20 Best Private High Schools in the U.S. for 2025–26

Choosing the right private high school can shape a student’s academic journey, college opportunities, and personal growth. This guide profiles 20 of the top U.S. private high schools for 2025–26, with key details on tuition, enrollment, deadlines, and standout Ivy+ college placement records— you find the best fit for your child’s future.

Schools covered in this article:

School	Location	Grades	Enrollment	Tuition (2025–26)
Groton School	Groton, MA	8–12	385	$61,810 (boarding); $48,135 (day)
Phillips Academy Andover	Andover, MA	9–12	1,165	$76,731 (boarding); $59,478 (day)
Phillips Exeter Academy	Exeter, NH	9–12	1,106	$69,537 (boarding); $54,312 (day)
Choate Rosemary Hall	Wallingford, CT	9–12	867	$72,420 (boarding); $55,990 (day)
Commonwealth School	Boston, MA	9–12	157	$60,075
The Hotchkiss School	Lakeville, CT	9–12	615	$75,790 (boarding); $64,420 (day)
The College Preparatory School	Oakland, CA	9–12	370	$60,050
Riverdale Country School	Bronx, NY	Pre-K–12 (Upper 9–12)	1,300	$59,412
St. Paul’s School	Concord, NH	9–12	540	$71,800
Stanford Online High School	Redwood City, CA (online)	7–12	1,034	$30,970 (full-time)
Harvard-Westlake School	Los Angeles, CA	7–12	1,620	$52,500
The Pingry School	Basking Ridge, NJ	K–12	~1,200	$54,795 (Upper School)
The Brearley School	New York, NY	K–12 (Girls)	786	$66,800
The Nueva School	Hillsborough, CA	Pre-K–12 (Upper 9–12)	967	$62,560
St. John’s School	Houston, TX	K–12	1,422	$37,050 (Upper)
The Lawrenceville School	Lawrenceville, NJ	9–12	~815	$80,690 (boarding); $66,400 (day)
Regis High School	New York, NY	9–12 (Boys)	532	$0 (tuition-free)
The Chapin School	New York, NY	K–12 (Girls)	810	$68,250
Dwight Global Online School	Online	6–12	318 (Upper)	$42,750 (full-time HS)
The Bishop’s School	La Jolla, CA	6–12	800	$49,600 (incl. lunch)

1. Groton School — Groton, MA

Small, selective boarding/day school with strong Ivy+ outcomes, including 49 matriculants to UChicago from 2021–2025.

• Grades: 8–12
• Enrollment: 385 (86% boarding, 14% day)
• Application deadline: January 2026
• Tuition (2025–26): $61,810 (boarding); $48,135 (day)
• Average class size: 11
• Average GPA: —
• SAT/ACT (avg): 1500 SAT; 34 ACT
• AP/Advanced: AP pass rate listed 96%.
• Matriculation (Ivy+): (2021–2025)Strong Ivy+ results, with 10+ matriculants each to Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Penn, Dartmouth, Brown, Columbia, and Stanford, plus 49 to UChicago.

To learn more information: Fast Facts

Recommended Reading: 5 Big Findings About 10 Top Private High Schools

2. Phillips Academy Andover — Andover, MA

Historic boarding/day academy with ~17.6% of the Class of 2024 heading to Ivies and top universities like UChicago and MIT.

• Grades: 9–12
• Enrollment: 1,165 (75% boarding, 25% day)
• Application deadline: February 1, 2026
• Tuition (2025–26): $76,731 (boarding); $59,478 (day)
• Average class size: 13
• Average GPA: —
• SAT/ACT (mid‑50%): 1370–1550 SAT; 29–34 ACT
• AP/Advanced: School does not offer AP courses; students may sit AP exams independently.
• Matriculation (Ivy+): Class of 2024: ~17.6% to Ivies, with notable matriculations to Columbia (10), Cornell (14), Harvard (9), Princeton (6), and Yale (6), alongside strong representation at top universities such as UChicago and MIT.
• Sport teams: 70+

To learn more information: School profile

Recommended Reading: Phillips Academy Andover Vs. Groton School

3. Phillips Exeter Academy — Exeter, NH

Harkness-based boarding/day school sending 10+ grads to each Ivy between 2022–2024, plus MIT, Stanford, and UChicago.

• Grades: 9–12
• Enrollment: 1,106
• Application deadline: January 15, 2026
• Tuition (2025–26): $69,537 (boarding); $54,312 (day)
• Average class size: 12
• Average GPA: —
• AP/Advanced: School does not offer AP courses; students may sit AP exams independently.
• SAT/ACT (mid‑50%): 1370–1550 SAT; 29–34 ACT
• Matriculation (Ivy+): 2022–2024: ~10+ to each Ivy; also Harvard, Princeton, Yale, MIT, Stanford, Columbia, Cornell, Penn, UChicago, etc.

To learn more information: School profile

Recommended Reading: Philips Andover vs. Philips Exeter

4. Choate Rosemary Hall — Wallingford, CT

Prestigious boarding/day school with 15+ graduates to each Ivy from 2020–2024, alongside other top-tier destinations.

• Grades: 9–12
• Enrollment: 867 (75% boarding, 25% day)
• Application deadline: January 15, 2026 (decisions March 10)
• Tuition (2025–26): $72,420 (boarding); $55,990 (day)
• Average class size: 12
• Average GPA: mid‑3.75–3.99 (unweighted)
• AP/Advanced: School does not offer AP courses; students may sit AP exams independently. AP pass rate listed 94%.
• SAT/ACT (avg): 1412 SAT; 30 ACT
• Matriculation (Ivy+): 2020–2024: 15+ to each Ivy; also UChicago, etc.

To learn more information: School profile

5. Commonwealth School — Boston, MA

Small Boston day school with a perfect four-year college matriculation rate and strong Ivy+ placements despite its size.

• Grades: 9–12
• Enrollment: 157
• Application deadline: February 1, 2026 (final docs due February 15)
• Tuition (2025–26): $60,075
• Average class size: 12
• Four‑year matriculation: 100%
• Average GPA: —
• AP/Advanced: AP pass rate 95% (2023)
• SAT/ACT (avg): 1520 SAT (2023)
• Matriculation (Ivy+): Small cohort; 2019–2023 cumulative: 5+ to each Ivy/top‑tier like Harvard, Columbia, UChicago; 1–4 to Princeton, MIT, Yale, Penn, Cornell.

To learn more information:

• Fast Facts
• School Profile

6. The Hotchkiss School — Lakeville, CT

Top boarding/day school with 10+ Ivy admits annually, plus strong UChicago and Stanford representation.

• Grades: 9–12
• Enrollment: 615
• Application deadline: January 15, 2026 (decisions March 10)
• Tuition (2025–26): $75,790 (boarding); $64,420 (day)
• Average class size: —
• Graduation rate: —
• Average GPA: —
• SAT/ACT (avg): 1421 SAT; 33 ACT
• AP/Advanced: Does not offer AP courses.
• Matriculation (Ivy+): From 2021–2024, 10+ to Ivy and top-tier schools like Princeton, Harvard, Cornell, Columbia, Yale and Uchicago.

To learn more information: School Profile

7. The College Preparatory School — Oakland, CA

Leading Bay Area day school with notable placements at Stanford, Columbia, UChicago, and UC Berkeley.

• Grades: 9–12
• Enrollment: 370
• Application deadline: January 8, 2026 (docs due February 1; decisions March 20)
• Tuition (2025–26): $60,050
• Average class size: 14
• Graduation rate: —
• Average GPA: —
• SAT/ACT (avg): 1462 SAT; 33 ACT
• Matriculation (Ivy+): 10+ over 5 years to Stanford, Columbia, UChicago, WashU, UC Berkeley, Northwestern.

To learn more information: Fast Facts

8. Riverdale Country School — Bronx, NY

Elite NYC day school sending 10+ grads in 5 years to Ivies, Stanford, and other Ivy+ universities.

• Grades: Pre‑K–12 (Upper School 9–12)
• Enrollment: 1,300
• Application deadline: November 15, 2025 (final docs due January 8, 2026)
• Tuition (2025–26): $59,412
• Average class size: 15–16
• Graduation rate: —
• Average GPA: —
• SAT/ACT: —
• Matriculation (Ivy+): 10+ (past 5 years) to Brown, Cornell, Duke, Harvard, Stanford, UChicago, Penn, Princeton, Yale.

9. St. Paul’s School — Concord, NH

99% four-year college matriculation rate, with consistent Ivy+ placements including Harvard, Columbia, and Yale.

• Grades: 9–12
• Enrollment: 540
• Application deadline: January 15, 2026 (decisions March 10)
• Tuition (2025–26): $71,800
• Average class size: 10
• Graduation rate: 99% matriculate to 4‑year colleges/universities
• Average GPA: —
• SAT/ACT: —
• Matriculation (Ivy+): (2021–2024) 10+ to Brown, Columbia, Harvard, UChicago, and Yale.

To learn more information: School Profile

10. Stanford Online High School — Redwood City, CA (online)

Selective online school with strong Ivy+ outcomes, including Princeton, Harvard, MIT, and Stanford.

• Grades: 7–12
• Enrollment: 1,034
• Application deadline: January 9, 2026
• Tuition (2025–26): $30,970
• Average class size: 12
• Graduation rate: —
• Average GPA: —
• SAT/ACT (avg, 2023): 1502 SAT; 35 ACT
• Matriculation (Ivy+): Strong outcomes to Princeton, Harvard, MIT, Cornell, Columbia, Stanford, Penn, UChicago.

To learn more information: School Profile

11. Harvard-Westlake School

LA’s premier day school with ~20% Ivy matriculation and top-tier arts, athletics, and academics.

• Grades: 7–12
• Enrollment: 1,620
• Application deadline: January 16, 2026 (interview guarantee by Nov 14; decisions March 13)
• Tuition (2025–26): $52,500
• Average class size: 16
• Graduation rate: 100%
• Average GPA (median, weighted): 3.8–3.99
• SAT/ACT (avg): 1463 SAT; 33 ACT
• Matriculation (Ivy+): ~20% to Ivies; 2020–2024 saw 10+ to each Ivy and top‑tier (Princeton, Harvard, Stanford, Cornell, Columbia, Yale, Penn, UChicago).
• Sports teams: 90

To learn more information:

• Fast Facts
• School Profile

12. The Pingry School — Basking Ridge, NJ

K–12 day school with 14.7% Ivy matriculation for the Class of 2024 and multiple admits to Brown, Columbia, and Yale.

• Grades: K–12
• Enrollment: ~1,200
• Application deadlines:
  • Nov 7 (EA for 9th; decisions Dec 11)
  • Dec 15, 2025 (Regular 9th; decisions Feb 19)
• Tuition (Upper School, 2025–26): $54,795
• Average class size: 14
• Graduation rate: 100% to four‑year colleges/universities
• Average GPA: —
• SAT/ACT: 1320–1450 (Mid 50%) SAT; 28–34 (Mid 50%) ACT
• Matriculation (Ivy+): Class of 2024: 14.7% Ivy; multiple to Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Harvard, Princeton, Yale.

To learn more information:

• Fast Facts
• School Profile

13. The Brearley School – All girls — New York, NY

All-girls NYC school with exceptional Ivy+ placement, including 25 to Harvard and 21 to Columbia (2021–2025).

• Grades: K–12
• Enrollment: 786
• Application deadlines: Part 1 due Dec 1, 2025; Part 2 due Jan 8; decisions Feb 13, 2026
• Tuition (2025–26): $66,800
• Average class size: —
• Graduation rate: —
• Average GPA: —
• SAT/ACT: —
• Matriculation (Ivy+): 2021–2025 top matriculations—Harvard 25, Columbia 21, Cornell 20, Yale 18, Penn 15, Brown 10, Princeton 10.

To learn more information: Fast Facts

14. The Nueva School — Hillsborough, CA 94010

Gifted-education day school with 10+ admits to Ivies and Stanford, MIT, and UChicago since 2020.

• Grades: Pre-K–12 (Upper: 9–12)
• 2025 Total Student Number: 967 (450 upper)
• Application Deadline: Nomver 3, 2025 Guarantee Deadlind (all docs due on January 8, 2026)
• Tuition:$ 62,560
• Average Class Size: 16
• Graduation Rate: 100% to four-year colleges
• Average GPA: —
• Average SAT/ACT: 1510 SAT, 33 ACT
• Matriculation of Ivy League/Ivy-plus: From 2020–2023, 10+ to Ivy and top-tier schools like Princeton, Harvard, Stanford, Cornell, Columbia, Penn, and Uchicago.

To learn more information:

• Fast Facts
• Most recent school profile

15. St. John’s School — Houston, TX 77019

Houston’s leading private school with 10+ Ivy+ admits annually, including Yale, Cornell, and Duke.

• Grades: K–12
• Enrollment: 1,422 (707 upper)
• Application Deadline: December 5, 2025 (Upper)
• Tuition: $37,050 (Upper)
• Average Class Size: ~15
• Graduation Rate: 100%
• Average GPA: —
• AP Pass Rate: 99%
• SAT/ACT: 1480 SAT (Median), 34 ACT (Median)
• Matriculation of Ivy League/Ivy-plus: From 2020–2024, 10+ to Ivy and top-tier schools like Yale, Cornell, Uchicago Duke, and Brown.

To learn more information:

• Fast Facts
• School Profile

16. The Lawrenceville School — Lawrenceville, NJ

Boarding/day school with 20+ matriculants to Cornell, Penn, and Princeton over the past 5 years.

• Grades: 9–12, co-ed boarding & day (~815 total; 70% boarding, 30% day)
• Enrollment: ~815
• Application Deadline: January 15, 2026
• Tuition (2025–26): $80,690 (boarding); $66,400 (day)
• Average Class Size: —
• GPA/SAT/ACT: —
• AP Pass Rate: — (Lawrenceville uses Harkness table method; not AP-focused)
• Matriculation (Ivy+): (Past 5 years) Ivy+ heavy, with 20+ to Cornell, Penn, Georgetown, Princeton, Harvard, Brown, Duke, Columbia, and Northwestern, plus strong numbers to Stanford, UChicago, MIT, and top liberal arts colleges.

17. Regis High School — New York, NY

Tuition-free Jesuit boys’ school with ~20% Ivy matriculation and 100% four-year college acceptance.

• Grades: 9–12, all-boys, Jesuit day school (~532 total)
• Enrollment: 532
• Application Deadline: November 3, 2025
• Tuition (2025–26): $0 (100% tuition-free for all students)
• Average Class Size: —
• GPA: 3.70—3.79 (Median)
• Average SAT/ACT: 1430—1530 (Mid 50%) SAT, 33—35 (Mid 50%) ACT
• AP Pass Rate: 96%
• Matriculation (Ivy+): (2021–2024) Strong Ivy+ results, with notable matriculations to Cornell (24), Columbia (9), Dartmouth (6), Harvard (6), Princeton (11), Yale (7), Stanford (9), UChicago (10), and Georgetown (9), alongside leading liberal arts colleges.

To learn more information: School Profile

18. The Chapin School — New York, NY

All-girls day school with strong Ivy+ representation, including 21 to Cornell and 13 to Penn (2021–2025).

• Grades: K–12, all-girls day school (~802 total; ~265 Upper School)
• Enrollment: 810 total
• Application Deadline: December 1, 2025 (all grades)
• Tuition (2025–26): $68,250
• Student-to-teacher: 6:1
• Average GPA: —
• SAT/ACT: —
• AP Pass Rate: —
• Matriculation (Ivy+): (2021–2025) Strong Ivy+ presence with top matriculations to Cornell (21), Penn (13), Yale (13), UChicago (8), Harvard (7), Princeton (6), Columbia (6), Stanford (5), plus notable numbers to Northwestern, MIT, and leading liberal arts colleges.

To learn more information: Most recent school profile

19. Dwight Global Online School — Online

Online IB and AP program with Ivy+ acceptances to Harvard, Princeton, Yale, and Stanford.

• Grades: 6–12, co-ed online (~students worldwide; number not published)
• Enrollment: 318 (upper)
• Application Deadline: Rolling admissions, first round usually ends in January
• Tuition (2025–26): $42,750 (full-time high school)
• Average Class Size: 6
• Average GPA: —
• SAT/ACT: Avg SAT ~1420
• AP Pass Rate: 33% scoring a 5
• IB Pass Rate: 87%
• Matriculation (Ivy+): (Class of 2024) Broad U.S. and international placements, including Ivy+ schools like Cornell, Columbia, Duke, Emory, Harvard, Princeton, and Yale, plus UC Berkeley, UCLA, USC, Michigan, and leading global universities.

To learn more information: School profile

20. The Bishop’s School — La Jolla, CA

La Jolla day school with ~9.3% Ivy matriculation for 2024 and strong STEM and liberal arts pathways.

• Grades: 6–12, co-ed day
• Enrollment: 800
• Application Deadline: February 1, 2026
• Tuition (2025–26): $49,600 (includes lunch)
• Average Class Size: 14—16
• Average GPA: 3.70—4.32 (Mid 50%)
• SAT/ACT: 1360—1550 (Mid 50%) SAT, 33—35 (Mid 50%) ACT
• AP Pass Rate: —
• Matriculation (Ivy+): Class of 2024 with 9.3% to Ivies, with 2021–2024 totals exceeding 10 matriculants each to Harvard, Stanford, MIT, UCB, UChicago and other top-tier universities.

To learn more information: School profile

These 20 high schools represent the pinnacle of U.S. private education, offering not only exceptional academics but also direct pathways to the nation’s most selective colleges. Whether you’re seeking a traditional boarding experience, a dynamic urban campus, or the flexibility of an elite online program, the right choice will align with your child’s learning style, ambitions, and future goals. By considering factors like tuition, application timelines, and college placement records, families can make confident, informed decisions that maximize opportunities beyond high school.

FAQ for Private High Schools

Q1. What defines a top U.S. private high school?
Top schools pair rigorous academics with selective admissions and outstanding college outcomes—often sending 10–20% of graduates to Ivy and other Ivy-plus universities (e.g., Stanford, MIT, UChicago). They feature small classes, high test scores, nearly 100% four-year college matriculation, and distinctive models like Harkness, AP/IB, or specialized STEM/arts tracks.

Q2. How much does tuition cost at leading private high schools?
Tuition ranges from ~$30,000 for some day programs to $80,000+ for elite boarding schools. Many offer robust financial aid.

Q3. What class sizes can families expect?
Typical class sizes are 10–16 students, supporting discussion-based learning and close faculty mentorship.

Q4. Do graduates from these schools get into Ivy+ colleges?
Yes. Profiles in this guide show consistent Ivy+ placement—often double-digit matriculations to Ivies and top universities such as Stanford, MIT, and UChicago.

Q5. Do all top schools offer AP or IB?
Not always. Some schools don’t offer AP courses but allow students to sit AP exams independently; others run AP/IB or their own advanced curricula.

Q6. What’s the difference between boarding and day programs?
Boarding schools provide residential communities with higher tuition; day schools serve local families. This guide covers both, noting enrollment mix (e.g., 70–86% boarding at some schools).

Q7. Are there tuition-free or lower-cost options among top schools?
Yes. Regis High School is featured as tuition-free; several selective day schools also have lower tuition than boarding programs.

Q8. Are online private high schools included?
Yes. Stanford Online High School and Dwight Global Online School appear with competitive outcomes, small classes, and AP/IB access.

Q9. When are application deadlines?
Deadlines vary by school, generally from early November to February (with decisions often in March). Each profile lists its specific 2025–26 timeline.

Q10. What standardized test scores are typical?
Many profiled schools report average or mid-50% SAT around 1370–1550 and ACT around 29–35, reflecting highly prepared cohorts.

Q11. What non-academic opportunities do these schools offer?
Programs commonly include robust arts and athletics, with some schools listing 70–90+ teams and extensive extracurriculars.

Q12. How can families choose the best fit?
Match your goals to each school’s academics, outcomes, class size, boarding/day model, location, costs/aid, and signature programs (e.g., Harkness, STEM, arts). Use the school profiles’ tuition, deadlines, and matriculation data to compare.

Next Steps: Plan Academics for Private High School Admissions

For private school applications, academic performance is a core evaluation metric. To understand what top private high schools expect, start with these two in-depth guides:

• All-in-One Guide: How to Get Into a Private High School
• ISEE vs SSAT: Complete Guide for Private School Admissions

Why Accelerated Math Matters for Private High Schools

One of the most important academic differentiators for competitive private high schools is placement on an accelerated math track. Compared with public schools, academic private schools typically move faster and expect students to reach advanced math earlier.

The comparison below shows how math progression often differs by grade and how math competitions align with each stage.

Grade	Public School Curriculum	Academic Private School Curriculum	Recommended Math Competitions
G6	Pre-Algebra (starting)	Pre-Algebra / Algebra 1	AMC 8 / AMC 10
G7	Math 7 (Pre-Algebra)	Algebra 1 / Geometry	AMC 8 / AMC 10
G8	Math 8 (Pre-Algebra)	Geometry / Algebra 2	AMC 8 / AMC 10 / AIME
G9	Algebra 1	Algebra 2 / Pre-Calculus	AMC 10 / AIME
G10	Geometry / Algebra 2	Pre-Calculus / Calculus AB / SAT Math	AMC 10 / AIME / USA(J)MO
G11	Algebra 2 / Pre-Calc / SAT	Calculus BC / Stats / SAT Math	AMC 12 / AIME / USAMO
G12	Calculus / Stats	Multivariable Calculus / Stats	AMC 12 / USAMO

Not Sure If You’re on the Right Track?

If you’re planning for private school admissions but unsure whether your current math placement and pacing are competitive, a Think Academy Free Math Evaluation can help.

You’ll receive:

• a diagnostic assessment of your current level
• clear feedback on acceleration readiness
• a personalized 1-on-1 learning path aligned with private school expectations

Prefer to Start with Practice?

If you’d like to assess and strengthen fundamentals independently, access Think Academy’s free math worksheets for PreK through Grade 10. Worksheets are organized by grade and topic to help identify gaps and build confidence.

About Think Academy

Navigate your child’s educational journey with expert guidance from Think Academy, part of TAL Education Group. We provide valuable educational research and insightful analyses to help parents and students strategically plan for long-term academic growth in K–12 education. Trust Think Academy for authoritative information and resources to ensure informed decisions and successful educational outcomes.

Check our math programs:

• Early Childhood — PreK
• Lower Elementary — Grades K–2
• Upper Elementary — Grades 3–5
• Middle School — Grade 6–10

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*Ranking data sourced from Niche.com. School information compiled from official school websites and publicly available profiles.