American Private High Schools: The 10 Best and How to Get In

American private schools — especially at the high school level — are highly sought after not only by U.S. residents but also by international students. Attending a U.S. high school provides access to a top-quality education and increases the chances of being admitted to a prestigious university. 

Today, we’ll take a look at the 10 best private high schools in the U.S. (according to respected rankings from Niche and PrepReview) and how to apply to them.

Contents:

1. Phillips Academy Andover
2. Phillips Exeter Academy
3. Sidwell Friends School
4. Groton School
5. The Lawrenceville School
6. Choate Rosemary Hall
7. Trinity School
8. Hotchkiss School
9. St. Paul’s School
10. Deerfield Academy

1. Phillips Academy Andover

Location: Andover, Massachusetts

Type: Boarding & Day School

Ages: 14–18

Enrollment: Approximately 1,150 students

Tuition (2024–2025):

• Boarding – $71,850
• Day – $53,950
• (About half the students receive financial aid)

Key features and interesting facts:

• One of the oldest schools in the U.S., founded in 1778.
• Both President Bushes attended, along with many prominent artists, writers, and politicians.
• Known for rigorous academics and a wide range of subjects—over 300 courses including arts, sciences, languages, and philosophy.
• Uses the Harkness method—discussion-based learning around a round table rather than traditional lectures.
• Approximately 50% of students receive scholarships, reflecting the school’s commitment to social diversity.
• Ranked #1 boarding school in the U.S. by Niche.

How to apply:

• Highly competitive: about 13% acceptance rate.
• Requirements include transcripts, essays, teacher recommendations, and an interview.
• SSAT or ISEE test scores are optional but encouraged.
• International students are welcome but must demonstrate a high level of English proficiency (TOEFL is usually required).
• Strong candidates are intellectually curious, proactive, and show leadership potential.

2. Phillips Exeter Academy

Location: Exeter, New Hampshire

Type: Boarding & Day School

Ages: 14–18

Enrollment: Approximately 1,080 students

Tuition (2024–2025):

• Boarding — $67,685
• Day — $51,405

Key features and interesting facts:

• Founded in 1781, Phillips Exeter is nearly as prestigious as Andover.
• Widely regarded as the top U.S. school for humanities education (though math and science are also top-tier).
• Origin of the Harkness method—discussion-based classes around a round table.
• Offers more than 450 courses; the environment resembles a college more than a typical high school.
• Notable alumni include Mark Zuckerberg, author John Irving, and numerous high-level business leaders, politicians, and diplomats.
• Consistently ranked in the top 3 in major rankings (Niche, PrepReview, etc.).

How to apply:

• Similar acceptance rate to Andover: around 15%.
• Requirements: strong academic record, essays, interview, and teacher recommendations.
• SSAT and TOEFL scores are recommended, especially for international students.
• Exeter actively recruits talented students from around the world and offers substantial financial aid.
• Successful applicants are intellectually sharp, curious, and original thinkers.

3. Sidwell Friends School

Location: Washington, D.C. (main campus), with a Lower School campus in Bethesda, Maryland

Type: Day School (Pre-K through Grade 12)

Ages: 14–18

Enrollment: Approximately 1,150 students

Tuition (2025–2026): $59,920 per year

Key features and interesting facts:

• Founded in 1883 as a Quaker school, Sidwell Friends School maintains values of honesty, peace, and inclusivity.
• Located near the White House—popular among politicians and diplomats.
• Alumni include the daughters of U.S. Presidents Barack Obama (Sasha and Malia), Bill Clinton (Chelsea), Richard Nixon (Tricia and Julie), and even President Joe Biden’s grandchildren.
• Known for being strict but fair; does not use the GPA system, instead focusing on personal development and qualitative feedback.
• Ranked among the top 5 U.S. day schools by Niche.
• Offers strong language programs, including advanced Chinese, Latin, Spanish, and French.
• Also emphasizes STEM subjects, arts, and athletics.

How to apply:

Sidwell is one of the most competitive schools in the U.S., with an acceptance rate of just 7%. The application process includes:

• Submitting an online application and paying a $70 fee
• Providing school transcripts and teacher recommendations
• Completing a mandatory interview
• Taking standardized tests (SSAT recommended, TOEFL required for international applicants)
• Writing personal essays and selecting language preferences

International students are accepted if they can demonstrate strong English proficiency. Limited financial aid is available. The most important admissions criteria are high academic and personal motivation.

4. Groton School

Location: Groton, Massachusetts (about an hour from Boston)

Type: Boarding and Day School (Grades 8–12)

Ages: 13–18

Enrollment: Approximately 380 students (~85% are boarders)

Tuition (2025–2026):

• Boarding — $61,810
• Day — $48,135

Key features and interesting facts:

• Founded in 1884.
• Notable alumni include President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Nobel Prize-winning scientist John Goodenough.
• Despite its small student body, Groton has significant academic strength. Average SAT score is 1490; ACT average is 33. Graduates consistently score well on Advanced Placement (AP) exams.
• Tuition is free for families with annual incomes under $150,000; around 44% of students receive financial aid.

How to apply:

Groton is extremely selective, with an acceptance rate of only 8–9%. The application process includes:

• Online application (fee: $50)
• School transcripts
• Interview and personal essays
• Teacher recommendations
• SSAT scores (strongly recommended for boarding applicants)
• International students may apply on the same terms (including full financial aid for eligible families)
• TOEFL is required for non-native English speakers

5. The Lawrenceville School

Location: Lawrenceville, New Jersey

Type: Boarding and Day School

Ages: 14–18

Enrollment: Around 820 students

Tuition (2024–2025):

• Boarding — $79,500
• Day — $65,420

Key features and interesting facts:

• Founded in 1810; member of the prestigious Eight Schools Association (a consortium of elite New England boarding schools).
• Ranked among the top 3 college-preparatory schools in New Jersey by Niche.
• Average SAT score: ~1460; ACT: 33
• About one-third of graduates are admitted to Ivy League universities, Stanford, MIT, Duke, or UChicago.
• One of the most expensive private schools, but offers generous financial aid. 32% of students receive assistance, with average grants between $59,000 and $60,000.

How to apply:

• Acceptance rate: about 18%
• Application requirements: essays, interview, teacher recommendations, SSAT/ISEE scores, and TOEFL (for international applicants)
• International students must also demonstrate readiness for rigorous academics and active school involvement
• The school values ambition, curiosity, leadership, and teamwork skills

6. Choate Rosemary Hall

Location: Wallingford, Connecticut

Type: Boarding and Day School

Ages: 14–18

Enrollment: Around 860 students

Tuition (2023–2024):

• Boarding — $67,380
• Day — $51,880

Key features and interesting facts:

• Founded in 1890; in 1978, the all-boys Choate School merged with the all-girls Rosemary Hall.
• Ranked the #1 private school in Connecticut by Niche (A+ in all categories).
• Average SAT score: 1440; ACT: 33. 98% of graduates go on to university—many to Ivy League schools.
• International students make up about 18% of boarders.
• In addition to academics, students can choose from 24 sports and numerous creative opportunities.
• 34% of students receive financial aid, with grants covering up to 80% of tuition costs on average.

How to apply:

• Competitive admissions: acceptance rate around 16%
• Requirements include transcripts, essays, teacher recommendations, interview, SSAT scores; international applicants must submit TOEFL
• The school looks for students with critical thinking skills, an active outlook on life, and the ability to thrive in a multicultural environment

7. Trinity School

Location: Upper West Side, Manhattan, New York

Type: Day School (Grades K–12)

Ages: 5–18

Enrollment: Approximately 1,000 students

Tuition (2023–2024): $64,100–$64,600 per year

Key features and interesting facts:

• Founded in 1709, Trinity is the fifth-oldest school in the United States and the oldest in New York City.
• Consistently ranked among the top private schools in the U.S.: #1–5 on PrepReview, and #10 among top college-preparatory schools on Niche.
• Alumni include CEOs, artists, politicians, and Pulitzer Prize winners.
• Faculty members are highly qualified—over 80% hold master's or doctoral degrees.
• Small class sizes (average of 15 students) ensure individualized attention.
• 100% of graduates are accepted to college, including Ivy League schools such as Harvard, Columbia, and Princeton.
• Financial aid is available (detailed information is provided on the school's official website).

How to apply:

Admission to Trinity is highly competitive. While the school does not publish exact acceptance rates, its high national rankings reflect its selectivity. The application process typically includes:

• Submitting an online application and questionnaire
• Writing a personal essay
• Attending an interview
• Providing school transcripts and teacher recommendations
• Taking standardized tests (usually SSAT or ISEE)
• International applicants must also submit an English proficiency test (TOEFL or IELTS)

Trinity accepts students from diverse backgrounds, including international applicants. Families who cannot afford the full tuition are encouraged to apply for financial aid or grants.

8. The Hotchkiss School

Location: Lakeville, Connecticut

Type: Boarding and Day School

Ages: 14–18

Enrollment: Around 600 students

Tuition (2024–2025):

• Boarding — $70,700
• Day — $54,300

Key features and interesting facts:

• Founded in 1891, Hotchkiss is regarded as one of the premier schools in New England.
• Distinguished alumni include Richard Dickinson (Nobel Prize-winning cardiologist), Caitlin Cahow (Olympic gold medalist in hockey), and Thomas Hoving (former director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art).
• Average SAT score: ~1470; ACT: 32–33
• Offers extensive athletic and creative programs, including community service and volunteer opportunities. Strong emphasis on developing leadership and other key soft skills.
• Generous financial aid is available, covering up to 100% of tuition for qualifying students.

How to apply:

Admission to Hotchkiss is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of only 14–18%. Requirements include:

• SSAT or ISEE scores
• TOEFL (for non-native English speakers)
• Personal essays
• Teacher recommendations
• Interview (mandatory)

9. St. Paul’s School

Location: Concord, New Hampshire (about an hour from Boston)

Type: Boarding school (Grades 9–12)

Ages: 14–18

Enrollment: Around 540 students

Tuition (2024–2025): $68,353 per year (includes room and board)

Key features and interesting facts:

• Founded in 1856, St. Paul’s is considered one of the most prestigious boarding schools in the U.S.
• It is a 100% boarding school — all students live on campus.
• The campus spans over 2,000 acres (800+ hectares) and includes unique facilities such as a glassblowing studio.
• Offers a rigorous academic program focused on humanities, sciences, arts, and athletics.
• Small class sizes (average of 10 students) ensure personalized attention from faculty.
• Notable alumni include U.S. senators, diplomats, business leaders, and artists.
• Ranked #6 among all U.S. boarding schools and #9 among all private high schools by Niche.
• Provides full financial aid to families earning under $150,000. About 40% of students receive financial assistance.

How to apply:

St. Paul’s has a selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 13–16%. Required application components include:

• Interview (can be conducted online)
• School transcripts and teacher recommendations
• Personal essay
• Standardized test scores (SSAT or ISEE)
• TOEFL for international applicants

10. Deerfield Academy

Location: Deerfield, Massachusetts

Type: Boarding and Day School

Ages: 14–18

Enrollment: Around 650 students

Tuition (2024–2025):

• Boarding — $74,440
• Day — $53,860

Key features and interesting facts:

• Founded in 1797, Deerfield is a member of the prestigious Eight Schools Association.
• In 2024, the school introduced a financial aid policy offering free tuition for families earning up to $150,000. Overall, 40% of students receive aid, and 7% attend tuition-free.
• Academic performance is outstanding: average SAT scores range from 1450 to 1470; ACT from 32 to 33.
• Graduates are accepted to top-tier universities including Ivy League schools, Stanford, Duke, Williams, and more.

How to apply:

With an acceptance rate of around 16–17%, Deerfield’s admissions are competitive. Required steps include:

• Submission of transcripts and teacher recommendations
• Personal essays and a written assignment
• Interview
• Standardized test scores (SSAT or ISEE)
• TOEFL for international applicants

Applications are submitted online via the school’s website.

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