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
Berkshire School
Berkshire School Photo - Founded in 1907, Berkshire School is a co-ed college preparatory boarding and day school for 400 ninth-12th graders and post-graduates, offering a forward-thinking curriculum and state-of-the-art facilities on a 400-acre campus in Sheffield, Mass.
(17)
Acceptance Rate: <25%
Grades: 9-12, PG
245 North Undermountain Road
Sheffield, MA 01257
(413) 229-1003
Rank: #1-151.-15
Blair Academy
Blair Academy Photo
(9)
Acceptance Rate: <25%
Grades: 9-12, PG
PO Box 600
Blairstown, NJ 07825
(800) 462-5247
Rank: #1-151.-15
Choate Rosemary Hall
Choate Rosemary Hall Photo
(30)
Acceptance Rate: <25%
Grades: 9-12, PG
333 Christian Street
Wallingford, CT 06492
(203) 697-2239
Rank: #1-151.-15
Deerfield Academy
Deerfield Academy Photo
(14)
Acceptance Rate: <25%
Grades: 9-12, PG
7 Boyden Lane
Deerfield, MA 01342
(413) 774-1400
Acceptance Rate: <25%
Grades: 9-12
1 Elm Street
Byfield, MA 01922
(978) 499-3120
Rank: #1-151.-15
Lawrenceville School
Lawrenceville School Photo - The Lawrenceville School: Campus Overview (Note Solar Farm at top of photo, which provides more than 90 percent of the campus' electrical needs)
(6)
Acceptance Rate: <25%
Grades: 9-12, PG
2500 Main Street, PO Box 6008
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
(609) 895-2030
Rank: #1-151.-15
Loomis Chaffee
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.
(30)
Acceptance Rate: <25%
Grades: 9-12, PG
4 Batchelder Road
Windsor, CT 06095
(860) 687-6400
Rank: #1-151.-15
Middlesex School
Middlesex School Photo - English Class
(29)
Acceptance Rate: <25%
Grades: 9-12
1400 Lowell Road
Concord, MA 01742
(978) 371-6524
Rank: #1-151.-15
Milton Academy
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.
(8)
Acceptance Rate: <25%
Grades: 9-12  | K-12 (day)
170 Centre Street
Milton, MA 02186
(617) 898-2227
Rank: #1-151.-15
Phillips Academy Andover
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.
(16)
Acceptance Rate: <25%
Grades: 9-12, PG
180 Main Street
Andover, MA 01810
(978) 749-4050
Rank: #1-151.-15
Phillips Exeter Academy
(30)
Acceptance Rate: <25%
Grades: 9-12, PG
20 Main Street
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 777-3437
Rank: #1-151.-15
St. Paul's School
St. Paul's School Photo - SPS 1
(Episcopal)
(3)
Acceptance Rate: <25%
Grades: 9-12
325 Pleasant Street
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 229-4700
Rank: #1-151.-15
Suffield Academy
Suffield Academy Photo - The Bell on Suffield's Bell Hill is a central school symbol. All students ring it after receiving their Suffield diplomas at Commencement, and victorious athletic teams ring it throughout the year.
(12)
Acceptance Rate: <25%
Grades: 9-12, PG
185 North Main Street Suffield, Connecticut 06078
Suffield, CT 06078
(860) 386-4440
Rank: #1-151.-15
The Taft School
The Taft School Photo - Our beautiful campus features facilities that rival those of many small colleges, including a library with 55,000 print volumes; a 45,000 square foot science and mathematics building; two theaters; two ice hockey rinks; and an 18-hole golf course.
(3)
Acceptance Rate: <25%
Grades: 9-12, PG
110 Woodbury Road
Watertown, CT 06795
(860) 945-7700
Rank: #1-151.-15
The Webb Schools
The Webb Schools Photo - Webb enjoys a 100% admit rate to selective 4-year colleges and universities.
(29)
Acceptance Rate: <25%
Grades: 9-12
1175 West Baseline Road
Claremont, CA 91711
(909) 482-5214
Rank: #16-1916.-19
Kent School
Kent School Photo - Our campus is located along the shores of the Housatonic River, adjacent to the town of Kent.
(Episcopal)
(28)
Acceptance Rate: 25%-30%
Grades: 9-12, PG
PO Box 2006
Kent, CT 06757
(860) 927-6111
Rank: #16-1916.-19
Lawrence Academy
Lawrence Academy Photo
(1)
Acceptance Rate: 25%-30%
Grades: 9-12
26 Powderhouse Road, P.O. Box 992
Groton, MA 01450
(978) 448-1530
Rank: #16-1916.-19
Mercersburg Academy
Mercersburg Academy Photo
(20)
Acceptance Rate: 25%-30%
Grades: 9-12, PG
100 Academy Drive
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
(United Methodist)
Acceptance Rate: 25%-30%
Grades: 8-12  | 6-12 (day)
112 West Delaware Avenue
Pennington, NJ 08534
(609) 737-6128
Rank: #20-2520.-25
Episcopal High School
Episcopal High School Photo - Football
(Episcopal)
(12)
Acceptance Rate: 30%-35%
Grades: 9-12
1200 N. Quaker Lane
Alexandria, VA 22302
(703) 933-4062
Rank: #20-2520.-25
The Hill School
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.
(8)
Acceptance Rate: 30%-35%
Grades: 9-12, PG
860 Beech Street
Pottstown, PA 19464
(610) 326-1000
Rank: #20-2520.-25
Lake Forest Academy
Lake Forest Academy Photo - Lake Forest Academy's 435 students are from 15 states and 35 countries. LFA is commited to diversity and inclusion; our student body includes 25% international students, 34% domestic students of color, and 33% of students receive financial aid.
(2)
Acceptance Rate: 30%-35%
Grades: 9-12, PG
1500 West Kennedy Road
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 615-3267
Rank: #20-2520.-25
Northfield Mount Hermon
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.
(15)
Acceptance Rate: 30%-35%
Grades: 9-12, PG
One Lamplighter Way
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
Rank: #20-2520.-25
Westminster School
Westminster School Photo - Gund Reading Room in the Cole Library, a stunning place to study, meet and hold events.
(10)
Acceptance Rate: 30%-35%
Grades: 9-12, PG
995 Hopmeadow Street
Simsbury, CT 06070
(860) 408-3060
Rank: #26-2926.-29
Cranbrook Schools
Cranbrook Schools Photo
(10)
Acceptance Rate: 35%-40%
Grades: 9-12  | PK-12 (day)
PO Box 801 39221 Woodward Ave.
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.
(Episcopal)
Acceptance Rate: 35%-40%
Grades: 9-12, PG  | Pre-K-12, PG (day)
6300 SW Nicol Road
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
Rank: #26-2926.-29
Acceptance Rate: 35%-40%
Grades: 9-12, PG
115 College Street
Hudson, OH 44236
(330) 650-9717
Rank: #30-3230.-32
The Athenian School
The Athenian School Photo
(1)
Acceptance Rate: 40%-45%
Grades: 9-12  | 6-12 (day)
2100 Mt. Diablo Scenic Blvd.
Danville, CA 94506
(925) 362-7223
Rank: #30-3230.-32
Baylor School
Baylor School Photo - Baylor School is situated on 690 acres along the Tennessee River.
(4)
Acceptance Rate: 40%-45%
Grades: 9-12  | 6-12 (day)
171 Baylor School Road
Chattanooga, TN 37405
(423) 267-5902
Rank: #30-3230.-32
The Masters School
The Masters School Photo - The Masters School sits on 96 acres overlooking the Hudson River, 12 miles from the heart of New York City. Our 700 students in grades 5 through 12 are independent thinkers who enjoy being challenged, whether it`s in the classroom, on the field or on the stage.
(8)
Acceptance Rate: 40%-45%
Grades: 9-12  | 5-12 (day)
49 Clinton Avenue
Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522
(914) 479-6420
Rank: #33-3633.-36
Avon Old Farms School
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.
All-Boys
(6)
Acceptance Rate: 45%-50%
Grades: 9-12, PG
500 Old Farms Road
Avon, CT 06001
(800) 464-2866
Rank: #33-3633.-36
Darlington School
Darlington School Photo - Darlington's vibrant fine arts program features a multitude of offerings in drama and musical theater, visual arts, choral music, instrumental music, and communication arts.
(11)
Acceptance Rate: 45%-50%
Grades: 9-12, PG  | PK-12, PG (day)
1014 Cave Spring Road, SW
Rome, GA 30161
(706) 236-0436
Rank: #33-3633.-36
The Northwest School
The Northwest School Photo - The Northwest School is a thriving and exciting place to learn. Step into our historic main building and our new vibrant facilities in downtown Seattle, and you will see energy and enthusiasm emanating from every classroom, lab, and studio at all hours of the day.
Acceptance Rate: 45%-50%
Grades: 9-12  | 6-12 (day)
1415 Summit Avenue
Seattle, WA 98122
(206) 682-7309
Rank: #33-3633.-36
Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School
Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School Photo
(Presbyterian)
(1)
Acceptance Rate: 45%-50%
Grades: 7-12  | PK-12 (day)
339 Nacoochee Drive
Rabun Gap, GA 30568
(706) 746-7720
Rank: #37-4437.-44
The Bolles School
Acceptance Rate: 50%-55%
Grades: 9-12, PG  | PK-12, PG (day)
7400 San Jose Blvd.
Jacksonville, FL 32217
(904) 256-5030
Rank: #37-4437.-44
Culver Academies
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.
(21)
Acceptance Rate: 50%-55%
Grades: 9-12
1300 Academy Road
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
Rank: #37-4437.-44
St. Stephen's Episcopal School
St. Stephen's Episcopal School Photo
(Episcopal)
(1)
Acceptance Rate: 50%-55%
Grades: 8-12  | 6-12 (day)
6500 St. Stephen's Drive
Austin, TX 78746
(512) 327-1213
Rank: #37-4437.-44
Tallulah Falls School
Tallulah Falls School Photo - AFFORDING TALLULAH FALLS SCHOOL Each year, Tallulah Falls School awards more than $4 million in need-based financial aid to 70 percent of our student body.
(2)
Acceptance Rate: 50%-55%
Grades: 7-12  | 5-12 (day)
201 Campus Drive, PO Box 10
Tallulah Falls, GA 30573
(706) 754-0400
Rank: #37-4437.-44
Thornton Academy
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.
Acceptance Rate: 50%-55%
Grades: 6-12
438 Main Street
Saco, ME 04072
(207) 282-5383
Rank: #37-4437.-44
The Village School
The Village School Photo - The Village School boarding students reside in on-campus dormitories. We take pride in providing a safe, nurturing living environment.
Acceptance Rate: 50%-55%
Grades: 7-12  | PK-12 (day)
13051 Whittington Drive
Houston, TX 77077
(281) 496-7900
Rank: #37-4437.-44
Wyoming Seminary Upper School
Wyoming Seminary Upper School Photo - Wyoming Seminary's athletic success stretches across all three seasons of competition. The Blue Knights field hockey team won their seventh state championship in 2018, while the wrestling team is ranked No. 2 in the country. Sem offers 22 varsity sports, including rowing and girls wrestling.
(United Methodist)
(5)
Acceptance Rate: 50%-55%
Grades: 9-12, PG
201 North Sprague Ave.
Kingston, PA 18704
(570) 270-2160
Rank: #45-4745.-47
Dana Hall School
Dana Hall School Photo - The Dana Hall Dragons are ready to roar.
All-Girls
(6)
Acceptance Rate: 55%-60%
Grades: 9-12  | 5-12 (day)
45 Dana Road
Wellesley, MA 02482
(781) 489-1331
Rank: #45-4745.-47
Montverde Academy
Montverde Academy Photo - Montverde Academy offers considerable advantages to parents and students seeking the highest quality education for entrance into the world's elite colleges and universities. Montverde Academy is an international, coeducational, independent college preparatory school for grades PK3-12, with our boarding program serving grades 7-12, and post-graduate studies located conveniently in beautiful central Florida. Come and see the Montverde difference today!
(1)
Acceptance Rate: 55%-60%
Grades: 7-12, PG  | Pre-K-12, PG (day)
17235 Seventh Street
Montverde, FL 34756
(407) 469-2561
Rank: #45-4745.-47
Saint Andrew's School
Saint Andrew's School Photo
(Episcopal)
(3)
Acceptance Rate: 55%-60%
Grades: 9-12
3900 Jog Road
Boca Raton, FL 33434
(561) 210-2020
Rank: #48-5348.-53
Foxcroft Academy
Foxcroft Academy Photo - www.foxcroftacademy.org or follow us on Twitter @foxcroftacademy
(1)
Acceptance Rate: 60%-70%
Grades: 9-12, PG
975 West Main Street
Dover Foxcroft, ME 04426
(207) 564-8664
Rank: #48-5348.-53
The Linsly School
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).
Acceptance Rate: 60%-70%
Grades: 7-12  | 5-12 (day)
60 Knox Lane
Wheeling, WV 26003
(304) 233-1436
Rank: #48-5348.-53
McCallie School
McCallie School Photo - McCallie's academic programs go beyond merely mastering the necessary material. They excel at teaching students to think. McCallie does not teach courses or subjects; McCallie teaches boys.
All-Boys
(3)
Acceptance Rate: 60%-70%
Grades: 9-12, PG  | 6-12, PG (day)
500 Dodds Avenue
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.
(Christian)
Acceptance Rate: 60%-70%
Grades: 6-12
1200 Oakdale Ave.
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.
(Quaker)
Acceptance Rate: 60%-70%
Grades: 9-12  | Pre-K-12 (day)
16923 Norwood Road
Sandy Spring, MD 20860
(301) 774-7455
Rank: #48-5348.-53
Worcester Academy
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.
(1)
Acceptance Rate: 60%-70%
Grades: 9-12, PG  | 6-12, PG (day)
81 Providence Street
Worcester, MA 01604
(508) 459-5481
Rank: #54-6354.-63
The Brook Hill School
The Brook Hill School Photo - The Brook Hill School. Christ-Centered. College Prep.
(Christian)
(3)
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 8-12  | PK-12 (day)
1051 N Houston
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.
All-Boys (Catholic)
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 6-12
425 South Lindbergh Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63131
(314) 692-6645
Rank: #54-6354.-63
Cotter Schools
Cotter Schools Photo
(Catholic)
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 7-12  | PK-12 (day)
1115 West Broadway Street
Winona, MN 55987
(507) 453-5102
Rank: #54-6354.-63
Fryeburg Academy
Fryeburg Academy Photo
(1)
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 9-12, PG
745 Main Street
Fryeburg, ME 04037
(207) 935-2013
Rank: #54-6354.-63
The King's Academy
The King's Academy Photo - 65-Acres located in the foothills of The Great Smoky Mountains.
(Christian)
(3)
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 6-12  | PK-12 (day)
202 Smothers Road
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
Rank: #54-6354.-63
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 9-12  | PK-12 (day)
5521 East Warm Springs Avenue
Boise, ID 83716
(208) 424-5000
Rank: #54-6354.-63
Totino-Grace High School
Totino-Grace High School Photo
(Catholic)
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 9-12
1350 Gardena Avenue NE
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
Rank: #54-6354.-63
Wisconsin Lutheran High School
Wisconsin Lutheran High School Photo - Wisconsin Lutheran High School's graduates are accepted to the nation's most prestigious schools, including Harvard College, Vanderbilt University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Virginia, University of Michigan, New York University, Boston College, Villanova University, University of Miami, Purdue University, Rutgers University, University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Chicago
(Christian)
(2)
Acceptance Rate: >70%
Grades: 9-12
330 N. Glenview Avenue
Milwaukee , WI 53213
(414) 453-4567

Recent Articles

Preventing Teen Suicide
Preventing Teen Suicide
Teen suicide is the 3rd largest killer of young adults between the ages of 15-24. You and I can prevent it.
The Boarding School Application Process
The Boarding School Application Process
Applying to boarding school requires completing a sheaf of forms. We look at how to accomplish this important task.
5 Common Myths About Military Schools
5 Common Myths About Military Schools
Military schools seem to go in and out of favor with the general public. Perhaps that has to do with some rather common misconceptions about what military schools are and how they operate. Let's take a look.

Featured Schools

Featured Schools