United States
U.S. boarding schools
For families who want the full American boarding experience from Grade 9, with the West Coast as a gentler step from Asia.
Schools families consider
Listed for orientation. AJPE is not affiliated with, and does not represent, any school. The right list for a child is usually shorter and sometimes different.
- Phillips Academy Andover
- Phillips Exeter Academy
- Choate Rosemary Hall
- The Lawrenceville School
- Deerfield Academy
- The Hotchkiss School
- St Paul's School
- Groton School
- Milton Academy
- The Taft School
- Cate School, The Thacher School and The Webb Schools (California)
Calendar
Applications due January 15 with decisions March 10 for most schools; SSAT in the autumn; interviews from September to January, on campus or online.
What to know
- Non-native English speakers usually submit TOEFL or Duolingo English Test results.
- Schools issue the Form I-20 for F-1 status; a guardian arrangement is needed for breaks.
- Sport, music and leadership records matter: a certified sailor or ski instructor-in-training stands out.
- Financial aid is substantial at the best-endowed schools but competitive for international applicants.
Sport and the portfolio
Crew, sailing, squash, ice hockey, alpine skiing and lacrosse; many schools recruit for specific teams.
Planning for U.S. boarding schools?
A pathway review sets out realistic schools, entry points and timing in writing.