The high school you go to has a major impact on shaping your future, starting with which college you will end up attending. While there are no longer true feeder high schools for elite colleges, some schools have more resources and opportunities which prepare students for top colleges.
While it’s true that you can get into a top college from anywhere, some students do have a significant advantage in the admissions process due to their high school. In this article, we’ll look at some of the top independent high schools in the country.
This is not a definitive ranking, and we are not saying that any of these schools is definitively better than another. There are thousands of schools across the country, all with their own merits. In this article, however, we’re looking at schools which through their past performance have shown a commendable ability to prepare students for the nation’s top colleges.
Just because a school is not on this list does not mean it is worthless, nor that it is not the best choice for you. Each student is different, and what may serve one well is not ideal for another. If you want more personalized advice on finding the best high school for your particular circumstances, schedule a free consultation to learn how we can help you.
A Note on Methodology
We are only including private schools on this list. We will note whether or not a school has any religious affiliation, and whether that affiliation impacts instruction. We will give detailed summaries of ten schools, and then include a further list of top schools without description. We do not rank the schools on either list, but have arranged them alphabetically. Let’s get started!
Applying to High Schools
All of the highschools listed here are selective to one degree or another, and all require an application. Private schools generally require the following as part of an application:
- A non-refundable application fee
- An application form
- A questionnaire or essay from the student
- Recommendation forms from an English and math teacher
- Standardized test scores
- Transcripts and academic records
- An interview
We’ll cover each of these in more detail, so you know what to expect.
The core of the application is a form filled out by you, covering basic information about the student. This accompanies the application fee. Official transcripts and records from previous schools attended are also required.
The student is themself responsible for part of the application. What form this takes depends on the school in question. Generally, it is either a questionnaire or an essay response. The goal here is for the school to learn more about the student, and how they think and approach the world.
Recommendation letters from teachers provide additional context about how the student acts and thinks in the classroom. Students entering grades 6 and up require these from an English teacher and a math teacher. Some private schools also want reports from a school principal or other administrator. Some will also accept forms from other mentors in a student’s life. Check carefully what each school requires before beginning the application process.
Standardized tests are required by private schools as an objective measure of a student’s ability. The most commonly used test is the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE). Catholic schools sometimes use the High School Placement Test (HSPT) instead. Scores are relative; students are evaluated based on how their performance compares to their peers.
Finally, these schools will sometimes request an interview, to better understand the student, and how they would fit at the school. While the exact interview questions vary, practicing for the interview is a good way to ease nerves and ensure your student showcases their best qualities.
A Guide to Schools
Choate Rosemary Hall (Wallingford, Connecticut)
Choate Rosemary is a coeducational boarding college-preparatory school, founded in 1890. While Choate offers high level honors coursework, they no longer offer AP classes. They do have a program which offers mentored laboratory work in partnership with universities. The average ACT score is 31, and the average SAT score is 1397. Tuition for boarding students is $65,820, though financial aid is available.
Applications to Choate are quite competitive. Students must apply online, with a required application fee, essay questions, a parent or guardian statement, recommendations from your current math and English teachers, plus an administrator, and transcripts. Choate is test optional in light of the pandemic, but does accept SSAT or ISEE scores. A third teacher recommendation or personal recommendation may optionally be submitted. An interview is required as part of the admissions process. Applications are due in January.
The College-Preparatory School (Oakland, California)
By Cassiville – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=89347524
Founded in 1960, College Prep is a coeducational private day school, with an intense focus on academics. All courses are offered at the honors level; while few formal AP courses are offered, students are permitted to take AP exams, and extracurricular preparation help is given to those who desire it. There are 370 students from grades 9-12 in the school. Tuition is $48,300, though financial aid is available.
Application to College Prep is competitive, and must be completed online. This requires an application fee, transcripts from 7th and 8th grade, essay responses from both the student and their parents, three letters of recommendation, an interview, and an assessment. Applications are due in January.
Harvard-Westlake School (Los Angeles, California)
By wiki user Keithready – Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Saint_Saviours_Chapel_Harvard-Westlake_School_2011_02.JPG
Harvard-Westlake is a coeducational day school; while it is named after Harvard University, there is no association between the schools. The school has two campuses in LA, and serves 1,600 students in grades 7-12. The school is divided between the middle school of grades 7-9, and the upper school of grades 10-12. The average SAT score for the school is 1461. Yearly tuition is $41,300, with financial aid available.
Admissions to Harvard-Westlake are competitive. Students apply to join as either 7th or 9th graders. You must complete an online application, which includes an application fee, a timed writing exercise, recommendations from your math and English teachers, plus an administrator, and school transcripts. Harvard-Westlake is currently test optional, but accepts ISEE scores. An interview is a required part of the application process. Applications are due in January for admission the following fall.
The Hotchkiss School (Lakeville, Connecticut)
By Adrien Delessert – Originally uploaded to Wikipedia by Adelesse, here., CC BY-SA 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2852860
Founded in 1891, Hotchkiss is a coeducational, boarding, college-preparatory school. Hotchkiss is known to be academically rigorous, with all courses offered at the honors level; 21 AP courses are offered. The average ACT score is 32, and the average SAT score is 1420. Annual tuition is $59,990 for boarding students, though financial aid is available.
Admissions to Hotchkiss are competitive. Students must apply online, with the application requiring essay responses, a profile, a parent statement, transcripts, and recommendations (one each from your math teacher, English teacher, principal, and another adult who knows you well). Hotchkiss is currently test optional for 9th and 10th grade applicants, though they will accept ISEE or SSAT scores. An interview is required as part of the admissions process. Art or athletic supplements may be included in an application, but are not required. Applications are due in January.
Phillips Academy Andover (Andover, Massachusetts)
By wiki user Daderot – Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Phillips_Academy,_Andover,_MA_-_Samuel_Phillips_Hall.JPG
Founded in 1778, Andover is among the oldest secondary schools in the US. A coeducational boarding school, it is highly sought after, with an acceptance rate of around 13%. It offers advanced academic options, with many AP classes offered. The average ACT score at Andover is 31, while the average SAT score is 1446. Yearly tuition is $61,950 for boarding students, though financial aid is available.
Admissions to Andover is very competitive, though they have begun a need-blind admissions policy, which means they will offer acceptance to all highly qualified applicants, regardless of their ability to afford tuition. Around 200 students enroll in Andover each year as 9th graders. The application requires an online submission, an application fee, SSAT or ISEE scores, a graded writing sample, responses to essay questions, and a statement from parents or guardians. They require transcripts, recommendations from your current math and English teachers, and counselor and personal recommendations. A special interest recommendation (for an extracurricular activity) may be submitted, but isn’t required. An interview is likewise optional, but recommended. The application is due in February for the following fall.
Phillips Exeter Academy (Exeter, New Hampshire)
Unknown author, 1911 postcard, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Phillips_Church,_Exeter,_NH.jpg
Founded in New Hampshire in 1781, Exeter is one of the oldest secondary schools in the US. It is a coeducational boarding school. While it was originally founded with a religious charter, the school is no longer religiously affiliated. The average SAT score is 1440. Yearly tuition is $57,563 for boarding students, though financial aid is available.
Applications to Exeter are very competitive, with around a 15% acceptance rate. The application must be completed online. It requires a $50 application fee, SSAT or ISEE scores, responses to essay questions, a parent or guardian statement, and recommendation letters from your current math and English teachers, your principal, and a personal recommender. Transcripts are also required. A special interest recommendation is accepted, but not required. An interview is also required. Homeschooled students are eligible to apply. Applications are due in January for the following fall.
Riverdale Country School (Bronx, New York)
Riverdale Country School – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a0/Hackett_Hall_2016.jpg
Founded in 1907, Riverdale is a college-preparatory day school in New York, serving 1,140 students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The school offers a number of advanced options academically. The average ACT score is 33, while the average SAT score is 1450. Annual tuition and fees is $61,305, though financial aid is available.
Admissions is very competitive at Riverdale. The standard points of entry are for Kindergarten, 6th grade, and 9th grade, with other spaces becoming available only due to attrition. Applications must be completed online. These require personal information, written responses, letters of recommendation, and transcripts. Riverdale requires test scores from either the ISEE or SSAT. An interview is a required component of admissions. Applications are due in November for the following fall.
St. John’s School (Houston, Texas)
By Chuy Benitez, St. John’s Review, https://www.sjsreview.com/7944/multimedia/students-gather-on-great-lawn-to-view-solar-eclipse/#
Founded as an Episcopalian school in 1946, St. John’s is now nonreligious. Widely recognized as the best school in Houston, St. John’s has a strong academic focus. The school offers 19 AP courses, and offers particularly advanced math options, including linear algebra and multivariable calculus. The average ACT score at St. John’s is 33, and the average SAT is 1455.
Admissions to St. John’s is very competitive, with around 20% of applicants gaining acceptance. Students with a connection to the school, i.e. children of alumni or faculty, are given significant admissions preference. Students must submit a questionnaire and essay, recommendations from math and English teachers, and an extracurricular recommendation. ISEE results and official transcripts are also needed. Application materials may be submitted online. An admissions interview is also required. Students are expected to be well prepared academically before admittance into the school. Applications are due in early January.
St. Mark’s School of Texas (Dallas, Texas)
St. Mark’s School of Texas – Own work, https://bbk12e1-cdn.myschoolcdn.com/73/photo/orig_photo1603505_9188479.jpg
St. Mark’s is a college preparatory day school for boys, founded in 1909. In spite of its name, the school is not affiliated with any religious organization. The school is known for its focus on science preparation. It offers 22 AP courses. The median ACT score is 35, and the median SAT score is 1530. St. Mark’s serves students from grades 1-12; tuition costs depend on grade of enrollment. For high school students, it is around $35,000 annually. Financial aid is available for students with financial need.
Admissions to St. Mark’s is very competitive, with an acceptance rate of 19%. You must apply to the school online. There is no application fee. The application requires a student questionnaire, remarks from parents, transcripts, letters of recommendation from your math and English teachers, and ISEE scores. An interview is required as well, but may be done in person or virtually. Applications are due in January.
Trinity School (New York City, New York)
By Jim.henderson – Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=22082573
The Trinity School is a coeducational college-preparatory day school located in Manhattan, on the upper west side. Founded in 1709, it is the 5th oldest in the US, and serves students from grades K-12. The school is notable for offering a full classic department, with many students taking Latin or Greek. The average ACT score is 34, and the average SAT score is 1500. Tuition for the high school is $58,495, not including fees. Financial aid is available.
Admissions to the school is competitive. Admissions must be completed online, and require transcripts, a graded essay example, an application essay, recommendation letters from your math and ENglish teachers, plus principal, and ISEE scores. An interview is required as part of the application. The application is due in December.
Expanded Schools List
We do not have time to go into all of the great private schools in the US in this detail, so here is a list of other high performing schools. As with the above list, these are not organized in any sort of ranking, but are instead listed alphabetically. Again, just because a school is not listed here does not mean it is without merits. We are including links to the school’s websites for your convenience. If you have more specific questions about which high schools will work best for you, schedule a free consultation so we can cover your specific needs. Every student is unique, and what works well for one will not necessarily serve another.
The List:
- Avenues the World School (New York, New York)
- Awty International School (Houston, Texas)
- BASIS Independent McLean (McLean, Virginia)
- Belmont Hill School (Belmont, Massachusetts)
- The Bishop’s School (San Diego, California)
- Boston University Academy (Boston, Massachusetts)
- The Branson School (Ross, California)
- The Brearley School (New York, New York)
- The Browning School (New York, New York)
- Buckingham Browne & Nichols School (Cambridge, Massachusetts)
- Cary Academy (Cary, North Carolina)
- Castilleja School (Palo Alto, California)
- Cate School (Carpinteria, California)
- Catlin Gabel School (Portland, Oregon)
- The Chapin School (New York, New York)
- Collegiate School (Manhattan, New York)
- Commonwealth School (Boston, Massachusetts)
- Concord Academy (Concord, Massachusetts)
- Convent of the Sacred Heart (New York, New York)
- Cranbrook Schools (Bloomfield Hills, Michigan)
- Crystal Springs Uplands School (Hillsborough, California)
- The Dalton School (New York, New York)
- Deerfield Academy (Deerfield, Massachusetts)
- Delbarton School (Morristown, New Jersey)
- Dwight-Englewood School (Englewood, New Jersey)
- Flintridge Preparatory School (La Canada Flintridge, California)
- Friends Academy (Locust Valley, New York)
- Fulton Science Academy Private School (Alpharetta, Georgia)
- Georgetown Day School (Washington DC)
- Germantown Friends School (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
- Greenhill School (Addison, Texas)
- Greenhills School (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
- Groton School (Groton, Massachusetts)
- Hackley School (Tarrytown, New York)
- The Harker School (San Jose, California)
- Head-Royce School (Oakland, California)
- Holton-Arms School (Bethesda, Maryland)
- Hopkins School (New Haven, Connecticut)
- Horace Mann School (Bronx, New York)
- John Burroughs School (St. Louis, Missouri)
- Kent Place School (Summit, New Jersey)
- Lake Forest Academy (Lake Forest, Illinois)
- Lakeside School (Seattle, Washington)
- The Lawrenceville School (Lawrenceville, New Jersey)
- Lick-Wilmerding High School (San Francisco, California)
- The Loomis Chaffee School (Windsor, Connecticut)
- Lycee Francais de New York (New York, New York)
- The Madeira School (Mclean, Virginia)
- Marlborough School (Los Angeles, California)
- Marymount School of New York (New York, New York)
- Menlo School (Atherton, California)
- Middlesex School (Concord, Massachusetts)
- Milton Academy (Milton, Massachusetts)
- National Cathedral School (Washington DC)
- Newark Academy (Livingston, New Jersey)
- The Nightingale-Bamford School (New York, New York)
- The Noble and Greenough School (Dedham, Massachusetts)
- The Nueva School (Hillsborough, California)
- The Overlake School (Redmond, Washington)
- The Peddie School (Hightstown, New Jersey)
- The Pingry School (Basking Ridge, New Jersey)
- Polytechnic School (Pasadena, California)
- The Potomac School (Mclean, Virginia)
- The Princeton International School of Math and Science (Princeton, New Jersey)
- The Quarry Lane School (Dublin, California)
- Ransom Everglades School (Coconut Grove, Florida)
- Regis High School (New York, New York)
- The Roxbury Latin School (West Roxbury, Massachusetts)
- Rye Country Day School (Rye, New York)
- Sage Hill School (Newport Coast, California)
- San Francisco University High School (San Francisco, California)
- Sidwell Friends School (Washington DC)
- The Spence School (New York, New York)
- St. Albans School (Washington DC)
- St. Andrew’s School (Middletown, Delaware)
- St. Mark’s School (Southborough, Massachusetts)
- St. Paul’s School (Concord, New Hampshire)
- St. Stephen’s Episcopal School (Austin, Texas)
- The Thacher School (Ojai, California)
- University of Chicago Laboratory School (Chicago, Illinois)
- The Webb Schools (Claremont, California)
- The Westminster Schools (Atlanta, Georgia)
- Westridge School (Pasadena, California)
- The Windward School (Los Angeles, California)
- The Winsor School (Boston, Massachusetts)
Final Thoughts
High school is a pivotal time for development and growth, and the high school you attend has a major impact on the person you end up becoming, and on the college you end up attending. The right academic preparation can set you up well for accomplishing any of your goals in life. We hope that this article has given you a thorough overview of some of the nation’s top private schools, and what it takes to get into them.
We know that navigating high school is tricky, and the transition to college even harder. If you want help finding the right high school for your child, or with the application or tests required for any of these top schools, schedule a free consultation today to learn how we can help you. We’ve worked with students to find the best school to support their needs, and are eager to help you find your path through life.
