
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 229-4700
Rank: #1-151.-15
Acceptance Rate: <25%
Grades: 9-12, PG
185 North Main Street
Suffield, Connecticut 06078
Suffield, CT 06078
(860) 386-4440
Suffield, CT 06078
(860) 386-4440
Rank: #1-151.-15
Acceptance Rate: <25%
Grades: 9-12, PG
110 Woodbury Road
Watertown, CT 06795
(860) 945-7700
Watertown, CT 06795
(860) 945-7700
Rank: #1-151.-15
Acceptance Rate: <25%
Grades: 9-12
1175 West Baseline Road
Claremont, CA 91711
(909) 482-5214
Claremont, CA 91711
(909) 482-5214
Rank: #16-1916.-19
Acceptance Rate: 25%-30%
Grades: 9-12, PG
PO Box 2006
Kent, CT 06757
(860) 927-6111
Kent, CT 06757
(860) 927-6111
Rank: #16-1916.-19
Acceptance Rate: 25%-30%
Grades: 9-12
26 Powderhouse Road, P.O. Box 992
Groton, MA 01450
(978) 448-1530
Groton, MA 01450
(978) 448-1530
Rank: #16-1916.-19
Acceptance Rate: 25%-30%
Grades: 9-12, PG
100 Academy Drive
Mercersburg, PA 17236
(717) 328-6173
Mercersburg, PA 17236
(717) 328-6173
Rank: #16-1916.-19
The Pennington School![The Pennington School Photo - Welcome to The Pennington School! We believe transformational growth is the hallmark of an excellent education and the cornerstone of life. Over our 180-year history, we have been 100% dedicated to inspiring student growth by approaching each student as an individual. In fact, in a recent survey conducted by an outside consultant, the majority of our The Pennington School Photo - Welcome to The Pennington School! We believe transformational growth is the hallmark of an excellent education and the cornerstone of life. Over our 180-year history, we have been 100% dedicated to inspiring student growth by approaching each student as an individual. In fact, in a recent survey conducted by an outside consultant, the majority of our]()

(United Methodist)
Acceptance Rate: 25%-30%
Grades: 8-12 | 6-12 (day)
112 West Delaware Avenue
Pennington, NJ 08534
(609) 737-6128
Pennington, NJ 08534
(609) 737-6128
Rank: #20-2520.-25
Acceptance Rate: 30%-35%
Grades: 9-12
1200 N. Quaker Lane
Alexandria, VA 22302
(703) 933-4062
Alexandria, VA 22302
(703) 933-4062
Rank: #20-2520.-25
Acceptance Rate: 30%-35%
Grades: 9-12, PG
860 Beech Street
Pottstown, PA 19464
(610) 326-1000
Pottstown, PA 19464
(610) 326-1000
Rank: #20-2520.-25
Acceptance Rate: 30%-35%
Grades: 9-12, PG
1500 West Kennedy Road
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 615-3267
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 615-3267
Rank: #20-2520.-25
Acceptance Rate: 30%-35%
Grades: 9-12, PG
One Lamplighter Way
Mount Hermon, MA 01354
(413) 498-3227
Mount Hermon, MA 01354
(413) 498-3227
Rank: #20-2520.-25
Acceptance Rate: 30%-35%
Grades: 9-12 | PK-12 (day)
1 Community School Drive
Sun Valley, ID 83353
(208) 622-3955
Sun Valley, ID 83353
(208) 622-3955
Rank: #20-2520.-25
Acceptance Rate: 30%-35%
Grades: 9-12, PG
995 Hopmeadow Street
Simsbury, CT 06070
(860) 408-3060
Simsbury, CT 06070
(860) 408-3060
Rank: #26-2926.-29
Acceptance Rate: 35%-40%
Grades: 9-12 | PK-12 (day)
PO Box 801 39221 Woodward Ave.
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48303
(248) 645-3610
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48303
(248) 645-3610
Rank: #26-2926.-29
Oregon Episcopal School![Oregon Episcopal School Photo - Since 1869, our mission has been to inspire intellectual, physical, social, emotional, artistic, and spiritual growth so that students realize their power for good as citizens of local and world communities. Oregon Episcopal School Photo - Since 1869, our mission has been to inspire intellectual, physical, social, emotional, artistic, and spiritual growth so that students realize their power for good as citizens of local and world communities.]()

(Episcopal)
Acceptance Rate: 35%-40%
Grades: 9-12, PG | Pre-K-12, PG (day)
6300 SW Nicol Road
Portland, OR 97223
(503) 768-3115
Portland, OR 97223
(503) 768-3115
Rank: #26-2926.-29
Acceptance Rate: 35%-40%
Grades: 9-12 | Pre-K-12 (day)
2132 Ivy Road
Charlottesville, VA 22903
(434) 296-5106
Charlottesville, VA 22903
(434) 296-5106
Rank: #26-2926.-29
Acceptance Rate: 35%-40%
Grades: 9-12, PG
115 College Street
Hudson, OH 44236
(330) 650-9717
Hudson, OH 44236
(330) 650-9717
Rank: #30-3230.-32
Acceptance Rate: 40%-45%
Grades: 9-12 | 6-12 (day)
2100 Mt. Diablo Scenic Blvd.
Danville, CA 94506
(925) 362-7223
Danville, CA 94506
(925) 362-7223
Rank: #30-3230.-32
Acceptance Rate: 40%-45%
Grades: 9-12 | 6-12 (day)
171 Baylor School Road
Chattanooga, TN 37405
(423) 267-5902
Chattanooga, TN 37405
(423) 267-5902
Rank: #30-3230.-32
Acceptance Rate: 40%-45%
Grades: 9-12 | 5-12 (day)
49 Clinton Avenue
Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522
(914) 479-6420
Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522
(914) 479-6420
Rank: #33-3633.-36
Acceptance Rate: 45%-50%
Grades: 9-12, PG
500 Old Farms Road
Avon, CT 06001
(800) 464-2866
Avon, CT 06001
(800) 464-2866
Rank: #33-3633.-36
Acceptance Rate: 45%-50%
Grades: 9-12, PG | PK-12, PG (day)
1014 Cave Spring Road, SW
Rome, GA 30161
(706) 236-0436
Rome, GA 30161
(706) 236-0436
Rank: #33-3633.-36
Acceptance Rate: 45%-50%
Grades: 9-12 | 6-12 (day)
1415 Summit Avenue
Seattle, WA 98122
(206) 682-7309
Seattle, WA 98122
(206) 682-7309
Rank: #33-3633.-36
Acceptance Rate: 45%-50%
Grades: 7-12 | PK-12 (day)
339 Nacoochee Drive
Rabun Gap, GA 30568
(706) 746-7720
Rabun Gap, GA 30568
(706) 746-7720
Rank: #37-4437.-44
Acceptance Rate: 50%-55%
Grades: 9-12, PG | PK-12, PG (day)
7400 San Jose Blvd.
Jacksonville, FL 32217
(904) 256-5030
Jacksonville, FL 32217
(904) 256-5030
Rank: #37-4437.-44
Acceptance Rate: 50%-55%
Grades: 9-12
1300 Academy Road
Culver, IN 46511
(574) 842-7100
Culver, IN 46511
(574) 842-7100
Rank: #37-4437.-44
Acceptance Rate: 50%-55%
Grades: 6-12 | PK-12 (day)
7600 Lyons Road
Coconut Creek, FL 33073
(954) 247-0179
Coconut Creek, FL 33073
(954) 247-0179
Rank: #37-4437.-44
Acceptance Rate: 50%-55%
Grades: 8-12 | 6-12 (day)
6500 St. Stephen's Drive
Austin, TX 78746
(512) 327-1213
Austin, TX 78746
(512) 327-1213
Rank: #37-4437.-44
Acceptance Rate: 50%-55%
Grades: 7-12 | 5-12 (day)
201 Campus Drive, PO Box 10
Tallulah Falls, GA 30573
(706) 754-0400
Tallulah Falls, GA 30573
(706) 754-0400
Rank: #37-4437.-44
Acceptance Rate: 50%-55%
Grades: 6-12
438 Main Street
Saco, ME 04072
(207) 282-5383
Saco, ME 04072
(207) 282-5383
Rank: #37-4437.-44
Acceptance Rate: 50%-55%
Grades: 7-12 | PK-12 (day)
13051 Whittington Drive
Houston, TX 77077
(281) 496-7900
Houston, TX 77077
(281) 496-7900
Rank: #37-4437.-44
Acceptance Rate: 50%-55%
Grades: 9-12, PG
201 North Sprague Ave.
Kingston, PA 18704
(570) 270-2160
Kingston, PA 18704
(570) 270-2160
Rank: #45-4745.-47
Acceptance Rate: 55%-60%
Grades: 9-12 | 5-12 (day)
45 Dana Road
Wellesley, MA 02482
(781) 489-1331
Wellesley, MA 02482
(781) 489-1331
Rank: #45-4745.-47
Acceptance Rate: 55%-60%
Grades: 7-12, PG | Pre-K-12, PG (day)
17235 Seventh Street
Montverde, FL 34756
(407) 469-2561
Montverde, FL 34756
(407) 469-2561
Rank: #45-4745.-47
Acceptance Rate: 55%-60%
Grades: 9-12
3900 Jog Road
Boca Raton, FL 33434
(561) 210-2020
Boca Raton, FL 33434
(561) 210-2020
Rank: #48-5348.-53
Acceptance Rate: 60%-70%
Grades: 9-12, PG
975 West Main Street
Dover Foxcroft, ME 04426
(207) 564-8664
Dover Foxcroft, ME 04426
(207) 564-8664
Rank: #48-5348.-53
Acceptance Rate: 60%-70%
Grades: 7-12 | 5-12 (day)
60 Knox Lane
Wheeling, WV 26003
(304) 233-1436
Wheeling, WV 26003
(304) 233-1436
Rank: #48-5348.-53
Acceptance Rate: 60%-70%
Grades: 9-12, PG | 6-12, PG (day)
500 Dodds Avenue
Chattanooga, TN 37404
(423) 624-8300
Chattanooga, TN 37404
(423) 624-8300
Rank: #48-5348.-53
St. Croix Academy![St. Croix Academy Photo - St. Croix's lakeside family-style dormitory was built in 2015 and is located on a beautiful lake with walkways to the Mississippi River and within walking distance of over 50 shops and restaurants. St. Croix Academy Photo - St. Croix's lakeside family-style dormitory was built in 2015 and is located on a beautiful lake with walkways to the Mississippi River and within walking distance of over 50 shops and restaurants.]()

(Christian)
Acceptance Rate: 60%-70%
Grades: 6-12
1200 Oakdale Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55118
(651) 455-1521
St. Paul, MN 55118
(651) 455-1521
Rank: #48-5348.-53
Sandy Spring Friends School![Sandy Spring Friends School Photo - At Sandy Spring Friends School, students develop a curiosity and love for learning that helps them discover their true passions and purpose. Sandy Spring Friends School Photo - At Sandy Spring Friends School, students develop a curiosity and love for learning that helps them discover their true passions and purpose.]()

(Quaker)
Acceptance Rate: 60%-70%
Grades: 9-12 | Pre-K-12 (day)
16923 Norwood Road
Sandy Spring, MD 20860
(301) 774-7455
Sandy Spring, MD 20860
(301) 774-7455
Rank: #48-5348.-53
Acceptance Rate: 60%-70%
Grades: 9-12, PG | 6-12, PG (day)
81 Providence Street
Worcester, MA 01604
(508) 459-5481
Worcester, MA 01604
(508) 459-5481
Rank: #54-6354.-63
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 8-12 | PK-12 (day)
1051 N Houston
Bullard, TX 75757
(903) 894-5000
Bullard, TX 75757
(903) 894-5000
Rank: #54-6354.-63
Chaminade College Preparatory School![Chaminade College Preparatory School Photo - Chaminade is located 20 minutes outside of Downtown St. Louis in the lovely, safe, 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. Chaminade College Preparatory School Photo - Chaminade is located 20 minutes outside of Downtown St. Louis in the lovely, safe, 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.]()

All-Boys (Catholic)
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 6-12
425 South Lindbergh Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63131
(314) 692-6645
St. Louis, MO 63131
(314) 692-6645
Rank: #54-6354.-63
Cotter Schools![Cotter Schools Photo Cotter Schools Photo]()

(Catholic)
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 7-12 | PK-12 (day)
1115 West Broadway Street
Winona, MN 55987
(507) 453-5102
Winona, MN 55987
(507) 453-5102
Rank: #54-6354.-63
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 9-12, PG
745 Main Street
Fryeburg, ME 04037
(207) 935-2013
Fryeburg, ME 04037
(207) 935-2013
Rank: #54-6354.-63
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 6-12 | PK-12 (day)
202 Smothers Road
Seymour, TN 37865
(865) 573-8321
Seymour, TN 37865
(865) 573-8321
Rank: #54-6354.-63
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 9-12, PG
101 West College Blvd
Roswell, NM 88201
(800) 421-5376
Roswell, NM 88201
(800) 421-5376
Rank: #54-6354.-63
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 9-12 | PK-12 (day)
5521 East Warm Springs Avenue
Boise, ID 83716
(208) 424-5000
Boise, ID 83716
(208) 424-5000
Rank: #54-6354.-63
Totino-Grace High School![Totino-Grace High School Photo Totino-Grace High School Photo]()

(Catholic)
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 9-12
1350 Gardena Avenue NE
Minneapolis, MN 55432
(763) 586-6318
Minneapolis, MN 55432
(763) 586-6318
Rank: #54-6354.-63
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 7-12 | PK-12 (day)
6189 Winter Garden-Vineland Rd
Windermere, FL 34786
(407) 905-7737
Windermere, FL 34786
(407) 905-7737
Rank: #54-6354.-63
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 9-12
330 N. Glenview Avenue
Milwaukee , WI 53213
(414) 453-4567
Milwaukee , WI 53213
(414) 453-4567
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