Sam SmithWhen discussing “prep schools” in the United States, we’re referring to private, college‑preparatory boarding and day schools that combine rigorous academics with holistic development. Many of these institutions have long histories, substantial endowments, and reputations for sending graduates to top colleges. While there is no single definitive ranking, certain schools are consistently recognized for their academic rigor, selectivity, facilities, and prestige. This guide highlights 50 of the most widely regarded prep schools, grouped by type and reputation, to help families navigate their options.
Top 50 Prep Schools In The US
1. Phillips Academy (Andover)
Founded in 1778, Andover is one of the oldest and most prestigious boarding schools in the U.S. Known for rigorous academics, a diverse student body, and a strong commitment to global citizenship, it offers extensive AP and advanced courses. Its facilities include world-class libraries, arts centers, and athletic complexes. Andover emphasizes leadership, service, and intellectual curiosity, consistently sending graduates to top universities worldwide. Its large endowment supports generous financial aid, making it accessible to talented students from all backgrounds.
2. Phillips Exeter Academy
Established in 1781, Exeter is renowned for its Harkness teaching method, which emphasizes discussion-based learning around an oval table. The school fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and intellectual independence. With a broad curriculum, strong arts and athletics, and a commitment to diversity, Exeter prepares students for success at elite universities. Its extensive endowment supports need-blind admissions and robust financial aid. Exeter’s culture of inquiry and leadership development makes it one of the most respected prep schools in the nation.
3. Groton School
Founded in 1884, Groton is a small, highly selective boarding school known for its intimate community and rigorous academics. With a strong emphasis on character, service, and leadership, Groton prepares students for both intellectual and moral growth. Its historic campus fosters tradition while offering modern facilities in science, arts, and athletics. Graduates often matriculate to Ivy League and top liberal arts colleges. Groton’s commitment to financial aid ensures accessibility, while its close-knit environment nurtures lifelong friendships and mentorship.
4. St. Paul’s School
Located in Concord, New Hampshire, St. Paul’s is a fully residential boarding school founded in 1856. Known for its rigorous academics, strong arts programs, and competitive athletics, it emphasizes holistic development. The school’s large campus includes lakes, forests, and modern facilities, fostering both scholarship and outdoor exploration. St. Paul’s graduates consistently attend top universities. Its Episcopal heritage informs values of service and integrity, while its commitment to diversity and financial aid makes it accessible to talented students nationwide.
5. Deerfield Academy
Founded in 1797, Deerfield Academy blends tradition with innovation, offering rigorous academics and a strong emphasis on character development. Its rural Massachusetts campus provides a picturesque setting for learning and community life. Deerfield is known for its strong athletics, arts, and leadership programs, preparing students for success at top colleges. With a supportive faculty and small class sizes, students receive personalized attention. Deerfield’s generous financial aid and commitment to diversity ensure accessibility, while its alumni network remains influential worldwide.
6. The Lawrenceville School
Established in 1810, Lawrenceville is a prestigious boarding school in New Jersey known for its House system, fostering close-knit communities within the larger school. Its curriculum emphasizes rigorous academics, leadership, and service. Lawrenceville offers strong programs in STEM, humanities, arts, and athletics, preparing students for elite universities. The school’s expansive campus includes modern facilities and historic architecture. With a commitment to financial aid and diversity, Lawrenceville nurtures intellectual curiosity and character, producing graduates who excel in varied fields.
7. The Hotchkiss School
Founded in 1891, Hotchkiss is a renowned boarding school in Connecticut known for academic excellence and global engagement. Its curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and leadership. Hotchkiss offers strong arts, athletics, and environmental programs, including a working farm and sustainability initiatives. Students benefit from small classes and close faculty mentorship. Graduates consistently attend top universities worldwide. With a commitment to diversity and financial aid, Hotchkiss fosters an inclusive community that values scholarship, service, and lifelong learning.
8. Choate Rosemary Hall
Located in Wallingford, Connecticut, Choate Rosemary Hall was founded in 1890 and is known for its rigorous academics and innovative programs. Choate emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, leadership, and creativity, offering unique opportunities in science, arts, and global studies. Its modern facilities include advanced labs, theaters, and athletic complexes. Choate graduates consistently matriculate to Ivy League and top universities. With a strong commitment to financial aid and diversity, Choate fosters an inclusive community that values scholarship, service, and innovation.
9. Middlesex School
Founded in 1901 in Concord, Massachusetts, Middlesex is a selective boarding school known for its rigorous academics and supportive community. Its curriculum emphasizes intellectual curiosity, leadership, and service. Middlesex offers strong programs in arts, athletics, and STEM, preparing students for success at top colleges. The school’s picturesque campus fosters both tradition and innovation. With small class sizes and close faculty mentorship, students receive personalized attention. Middlesex’s commitment to financial aid and diversity ensures accessibility to talented students nationwide.
10. The Thacher School
Founded in 1889 in Ojai, California, Thacher is unique among elite boarding schools for its emphasis on outdoor education and horsemanship. Students balance rigorous academics with experiential learning, including wilderness trips and horseback riding. Thacher fosters resilience, leadership, and community, preparing graduates for success at top universities. Its small size ensures close faculty-student relationships, while its commitment to financial aid supports accessibility. Thacher’s distinctive blend of tradition, adventure, and scholarship makes it one of the most respected prep schools in the West.
Top 50 Prep Schools in the United States — Table
| # | School Name | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Phillips Academy (Andover) | Andover, MA |
| 2 | Phillips Exeter Academy | Exeter, NH |
| 3 | Groton School | Groton, MA |
| 4 | St. Paul’s School | Concord, NH |
| 5 | Deerfield Academy | Deerfield, MA |
| 6 | The Lawrenceville School | Lawrenceville, NJ |
| 7 | The Hotchkiss School | Lakeville, CT |
| 8 | Choate Rosemary Hall | Wallingford, CT |
| 9 | Middlesex School | Concord, MA |
| 10 | The Thacher School | Ojai, CA |
| 11 | Milton Academy | Milton, MA |
| 12 | The Taft School | Watertown, CT |
| 13 | Loomis Chaffee School | Windsor, CT |
| 14 | Concord Academy | Concord, MA |
| 15 | Trinity School | New York, NY |
| 16 | Brearley School | New York, NY |
| 17 | Dalton School | New York, NY |
| 18 | Collegiate School | New York, NY |
| 19 | Horace Mann School | Bronx, NY |
| 20 | Spence School | New York, NY |
| 21 | Roxbury Latin School | West Roxbury, MA |
| 22 | Winsor School | Boston, MA |
| 23 | Noble and Greenough School | Dedham, MA |
| 24 | Harvard-Westlake School | Los Angeles, CA |
| 25 | University of Chicago Laboratory Schools | Chicago, IL |
| 26 | The Harker School | San Jose, CA |
| 27 | The College Preparatory School | Oakland, CA |
| 28 | Crystal Springs Uplands School | Hillsborough, CA |
| 29 | Castilleja School | Palo Alto, CA |
| 30 | Cate School | Carpinteria, CA |
| 31 | Cranbrook Schools | Bloomfield Hills, MI |
| 32 | St. Mark’s School of Texas | Dallas, TX |
| 33 | St. Andrew’s School | Middletown, DE |
| 34 | St. Albans School | Washington, D.C. |
| 35 | National Cathedral School | Washington, D.C. |
| 36 | The Webb Schools | Claremont, CA |
| 37 | Peddie School | Hightstown, NJ |
| 38 | Blair Academy | Blairstown, NJ |
| 39 | Shattuck-St. Mary’s School | Faribault, MN |
| 40 | The Hill School | Pottstown, PA |
| 41 | Stevenson School | Pebble Beach, CA |
| 42 | Santa Catalina School | Monterey, CA |
| 43 | Lake Forest Academy | Lake Forest, IL |
| 44 | Germantown Friends School | Philadelphia, PA |
| 45 | Hopkins School | New Haven, CT |
| 46 | The Bishop’s School | La Jolla, CA |
| 47 | Menlo School | Atherton, CA |
| 48 | Polytechnic School | Pasadena, CA |
| 49 | Georgetown Day School | Washington, D.C. |
| 50 | Ransom Everglades School | Miami, FL |
Closing
Ultimately, the “best” prep school is not defined by prestige alone but by how well it fits a student’s needs, personality, and aspirations. Factors such as culture, boarding versus day format, single‑sex versus coeducational environment, financial aid, and college matriculation patterns all matter. Use this list as a starting point, but explore each school’s mission, visit campuses, and talk to current students. The right choice is the one where your child will be challenged, supported, and inspired to thrive academically and personally.