Explore Private Schools in the U.S. & Worldwide

Maine Central Institute is an independent college preparatory day and boarding school founded in 1866. bDuring the schools pioneer years, MCI served as a feeder school to highly rated Bates College in nearby Lewiston, Maine. Although adhering to upstanding and traditional educational values, MCI is progressive and broadminded, pledging to provide a comprehensive college-preparatory education to a multicultural student body diverse in talents, abilities, and interests. In a safe and caring atmosphere, students will acquire knowledge, self-esteem, social responsibility, and the critical thinking and communication skills necessary for global citizenship and lifelong learning. A high level of rigor and expectation of excellence in all components of the school's operation is critical, whether that be the academic program, the residential program, the co-curricular activities or the overall support system at the school. The people at MCI work diligently to focus on each student as an individual to ensure that every person grows academically, socially and physically and becomes a positive global citizen.

Villanova Preparatory School is a private Catholic college-preparatory day and boarding school located in Ojai, California. Founded in 1924, the school emphasizes the values of truth, unity, and love (“Unitas, Veritas, Caritas”). The school sits on a scenic 130+ acre campus in the Ojai Valley, surrounded by mountains and natural landscapes. The campus includes academic buildings, science labs, arts facilities, athletic complexes, dormitories, a chapel, hiking trails, and student centers, creating a peaceful residential learning environment. Villanova Prep is known for its rigorous college preparatory academics, small class sizes, and personalized attention. The school offers Honors and AP courses, and has a strong focus on STEM education, humanities, leadership, and global learning.

Founded in 1926, MPS is the only school in northwestern Pennsylvania offering IB courses and was the first high school in the region to do so. It provides an impressive selection of 35 IB courses and encourages students to take at least one as part of their studies. Known for its outstanding academic achievements and 100% college acceptance rate, MPS has twice been recognized with the prestigious "Blue Ribbon School" award by the U.S. Department of Education. MPS is also the only school in the area with a national rowing team and boasts the region’s top-ranked drama program. Located in Erie, Pennsylvania, along the shores of Lake Erie—one of the Northeast's famous Great Lakes—the school offers an exceptional environment surrounded by a 70-acre Olympic Village. Its boarding facilities are safe and comfortable, and the campus is shared with Mercyhurst University, granting access to university-level security and resources.

The Woodstock Academy is an independent boarding & day school providing college preparatory classes for grades 9-12 and post graduates. The school is centrally located between New York City, Boston, and Providence, yet offers a peaceful and idyllic New England campus.

Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy is a Catholic, Dominican, independent, college-preparatory, day and boarding school, educating young women for a life of faith, integrity, and truth. We learn in a stunning environment: Spread over 42 acres in the San Gabriel Mountains, the campus occupies the site of the former Flintridge Hotel. Students enjoy breathtaking views, which provides a unique location for reflection. We challenge ourselves academically: Students are taught critical-thinking skills that apply just as easily to a catapult experiment on the field as to an analysis of "The Handmaid's Tale." We make sure girls take center stage, while drawing upon all that we know about how they grow and learn. It's the combination of the community, culture and climate girls' schools offer that makes for such a transformative experience.

Founded in 1858, Woodlands Academy is a unique and highly appealing high school experience, one where every element is intentionally designed to cultivate the gifts of each student and to help intelligent, interested and energetic young women thrive. Woodlands designedly combines excellent academics and small, personalized classes while placing exclusive focus on inspiring girls through fantastic travel opportunities, and enduring Sacred Heart life values on a stately, 41-acre campus dotted with trees and green spaces. This is a place where young women can find a learning environment that is demanding, comfortable, joyful, and inspiring, allowing them to thrive throughout their high school years and beyond. Woodlands Academy. A Place To Thrive.

Best Boarding School in Virginia! Located one hour from Richmond (city capital of Virginia) and near Washington, DC. Christchurch is an excellent choice for international students. Students and teachers live on campus. CCS has many great weekend activities. Chinese families may be far away, but they are an important part of the CCS community. CCS Directors visit China twice each year. Students can stay with Christchurch over school holidays. CCS offers transportation to airports and TOEFL test centers. CCS is an official SAT/ACT Test and Test Prep Center. 90% of CCS graduates attend one of their top three college choices. 90% of the Class of 2019 were accepted to universities on Princeton Review's Top School list. The student to teacher ratio is 6:1. CCS offers 21 advanced courses. 70% of CCS students board. More than 70% of CCS faculty hold advanced degrees from top universities. CCS has #1-ranked sailing team in America. Graduates include two Pulitzer Prize winners.

Founded in 1909, Tallulah Falls School is an independent, co-educational international boarding and day school serving more than 500 students in grades 4-12. Academics are the primary mission at Tallulah Falls School. Our unique Dual Enrollment program offers 22 college classes on our campus as part of our program. In fact, most of our students graduate with one year of college credit already completed. The quality of the academic program and the academic success of students are priorities that form the foundation of the school. A dedicated and highly qualified faculty, outstanding facilities, a broad and challenging curriculum, small classes, and eager, motivated students all contribute to the accomplishment of academic goals. The TFS experience is centered around community and characterized by personal attention in a nurturing environment. Classes are small, with an average size of 10-15 students.

TMI – The Episcopal School of Texas is a co-ed, Episcopal college-preparatory school. Our average class size is 15. TMI develops well-rounded students through numerous school activities and programs such as: daily chapel, our nationally-ranked optional JROTC program, 14 athletic options and sports, fine arts (music, choir, theatre, art, ceramics), 5 or 7-day residential life program, community service, and extracurricular activities that are designed to enhance our commitment to service and leadership. Campus facilities include: 20,000-volume library; science and computer labs; indoor/outdoor athletic facilities; and a fine arts center. The mission of TMI is to provide an excellent educational community, with values based on the teachings of Jesus Christ, challenging motivated students to achieve their full potential in service and leadership.

Hyde School is an independent, coeducational college-preparatory boarding school for grades 9–12 and post-graduate students. Located in the safe and scenic mid-coast region of Maine, Hyde is close to Boston, giving students access to one of the top academic and cultural hubs in the U.S. Hyde offers a structured, supportive environment with a strong focus on academic growth, English development, and college preparation. What sets Hyde apart is its emphasis on emotional intelligence (EQ)—helping students build self-awareness, resilience, and confidence alongside strong study habits. Graduates go on to some of the top colleges and universities across the U.S., prepared both academically and personally for success. At Hyde, students don’t just prepare for college—they develop the character, confidence, and purpose to succeed for life.

The International Leadership of Texas Private High School Garland provides a college preparatory education for students and prepares them for exceptional leadership roles in the international community by emphasizing servant leadership, mastering the English, Spanish, and Chinese languages, and strengthening the mind, body and character. The International Leadership of Texas fosters a community of friendship between local and international students who study the same curriculum in the same classrooms. The International Leadership of Texas is certified to issue I-20 visas for international students in grades nine through 12 who would like to study on a F-1 student visa in the United States. The result is a diverse, intercultural environment in which both American and international students can learn and grow together - forming lifelong bonds and global friendships.

Dunn is located 28 miles northeast of Santa Barbara, California, in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley. The philosophy of Dunn School is based on the conviction that the depth and quality of the relationship between students and teachers is central to the process of education. Our academic curriculum offers AP courses in thirteen subject areas. The personal and social growth of each student is enhanced by our exceptional fine and performing arts programs, co-curricular athletics, and outdoor education. All Dunn graduates are prepared for the college of their choice.

In 1940, Columbia International University founded a Christian high school in Asheville, North Carolina. It was named Ben Lippen, a Scottish Phrase meaning “Mountain of Trust.” In 1988, Ben Lippen School moved to Columbia, SC. Today, it has more than 800 students enrolled in Pre-K through 12th grade. Ben Lippen High School is an independent, rigorous, college preparatory Christian school which includes Honors, AP, Dual Credit, and a diverse selection of electives and co-curricular activities. This culturally rich student body is taught by a strong faculty, most of whom hold advanced degrees. To prepare students to lead and work in the 21st century, the curriculum incorporates critical thinking, creativity, communication and collaborative skills.

Founded in 1946, Besant Hill offers nearly 80 years of educational excellence on a breathtaking 520-acre campus in Ojai, California - just 90 minutes from Los Angeles. While our campus is expansive, our community is intentionally small, with a maximum enrollment of 100 students and a 4:1 student-to-teacher ratio. This personalized, boutique environment ensures every student is known, supported, and inspired to thrive. With a globally diverse community, a 100% college placement rate, and strong connections to top U.S. universities, Besant Hill provides an exceptional place to learn, grow, and prepare for a bright future in sunny Southern California.

Kents Hill School was established in 1824. It is a small co-educational private boarding school for students in grades 9-12. The school is located in Maine, a 2.5-hour drive north of Boston. Kents Hill School is known for its small classes, with a low teacher-student ratio (6:1). Students come from more than 20 US states and nearly 20 countries. The school offers a wealth of courses, including the new 4-D Curriculum designed in a partnership with a Harvard University researcher; its strengths are math and science, English and history, and ESL. Athletics are strong and the facilities are the best in Northern New England. College Counseling for top universities is a focus. The school provides a friendly, caring and encouraging learning environment for students from all over the world. The AP course of mathematics and science in this school won the Siemens Award for excellence in AP testing. It is one of only 12 schools in the United States to receive this award and the only school in Maine to receive this honor. In addition, the school has excellent physical education courses. The school has a good atmosphere, and every teacher, student, and faculty member is very caring and friendly. There is a smile on every student's face, whether in the classroom, restaurant, or stadium, the school strives to make students feel at home.

Blue Ridge School is an all-boys, all-boarding college preparatory school with grades nine through twelve. We offer small classes, a structured and supportive environment and a strong sense of community, defined by an honor code and a host of strong traditions. We develop character by nurturing qualities such as integrity, courage, perseverance and empathy. The Blue Ridge experience goes beyond the classroom. It is about developing qualities of honor, character, self-discipline and a love of learning – qualities that promise success in college and beyond. Our goal is for the Blue Ridge School boy to move into the world as a “man of character.”

Stuart Hall School offers a distinctive American boarding school experience in the heart of historic Staunton, Virginia. What sets Stuart Hall apart is a culture built on kindness and respect, a downtown campus that connects learning to the real world, and a deeply personal approach to every student’s education. Students from more than twenty countries call Stuart Hall home. Here, international and American students live and learn together in a close-knit community where individual talents are recognized and supported. Staunton is located about three hours from Washington Dulles International Airport, with direct flights to major cities around the world, making travel manageable for families abroad. School Culture At Stuart Hall, students are encouraged to be themselves and to discover what inspires them. The community is welcoming, collaborative, and inclusive, creating an environment where students quickly feel they belong. Location Most American boarding schools are located in remote settings. Stuart Hall is different. Our campus sits within the vibrant downtown of Staunton, a historic and award-winning small city known for its arts, culture, and welcoming community. Personal Approach Stuart Hall believes that each student’s path is unique. With a student-to-teacher ratio of approximately 6:1, faculty know their students well and provide individualized guidance both inside and outside the classroom.

Idyllwild Arts Academy offers intensive, specialized arts training and challenging college-prep academics to talented young artists from around the world. On our idyllic mountaintop campus, students learn from a distinguished faculty of working professional artists. Graduates of Idyllwild Arts excel in every professional arts discipline, including Broadway theatre, primetime television, classical and jazz music, motion pictures, graphic design, dance, and more. Our arts majors include: MUSIC | VISUAL ARTS | THEATRE | CREATIVE WRITING | DANCE | FASHION DESIGN | FILM & DIGITAL MEDIA | INTERDISCIPLINARY ARTS Outside of our regular school year, Idyllwild Arts offers summer workshops that include Jazz in the Pines, ESL, Native American Arts, and a full menu of Arts Intensives. The Idyllwild Arts Summer Program provides arts instruction and experiences of the highest caliber to a diverse student population of all ages and abilities.

Walnut Hill is an international leader in arts education. In conjunction with intensive arts training in ballet, music, theater, visual art, and writing & publishing, Walnut Hill offers a comprehensive and rigorous academic curriculum in all college-preparatory subjects. The joint music program with New England Conservatory is the only of its kind in the United States. Located 17 miles west of Boston, the beautiful 40-acre Walnut Hill campus is in a residential neighborhood in Natick, Massachusetts. Students receive 15–20 more hours of direct instruction from master teachers compared to other independent schools. They are supported by expert teachers, advisors, and dorm parents, and share the classroom with other students who are passionate and committed to their studies, both academic and artistic. Graduates of Walnut Hill attend the top universities, colleges, conservatories, dance trainee programs, and art schools around the world. Alumni are currently performing on Broadway, in film and television, and in symphonies, chamber music ensembles, ballet, and modern dance companies around the world. Walnut Hill also offers intensive summer study in dance, youth dance, and music, and afternoon and weekend community youth arts instruction.

Surrounded by the red rock mountains of Sedona, Arizona, VVS is an International Baccalaureate, college-preparatory boarding and day school. The School was founded in 1948 as one of the nation's first truly international, multicultural boarding schools. Since 2007, VVS has been an IB World School, with the IB as the sole curriculum in grades 11 and 12. At VVS life revolves around the five mission principles: college preparation; world citizenship; the value of physical labor; service to others; and environmental stewardship. Students enjoy a remarkable outdoor program, competitive sports, an equestrian program, and competitive cycling.