Explore Private Schools in the U.S. & Worldwide

Brearley, an independent school for girls, was founded in 1884 to provide its students with a college-preparatory education equal in rigor to that of boys, and, in the words of our mission statement today, to prepare them for active responsible citizenship in a democratic society. Within a highly articulated 13-year curriculum, and with a 7:1 student-faculty ratio, teaching methods are varied, flexible and pragmatic, taking into account individual patterns of development and ways of learning. Our program is designed to challenge our eager, able students intellectually, and to give each one the opportunity to gain competence, self-reliance and self-knowledge through academic achievement as well as experience in the visual and performing arts, sports, community service and a wide variety of extracurricular activities.

Students come to Andover to join 1100 smart, engaged, passionate students from around the world; to work with brilliant, accomplished teachers; to have access to unparalled resources; and to feel a sense of limitless opportunity. Education Week calls Andover "the quintessential boarding school [which] has remained true to its mission of building character while preparing students for college."

Riverdale is a Pre-K through Grade 12 independent school on two "green" campuses in New York City that provides a rigorous academic program for its students as well as an intentional educational focus on personal development in all divisions. The school has many traditions that have developed in its 100+ year history, but, at the same time, is a leader in developing educational practices that are relevant to schools in the United States and across the globe. Riverdale provides a comprehensive education that challenges our students, helps them develop meaning and purpose in their lives and, as our mission states "developing minds, building character, and creating community in order to change our world for the good". Riverdale is more than just a school, it is an experience.

Founded in 1781, Phillips Exeter Academy originated the Harkness philosophy of teaching whereby 12 students and a teacher join in classes around an oval Harkness Table. Students from 44 states and 29 countries enjoy a rich curriculum of over 350 courses. More than $15 million in financial aid supports 48% of Exeter's students. An endowment of more than $800 million supports Exeter's commitment to academics, excellence in teaching, a diverse student body, a wide variety of co-curricular opportunities, and state-of-the-art facilities including the new Phelps Science Center and the Academy Center.

The mission of the Lawrenceville School is to inspire and educate promising young people from diverse backgrounds for responsible leadership, personal fulfillment and enthusiastic participation in the world. Through our unique House system, collaborative Harkness approach to teaching and learning, close mentoring relationships, and extensive co-curricular opportunities we help students to develop high standards of character and scholarship, a passion for learning, an appreciation for diversity, a global perspective, and strong commitments to personal, community, and environmental responsibility.

Founded in 1893, The Harker School offers a coed, independent program for students in K-Gr. 12 on three beautiful campuses in the heart of Silicon Valley. Harker is one of the top prep schools in the nation and the largest K-12 independent school in the state, and its upper school sends its graduates to the finest universities and colleges in the country. Students reach their full potential through small class sizes, performance placement at most grade levels, integration of state-of-the-art technology at all grade levels, AP and honors offerings, a full-time counseling staff and highly qualified faculty. Harker is a dynamic community that honors individuality, embraces diversity and prepares students to take their places as global citizens.

Choate Rosemary Hall is a co-educational boarding and day school for students grades 9-PG, located in New England USA. Choate provides intellectually talented students from various backgrounds an experience that enriches their lives and prepares them to contribute to an ever-changing world. We emphasize innovative curriculum, guided independent learning, active campus engagement, and formation of character.

Greenwich Academy is an independent college-preparatory day school for girls and young women that seeks to foster excellence. Its mission is to provide a challenging, comprehensive educational experience grounded in a rigorous liberal arts curriculum within an inclusive, diverse community.

Set on a beautiful campus less than an hour's drive from Boston, Groton is a small school offering big opportunities to students in grades 8 through 12. The extended family that is Groton shares a deep commitment of one to another and each to the whole. A broad-based curriculum includes particular advantages such as the opportunity to study two languages concurrently or pursue tutorial study of a subject one-on-one with a teacher. A school in the Episcopal tradition, Groton educates the whole person through wide-ranging art, athletic and service programs, the variety of perspectives reflected in a diverse student body and the unique leadership opportunity of the Groton prefect year. 37% of the student body receives $4.7 million dollars in financial aid annually.

The Dalton School is committed to providing an education of excellence that meets each student

The mission of the Spence School is to educate girls and young women to the highest academic and personal standards necessary for responsible, effective citizenship and for the successful pursuit of higher education. The school is committed to the rigorous study of the liberal arts and sciences appropriate to Grades K through 12. The development of high standards and character is considered as important as achievement in academic areas. The school integrates visual and performing arts, and athletics, both within its academic program and as extracurricular activities. The school creates an environment that fosters the growth of self-confidence, instills the joy of learning, develops the skills of leadership in every student and prepares its graduates intellectually and emotionally for the future. The school is committed to preparing its students for full participation in a diverse and changing world. Believing in the importance of strong traditions, the school also looks to the future and adapts its educational programs to meet the needs of its students, while remaining centered on a curriculum that provides preparation for college as well as "for life."

Critical thinking, dynamic classrooms, and a spirited community all define Middlesex. Students pursue academic excellence in small, challenging, Socratic classes. An 18,000 square foot, state-of-the- art math and science building opened recently. A modern theater arts complex supports a deep commitment to the arts, and an expansive athletic center enhances a competitive athletic program. Middlesex's unique location encourages its students and faculty to draw on the extensive opportunities of a major urban center. Financial aid is awarded to over 30% of the student body. Students came from 32 states and 16 countries in the 2010-11 academic year.

Set on 2,000 wooded acres in New Hampshire's capital city, St. Paul's is one of a few U.S. schools that remains fully boarding, both for students and faculty. SPS is committed to the three essential elements of adolescent development – mind, body, and spirit. Students encounter rigorous academics and the highest levels of college preparation, with a new mathematics and science building opening in 2011. An expansive athletic center, two climbing walls, two indoor hockey rinks, two boathouses, and a 2,000-meter rowing course speak to the School’s emphasis on sports and fitness. The Episcopal tradition supports students of every faith, encouraging open discussion of spirituality in the modern world. Close adult-student relationships are at the core of SPS community life, with its emphasis on personal responsibility and service. Over $7.6 million in financial aid is awarded annually to support 37% of students.

Commonwealth School's mission is to educate young people from diverse backgrounds to become knowledgeable, thoughtful, and creative adults, capable of careful analysis, fruitful cooperation, and deep commitment. Commonwealth aims to be a school to with the highest standards of academic excellence; where students learn to think for themselves and to exercise responsibility and initiative in their actions; with a community of talented teachers and promising students from diverse backgrounds; that takes maximum advantage of its rich urban setting; where arts are a vital element of daily life; that provides the friendly atmosphere of a small, supportive community; and that helps students establish the foundation for rewarding and productive lives.

Founded in 1891, Hotchkiss strives to develop in students a lifelong love of learning, responsible citizenship, and personal integrity. Our students come from 37 states and 33 foreign countries. Thirty-nine percent are students of color. Over $7.6 million in financial aid is available each year; 37 percent of students receive financial aid. With more than 248 courses, Hotchkiss offers a large-school academic experience with a small-school feeling. The average class size is 12, and facilities include a 97,500-item library, a visual arts center, two theatres, new state-of-the-art athletic and music centers, and a golf course and tennis courts, all on an 827-acre campus. Our athletic teams compete with remarkable success in 19 interscholastic sports, including baseball, basketball, cross-country, field hockey, football, golf, hockey,lacrosse, sailing, soccer, softball, squash, swimming and diving, tennis, track, ultimate frisbee, volleyball, water polo, and wrestling. We also offer instruction in outdoor leadership, paddle tennis, rock climbing, spin cycling, and yoga. With a teacher:student ratio of 1:5 and course offerings that total 248, our students have exceptional opportunities for advancing their education and finding mentors on the faculty who will support them in their learning. Students, teachers, and staff members are equally important members in this community based on trust, mutual respect, compassion and shared intellectual curiosity.

Founded in 1861, The Pingry School is an independent, co-educational, college preparatory day school for students in kindergarten through the twelfth grade. The mission of The Pingry School is to foster in students a lifelong commitment to intellectual exploration, individual growth, and social responsibility by inspiring and supporting them to strive for academic and personal excellence within an ethical framework that places the highest value on honor and respect for others.

The individuality, diversity, and quality of Concord Academy's faculty and student body make it an exceptional place to live and learn. Life at this boarding and day school is creative and inquisitive; the people are impassioned and involved. The school is academically demanding. Students participate in a range of artistic, athletic, and extracurricular activities. Large enough to offer 368 students a comprehensive program, it is small enough to provide a caring community. Set in an historic town near Boston, Concord Academy is a vibrant community enhanced by its culturally rich environment.

Noble and Greenough School is a rigorous academic community dedicated to inspiring leadership for the public good. Through mentoring relationships, we motivate students to achieve their highest potential and to lead lives characterized by service to others. The Nobles community: • Generates critical, creative, socially conscious thinkers; • Upholds a commitment to diversity; • Develops character and intellect in deliberate conjunction; • Cultivates purposeful citizenship on local, national and global levels; • Builds independence and self-respect through challenge and achievement; • Espouses humility, humor, collaboration, honesty and respect for others as the foundations of a vibrant intellectual community.

Founded in 1902, Brunswick School is an independent, college preparatory day school in Greenwich, Conn., providing character-based education for boys in Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12.

Deerfield Academy, a coeducational college-preparatory boarding school founded in 1797, is known for its high academic standards and cohesive school spirit. Deerfield nurtures its 630 students’ intellectual curiosity and encourages responsible citizenship through a rigorous curriculum. The outstanding faculty prepares students for competitive colleges and universities, challenging students in an academic program that includes Honors and Advanced Placement courses in nineteen subject areas, an extensive spring term elective program, and domestic and foreign off-campus study. Deerfield also provides over 120 varied athletic and extracurricular offerings. The 280-acre campus provides extraordinary facilities including an arts center and the Boyden Library, housing a broad-based collection of more than 75,000 items. The 80,000 square-foot Koch Center for Science, Mathematics and Technology houses 30 state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratory spaces, dedicated spaces for independent research, and a planetarium. Students, 35% supported by over $6.6 million in financial aid, are selected on the basis of academic promise, leadership potential, diversity of background, and the willingness to contribute to the school community.