Hidden Gems: Lesser-known Prep Schools

Prep School Admissions
81

<p>I agree with Ehphant that we should remove the asterisks. Isn’t one of the reasons this thread was created to get away from the jockeying for position found on the HADES/GLADCHEMMS threads? The point is that there are many great schools with a variety of strengths. Why do we need to decide which are on par with the best known schools? Shouldn’t we celebrate what’s great about each without getting into quibbles about SSAT scores and matriculation rates? So…</p>

82

<p>Asheville School NC
Asheville School</p>

<p>Altamont School**
The Altamont School: Home
(Birmingham,AL)</p>

<p>Avon Old Farms CT
Avon Old Farms
(All-boys)</p>

<p>Berkshire School MA
Berkshire School
nestled into the base of a mountain, has a fantastic “mountain program” that takes advantage of the natural setting of the school (including a maple syrup corporation, back country skills, rock climbing, mountain biking, etc.). Big into sustainability. Excellent advanced math/science research program (2 Intel semi-finalists in last two years) and a new math-science building will be ready in late 2012. Strong ice hockey program. Smallish size–just under 400 students. Genuinely nice feel to the school; the Head and faculty seem to care very much about the whole child.</p>

<p>Blair Academy NJ
Welcome to Blair Academy
Blairstown, northwest NJ close to Appalachian Trail and Delaware Water Gap)
Welcome to Blair Academy Beautiful hilltop campus with most buildings and athletic facilities new or recently renovated. Challenging academics for academically talented students. Good college matriculation. Many leadership opportunities. They have a range of students and offer a range to courses. Faculty/student relationships are very close. The faculty sits down to discuss every student 5 times a year.
While founded in 1848, this school used to be run by Presbyterian ministers whose agenda was different from many boarding schools. Blair Academy - About Blair Around 30 or so years ago, the school was restructured to a standard board of trustees. The trustees hired a great Headmaster who has been there for more than 20 years. I think 3 of the trustees are among the Forbes 400. Changes were made to how the school operates, and an ambitious plan was launched to upgrade or build new facilities which just finished. It is an up and coming school now. Most parents love the school. Last year there was 81% participation in the Parents Fund, which is an impressive record.</p>

<p>BransonCA
The Branson School</p>

<p>Brooks School MA
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N. Andover, MA. On a lake. Top notch facilities, great study abroad programs, prestigious internships in the Boston tech/medical sectors. Has its own indoor rowing tanks.</p>

<p>Cate School; on a mesa above the Pacific Ocean in Carpenteria, California.
Cate School</p>

<p>Canterbury School CT
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<p>Cheshire Academy CT
Please wait…</p>

<p>Colorado Rocky Mountain School CO
<a href=“http://www.crmsorg%5B/url%5D”>www.crmsorg</a> An amazing little school in an even more amazing setting. No boarding school has a view like it! Only 20 miles north of Aspen, the potential for skiing and outdoor adventure is unique among boarding schools. The curriculum/faculty is strong (attracts outdoorsy teachers). My youngest sister graduated in 2006 and had an extraordinary experience…she even moved back to Carbondale after college! A very neat school for kids looking for a different experience from the norm but still looking for great academics and a warm community.</p>

<p>Concord Academy MA
Concord Academy</p>

<p>Culver Academies IN
Culver Academies
/ ssacdfamily
well known in the midwest, less so in the east - good size, great academics, sports, and arts - 20% international students - fully integrated humanities curriculum (english + history), working on increasing the interaction between the science and math departments, block system has given my student the time to dig deeply into subjects. Horsemanship program for both boys and girls (costs extra if you want to do it, but it’s there). Each dorm has a full time counselor in addition to dorm parent, serving as the primary advisor to the student and hand-holder to the parent. Leadership program: Military for the boys, Prefect system for the girls. The leadership program is real, backed up with curriculum and practical experience. The parts of the leadership program that my student talks about - taking direction from your peers, giving directions to your peers (including your friends), interviewing for the higher positions, responsibility for finishing a job - strike me as things that will translate pretty well to the workplace. Beautiful lake-front campus, and big support from alumni.</p>

<p>Cranbrook Schools MI
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<p>EF International NY</p>

<p>Episcopal High School VA
Episcopal High School
DC Metro Area
Great close-knit community because it is 100% boarding and is right across the Potomac from Washington, D.C. Every Wednesday afternoon, the kids go into Washington for cultural experiences - no extra fees. I think when I visited they had just watched Cirque du Soleil. The campus is gorgeous with a new arts and athletic center they just built. For senior year, many of the students have internships with people in Washington for first-hand experience. The teachers and staff are very caring and the classes are small yet rigorous The school is putting tremendous focus on expanding their applicant pool into New England, so expect acceptance rate to go down in the future.
430 students in the school, but no one slips through the cracks. Formal dress for class and sit-down lunches plus assembly chapel 3x week, and students take the honor code seriously. Strong visual arts programs (especially digital arts and ceramics), strong foreign languages including a SYA option which sends students to italy, France, Spain or Austria. School spirit is really strong, and many of the athletic teams are contenders year after year. Kids there are really happy and love their school.</p>

<p>George School PA
Home - George School</p>

<p>Gill St. Bernard’s NJ
Balance, integrity, excellence, creativity and leadership - all are central to a GSB education.</p>

<p>Governor’s Academy MA
The Governor’s Academy
Under-recognized medium sized school. Oldest BS in operation. State of the art facilities. Dorms are smaller and intimate (i.e. fewer students per building). Supportive FA for middle class families, strong dedicated support for international students including English as Second Language. Has an international exchange program. Highly supportive of students and families. Parent participation is highly encouraged. Students are a name not a number and don’t get “lost” in the system. Is not a “sink or swim” experience. Rigor is strong enough for top schools.</p>

<p>The Gunnery MA
The Gunnery - The Gunnery Home Page</p>

<p>The Hill School PA
The Hill School- private college preparatory boarding school in Pottstown, Pennsylvania</p>

<p>The Hun School NJ
The Hun School of Princeton: Home</p>

<p>Indian Springs SchoolAL
Please wait…
Birmingham</p>

<p>Kimball Union Academy NH
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<p>The Kiski School PA
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All-boys</p>

<p>Kent School CT
Kent School - Welcome</p>

<p>Kingswood-Oxford CT
Kingswood Oxford</p>

<p>Lawrence Academy MA
Lawrence Academy</p>

<p>Loomis Chaffee CT
Loomis Chaffee</p>

<p>Madeira School VA
The Madeira School: Home
All-girls</p>

<p>Memphis University School** TN
Memphis University School - Home Page
7-12
all-male, traditional prep school that produces many of the people who run the South. FedEx CEO, Autozone CEO, Paypal Co-Founder, etc… </p>

<p>Millbrook School NY
Millbrook School ~ Millbrook School, a coeducational boarding school in Millbrook, NY
Let me put it like this - their physics teacher went to Cambridge, they’ve had the same headmaster for 20 years, and they have a campus zoo! Almost the entire campus was renovated in 2008, and their facilities rival that of nearby Hotchkiss and Kent.
I was also pleasantly surprised by how warm the student body was, and how everyone seemed to LOVE Millbrook. I would recommend it to everyone! This school is really serious about community service and works hard to be more green and sustainable. Kids who would get lost at a bigger school often thrive under all the personal atterntion here.</p>

<p>Miss Porter’s School CT
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(All-girls)</p>

<p>New Hampton School NH
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<p>Northfield Mount Hermon MA
Home | Northfield Mount Hermon
HUGE campus, very progressive educational philosophy; Head, Heart & Hand. Exceptional website and promotional materials. Strong emphasis on the arts, international education (both in terms of study abroad programs & the % of internationals in the students body). PGs–strong in many athletics, competes against HADES schools and the other large prep schools like Lville, etc.</p>

<p>Pomfret CT
Beautiful rural campus, yet close to Boston, Providence, Hartford. Strong Athletics & academics. Great community feel. Unique Digital Arts programs, and significant commitment to the arts in education. Incoming Head a longtime Dean at St. George’s and an Andover fac brat from childhood. Highly regarded.</p>

<p>Peddie School NJ
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/laughalittle
NJ A low-acceptance school with awesome academics and sports, yet not “snobby”. For the academics, they have an unrivaled science center (in my opinion) with a DNA splicing lab, and teachers with life experiences that many will never get. Math, history, English, and language courses are great as well. For sports, they are also great (their crew, basketball, and swimming win constant awards). Their matriculation includes Ivies, GW, Georgetown, etc.</p>

<p>Pennington NJ
Pennington School: Home</p>

<p>Proctor Academy NH
<a href=“http://www.proctoracademy.org/[/url]”>http://www.proctoracademy.org/&lt;/a&gt;
DE
St. Andrew’s School: Home</p>

<p>St. George’s School RI
ST. GEORGE’S</p>

<p>St. Marks School MA
St. Mark’s School: Home
Southborough</p>

<p>Sewickley Academy PA
Pittsburgh Private School | PA Independent School | Sewickley Academy
PK - 12</p>

<p>Shadyside Academy PA
Shady Side Academy
PK-12</p>

<p>Solebury School PA
Solebury School: Home
7-12
A small, quirky, homey progressive school for self-directed kids who are interested in social justice. Although it doesn’t have the fanciest facilities, there has been recent construction to update and improve the campus, and many of the teachers have been there for a long time. A true hidden gem, the school’s theater teacher used to be the head of theater at NYU and Lakers center Andrew Bynum also attended the school.</p>

<p>Suffield Academy CT
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<p>Taft School CT
The Taft School
Medium sized, academically competitive school. Long term headmasters (i.e. low turnover) Good financial stewardship (according to charity navigator) and healthy endowment. Good FA consideration for middle class families. Consortium school for SYA. State of the Arts gym, science and math facilities. Large library. Strong Arts program (dance, visual arts, performance arts, digital/video). Routinely schedules travel for students (and parents) out of the country. In the last year, took 35 students to South Africa, 70 students (dance, jazz and chamber music) to the Czech Republic. Choir touring Italy over the summer, Video student travel world to shoot independent film each summer. Best asset - every parent and student is a name not a number. Every staff member knows every student and no one gets “lost in the system.” When you call for information, you’re treated like one of the “family” (not a donor). Proactive with student intervention. IS NOT a sink or swim school. Lives up to its reputation “Taft takes care of its own.”</p>

<p>Tabor Academy MA
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Gorgeous campus, right on the water. Outstanding marine biology program. </p>

<p>Thacher School CA
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ThacherParent
240 students, especially close, happy & healthy community, school code is “lived” everywhere and everyday: Honor, Fairness, Kindness & Truth // a culture and love of learning with outstanding professors (70% + with advanced degrees) and incredibly close student-faculty relationships // unique and celebrated connection between the classroom and the natural world including the horse program (the only one of its kind in the U.S.), extended camping trips, adventuring of all sorts // fantastic, inclusive sports with routine regional and state achievement and huge emphasis on sportsmanship // stunning 400+ acre, southern California campus in Ojai, CA (photographed to represent Shangri-La in the 1939 movie, The Lost Horizon) at the base of the Topa Topa mountains, nestled among orange and avocado groves, the smells of chaparral, orange blossoms, lemon, lavender and sage, stunning views, exceptional weather // top-notch college admissions (Ivy + LAC + Stanford/MIT + other great schools), admission rate <20%, highest yield of any boarding school or college in the U.S. 80% - 83%.</p>

<p>Trinity-Pawling School NY
Trinity Pawling
Pawling, NY
Traditional Boys school known for athletics and program for students with learning disabilities. What’s less known is that the school limits the number of LD students to no more than 20% of the school population. Students run the gamut of academic ability; some go on to top LACs and occasionally the Ivies, some head for vocational training. Strong sense of school spirit, beautiful campus.</p>

<p>United World Colleges International
UWC | UWC
International collection of very hidden gems. Only one of them is in the US, but all of them are multinational. UWC - UWC-USA | UWC. At Brown University there a lot of students who went to these high schools, (who are fiercely loyal to the schools). In part there are a lot of students at Brown from UWC because they are very well prepared, and in part because there apparently are some form of full scholarships to Brown for UWC grads who are qualified. </p>

<p>Western Reserve Academy OH
Western Reserve Academy
Great school in Hudson, OH. It is between Akron and Cleveland. Beautiful town. Campus looks like small college.From its Website: Founded in 1826 as a preparatory school for Western Reserve College, Western Reserve Academy is one of the oldest boarding schools in the nation and the premier school of its kind in the Midwest. WRA offers a challenging curriculum that prepares our 390 students for future academic success - and for leading purposeful, fulfilling lives. Attending WRA is a transformational experience, where students learn to strive for excellence, live with integrity and act with compassion.
Westminster School CT</p>

<p>Westover School CT
Westover School
All girls prestigous boarding school in Central-West CT. WISE (Women in Science and Engineering) Program and strong Dance/Arts (Manhattan School of Arts Program).
Beautiful Campus, Strong endowment. Excellent Integration of Day students and warm environment for 200 girls</p>

<p>Williston Northampton School MA
The Williston Northampton School
Easthampton, MA
Like a college campus, virtually adjacent to the small town of Easthampton.</p>

<p>Worcester Academy MA
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6-12
Worcester, MA is a day/boarding school, very unique urban setting, diverse student body, excellent sports,arts, fabulous leadership and extracurricular ops. Its We the People team has won state competition two years in row and they are off to nationals. Its Math team has won state comp 5 of 6 yrs in row and are going for 7th. Great place for all kinds of kids.
Unique boarding and day school in Central Mass. Check it out! Rigorous academics, long tradition of athletics, wonderful arts programs. Warm, welcoming, diverse community.</p>

<p>Wyoming Seminary
Wyoming Seminary College Preparatory School
Preschool to 12
My son is attending Wyoming Seminary in September. He received a tuition scholarship to attend.
Seminary is located in Kingston, Pa and is a small boarding program of 200 students+day= 400 students. Traditional program, very old school. Strong in athletics (football, ice hockey, women’s field hockey, lacrosse). Also very strong program in theatre arts with new arts building under construction. 20% international students.</p>

<p>School nickname is “Sem”</p>

83

<p>Chatham Hall in Chatham, VA.
All girls–80% boarding
Beautiful campus in rural VA.<br>
Strong international influence.
Rigorous academics & athletics
Strong honor code
Large endowment & scholarship program</p>

84

<p>Sorry if this seems inappropriate here, but I’m new to prep schools, and I was wondering if there are any prep schools that would be free? My family isn’t extremely poor or anything, but we wouldn’t have an extra $10K for tuition every year.</p>

85

<p>Agree with Ehpant and Sue22 - no asteriks. Great job Sue22 on the refined list.</p>

86

<p>Is there a way to keep us from losing all the links when copying?</p>

87

<p>Holderness school in Plymouth NH, awesome ski/snowboarding program but with a strong academic program unlike other ski acadamys.</p>

88

<p>[url=<a href=“http://www.proctoracademy.org/][img]http://www.proctoracademy.org[/img][/url”>http://www.proctoracademy.org/]

[/url</a>]</p>

89

<p>this thread is the Little Engine that Could - well done, all, keep it rolling! Completely agree on taking off the asterisks - just distracts from getting a good initial read on why some thoughtful people chose the schools they did. (Exie, I SO want a do-over!!!)</p>

90

<p>@ssacd - me too!</p>

91

<p>Asheville School NC
[http://www.ashevilleschool.org/

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<p>Altamont School**
[url=<a href=“http://www.altamontschool.org/][img]http://www.altamontschool.org/[/img][/url”>http://www.altamontschool.org/]

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(Birmingham,AL)</p>

<p>Avon Old Farms CT
[url=<a href=“http://www.avonoldfarms.com/][img]http://www.avonoldfarms.com/[/img][/url”>http://www.avonoldfarms.com/]

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(All-boys)</p>

<p>Berkshire School MA
[url=<a href=“http://www.berkshireschool.org/][img]http://www.berkshireschool.org/[/img][/url”>http://www.berkshireschool.org/]

[/url</a>]
nestled into the base of a mountain, has a fantastic “mountain program” that takes advantage of the natural setting of the school (including a maple syrup corporation, back country skills, rock climbing, mountain biking, etc.). Big into sustainability. Excellent advanced math/science research program (2 Intel semi-finalists in last two years) and a new math-science building will be ready in late 2012. Strong ice hockey program. Smallish size–just under 400 students. Genuinely nice feel to the school; the Head and faculty seem to care very much about the whole child.</p>

<p>Blair Academy NJ
[url=<a href=“http://www.blair.edu/][img]http://www.blair.edu/[/img][/url”>http://www.blair.edu/]

[/url</a>]
Blairstown, northwest NJ close to Appalachian Trail and Delaware Water Gap)
Welcome to Blair Academy Beautiful hilltop campus with most buildings and athletic facilities new or recently renovated. Challenging academics for academically talented students. Good college matriculation. Many leadership opportunities. They have a range of students and offer a range to courses. Faculty/student relationships are very close. The faculty sits down to discuss every student 5 times a year.
While founded in 1848, this school used to be run by Presbyterian ministers whose agenda was different from many boarding schools. Around 30 or so years ago, the school was restructured to a standard board of trustees. The trustees hired a great Headmaster who has been there for more than 20 years. I think 3 of the trustees are among the Forbes 400. Changes were made to how the school operates, and an ambitious plan was launched to upgrade or build new facilities which just finished. It is an up and coming school now. Most parents love the school. Last year there was 81% participation in the Parents Fund, which is an impressive record.</p>

<p>BransonCA
[url=<a href=“http://www.branson.org/][img]http://www.branson.org/[/img][/url”>http://www.branson.org/]

[/url</a>]</p>

<p>Brooks School MA
[url=<a href=“http://www.brooksschool.org/][img]http://www.brooksschool.org/[/img][/url”>http://www.brooksschool.org/]

[/url</a>]
N. Andover, MA. On a lake. Top notch facilities, great study abroad programs, prestigious internships in the Boston tech/medical sectors.</p>

<p>Cate School
[url=<a href=“http://www.cate.org/][img]http://www.cate.org/[/img][/url”>http://www.cate.org/]

[/url</a>]
On a mesa above the Pacific Ocean in Carpenteria, California.</p>

<p>Canterbury School CT
[url=<a href=“http://www.cbury.org/][img]http://www.cbury.org/[/img][/url”>http://www.cbury.org/]

[/url</a>]</p>

<p>Chatham Hall
[url=<a href=“http://www.chathamhall.org/index.php][img]http://www.chathamhall.org/index.php[/img][/url”>http://www.chathamhall.org/index.php]

http://www.chathamhall.org/index.php

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All girls–80% boarding
Beautiful campus in rural Chatham, Virginia.
Strong international influence.
Rigorous academics & athletics
Strong honor code
Large endowment & scholarship program</p>

<p>Cheshire Academy CT
[url=<a href=“http://www.cheshireacademy.org/Default.asp?bhcp=1][img]http://www.cheshireacademy.org/Default.asp?bhcp=1[/img][/url”>http://www.cheshireacademy.org/Default.asp?bhcp=1]

http://www.cheshireacademy.org/Default.asp?bhcp=1

[/url</a>]</p>

<p>Colorado Rocky Mountain School CO
<a href=“http://www.crmsorg%5B/url%5D”>www.crmsorg](<a href=“http://www.ashevilleschool.org/][img]http://www.ashevilleschool.org/[/img][/url”>http://www.ashevilleschool.org/)</a>
An amazing little school in an even more amazing setting. No boarding school has a view like it! Only 20 miles north of Aspen, the potential for skiing and outdoor adventure is unique among boarding schools. The curriculum/faculty is strong (attracts outdoorsy teachers). My youngest sister graduated in 2006 and had an extraordinary experience…she even moved back to Carbondale after college! A very neat school for kids looking for a different experience from the norm but still looking for great academics and a warm community.</p>

<p>Concord Academy MA
[url=<a href=“http://www.concordacademy.org/][img]http://www.concordacademy.org/[/img][/url”>http://www.concordacademy.org/]

[/url</a>]</p>

<p>Culver Academies IN
[url=<a href=“http://home.culver.org/][img]http://home.culver.org/[/img][/url”>http://home.culver.org/]

http://home.culver.org/

[/url</a>]
/ ssacdfamily
well known in the midwest, less so in the east - good size, great academics, sports, and arts - 20% international students - fully integrated humanities curriculum (english + history), working on increasing the interaction between the science and math departments, block system has given my student the time to dig deeply into subjects. Horsemanship program for both boys and girls (costs extra if you want to do it, but it’s there). Each dorm has a full time counselor in addition to dorm parent, serving as the primary advisor to the student and hand-holder to the parent. Leadership program: Military for the boys, Prefect system for the girls. The leadership program is real, backed up with curriculum and practical experience. The parts of the leadership program that my student talks about - taking direction from your peers, giving directions to your peers (including your friends), interviewing for the higher positions, responsibility for finishing a job - strike me as things that will translate pretty well to the workplace. Beautiful lake-front campus, and big support from alumni.</p>

<p>Cranbrook Schools MI
[url=<a href=“http://www.schools.cranbrook.edu/][img]http://www.schools.cranbrook.edu/[/img][/url”>http://www.schools.cranbrook.edu/]

http://www.schools.cranbrook.edu/

[/url</a>]</p>

<p>EF International NY</p>

<p>Episcopal High School VA
[url=<a href=“http://www.episcopalhighschool.org/][img]http://www.episcopalhighschool.org/[/img][/url”>http://www.episcopalhighschool.org/]

[/url</a>]
DC Metro Area
Great close-knit community because it is 100% boarding and is right across the Potomac from Washington, D.C. Every Wednesday afternoon, the kids go into Washington for cultural experiences - no extra fees. I think when I visited they had just watched Cirque du Soleil. The campus is gorgeous with a new arts and athletic center they just built. For senior year, many of the students have internships with people in Washington for first-hand experience. The teachers and staff are very caring and the classes are small yet rigorous The school is putting tremendous focus on expanding their applicant pool into New England, so expect acceptance rate to go down in the future.
430 students in the school, but no one slips through the cracks. Formal dress for class and sit-down lunches plus assembly chapel 3x week, and students take the honor code seriously. Strong visual arts programs (especially digital arts and ceramics), strong foreign languages including a SYA option which sends students to italy, France, Spain or Austria. School spirit is really strong, and many of the athletic teams are contenders year after year. Kids there are really happy and love their school.</p>

<p>George School PA
[url=<a href=“http://www.georgeschool.org/][img]http://www.georgeschool.org/[/img][/url”>http://www.georgeschool.org/]

[/url</a>]
IB school.</p>

<p>Gill St. Bernard’s NJ
[url=<a href=“http://www.gsbschool.org/][img]http://www.gsbschool.org/[/img][/url”>http://www.gsbschool.org/]

[/url</a>]
Balance, integrity, excellence, creativity and leadership - all are central to a GSB education.</p>

<p>Governor’s Academy MA
[url=<a href=“http://www.thegovernorsacademy.org/][img]http://www.thegovernorsacademy.org/[/img][/url”>http://www.thegovernorsacademy.org/]

[/url</a>]
Under-recognized medium sized school. Oldest BS in operation. State of the art facilities. Dorms are smaller and intimate (i.e. fewer students per building). Supportive FA for middle class families, strong dedicated support for international students including English as Second Language. Has an international exchange program. Highly supportive of students and families. Parent participation is highly encouraged. Students are a name not a number and don’t get “lost” in the system. Is not a “sink or swim” experience. Rigor is strong enough for top schools.</p>

<p>The Gunnery MA
[url=<a href=“http://portal.gunnery.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=191][img]http://portal.gunnery.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=191[/img][/url”>http://portal.gunnery.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=191]

http://portal.gunnery.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=191

[/url</a>]</p>

<p>The Hill School PA
[url=<a href=“http://www.thehill.org/][img]http://www.thehill.org/[/img][/url”>http://www.thehill.org/]

[/url</a>]
private college preparatory boarding school in Pottstown, Pennsylvania</p>

<p>The Holderness School NH
[url=<a href=“http://www.holderness.org/Default.asp?bhcp=1][img]http://www.holderness.org/Default.asp?bhcp=1[/img][/url”>http://www.holderness.org/Default.asp?bhcp=1]

http://www.holderness.org/Default.asp?bhcp=1

[/url</a>]</p>

<p>The Hun School NJ
[url=<a href=“http://www.hunschool.org/][img]http://www.hunschool.org/[/img][/url”>http://www.hunschool.org/]

[/url</a>]</p>

<p>Indian Springs SchoolAL
[url=<a href=“http://www.indiansprings.org/Default.asp?bhcp=1][img]http://www.indiansprings.org/Default.asp?bhcp=1[/img][/url”>http://www.indiansprings.org/Default.asp?bhcp=1]

http://www.indiansprings.org/Default.asp?bhcp=1

[/url</a>]
Birmingham</p>

<p>Kimball Union Academy NH
[url=<a href=“http://www.kua.org/default.aspx][img]http://www.kua.org/default.aspx[/img][/url”>http://www.kua.org/default.aspx]

http://www.kua.org/default.aspx

[/url</a>]</p>

<p>The Kiski School PA
[url=<a href=“http://www.kiski.org/default.aspx][img]http://www.kiski.org/default.aspx[/img][/url”>http://www.kiski.org/default.aspx]

http://www.kiski.org/default.aspx

[/url</a>]
All-boys</p>

<p>Kent School CT
[url=<a href=“http://www.kent-school.edu/][img]http://www.kent-school.edu/[/img][/url”>http://www.kent-school.edu/]

[/url</a>]</p>

<p>Kingswood-Oxford CT
[url=<a href=“http://www.kingswoodoxford.org/][img]http://www.kingswoodoxford.org/[/img][/url”>http://www.kingswoodoxford.org/]

http://www.kingswoodoxford.org/

[/url</a>]</p>

<p>Lawrence Academy MA
[url=<a href=“http://www.lacademy.edu/][img]http://www.lacademy.edu/[/img][/url”>http://www.lacademy.edu/]

[/url</a>]</p>

<p>Loomis Chaffee CT
[url=<a href=“http://www.loomischaffee.org/][img]http://www.loomischaffee.org/[/img][/url”>http://www.loomischaffee.org/]

[/url</a>]</p>

<p>Madeira School* VA
[url=<a href=“http://www.madeira.org/][img]http://www.madeira.org/[/img][/url”>http://www.madeira.org/]

[/url</a>]
All-girls</p>

<p>Memphis University School** TN
[url=<a href=“http://www.musowls.org/netcommunity/][img]http://www.musowls.org/netcommunity/[/img][/url”>The school for academic excellence, the school for boys]

[/url</a>]
7-12
all-male, traditional prep school that produces many of the people who run the South. FedEx CEO, Autozone CEO, Paypal Co-Founder, etc… </p>

<p>Middlesex School MA
[url=<a href=“http://www.mxschool.edu/][img]http://www.mxschool.edu/[/img][/url”>http://www.mxschool.edu/]

http://www.mxschool.edu/

[/url</a>]</p>

<p>Millbrook School NY
[url=<a href=“http://www.millbrook.org/podium/default.aspx?t=132079][img]http://www.millbrook.org/podium/default.aspx?t=132079[/img][/url”>Millbrook School | Private Coed Boarding School | Millbrook, NY]

[/url</a>]
~ Millbrook School, a coeducational boarding school in Millbrook, NY
Let me put it like this - their physics teacher went to Cambridge, they’ve had the same headmaster for 20 years, and they have a campus zoo! Almost the entire campus was renovated in 2008, and their facilities rival that of nearby Hotchkiss and Kent.
I was also pleasantly surprised by how warm the student body was, and how everyone seemed to LOVE Millbrook. I would recommend it to everyone! This school is really serious about community service and works hard to be more green and sustainable. Kids who would get lost at a bigger school often thrive under all the personal atterntion here.</p>

<p>Miss Porter’s School CT
[url=<a href=“http://www.missporters.org/default.aspx][img]http://www.missporters.org/default.aspx[/img][/url”>http://www.missporters.org/default.aspx]

http://www.missporters.org/default.aspx

[/url</a>]
(All-girls)</p>

<p>New Hampton School NH
[url=<a href=“http://www.newhampton.org/][img]http://www.newhampton.org/[/img][/url”>http://www.newhampton.org/]

[/url</a>]
IB School</p>

<p>Northfield Mount Hermon MA
[url=<a href=“http://www.nmhschool.org/][img]http://www.nmhschool.org/[/img][/url”>http://www.nmhschool.org/]

[/url</a>]
HUGE campus, very progressive educational philosophy; Head, Heart & Hand. Exceptional website and promotional materials. Strong emphasis on the arts, international education (both in terms of study abroad programs & the % of internationals in the students body). PGs–strong in many athletics, competes against HADES schools and the other large prep schools like Lville, etc.</p>

<p>Pomfret CT
[url=<a href=“http://www.pomfretschool.org/default.aspx][img]http://www.pomfretschool.org/default.aspx[/img][/url”>http://www.pomfretschool.org/default.aspx]

http://www.pomfretschool.org/default.aspx

[/url</a>]
Beautiful rural campus, yet close to Boston, Providence, Hartford. Strong Athletics & academics. Great community feel. Unique Digital Arts programs, and significant commitment to the arts in education. Incoming Head a longtime Dean at St. George’s and an Andover fac brat from childhood. Highly regarded.</p>

<p>Peddie School NJ
[url=<a href=“http://www.peddie.org/][img]http://www.peddie.org/[/img][/url”>http://www.peddie.org/]

[/url</a>]
/laughalittle
NJ A low-acceptance school with awesome academics and sports, yet not “snobby”. For the academics, they have an unrivaled science center (in my opinion) with a DNA splicing lab, and teachers with life experiences that many will never get. Math, history, English, and language courses are great as well. For sports, they are also great (their crew, basketball, and swimming win constant awards). Their matriculation includes Ivies, GW, Georgetown, etc.</p>

<p>Pennington NJ
[url=<a href=“http://www.pennington.org/][img]http://www.pennington.org/[/img][/url”>http://www.pennington.org/]

[/url</a>]</p>

<p>Proctor Academy NH
[url=<a href=“http://www.proctoracademy.org/][img]http://www.proctoracademy.org/[/img][/url”>http://www.proctoracademy.org/]

[/url</a>]
Owns a ski hill.</p>

<p>St. Andrews School DE
[url=<a href=“http://www.standrews-de.org/][img]http://www.standrews-de.org/[/img][/url”>http://www.standrews-de.org/]

[/url</a>]</p>

<p>St. George’s School RI
[url=<a href=“http://www.stgeorges.edu/][img]http://www.stgeorges.edu/[/img][/url”>http://www.stgeorges.edu/]

[/url</a>]
Newport, Rhode Island</p>

<p>St. Marks School MA
[url=<a href=“http://www.stmarksschool.org/][img]http://www.stmarksschool.org/[/img][/url”>http://www.stmarksschool.org/]

[/url</a>]
Southborough</p>

<p>Sewickley Academy PA
[url=<a href=“http://www.sewickley.org/][img]http://www.sewickley.org/[/img][/url”>http://www.sewickley.org/]

[/url</a>]
PK - 12</p>

<p>Shadyside Academy PA
[url=<a href=“http://www.shadysideacademy.org/][img]http://www.shadysideacademy.org/[/img][/url”>http://www.shadysideacademy.org/]

[/url</a>]
PK-12</p>

<p>Solebury School PA
[url=<a href=“http://www.solebury.org/][img]http://www.solebury.org/[/img][/url”>http://www.solebury.org/]

http://www.solebury.org/

[/url</a>]
7-12
A small, quirky, homey progressive school for self-directed kids who are interested in social justice. Although it doesn’t have the fanciest facilities, there has been recent construction to update and improve the campus, and many of the teachers have been there for a long time. A true hidden gem, the school’s theater teacher used to be the head of theater at NYU and Lakers center Andrew Bynum also attended the school.</p>

<p>Suffield Academy CT
[url=<a href=“http://www.suffieldacademy.org/default.aspx][img]http://www.suffieldacademy.org/default.aspx[/img][/url”>http://www.suffieldacademy.org/default.aspx]

http://www.suffieldacademy.org/default.aspx

[/url</a>]</p>

<p>Tabor Academy MA
[url=<a href=“http://www.taboracademy.org/][img]http://www.taboracademy.org/[/img][/url”>http://www.taboracademy.org/]

http://www.taboracademy.org/

[/url</a>]
Gorgeous campus, right on the water. Outstanding marine biology program. </p>

<p>Taft School CT
[url=<a href=“http://www.taftschool.org/][img]http://www.taftschool.org/[/img][/url”>http://www.taftschool.org/]

http://www.taftschool.org/

[/url</a>]
Medium sized, academically competitive school. Long term headmasters (i.e. low turnover) Good financial stewardship (according to charity navigator) and healthy endowment. Good FA consideration for middle class families. Consortium school for SYA. State of the Arts gym, science and math facilities. Large library. Strong Arts program (dance, visual arts, performance arts, digital/video). Routinely schedules travel for students (and parents) out of the country. In the last year, took 35 students to South Africa, 70 students (dance, jazz and chamber music) to the Czech Republic. Choir touring Italy over the summer, Video student travel world to shoot independent film each summer. Best asset - every parent and student is a name not a number. Every staff member knows every student and no one gets “lost in the system.” When you call for information, you’re treated like one of the “family” (not a donor). Proactive with student intervention. IS NOT a sink or swim school. Lives up to its reputation “Taft takes care of its own.”</p>

<p>Thacher School CA
[url=<a href=“http://www.thacher.org/][img]http://www.thacher.org/[/img][/url”>http://www.thacher.org/]

http://www.thacher.org/

[/url</a>]
ThacherParent
240 students, especially close, happy & healthy community, school code is “lived” everywhere and everyday: Honor, Fairness, Kindness & Truth // a culture and love of learning with outstanding professors (70% + with advanced degrees) and incredibly close student-faculty relationships // unique and celebrated connection between the classroom and the natural world including the horse program (the only one of its kind in the U.S.), extended camping trips, adventuring of all sorts // fantastic, inclusive sports with routine regional and state achievement and huge emphasis on sportsmanship // stunning 400+ acre, southern California campus in Ojai, CA (photographed to represent Shangri-La in the 1939 movie, The Lost Horizon) at the base of the Topa Topa mountains, nestled among orange and avocado groves, the smells of chaparral, orange blossoms, lemon, lavender and sage, stunning views, exceptional weather // top-notch college admissions (Ivy + LAC + Stanford/MIT + other great schools), admission rate <20%, highest yield of any boarding school or college in the U.S. 80% - 83%.</p>

<p>Trinity-Pawling School NY
[url=<a href=“http://www.trinitypawling.org/][img]http://www.trinitypawling.org/[/img][/url”>http://www.trinitypawling.org/]

http://www.trinitypawling.org/

[/url</a>]
Pawling, NY
Traditional Boys school known for athletics and program for students with learning disabilities. What’s less known is that the school limits the number of LD students to no more than 20% of the school population. Students run the gamut of academic ability; some go on to top LACs and occasionally the Ivies, some head for vocational training. Strong sense of school spirit, beautiful campus.</p>

<p>United World Colleges International
[url=<a href=“http://www.uwc.org/][img]http://www.uwc.org/[/img][/url”>http://www.uwc.org/]

http://www.uwc.org/

[/url</a>]
International collection of very hidden gems. Only one of them is in the US, but all of them are multinational. UWC - UWC-USA | UWC. At Brown University there a lot of students who went to these high schools, (who are fiercely loyal to the schools). In part there are a lot of students at Brown from UWC because they are very well prepared, and in part because there apparently are some form of full scholarships to Brown for UWC grads who are qualified. </p>

<p>Western Reserve Academy OH
[url=<a href=“http://www.wra.net/][img]http://www.wra.net/[/img][/url”>http://www.wra.net/]

http://www.wra.net/

[/url</a>]
Great school in Hudson, OH. It is between Akron and Cleveland. Beautiful town. Campus looks like small college.From its Website: Founded in 1826 as a preparatory school for Western Reserve College, Western Reserve Academy is one of the oldest boarding schools in the nation and the premier school of its kind in the Midwest. WRA offers a challenging curriculum that prepares our 390 students for future academic success - and for leading purposeful, fulfilling lives. Attending WRA is a transformational experience, where students learn to strive for excellence, live with integrity and act with compassion.
Westminster School CT</p>

<p>Westover School CT
[url=<a href=“http://www.westoverschool.org/][img]http://www.westoverschool.org/[/img][/url”>http://www.westoverschool.org/]

http://www.westoverschool.org/

[/url</a>]
All girls prestigous boarding school in Central-West CT. WISE (Women in Science and Engineering) Program and strong Dance/Arts (Manhattan School of Arts Program).
Beautiful Campus, Strong endowment. Excellent Integration of Day students and warm environment for 200 girls</p>

<p>Williston Northampton School MA
[url=<a href=“http://www.williston.com/][img]http://www.williston.com/[/img][/url”>http://www.williston.com/]

http://www.williston.com/

[/url</a>]
Easthampton, MA
Like a college campus, virtually adjacent to the small town of Easthampton.</p>

<p>Worcester Academy MA
[url=<a href=“http://www.worcesteracademy.org/default.aspx][img]http://www.worcesteracademy.org/default.aspx[/img][/url”>http://www.worcesteracademy.org/default.aspx]

http://www.worcesteracademy.org/default.aspx

[/url</a>]
6-12
Worcester, MA is a day/boarding school, very unique urban setting, diverse student body, excellent sports,arts, fabulous leadership and extracurricular ops. Its We the People team has won state competition two years in row and they are off to nationals. Its Math team has won state comp 5 of 6 yrs in row and are going for 7th. Great place for all kinds of kids.
Unique boarding and day school in Central Mass. Check it out! Rigorous academics, long tradition of athletics, wonderful arts programs. Warm, welcoming, diverse community.</p>

<p>Wyoming Seminary
[url=<a href=“http://www.wyomingseminary.org/][img]http://www.wyomingseminary.org/[/img][/url”>http://www.wyomingseminary.org/]

http://www.wyomingseminary.org/

[/url</a>]
Preschool to 12
My son is attending Wyoming Seminary in September. He received a tuition scholarship to attend.
Seminary is located in Kingston, Pa and is a small boarding program of 200 students+day= 400 students. Traditional program, very old school. Strong in athletics (football, ice hockey, women’s field hockey, lacrosse). Also very strong program in theatre arts with new arts building under construction. 20% international students.</p>

<p>School nickname is “Sem”</p>

<p>N.B.: Schools with a ** are day schools.</p>

92

<p>I think these links will persist. I can’t explain why it works, but for those who are interested, it’s [url= (URL address without spaces) ]<a href=“URL%20address%20without%20spaces”>img</a>[ /img][ /url]</p>

<p>Remove the extra spaces, and insert the address you wish to persist when copied.</p>

93

<p>Harvard-Westlake (Los Angeles, CA) is a well-known day school on the West Coast. Very well-funded and 84% of faculty hold advanced degrees, according to Forbes (where it is ranked #12 on their “Best Prep Schools” list). About 13% of the class last year chose to matriculate to HYMPS, and remember this is the West Coast where many kids do not want to go east. About 25% go to Ivy League schools and 83% to USNews Top 50 schools. Full matriculation list: [url=&lt;a href=“Matriculation”&gt;Matriculation]Matriculation[/url</a>]</p>

94

<p>A really hidden sort of place - Salem Academy

  • the oldest continually operating girls’ school in the US (est. 1772) in Winston-Salem, NC
  • colors: purple and gold (this is a really important part of school pride!)
  • rather tiny - about 160 students currently
  • boarding and day students (mostly boarding, though this fluctuates)
  • pretty generous with merit and need-based aid, though the tuition itself is, of course, quite steep
  • very accepting of sophomore applicants, and junior applicants as well
  • large international representation - particularly from China and South Korea, with several Assist students from Germany, Bulgaria, Croatia, Australia, etc.
  • small class size - ranges from 5 to 15 usually
  • really rigorous academics, though AP course selection is limited unless you count the online options
  • athletics are mostly sad, though there’s plenty of options if you’re not obsessed with winning with any consistency (it’s a tiny all-girls’ school…)
  • theatre program is incredible - practically professional productions, great instructor, lots of fun and really respected in the community
  • also a good choral program, with three levels of classes/performance groups
  • many visual art class options as well
  • shares a campus with Salem College - benefits of College library, bookstore, cafe, pool, gyms, extended campus…
  • really gorgeous campus - great landscaping, classic brick buildings
  • dorms are fairly nice - seniors get really awesomely nice rooms
  • dorm food is generally okay, but not the best you might hope for
  • lots of really great people in general, from all places and walks of life - people are genuine and really nice almost always
  • many old traditions that help bond the students with one another and with the heritage of the school - creates a really distinct and united community of which seniors always seem quite proud - the classically designed senior rings are perhaps the most rewarding tradition!
    website:[Salem</a> Academy](<a href=“http://www.salemacademy.com/index.cfm]Salem”>http://www.salemacademy.com/index.cfm)
    If you couldn’t tell, I’ve spend the last four years here and would be more than happy to answer any questions anyone might have… don’t know how it compares to the more well-known or larger schools out there but I know Salem provides an incredible education and a supportive community of girls who I don’t doubt will remain among my closest life-long friends, and though it’s been a lot of work, I don’t think I’d trade it for anything.</p>
95

<p>Don’t leave out Fountain Valley School in Colorado Springs, CO
[Browser</a> Not Supported](<a href=“http://www.fvs.edu/default.aspx]Browser”>http://www.fvs.edu/default.aspx)
<a href=“http://www.fvs.edu%5B/url%5D”>www.fvs.edu</a></p>

<p>and Stevenson School in Pebble Beach CA
<a href=“http://www.stevensonschool.org%5B/url%5D”>www.stevensonschool.org</a></p>

96

<p>I agree with Tinkrgirl about Madeira. It is a very well known school, particularly in the Middle Atlantic area, although many only know it due to the murder of a British diplomat’s daughter back in the 1980’s. It is also not one of the best private schools in the DC area, when compared to St. Albans, National Cathedral, etc. (Did anyone mention Holton Arms as a hidden gem? Great school.</p>

<p>Also, St. Andrew’s School in Delaware is also very well known, due to some of its famous alumni, such as Erin Burnett.</p>

97

<p>The only change I would suggest is to eliminate from this list any school where fewer than half the kids board. Harvard-Westlake is a great school, but it’s a day school.</p>

98

<p>gentle reminder, folks - this is not intended to be a “my school is better than your school” forum - if you want to talk about what you like about a school, hopefully with details, hopefully with personal experience - this is the place.</p>

99

<p>Asheville School NC
[Asheville</a> School](<a href=“http://www.ashevilleschool.org/]Asheville”>http://www.ashevilleschool.org/)</p>

<p>Altamont School**
[The</a> Altamont School: Home<a href=“Birmingham,AL”>/url</a></p>

<p>Avon Old Farms CT
[url=&lt;a href=“http://www.avonoldfarms.com/]Avon”&gt;http://www.avonoldfarms.com/]Avon</a> Old Farms<a href=“All-boys”>/url</a></p>

<p>Berkshire School MA
[url=&lt;a href=“http://www.berkshireschool.org/]Berkshire”&gt;http://www.berkshireschool.org/]Berkshire</a> School](<a href=“http://www.altamontschool.org/]The”>http://www.altamontschool.org/)
nestled into the base of a mountain, has a fantastic “mountain program” that takes advantage of the natural setting of the school (including a maple syrup corporation, back country skills, rock climbing, mountain biking, etc.). Big into sustainability. Excellent advanced math/science research program (2 Intel semi-finalists in last two years) and a new math-science building will be ready in late 2012. Strong ice hockey program. Smallish size–just under 400 students. Genuinely nice feel to the school; the Head and faculty seem to care very much about the whole child.</p>

<p>Blair Academy NJ
[Welcome</a> to Blair Academy](<a href=“http://www.blair.edu/]Welcome”>http://www.blair.edu/)
Blairstown, northwest NJ close to Appalachian Trail and Delaware Water Gap)
Welcome to Blair Academy Beautiful hilltop campus with most buildings and athletic facilities new or recently renovated. Challenging academics for academically talented students. Good college matriculation. Many leadership opportunities. They have a range of students and offer a range to courses. Faculty/student relationships are very close. The faculty sits down to discuss every student 5 times a year.
While founded in 1848, this school used to be run by Presbyterian ministers whose agenda was different from many boarding schools. Around 30 or so years ago, the school was restructured to a standard board of trustees. The trustees hired a great Headmaster who has been there for more than 20 years. I think 3 of the trustees are among the Forbes 400. Changes were made to how the school operates, and an ambitious plan was launched to upgrade or build new facilities which just finished. It is an up and coming school now. Most parents love the school. Last year there was 81% participation in the Parents Fund, which is an impressive record.</p>

<p>BransonCA
[The</a> Branson School](<a href=“http://www.branson.org/]The”>http://www.branson.org/)</p>

<p>Brooks School MA
[Browser</a> Not Supported](<a href=“http://www.brooksschool.org/]Browser”>http://www.brooksschool.org/)
N. Andover, MA. On a lake. Top notch facilities, great study abroad programs, prestigious internships in the Boston tech/medical sectors.</p>

<p>Cate School
[Cate</a> School](<a href=“http://www.cate.org/]Cate”>http://www.cate.org/)
On a mesa above the Pacific Ocean in Carpenteria, California.</p>

<p>Canterbury School CT
[Browser</a> Not Supported](<a href=“http://www.cbury.org/]Browser”>http://www.cbury.org/)</p>

<p>Chatham Hall
[Chatham</a> Hall | A Virginia Girls Boarding School](<a href=“http://www.chathamhall.org/index.php]Chatham”>http://www.chathamhall.org/index.php)
All girls–80% boarding
Beautiful campus in rural Chatham, Virginia.
Strong international influence.
Rigorous academics & athletics
Strong honor code
Large endowment & scholarship program</p>

<p>Cheshire Academy CT
[Please</a> wait…](<a href=“http://www.cheshireacademy.org/Default.asp?bhcp=1]Please”>http://www.cheshireacademy.org/Default.asp?bhcp=1)</p>

<p>Colorado Rocky Mountain School CO
<a href=“http://www.crmsorg%5B/url%5D”>www.crmsorg</a>
An amazing little school in an even more amazing setting. No boarding school has a view like it! Only 20 miles north of Aspen, the potential for skiing and outdoor adventure is unique among boarding schools. The curriculum/faculty is strong (attracts outdoorsy teachers). My youngest sister graduated in 2006 and had an extraordinary experience…she even moved back to Carbondale after college! A very neat school for kids looking for a different experience from the norm but still looking for great academics and a warm community.</p>

<p>Concord Academy MA
[Concord</a> Academy](<a href=“http://www.concordacademy.org/]Concord”>http://www.concordacademy.org/)</p>

<p>Culver Academies IN
[Culver</a> Academies](<a href=“http://home.culver.org/]Culver”>http://home.culver.org/)
/ ssacdfamily
well known in the midwest, less so in the east - good size, great academics, sports, and arts - 20% international students - fully integrated humanities curriculum (english + history), working on increasing the interaction between the science and math departments, block system has given my student the time to dig deeply into subjects. Horsemanship program for both boys and girls (costs extra if you want to do it, but it’s there). Each dorm has a full time counselor in addition to dorm parent, serving as the primary advisor to the student and hand-holder to the parent. Leadership program: Military for the boys, Prefect system for the girls. The leadership program is real, backed up with curriculum and practical experience. The parts of the leadership program that my student talks about - taking direction from your peers, giving directions to your peers (including your friends), interviewing for the higher positions, responsibility for finishing a job - strike me as things that will translate pretty well to the workplace. Beautiful lake-front campus, and big support from alumni.</p>

<p>Cranbrook Schools MI
[Browser</a> Not Supported](<a href=“http://www.schools.cranbrook.edu/]Browser”>http://www.schools.cranbrook.edu/)</p>

<p>EF International NY</p>

<p>Episcopal High School VA
[Episcopal</a> High School](<a href=“http://www.episcopalhighschool.org/]Episcopal”>http://www.episcopalhighschool.org/)
DC Metro Area
Great close-knit community because it is 100% boarding and is right across the Potomac from Washington, D.C. Every Wednesday afternoon, the kids go into Washington for cultural experiences - no extra fees. I think when I visited they had just watched Cirque du Soleil. The campus is gorgeous with a new arts and athletic center they just built. For senior year, many of the students have internships with people in Washington for first-hand experience. The teachers and staff are very caring and the classes are small yet rigorous The school is putting tremendous focus on expanding their applicant pool into New England, so expect acceptance rate to go down in the future.
430 students in the school, but no one slips through the cracks. Formal dress for class and sit-down lunches plus assembly chapel 3x week, and students take the honor code seriously. Strong visual arts programs (especially digital arts and ceramics), strong foreign languages including a SYA option which sends students to italy, France, Spain or Austria. School spirit is really strong, and many of the athletic teams are contenders year after year. Kids there are really happy and love their school.</p>

<p>Fountain Valley School in Colorado Springs, CO
Browser Not Supported
[Browser</a> Not Supported](<a href=“http://www.fvs.edu%5DBrowser”>http://www.fvs.edu)</p>

<p>George School PA
[Home</a> - George School](<a href=“http://www.georgeschool.org/]Home”>http://www.georgeschool.org/)
IB school.</p>

<p>Gill St. Bernard’s NJ
[Balance</a>, integrity, excellence, creativity and leadership - all are central to a GSB education.](<a href=“http://www.gsbschool.org/]Balance”>http://www.gsbschool.org/)
Balance, integrity, excellence, creativity and leadership - all are central to a GSB education.</p>

<p>Governor’s Academy MA
[The</a> Governor’s Academy](<a href=“http://www.thegovernorsacademy.org/]The”>http://www.thegovernorsacademy.org/)
Under-recognized medium sized school. Oldest BS in operation. State of the art facilities. Dorms are smaller and intimate (i.e. fewer students per building). Supportive FA for middle class families, strong dedicated support for international students including English as Second Language. Has an international exchange program. Highly supportive of students and families. Parent participation is highly encouraged. Students are a name not a number and don’t get “lost” in the system. Is not a “sink or swim” experience. Rigor is strong enough for top schools.</p>

<p>The Gunnery MA
<a href=“http://portal.gunnery.org/NetCommuni...e.aspx?pid=191[/url]”>http://portal.gunnery.org/NetCommuni...e.aspx?pid=191&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Harvard-Westlake CA
[http://www.hw.com/

[/url</a>]
Harvard-Westlake (Los Angeles, CA) is a well-known day school on the West Coast. Very well-funded and 84% of faculty hold advanced degrees, according to Forbes (where it is ranked #12 on their “Best Prep Schools” list). About 13% of the class last year chose to matriculate to HYMPS, and remember this is the West Coast where many kids do not want to go east. About 25% go to Ivy League schools and 83% to USNews Top 50 schools.</p>

<p>The Hill School PA
[url=&lt;a href=“http://www.thehill.org/]The”&gt;http://www.thehill.org/]The</a> Hill School- private college preparatory boarding school in Pottstown, Pennsylvania](<a href=“http://www.hw.com/][img]http://www.hw.com/[/img][/url”>http://www.hw.com/)
private college preparatory boarding school in Pottstown, Pennsylvania</p>

<p>The Holderness School NH
[Please</a> wait…](<a href=“http://www.holderness.org/Default.asp?bhcp=1]Please”>http://www.holderness.org/Default.asp?bhcp=1)</p>

<p>Holton Arms**
[http://www.holton-arms.edu/

[/url</a>]
all-girls, 3-12</p>

<p>The Hun School NJ
[url=&lt;a href=“http://www.hunschool.org/]The”&gt;http://www.hunschool.org/]The</a> Hun School of Princeton: Home](<a href=“http://www.holton-arms.edu/][img]http://www.holton-arms.edu/[/img][/url”>http://www.holton-arms.edu/)</p>

<p>Indian Springs SchoolAL
[Emergency</a> Bulletin](<a href=“http://www.indiansprings.org/Default.asp?bhcp=1]Emergency”>http://www.indiansprings.org/Default.asp?bhcp=1)
Birmingham</p>

<p>Kimball Union Academy NH
[Browser</a> Not Supported](<a href=“http://www.kua.org/default.aspx]Browser”>http://www.kua.org/default.aspx)</p>

<p>The Kiski School PA
[Browser</a> Not Supported](<a href=“http://www.kiski.org/default.aspx]Browser”>http://www.kiski.org/default.aspx)
All-boys</p>

<p>Kent School CT
[Kent</a> School - Welcome](<a href=“http://www.kent-school.edu/]Kent”>http://www.kent-school.edu/)</p>

<p>Kingswood-Oxford CT
[Kingswood</a> Oxford](<a href=“http://www.kingswoodoxford.org/]Kingswood”>http://www.kingswoodoxford.org/)</p>

<p>Lawrence Academy MA
[Lawrence</a> Academy](<a href=“http://www.lacademy.edu/]Lawrence”>http://www.lacademy.edu/)</p>

<p>Loomis Chaffee CT
[Loomis</a> Chaffee](<a href=“http://www.loomischaffee.org/]Loomis”>http://www.loomischaffee.org/)</p>

<p>Madeira School* VA
[The</a> Madeira School: Home](<a href=“StackPath”>http://www.madeira.org/)
All-girls</p>

<p>Memphis University School** TN
[Memphis</a> University School - Home Page](<a href=“http://www.musowls.org/netcommunity/]Memphis”>The School for Boys in Grades 7-12)
7-12
all-male, traditional prep school that produces many of the people who run the South. FedEx CEO, Autozone CEO, Paypal Co-Founder, etc… </p>

<p>Middlesex School MA
[MIDDLESEX</a> SCHOOL](<a href=“http://www.mxschool.edu/]MIDDLESEX”>http://www.mxschool.edu/)</p>

<p>Millbrook School NY
[Millbrook</a> School ~ Millbrook School, a coeducational boarding school in Millbrook, NY](<a href=“Maintenance Page”>Millbrook School | Private Coed Boarding School | Millbrook, NY)
~ Millbrook School, a coeducational boarding school in Millbrook, NY
Let me put it like this - their physics teacher went to Cambridge, they’ve had the same headmaster for 20 years, and they have a campus zoo! Almost the entire campus was renovated in 2008, and their facilities rival that of nearby Hotchkiss and Kent.
I was also pleasantly surprised by how warm the student body was, and how everyone seemed to LOVE Millbrook. I would recommend it to everyone! This school is really serious about community service and works hard to be more green and sustainable. Kids who would get lost at a bigger school often thrive under all the personal atterntion here.</p>

<p>Miss Porter’s School CT
[Browser</a> Not Supported<a href=“All-girls”>/url</a></p>

<p>New Hampton School NH
[url=&lt;a href=“http://www.newhampton.org/]Browser”&gt;http://www.newhampton.org/]Browser</a> Not Supported](<a href=“http://www.missporters.org/default.aspx]Browser”>http://www.missporters.org/default.aspx)
IB School</p>

<p>Northfield Mount Hermon MA
[Home</a> | Northfield Mount Hermon](<a href=“http://www.nmhschool.org/]Home”>http://www.nmhschool.org/)
HUGE campus, very progressive educational philosophy; Head, Heart & Hand. Exceptional website and promotional materials. Strong emphasis on the arts, international education (both in terms of study abroad programs & the % of internationals in the students body). PGs–strong in many athletics, competes against HADES schools and the other large prep schools like Lville, etc.</p>

<p>Pomfret CT
[Browser</a> Not Supported](<a href=“http://www.pomfretschool.org/default.aspx]Browser”>http://www.pomfretschool.org/default.aspx)
Beautiful rural campus, yet close to Boston, Providence, Hartford. Strong Athletics & academics. Great community feel. Unique Digital Arts programs, and significant commitment to the arts in education. Incoming Head a longtime Dean at St. George’s and an Andover fac brat from childhood. Highly regarded.</p>

<p>Peddie School NJ
[Browser</a> Not Supported](<a href=“http://www.peddie.org/]Browser”>http://www.peddie.org/)
/laughalittle
NJ A low-acceptance school with awesome academics and sports, yet not “snobby”. For the academics, they have an unrivaled science center (in my opinion) with a DNA splicing lab, and teachers with life experiences that many will never get. Math, history, English, and language courses are great as well. For sports, they are also great (their crew, basketball, and swimming win constant awards). Their matriculation includes Ivies, GW, Georgetown, etc.</p>

<p>Pennington NJ
[Pennington</a> School: Home](<a href=“http://www.pennington.org/]Pennington”>http://www.pennington.org/)</p>

<p>Proctor Academy NH
[Browser</a> Not Supported](<a href=“http://www.proctoracademy.org/]Browser”>http://www.proctoracademy.org/)
Owns a ski hill.</p>

<p>St. Andrews School DE
[St</a>. Andrew’s School: Home](<a href=“http://www.standrews-de.org/]St”>http://www.standrews-de.org/)</p>

<p>St. George’s School RI
[ST</a>. GEORGE’S](<a href=“http://www.stgeorges.edu/]ST”>http://www.stgeorges.edu/)
Newport, Rhode Island</p>

<p>St. Marks School MA
[St</a>. Mark’s School: Home](<a href=“http://www.stmarksschool.org/]St”>http://www.stmarksschool.org/)
Southborough</p>

<p>Salem Academy NC
[Home :: Salem Academy

[/url</a>]
If you couldn’t tell, I’ve spend the last four years here and would be more than happy to answer any questions anyone might have… don’t know how it compares to the more well-known or larger schools out there but I know Salem provides an incredible education and a supportive community of girls who I don’t doubt will remain among my closest life-long friends, and though it’s been a lot of work, I don’t think I’d trade it for anything. (See Post 94 on this thread for Teensyalmond’s review)</p>

<p>Sewickley Academy PA
[url=&lt;a href=“http://www.sewickley.org/]Pittsburgh”&gt;http://www.sewickley.org/]Pittsburgh</a> Private School | PA Independent School | Sewickley Academy](<a href=“http://www.salemacademy.com/page.cfm][img]http://www.salemacademy.com/page.cfm[/img][/url”>Home :: Salem Academy)
PK - 12</p>

<p>Shadyside Academy PA
[Shady</a> Side Academy](<a href=“http://www.shadysideacademy.org/]Shady”>http://www.shadysideacademy.org/)
PK-12</p>

<p>Solebury School PA
[Solebury</a> School: Home](<a href=“http://www.solebury.org/]Solebury”>http://www.solebury.org/)
7-12
A small, quirky, homey progressive school for self-directed kids who are interested in social justice. Although it doesn’t have the fanciest facilities, there has been recent construction to update and improve the campus, and many of the teachers have been there for a long time. A true hidden gem, the school’s theater teacher used to be the head of theater at NYU and Lakers center Andrew Bynum also attended the school.</p>

<p>Stevenson School in Pebble Beach CA
[Stevenson</a> School | Exceptional Private Day and Boarding School on the Monterey, CA Peninsula](<a href=“http://www.stevensonschool.org%5DStevenson”>http://www.stevensonschool.org)</p>

<p>Suffield Academy CT
[Browser</a> Not Supported](<a href=“http://www.suffieldacademy.org/default.aspx]Browser”>http://www.suffieldacademy.org/default.aspx)</p>

<p>Tabor Academy MA
[Browser</a> Not Supported](<a href=“http://www.taboracademy.org/]Browser”>http://www.taboracademy.org/)
Gorgeous campus, right on the water. Outstanding marine biology program. </p>

<p>Taft School CT
[The</a> Taft School](<a href=“http://www.taftschool.org/]The”>http://www.taftschool.org/)
Medium sized, academically competitive school. Long term headmasters (i.e. low turnover) Good financial stewardship (according to charity navigator) and healthy endowment. Good FA consideration for middle class families. Consortium school for SYA. State of the Arts gym, science and math facilities. Large library. Strong Arts program (dance, visual arts, performance arts, digital/video). Routinely schedules travel for students (and parents) out of the country. In the last year, took 35 students to South Africa, 70 students (dance, jazz and chamber music) to the Czech Republic. Choir touring Italy over the summer, Video student travel world to shoot independent film each summer. Best asset - every parent and student is a name not a number. Every staff member knows every student and no one gets “lost in the system.” When you call for information, you’re treated like one of the “family” (not a donor). Proactive with student intervention. IS NOT a sink or swim school. Lives up to its reputation “Taft takes care of its own.”</p>

<p>Thacher School CA
[Browser</a> Not Supported](<a href=“http://www.thacher.org/]Browser”>http://www.thacher.org/)
ThacherParent
240 students, especially close, happy & healthy community, school code is “lived” everywhere and everyday: Honor, Fairness, Kindness & Truth // a culture and love of learning with outstanding professors (70% + with advanced degrees) and incredibly close student-faculty relationships // unique and celebrated connection between the classroom and the natural world including the horse program (the only one of its kind in the U.S.), extended camping trips, adventuring of all sorts // fantastic, inclusive sports with routine regional and state achievement and huge emphasis on sportsmanship // stunning 400+ acre, southern California campus in Ojai, CA (photographed to represent Shangri-La in the 1939 movie, The Lost Horizon) at the base of the Topa Topa mountains, nestled among orange and avocado groves, the smells of chaparral, orange blossoms, lemon, lavender and sage, stunning views, exceptional weather // top-notch college admissions (Ivy + LAC + Stanford/MIT + other great schools), admission rate <20%, highest yield of any boarding school or college in the U.S. 80% - 83%.</p>

<p>Trinity-Pawling School NY
[Trinity</a> Pawling](<a href=“http://www.trinitypawling.org/]Trinity”>http://www.trinitypawling.org/)
Pawling, NY
Traditional Boys school known for athletics and program for students with learning disabilities. What’s less known is that the school limits the number of LD students to no more than 20% of the school population. Students run the gamut of academic ability; some go on to top LACs and occasionally the Ivies, some head for vocational training. Strong sense of school spirit, beautiful campus.</p>

<p>United World Colleges International
[UWC</a> | UWC](<a href=“http://www.uwc.org/]UWC”>http://www.uwc.org/)
International collection of very hidden gems. Only one of them is in the US, but all of them are multinational. UWC - UWC-USA | UWC. At Brown University there a lot of students who went to these high schools, (who are fiercely loyal to the schools). In part there are a lot of students at Brown from UWC because they are very well prepared, and in part because there apparently are some form of full scholarships to Brown for UWC grads who are qualified. </p>

<p>Western Reserve Academy OH
[Western</a> Reserve Academy](<a href=“http://www.wra.net/]Western”>http://www.wra.net/)
Great school in Hudson, OH. It is between Akron and Cleveland. Beautiful town. Campus looks like small college.From its Website: Founded in 1826 as a preparatory school for Western Reserve College, Western Reserve Academy is one of the oldest boarding schools in the nation and the premier school of its kind in the Midwest. WRA offers a challenging curriculum that prepares our 390 students for future academic success - and for leading purposeful, fulfilling lives. Attending WRA is a transformational experience, where students learn to strive for excellence, live with integrity and act with compassion.
Westminster School CT</p>

<p>Westover School CT
[Westover</a> School](<a href=“StackPath”>http://www.westoverschool.org/)
All girls prestigous boarding school in Central-West CT. WISE (Women in Science and Engineering) Program and strong Dance/Arts (Manhattan School of Arts Program).
Beautiful Campus, Strong endowment. Excellent Integration of Day students and warm environment for 200 girls</p>

<p>Williston Northampton School MA
[The</a> Williston Northampton School](<a href=“http://www.williston.com/]The”>http://www.williston.com/)
Easthampton, MA
Like a college campus, virtually adjacent to the small town of Easthampton.</p>

<p>Worcester Academy MA
[Browser</a> Not Supported](<a href=“http://www.worcesteracademy.org/default.aspx]Browser”>http://www.worcesteracademy.org/default.aspx)
6-12
Worcester, MA is a day/boarding school, very unique urban setting, diverse student body, excellent sports,arts, fabulous leadership and extracurricular ops. Its We the People team has won state competition two years in row and they are off to nationals. Its Math team has won state comp 5 of 6 yrs in row and are going for 7th. Great place for all kinds of kids.
Unique boarding and day school in Central Mass. Check it out! Rigorous academics, long tradition of athletics, wonderful arts programs. Warm, welcoming, diverse community.</p>

<p>Wyoming Seminary
[Wyoming</a> Seminary College Preparatory School](<a href=“http://www.wyomingseminary.org/]Wyoming”>http://www.wyomingseminary.org/)
Preschool to 12
My son is attending Wyoming Seminary in September. He received a tuition scholarship to attend.
Seminary is located in Kingston, Pa and is a small boarding program of 200 students+day= 400 students. Traditional program, very old school. Strong in athletics (football, ice hockey, women’s field hockey, lacrosse). Also very strong program in theatre arts with new arts building under construction. 20% international students.</p>

<p>School nickname is “Sem”</p>

<p>N.B.: Schools with a ** are day schools.</p>

100

<p>I randomly came across this thread and would like to highly recommend Mercersburg Academy. They actually used to say they were “Pennsylvania’s best kept secret” ;)</p>

<p>I attended Mercersburg as a legacy student (my father also attended) and so did my younger brother. In addition to all the information you will find on its website ([Browser</a> Not Supported](<a href=“http://www.mercersburg.edu%5DBrowser”>http://www.mercersburg.edu)), you should know that Mercersburg has a beautiful campus! They just renovated the arts center in 2004 and the new gym in 2010. If you are interested in athletics they have had a strong swimming program that has even produced a few Olympians over the years. We compete against Hill, Hun, Peddie, and Lawrenceville so I also go the chance to those campuses. In my opinion I always though Lawrenceville was a very good school but it is also about double the size of Mercersburg. I also appreciated that they can develop you as an athlete who is trying a sport for the first time, as I did with Squash.</p>

<p>Academically, again they are very strong and competitive but what was more important to me was the inclusive learning environment. I was able to learn from both my teachers and fellow students… students that came from all over the country AND the world!</p>

<p>Another aspect of the Mercersburg community that I have witnesses in alumni years later, is its emphasis on service and helping others. The alumni network is incredibly strong and helped me through my initial job search as well as service projects and just finding a familiar face in unfamiliar cities.</p>

<p>Hope this helps and feel free to message me with any questions. Best of luck!</p>

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