Riverdale Country School, spanning 27.5 acres, is the largest high school in New York City. It has notable alumni like director Joss Whedon, actor Chevy Chase, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, and actress Sarah Michelle Geller. The tuition may seem high, but the school is recognized as the 5th best private high school in New York City and the 28th in the country. The school offers diverse programs in humanities, STEM, and the arts emphasizing community and character building.
The 2018 Private School Rankings places Riverdale Country School as the 5th best private high school in New York City and the 28th in the country. It stands out as one of the top Pre-K to Grade 12 independent schools in the city, offering a wide range of programs in humanities, STEM, and the arts with a focus on community and character building.
National Cathedral School – Yearly Tuition: $45,440
National Cathedral School is a private Episcopal day school for girls situated on the Washington National Cathedral grounds in Washington, D.C. As the oldest institution within the Protestant Episcopal Cathedral Foundation, the school focuses on empowering young women.
Due to its location in federal Washington, National Cathedral School provides students with abundant opportunities to engage with the broader world. The school’s stunning grounds showcase architecture reflecting its Episcopal roots and have produced many notable alumnae, making it an exceptional choice for those able to afford the $45,440 annual tuition.
Head-Royce School – Yearly Tuition: $45,600
Head-Royce School, a prestigious private school in Oakland, California, founded in 1887 by Anna Head, emphasizes holistic education from Kindergarten to Grade 12. The school primarily enrolls students from over 30 communities within and around the East Bay area, such as Oakland, Berkeley, Orinda, and Almeida.
Having relocated to its current site in 1964, Head-Royce School emerged from the merger of the Anna Head School for Girls and the adjacent Royce School in 1979. The annual tuition is around $45,600, and upon graduation, all students proceed to college, with many becoming finalists in the National Merit Scholarship program.
Greens Farms Academy – Yearly Tuition: $45,690
Founded in 1925, Greens Farms Academy has nurtured numerous compassionate and enterprising individuals. Initially named The Bolton School for girls, it shifted to a co-educational model in 1969, preserving its traditions. Situated on a picturesque 44-acre waterfront campus in Westport, CT, the academy boasts distinct ecosystems and architecture.
The school prides itself on maintaining small class sizes with an average ratio of 1 teacher to 15 students. Its academic curriculum incorporates student mentoring programs and Signature Programs across all grades focusing on World Perspectives, Human Ecology and Sustainability, and STEM.
Choate Rosemary Hall – Yearly Tuition: $45,710
Choate Rosemary Hall stands as a distinguished private boarding and day school located in Wallingford, Connecticut. The school accommodates 867 students with a remarkable student-teacher ratio of 7 to 1. The tuition reaches $61,760 for the highest grade offered, making Choate one of the most prestigious and oldest schools in the country, celebrated for its advanced education.
Choate Rosemary Hall endeavors to maintain its reputation for providing quality education, exceptional faculty, and a close community. The school emphasizes a blend of rigorous academics and character development, fostering an environment where students and teachers engage in meaningful learning experiences together. Sustainability is integrated into all aspects of school life, operations, and curriculum.
Hackley School – Yearly Tuition: $45,775
Hackley School, located in Tarrytown, NY, is a private preparatory school that is a member of the Ivy Preparatory School League. Established in 1899 by a generous philanthropist, Mrs. Caleb Brewster Hackley, the school transitioned to co-educational in the 1970s and now serves as a boarding and day school for students from kindergarten through grade 12.
Hackley School offers a wide range of additional courses and electives, covering subjects like Creative Writing, History of Western Theater, Marine Biology, Calculus, and more. The school imbues its identity and architecture with values of friendship, character, intellect, beauty, and enlightenment.
Commonwealth School – Yearly Tuition: $45,848
Commonwealth School, located in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts, is a private high school with around 140 students and 35 faculty members. The school stands out for its challenging academic environment within a tight-knit community. The student body reflects a diverse demographic, with 56% students of color from 42 different cities and towns.
As an institution accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commonwealth School provides students with comprehensive resources to engage in research, independent projects, and community service. The school’s curriculum emphasizes critical analysis, focused learning, meaningful discussions, and inquiry. Commonwealth boasts a 100% success rate in placing its students in their chosen colleges.
Nightingale-Bamford School – Yearly Tuition: $46,500
Nightingale-Bamford School, an independent all-female preparatory school founded in 1920 by Frances Nicolau Nightingale and Maya Stevens Bamford, was originally known as Miss Nightingale’s School and officially renamed as “The Nightingale-Bamford School” in 1929. The school offers a well-rounded liberal arts education focused on empowering young women for the contemporary world.
Nightingale-Bamford School emphasizes cultural diversity, providing an inclusive environment where students feel recognized, engaged, and respected. With a history of over 3,000 alumnae since 1920, the school, located in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, is affiliated with the New York Interschool consortium. Nightingale-Bamford maintains a small size with 560 students and a student-faculty ratio of 7:1, ensuring personalized attention with an average class size of 10 students.
Convent of the Sacred Heart – Yearly Tuition: $46,524
Established in 1881, the Convent of the Sacred Heart is the oldest private school for girls in New York City, dedicated to fostering intellectual values, social awareness, faith, community, and personal growth in its students. Initially located in a Manhattan brownstone on Madison Avenue at East 54th Street, the school continues to uphold its founding principles.
In the 1940s, the school obtained the Burden mansion located next door. Their campus is equipped with science labs, gymnasiums, and photography darkroom studios. The Convent of the Sacred Heart offers various clubs and activities such as Habitat for Humanity International, Amnesty International, student council, and forensics.
Founded in 1793 in Groton, Massachusetts, Lawrence Academy claims to be the third oldest boarding school in the United States. Every year, 400 students in grades 9 through 12 enroll in the school’s college preparatory curriculum. With an average class size of 14, Lawrence Academy maintains a student-to-teacher ratio of 5:1.
The Cambridge School of Weston, established in 1886, is a co-ed high school focused on critical thought, hands-on experiential learning, and deep academic inquiry. The school year is divided into seven five-week modules. The school emphasizes experiential learning, community involvement, and a low student-to-teacher ratio.
The Berkshire School, with a 400-acre campus in the Berkshires, offers state-of-the-art academic, artistic, and athletic facilities. Berkshire School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools out of 304 schools. The school provides a comprehensive education with extracurricular activities, community events, unique traditions, and a rich classroom experience.
Middlesex School, founded in Concord, Massachusetts, as a coeducational, non-sectarian, day and boarding independent secondary school, stresses a close-knit community. Notable alumni include actor Steve Carell, former New Mexico Governor and Presidential candidate Bill Richardson, and Instagram co-founder Kevin Systrom.
Horace Mann School, established in 1887, was named after Horace Mann, a renowned educationist, lawyer, and member of the House of Representatives. It was ranked the second-best preparatory school in the country in 2010.Horace Mann School, founded in Massachusetts, was built on the belief that everyone deserves a public education, regardless of their background. This founding principle still shapes the school’s mission today. Notable alumni include former U.S. Attorney General Willam Barr, Washington Post writer Marc Fisher, and former New York Governor Elliot Spitzer.
It’s interesting to note that Horace Mann School is one of the founding members of the Ivy Preparatory School Athletic League. Since its establishment in 1946, the school’s teams have claimed an impressive 214 league championships and 25 state championships. The school emphasizes both academic and athletic growth, aiming to foster a strong sense of purpose in every student.
Trinity School, with a yearly tuition of $49,795, is a prestigious private co-ed day school located in New York City. Established in 1709, it is the fifth oldest continuously running school in the U.S. The school’s original mission was to provide education that connects students to the city’s needs, offering a unique opportunity for global citizenship. Notable alumni include journalist David Faber, tennis players John and Patrick McEnroe, composer Charles Wuorinen, and Facebook CFO David Ebersman.
The Rivers School, with a yearly tuition of $51,400, believes in nurturing students’ potential through an innovative curriculum, encouraging risk-taking, and fostering a sense of value and appreciation. Established in 1915, the school boasts an exceptional faculty and a campus that spans over 12 acres, featuring state-of-the-art athletic facilities.
The Lawrenceville School, with a yearly tuition of $51,440, is a renowned private boarding school in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. With a history spanning over 200 years, the school embodies long-standing traditions and academic excellence. The school offers a robust arts and sports program, with a focus on individualized attention due to its low student-to-teacher ratio of seven to one.
Concord Academy, established in 1922 in Concord, Massachusetts, offers a diverse and inclusive environment for students in grades nine through twelve. With a yearly tuition of $51,455, the school prides itself on dedicated teachers who support students in various disciplines, including science, arts, and humanities.Milton Academy – $51,460 Yearly Tuition
Milton Academy is a highly selective school, coeducational, preparatory school located in Milton, Massachusetts. Boarding is offered from 9th grade. Historically, Milton Academy has remained the unofficial feeder school for Harvard University. For $51,460 a year, Milton is a great school that offers challenging academics while also providing students a plethora of resources when they need extra support.
Class sizes are small where learning is discussion-based and reading goes beyond textbooks. Teachers look for students’ analysis and critical thinking abilities above all else. The school is known for its impeccably high academic standards in an empowering collaborative environment. Milton’s goal is not only to prepare students for college but for life.In Oakdale, Connecticut, St. Thomas More School is renowned for its basketball program, attracting students who aim to be selected for NCAA Division I college basketball teams. The school has produced over 20 alumni who have gone on to play in the NBA, making it a desirable choice for aspiring basketball players.
However, this dream comes at a cost, with an annual tuition fee of nearly $54,000. Despite the high cost, the school offers various advantages such as state-of-the-art gymnasiums, access to a beach, a dock, and a boathouse. Additionally, students can enjoy five athletic fields, a track, tennis courts, and a choice of up to 40 academic subjects.
Collegiate School – Yearly Tuition: $54,125
Collegiate School, located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City, is an independent school with a rich history, dating back to 1628. The school is affiliated with the New York Interschool and the Ivy Preparatory School League, and is recognized as one of the top all-boys schools globally, offering a curriculum tailored for boys’ education.
The school’s educational philosophy is centered around supporting boys to thrive by encouraging authentic relationships, experiential learning, leadership development, and setting high expectations. Collegiate School boasts exceptional facilities, including a large roof deck for recreational activities and a 5,000-square-foot courtyard for sports like handball and basketball.
Linden Hall – $54,200 Yearly Tuition
Established in 1746, Linden Hall in Pennsylvania’s Lancaster County stands out as one of the oldest schools in the country. This all-girls boarding school is renowned for its exceptional equestrian program and facilities, housing 20 horses, stables, an outdoor riding ring, and a heated tack room on campus.
Students at Linden Hall engage in year-round equestrian training and have the opportunity to participate in prestigious national competitions. The school also offers a unique aviation program where students can attain a real pilot’s license. Additionally, Linden Hall features programs such as public speaking, a renowned literary magazine, and a student-led school newspaper.
The MacDuffie School – $55,450 Yearly Tuition
The MacDuffie School embraces its identity as an “international community,” welcoming students from over 20 countries worldwide. Located in Granby, Massachusetts, the school provides a safe and expansive 254-acre rural campus, fostering a conducive learning environment with an average class size of 11. The curriculum includes a diverse range of sports activities, from tennis to dance.
MacDuffie School offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities, including competitive robotics, national math teams, and championship-level sports like badminton and soccer. The school emphasizes student well-being and nutrition, providing a nutrition-focused cafeteria with options like a salad bar, deli, and fresh fruits and vegetables.
Grier School – $55,900 Yearly Tuition
Grier School in Pennsylvania is a boarding school for girls in grades 7-12, situated on a picturesque 320-acre mountainside. The school provides a holistic educational experience encompassing academics, arts, and athletics. It is particularly renowned for its dance program, where students are trained by professional choreographers in preparation for Broadway through a rigorous Pre-Professional Program.
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