2024 Best Private High Schools in America

#1 Best Private High Schools in America.

Phillips Exeter Academy

Blue checkmark.

Private School,

EXETER, NH,

9-12,

349 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.

Featured Review: Other says Phillips Exeter Academy (Exeter) is renowned for its rigorous academics, vibrant community, and commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity and critical thinking skills. Many students praise its...One of the best parts of the Exeter experience is its diverse and supportive community. With students from all over the world, Exeter offers a unique opportunity for cultural exchange and broadening...One area for potential improvement could be in ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities for all students, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status..

Read 349 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade: A+,

Students: 1,074,

Student-Teacher Ratio: 5 to 1,

#2 Best Private High Schools in America.

Princeton International School of Math and Science

Blue checkmark.

Private School,

PRINCETON, NJ,

9-12,

18 Niche users give it an average review of 4.9 stars.

Featured Review: Parent says It has been an amazing 1st year at PRISMS for my son. Coming from a local private school, we were initially concern about the transition to this new school, school did a wonderful job and made the...PRISIMS is a small and close community, everyone here is friendly and welcoming. My son enjoys going to school every day, he learned new stuffs, made new friends, found interesting subjects, and...Overall, it has been a fantastic experience at PRISMS!.

Read 18 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade: A+,

Students: 120,

Student-Teacher Ratio: 6 to 1,

#3 Best Private High Schools in America.

Choate Rosemary Hall

Blue checkmark.

Private School,

WALLINGFORD, CT,

9-12,

194 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars.

Featured Review: Parent says Starting in grade 8, our child independently researched various boarding schools and confidently decided that Choate would be the perfect fit for her. She insisted that we should allow her to apply....Since then, we've witnessed tremendous growth in her. We firmly believe that Choate is the ideal place for children eager to discover new passions and excel in their existing ones. The teachers and...Located in the serene and safe town of Wallingford, Choate providing balance between academic rigor and relaxation allows students to thrive and manage their lives effectively.Choate is equipping our child with the skills and confidence needed to succeed globally, preparing her to become a successful and well-rounded individual..

Read 194 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade: A+,

Students: 861,

Student-Teacher Ratio: 7 to 1,

#4 Best Private High Schools in America.

Phillips Academy Andover

Blue checkmark.

Private School,

ANDOVER, MA,

9-12,

197 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.

Featured Review: Senior says I love Andover! After attending Phillips Academy for three years, I am so happy to be a part of this fantastic community. Through athletics and academics, I have created lifelong relationships and....

Read 197 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade: A+,

Students: 1,187,

Student-Teacher Ratio: 5 to 1,

#5 Best Private High Schools in America.

Harvard-Westlake School

Blue checkmark.

Private School,

STUDIO CITY, CA,

7-12,

180 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.

Featured Review: Middle school student says My experience At HW has undoubtedly changed me. The community at Harvard Westlake is very inclusive. Many people say that the work load is immense, but with some good time-management you will get....

Read 180 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade: A+,

Students: 1,620,

Student-Teacher Ratio: 8 to 1,

#6 Best Private High Schools in America.

Stanford Online High School

Blue checkmark.

Online School,

REDWOOD CITY, CA,

7-12,

183 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars.

Featured Review: Parent says My child started middle school with a single Stanford Online High School course. At that point, we homeschooled her. She chose to be a part-time OHS student when she began high school. Because the....

Read 183 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade: A+,

Students: 986,

Student-Teacher Ratio: 12 to 1,

#7 Best Private High Schools in America.

The Nueva School

Blue checkmark.

Private School,

HILLSBOROUGH, CA,

PK, K-12,

75 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.

Featured Review: Parent says Having three children attend Nueva from 2004-present, we’ve seen the school evolve from a small PreK-8 to a multi campus PK-12 school. Despite the changes over the years, the overall mission of the....

Read 75 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade: A+,

Students: 853,

Student-Teacher Ratio: 6 to 1,

#8 Best Private High Schools in America.

Commonwealth School

Blue checkmark.

Private School,

BOSTON, MA,

9-12,

44 Niche users give it an average review of 4.9 stars.

Featured Review: Parent says We are grateful to have our teen be part of this caring and intellectually stimulating community. The students are passionate, love deep learning and they are kind and supportive of each other. The....

Read 44 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade: A+,

Students: 154,

Student-Teacher Ratio: 5 to 1,

#9 Best Private High Schools in America.

The Pingry School

Blue checkmark.

Private School,

BASKING RIDGE, NJ,

K-12,

166 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.

Featured Review: Parent says My son completed his first year of middle school at Pingry. My son is an ambitious, sporty, introvert-extrovert and the school so far has been a perfect fit for him. A nice blend of focus on...Academics: there was about 1 hour of homework 4 days a week, and a focus on quizzes/assignments and team projects, rather than massive final tests.Community: spirit week, celebrate pingry, orientation week with a sleepover in the Pottersville campus all help to foster community. Sports: appropriately competitive. I loved how team practices were included within the actually school day.So far, well worth the $$$..

Read 166 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade: A+,

Students: 1,197,

Student-Teacher Ratio: 7 to 1,

#10 Best Private High Schools in America.

Groton School

Blue checkmark.

Private School,

GROTON, MA,

8-12,

106 Niche users give it an average review of 4.7 stars.

Featured Review: Parent says The best part about Groton was the genuine attention provided by prefects, dorm heads, advisors, teachers, coaches, faculty and staff; including the headmaster to my children. Groton School truly....

Read 106 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade: A+,

Students: 383,

Student-Teacher Ratio: 4 to 1,

#11 Best Private High Schools in America.

Riverdale Country School

Blue checkmark.

Private School,

BRONX, NY,

PK, K-12,

84 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.

Featured Review: Parent says As a parent of two students who started in kindergarten and are in or completed high school (and an alum myself), I think Riverdale simply is the best and I have only seen it become more impressive...They had incredible teachers and deans who cared and helped them at every step of the way. As parents, we were always impressed with how well they knew our children, and would take the time to meet...There are many ways for parents to get involved based on their schedules and interests. We feel very lucky to have been a part of this very special community!.

Read 84 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade: A+,

Students: 1,299,

Student-Teacher Ratio: 6 to 1,

#12 Best Private High Schools in America.

The Chapin School

Blue checkmark.

Private School,

NEW YORK, NY,

K-12,

137 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says I have been at Chapin my whole life and I can honestly say that it has deeply and positively shaped my academic journey. With the help of teachers and peers, I have grown up in an environment that....

Read 137 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade: A+,

Students: 830,

Student-Teacher Ratio: 6 to 1,

#13 Best Private High Schools in America.

St. John's School

Blue checkmark.

Private School,

HOUSTON, TX,

K-12,

121 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.

Featured Review: Middle school student says I love St. Johns so much! I really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really....

Read 121 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade: A+,

Students: 1,424,

Student-Teacher Ratio: 6 to 1,

#14 Best Private High Schools in America.

The Hotchkiss School

Blue checkmark.

Private School,

LAKEVILLE, CT,

9-12,

95 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says I wanted more from high school than a 9am to 3pm lifestyle. I am sure that I would do well at my home high school, but would there be a community where I would feel support? The Hotchkiss School...I learned how to organize my days with help from Hotchkiss' "The Learning Center." While each day is very busy and even demanding, I have free time to meet up with friends. My teachers are...I encourage prospect students that Hotchkiss is a great place to live and learn because of the great experiences I have had..

Read 95 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade: A+,

Students: 599,

Student-Teacher Ratio: 4 to 1,

#15 Best Private High Schools in America.

Horace Mann School

Blue checkmark.

Private School,

BRONX, NY,

PK, K-12,

154 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.

Featured Review: Parent says A current HM parent whose child joined 9G, I had big expectations that have been exceeded. I expected the school to nurture our child's intellectual potential, it is the manner in which this has been....

Read 154 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade: A+,

Students: 1,793,

Student-Teacher Ratio: 7 to 1,

#16 Best Private High Schools in America.

St. Mark's School of Texas

Blue checkmark.

Private School,

DALLAS, TX,

1-12,

84 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says I think St. Mark’s is a very good school that prepares its students well for college. They have a great emphasis on greatness in everything, from sports, to arts, to academics, however students tend....

Read 84 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade: A+,

Students: 911,

Student-Teacher Ratio: 9 to 1,

#17 Best Private High Schools in America.

Flintridge Preparatory School

Blue checkmark.

Private School,

LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE, CA,

7-12,

112 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says Flintridge Preparatory School has allowed me to find myself and grow myself as a student, leader, and friend. There are plenty opportunities that allow me to express myself and meet new friends. If I....

Read 112 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade: A+,

Students: 530,

Student-Teacher Ratio: 7 to 1,

#18 Best Private High Schools in America.

Castilleja School

Blue checkmark.

Private School,

PALO ALTO, CA,

6-12,

67 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.

Featured Review: Parent says Our daughter arrived at Castilleja for 6th grade, and she is now finishing 7th grade -- and she thrived both years! She has developed a diverse group of close friends, and she has loved her teachers.....

Read 67 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade: A+,

Students: 424,

Student-Teacher Ratio: 7 to 1,

#19 Best Private High Schools in America.

Crystal Springs Uplands School

Blue checkmark.

Private School,

HILLSBOROUGH, CA,

6-12,

52 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says Academically rigorous school that emphasizes a strong liberal arts education, particularly in the humanities.The smaller student body allows for smaller class sizes and more personalized instruction. For the most part, the teachers are clearly passionate about their subjects and make a noticeable investment...However, the school's small size means that certain activities like band and robotics suffer because there simply aren't enough students to maintain competitive programs. These activities still offer...There has been an exponential increase in DEI programming over the past few years, with mandatory affinity spaces, assemblies, and a general integration of gender pronouns into the school's culture.....

Read 52 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade: A+,

Students: 565,

Student-Teacher Ratio: 9 to 1,

#20 Best Private High Schools in America.

The Brearley School

Blue checkmark.

Private School,

NEW YORK, NY,

K-12,

97 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says I have loved my time at Brearley! The community is friendly and tight-knit, the teachers are excellent, and the academics are rigorous. I feel so prepared for college. I have made such great friends....

Read 97 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade: A+,

Students: 774,

Student-Teacher Ratio: 6 to 1,

#21 Best Private High Schools in America.

The Loomis Chaffee School

Blue checkmark.

Private School,

WINDSOR, CT,

9-12,

151 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.

Featured Review: Parent says Exceptional learning environment where the students are challenged and supported in equal measure. As the parents of two very different children, we experienced first-hand how well the faculty know....

Read 151 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade: A+,

Students: 736,

Student-Teacher Ratio: 4 to 1,

#22 Best Private High Schools in America.

The Lawrenceville School

Blue checkmark.

Private School,

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ,

9-12,

186 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.

Featured Review: Parent says Lawrenceville as a whole is 99.9 percent awesome. The teachers and staff who work here go all out for of the children. Everyone. Administration, public works, safety and security, teachers in all....

Read 186 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade: A+,

Students: 822,

Student-Teacher Ratio: 7 to 1,

#23 Best Private High Schools in America.

Trinity School

Private School,

NEW YORK, NY,

K-12,

82 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says As a recent alum, who has had the privilege to endure thirteen years of this wonderful institution, I unreservedly recommend Trinity. To put it simply, Trinity’s academics are unparalleled; I was....

Read 82 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade: A+,

Students: 1,001,

Student-Teacher Ratio: 6 to 1,

#24 Best Private High Schools in America.

Dwight Global Online School

Blue checkmark.

Online School,

WEST PALM BEACH, FL,

6-12,

213 Niche users give it an average review of 4.9 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says The Dwight Global IB DP program taught me more than I ever expected to learn from college -- much less high school -- and emphasized reading, writing, and thinking critically. Being in classes with....

Read 213 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade: A+,

Students: 393,

Student-Teacher Ratio: 7 to 1,

#25 Best Private High Schools in America.

Crimson Global Academy, USA

Blue checkmark.

Online School,

FL,

6-12,

70 Niche users give it an average review of 4.7 stars.

Featured Review: Senior says I am a rising senior at CGA US, and I am thoroughly enjoying my experience studying here! My previous online school did not have the structure, academic rigor, and opportunity to connect with peers...I found that one of the biggest strengths this school has is their support system. While they provide a schedule that keeps you productive throughout the week, the teachers are very understanding...I love all the teachers and friends I've met during my time at CGA, and would highly recommend becoming a student here if you're looking for an online school that truly cares about you and your....

Read 70 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade: A+,

Students: 341,

Student-Teacher Ratio: 7 to 1,