When it comes to private schools in the United States, there are many options to choose from. Whether you're looking for a single-sex education or a more diverse learning environment, there are plenty of schools that offer a variety of programs and activities. But which one is the #1 private high school in America? Let's take a look at some of the top contenders. Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, commonly known as Andover, is the oldest boarding school in the United States. Founded in 1778, this prestigious school has students from 44 states and 51 countries.
With more than 300 courses and 150 optional subjects, Andover offers students an unparalleled educational experience. In addition to its rigorous academic program, Andover also has a wildlife sanctuary and the Addison Gallery of American Art. Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles is another top contender for the #1 private high school in America. This co-educational institution has students from 175 different zip codes across the country and 65 different languages are spoken in their homes. Harvard-Westlake offers more than 300 classes and 100 clubs for students to participate in.
The school also has 19,000 hours of community service that students complete each year. The Dalton School in New York City is another co-educational institution that serves students from kindergarten to high school graduation. Founded in 1919 by Helen Packhurst, Dalton's values reflect the progressive education movement popular at the time. With its emphasis on high student interaction and low teacher participation, Dalton is known for its diverse student body and its commitment to providing a comprehensive personal care. Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, Connecticut is another top contender for the #1 private high school. Founded in 1891, Hotchkiss consistently ranks as one of the five best boarding schools in New England.
The two fundamental principles of the school are academic excellence and accessibility, and they are proud to graduate students who are leaders and agents of change. Hotchkiss is also known for its diversity with 16% of the student body being international and 36% being American students of color. Montverde Academy in Montverde, Florida is an elementary and secondary preparatory school founded in 1912. This school has grown rapidly over the years and now includes students from grades 1 to 12 as well as day students for all grades including one year of graduate school. Montverde Academy is known for its strong ethics program that encourages students to think critically and expand their moral growth along with their academic growth. Riverdale Country School in Bronx, New York is a co-educational elementary and secondary school founded in 1907. Riverdale strives to provide a diverse and progressive environment where students can thrive. The curriculum includes a strong ethics program that encourages students to think critically and to expand their moral growth along with their academic growth. Bellarmine College Preparatory in San Jose, California is an all-male Jesuit school founded in 1851 and is the oldest high school in California.
Bellarmino fully believes in the Jesuit ideal of cura personalis or comprehensive personal care. Its curriculum extends outside the classroom to provide students with the skills and principles necessary to turn them into leaders and people of faith. The Fieldston School of Ethical Culture in New York City is a preparatory elementary and secondary school founded in 1878 by humanitarian leader Felix Adler. The curriculum includes a strong ethics program that encourages students to think critically and to expand their moral growth along with their academic growth. Concord Academy in Concord, Massachusetts does not classify students or offer any type of academic award to foster a collaborative environment rather than a competitive feeling of high pressure. For the past four years, the top three schools attended by Concord graduates were Tufts University, Wesleyan University, and New York University. The Putney School in Putney, Vermont was founded in 1935 as part of the progressive education movement that was then spreading across the country.
Putney takes its commitment to a research-based curriculum very seriously and does not offer advanced training classes or emphasize standardized tests. Saint Ignatius College Prep in Chicago prioritizes service for all its students, with Christian Action Team at the center of more than 20 service programs that the school organizes every year. Students completed more than 15,000 hours of non-mandatory service last year making a lasting difference. The Dwight School in New York City is a K-12 preparatory school located in New York City founded in 1872. Dwight uses International Baccalaureate curriculum and accepts students as young as three years old into its preschool program. In 1972 it became the first independent school in the United States to establish an overseas campus.
The #1 Private High School: Phillips Exeter Academy
Phillips Exeter Academy (PEA) located in Exeter, New Hampshire is widely considered the #1 private high school in America. Exeter students come from 44 states and 31 countries offering programs on five continents to broaden students' worldviews and expose them to diverse experiences.In addition to traditional four years of high school, Exeter offers students an opportunity to participate in a postgraduate year. Academically, PEA has more than 300 courses with 150 optional subjects. Long known as Yale High School because of its proximity, PEA routinely sends students to all Ivy League schools and other prestigious universities. Students manage eight publications and perform more than 40 concerts, plays and recitals each year.
