Most Influential Private High Schools in the US Ranked for Students

Badge for MOST INFLUENTIAL PRIVATE HIGH SCHOOLS IN THE US
By Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

We’ve identified the 50 top US private high schools based on the accumulative influence of their alumni. Influence is based on web traffic analysis and citations of alumni associated with these high schools.

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One of the most important decisions parents will ever make is the decision about where and how to educate their child. With educational opportunities in the US including top private schools, public schools, virtual learning, homeschooling, and boarding schools, the options can be overwhelming. Once parents have narrowed down the options and decided that a private high school education is the best fit for their child, the sheer number of private schools in the US can be daunting. There are 34,576 private schools in America serving over four million students according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

When choosing a private school, parents need to consider the academic rigor of the curriculum, the education level of the faculty, the relationships schools have built with colleges and universities, alumni outcomes, and the level of individualized care each student receives. The schools outlined below have been ranked as the top private high schools in the US because they exceed parent and student expectations and foster an environment where students thrive and receive preparation for the next stage in their academic careers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Private Schools

A private school is an educational institution that does not receive government funding to instruct students. As opposed to public schools, which are funded through federal and state money and local taxes, private schools rely on funding through tuition, grants, and donations to fulfill their mission of educating students. Although this means that private schools usually come with a cost, the benefits offered at some of the best high schools in America far outweigh the cost, and financial aid is usually available to help parents deal with the additional expense of a private education.

Private schools traditionally have smaller class sizes and more in-depth curriculum than their public school counterparts. They offer a wide variety of classes and generally have an honors, dual enrollment, or AP program for students to participate in. These factors often combine to help students achieve higher standardized test scores, passing grades on AP tests, and admission into top-tier colleges and universities.

In addition to academics, top private schools can offer state-of-the-art facilities, advanced technology, and opportunities for students to broaden their worldview through travel and interaction with a diverse student body.

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Private schools come in all shapes and sizes. Many are religiously affiliated, and the degree that their religious history affects their current school environment varies widely. Some religious private schools require students to profess faith in a certain religion or denomination to attend, and some have opened their doors to students of all faiths while retaining a commitment to service and community outreach.

Some of the best private schools in the US choose to educate only boys or only girls. Citing the difference between the ways boys learn and the ways girls learn, these schools are able to tailor their educational programs to cater to the specific needs of either young men or young women.

College preparatory schools, or prep schools as they’re more commonly known, focus on preparing students for a college education. Curricula at these schools tends to be more intense, centered around AP and honors classes, and geared toward material on the SAT and ACT.

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The characteristics that make a private school great are varied and depend on the culture of the school and the atmosphere that it cultivates for its students. Generally though, a top private school will have a high percentage of faculty with advanced degrees, SAT and ACT scores above the state and national averages, and a matriculation list that includes high-quality colleges and universities. Top tier schools often offer excellent financial aid packages as they want to be as open to talent as possible, despite the financial limits of families. The best private schools are actively working to increase their levels of diversity and minimize their impact on the environment.

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How Do We Determine the Best Private High Schools?

Our methodology is based on influence. We rank schools based on the influencers associated with them, with both faculty and alumni considered. We gauge influence and map the relevant connections between people and institutions by considering not only the number of citations and web mentions, but the authority of entities making the citations. Based on our analysis, the ranked private high schools display higher concentrations of influential people associated with them. Influence comes in many forms, making this a rather unique ranking of high schools.

Our machine learning technology doesn’t simply scrape the web for mentions. The artificial intelligence (AI) behind it digs deeply, by

  1. identifying entities and institutions,
  2. finding mentions of the institution across the web,
  3. mapping the people that make up an institution, including independent work done by those people and their affiliations with other institutions, and
  4. mapping institutional output by identifying ideas as entities for further tracking.

As this mapping develops and signals strengthen between these entities, we collect essential data for comparing the influence of public high schools in the US. All data collected is available to the public.

More about us and our methodology.

It’s not too early to start planning for college. Check out our College Planning Resource Guide for everything from testing to campus tours.


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The Best Private Schools in the US

  1. 1

    Phillips Exeter Academy

    Phillips Exeter Academy

    Exeter, New Hampshire

    Phillips Exeter Academy (simply referred to as Exeter) is a boarding school for grades 1–12 located in Exeter, New Hampshire. Founded in 1781, the school has one of the highest percentages of faculty with advanced degrees: an impressive 80%. The school offers over 450 courses in 18 different areas and utilizes the Harkness method to showcase learning as a democratic process.

    Students at Exeter hail from 44 states and 31 countries, and they offer programs across five continents to broaden students’ worldview and expose them to diverse experiences. In addition to the traditional four years of high school, Exeter offers students the opportunity to participate in a postgraduate year as well. The education system is based around high student interaction and low teacher involvement.

    Phillips Exeter Academy stats:

    • Percentage of students who board: 80%
    • Tuition, room & board: $57,563
    • Day tuition (for non-boarding students): $44,960
    • Average class size: 12
    • Student/teacher ratio: 5:1
    • Total students: over 1,000
    • Percent on financial aid: 49%

    Most influential alumni:

  2. 2

    Phillips Academy

    Phillips Academy

    Andover, Massachusetts

    Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts (more commonly known as Andover to avoid confusion with rival school Phillips Exeter Academy), is the oldest boarding school in the United States. Founded in 1778, the school’s rich history is continued today by students from 44 states and 51 countries (11% of the student population is composed of international students). The campus is unique in that it contains a wildlife sanctuary and the Addison Gallery of American Art.

    Academically, the school boasts over 300 courses with 150 electives. Long known as a feeder school for Yale due to its proximity, the school routinely sends students to all of the Ivy League schools and other prestigious universities.

    The school’s motto of non sibi which translates to not for self shows the aim of the school to balance academic excellence with an awareness of community and global engagement.

    Phillips Academy stats:

    • Percentage of students who board: 75%
    • Tuition, room & board: $59,850
    • Day tuition (for non-boarding students) $46,400
    • Average class size: 13
    • Student/teacher ratio: 5:1
    • Total students: 1,150
    • Endowment size: $1.1 billion
    • Percent on financial aid: 47
    • Average financial aid grant (for returning students): $41,500

    Most influential alumni:

  3. 3

    Harvard-Westlake High School

    Harvard-Westlake High School

    Los Angeles, California

    Harvard-Westlake High School is a co-educational prep school in Los Angeles, California. Founded in 1900, the school serves students in grades 1–12 and has two distinct campuses, one for middle school students, and one for high school students. Each campus provides students access to a gym, sports fields, visual and performing arts spaces, and state-of-the-art academic buildings.

    Harvard-Westlake offers over 300 classes and 100 clubs for students to participate in. The school boasts over 19,000 hours in community service completed by students each year. Students run eight publications and perform over 40 concerts, plays, and recitals each year. 76% of the faculty have advanced degrees and have an average of ten years teaching experience.

    Students at Harvard-Westlake come from 175 different zip codes across the country, and report 65 different languages being spoken at their homes. The most popular colleges attended by graduates in the past five years have been NYU, Harvard, and Dartmouth.

    Harvard-Westlake High School stats:

    • Average class size: 16
    • Student/teacher ratio: 8:1
    • Total students: 1,620
    • Average SAT score: 1454
    • Critical thinking: 717
    • Math: 737
    • Average ACT score: 33
    • Tuition: $41,300
    • Percent on financial aid: 20%
    • Average financial aid grant: $30,500

    Most influential alumni:

  4. 4

    Bishop Gorman High School

    Bishop Gorman High School

    Las Vegas, Nevada

    Bishop Gorman High School is the oldest and only Catholic high school in Las Vegas, Nevada. Founded in 1954, the school offers a traditional education supplemented with community service requirements. Students are required to complete at least 100 hours of community service before graduation.

    The school has instituted a 1:1 iPad program to ensure that all students have access to the technology to complete their coursework and strengthen their technical skills. The summer before their senior year, students are encouraged to participate in the Summer Internship Program where they can try out the career of their choice to gain insight into their future paths.

    The Class of 2020 received acceptances from top-tier colleges such as the University of Notre Dame, Georgetown University, and Howard University.

    Bishop Gorman High School stats:

    • Total students: 1,500
    • Average SAT score: 1170
    • Critical thinking: 590
    • Math: 580
    • Average ACT score: 22
    • Tuition: $14,300
    • Percent on financial aid: 30%

    Most influential alumni:

  5. 5

    De La Salle High School

    De La Salle High School

    Concord, California

    Founded by John Baptist de La Salle, De La Salle High School is a private, Catholic school located in Concord, California. This all-boys school was founded in 1965 and is dedicated to facilitating the growth of men of faith. Over 50% of the faculty have advanced degrees. Admission is highly selective and based on a student’s performance on the High School Placement Test. The AP pass rate was 84% in 2019.

    A large percentage of the faculty at De La Salle are former alumni who have returned to teach the next generation of students. The school has a close-knit feel to it because the faculty and students share a strong common bond.

    The top three colleges attended by De La Salle grades in the past three years have been Saint Mary’s College, California Polytechnic State University, and University of San Diego.

    De La Salle High School stats:

    • Total students: 1,050
    • Tuition: $19,900
    • Percent on financial aid: 33%
    • Average financial aid grant: 50% of tuition

    Most influential alumni:

  7. 6

    Mater Dei High School

    Mater Dei High School

    Santa Ana, California

    Mater Dei High School founded in 1950 is a Catholic prep school located in Santa Ana, California. With over 2100 students, Mater Dei is the largest non-public school west of Chicago. 40% of the faculty hold advanced degrees and over 10% are Mater Dei alumni themselves.

    Students at Mater Dei have a wealth of clubs and activities to choose from to supplement their academics. The academic decathlon team (which finished 2nd place overall last year), the television station (where students broadcast a daily show and weekly streaming events), and the campus ministry provide students with engaging and productive ways to pass their time.

    Of the Class of 2020, the most popular college choices were University of California and California State University.

    Mater Dei High School stats:

    • Average class size: 23–30
    • Student/teacher ratio: 11:1
    • Total students: 2,100
    • Average SAT score: 1215
    • Critical thinking: 606
    • Math: 609
    • Average ACT score: 24
    • Tuition: $17,700
    • Percent on financial aid: 55%

    Most influential alumni:

  8. 7

    Horace Mann School

    Horace Mann School

    Bronx, New York

    Horace Mann, an advocate for public education, was only able to attend school for 6 weeks of the year but by using his local library and educating himself, he was able to attend Brown University and graduate in 3 years. The Horace Mann School was founded in 1887 and is a college prep school in the Bronx, New York, serving students from kindergarten through high school graduation. Of the 263 faculty members, 176 have master’s degrees and 32 have PhDs. The school has a relationship with the Royal Shakespeare Company that provides intensive training to faculty members to enhance their teaching of theatre and the plays of Shakespeare.

    Students are required to participate in Service Learning projects as a graduation requirement, and can also participate in any of 29 student publications or 60 clubs. The school is one of the ten largest independent day schools in the US and has something to capture the interest of every student.

    In the past three years, students from Horace Mann have attended schools such as University of Chicago, Harvard University, and Brown University.

    Horace Mann School stats:

    • Total students: 734 (high school)
    • Tuition: $55,200
    • Percent on financial aid: 14%

    Most influential alumni:

  9. 8

    Dalton School

    Dalton School

    New York City, New York

    Dalton School in New York City is a co-educational institution serving students from kindergarten through high school graduation. Founded in 1919 by Helen Packhurst (a progressive educator and an associate of Maria Montessori), the school values reflect the Progressive Education movement popular at that time.

    Today, students still follow the Dalton Plan of education laid out over a century ago. Students are brought into the decision-making process and allowed to choose topics to study to help them take ownership of their own education and growth. The Dalton Plan encompasses three major categories: house, assignment, and lab. In high school the houses are made up of an advisor and a students from all grade levels that form a small community. Assignments are given to promote time-management and organizational skill development. Labs are small group sessions designed to add to the general classroom experience.

    Dalton School stats:

    • Total students: 1300
    • Tuition: $55,210
    • Acceptance Rate: 14%
    • Endowment size: $65 million
    • Percent on financial aid: 20%

    Most influential alumni:

  10. 9

    DeMatha Catholic High School

    DeMatha Catholic High School

    Hyattsville, Maryland

    DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Maryland, was founded in 1946. It is an all-boys Catholic high school serving students in grades 1–12. The school offers a wide variety of AP and honor classes and students can participate in clubs such as the Investment Club or the Ecology Club.

    Students interested in music can find a variety of options at DeMatha including many summer camps and activities designed to strengthen their musical abilities as individual players and as part of a larger ensemble or band.

    Boasting the mascot of a stag, the school boasts a strong athletic tradition and has over 30 teams. Students regularly receive athletic scholarships to top-rated college programs. Recent graduates have attended powerhouses like the University of Alabama, Clemson University, and Notre Dame.

    DeMatha Catholic High School stats:

    • Average class size: 22
    • Student/teacher ratio: 12:1
    • Total students: 900
    • Tuition: $19,750

    Most influential alumni:

  12. 10

    Notre Dame High School

    Notre Dame High School

    Sherman Oaks, California

    Notre Dame High School is a co-educational Catholic school located in Sherman Oaks, California. Founded in 1947, 87% of the faculty have master’s degrees and 3% have doctorates.

    Notre Dame prides itself on bringing students together and fostering a culture of respect for all people. The foundation for this commitment is set at the beginning of each school year when students participate in retreats with their class designed to bring them closer together while participating in service projects.

    The school offers over 50 AP classes and in 2020 had 80% of students make a three or better on AP exams. 98% of the 2022 class pursued further education. 17% of the Class of 2020 attended the University of California.

    Notre Dame High School stats:

    • Student/teacher ratio: 16:1
    • Total students: 1,240
    • Average SAT score: 1202
    • Critical thinking: 605
    • Math: 597
    • Average ACT score: 26
    • Tuition: $19,500

    Most influential alumni:

  13. 11

    Crossroads School for Arts and Sciences

    Crossroads School for Arts and Sciences

    Santa Monica, California

    Founded in 1971, Crossroads School for Arts and Sciences in Santa Monica, California, is a K–12 prep school founded in 1971. From 2012–2020 the most frequently attended colleges for Crossroads graduates were Wesleyan University, NYU, and University of Southern California.

    In addition to the rigorous curriculum at Crossroads, students may audition to join the Elizabeth Model Music Institute, a renowned strings program that prepares students to enter the music industry.

    Crossroads also prioritizes an interactive and future-focused curriculum and students can participate in Environmental and Outdoor Education programs and take Life Skills classes to prepare them for life after high school.

    Crossroads School for Arts and Sciences stats:

    • Average class size: varies by grade
    • Student/teacher ratio: 8:1
    • Total students: 536 (high school)
    • Tuition: $44,863

    Most influential alumni:

  14. 12

    Hotchkiss School

    Hotchkiss School

    Lakeville, Connecticut

    Hotchkiss School founded in 1891 in Lakeville, Connecticut, is consistently ranked as one of the top five boarding schools in New England. The school’s two founding principles are academic excellence and accessibility, and they pride themselves on graduating students who are change-makers and leaders. 72% of the faculty hold advanced degrees and have an average of 22 years of experience.

    Adjacent to the campus is Fairfield Farm, a 287-acre working farm where students have the opportunity to learn about sustainable and organic agriculture. The farm provides 30% of the produce eaten in the dining hall, and students can engage in hiking, gardening, and livestock raising.

    Hotchkiss School is also know for diversity. With 16% of the student body being international and 36% of students being U.S. students of color, students can expect to foster an appreciation for cultures different than their own.

    Hotchkiss School stats:

    • Percentage of students who board: 96%
    • Tuition, room & board: $61,730
    • Day tuition: $52,470
    • Average class size: 12
    • Student/teacher ratio: 4:1
    • Total students: 600
    • Percent on financial aid: 38%
    • Average financial aid grant: $50,206

    Most influential alumni:

  15. 13

    Pine Crest School

    Pine Crest School

    Boca Raton, Florida & Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

    Pine Crest School has campuses in both Boca Raton, Florida, and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. High school students receive instruction at the Ft. Lauderdale campus founded in 1934. The school offers more than 30 AP classes for students to choose from, and preparation for college life begins in ninth grade. Each ninth grader is assigned to a Dean for College and Academic Advising who assists them with resources and preparation for the college admission process.

    In addition to academics, Pine Crest also focuses on instilling students with a strong social emotional education. This includes the study of topics such Awareness of Group Dynamics, Mindful Decisions, and Interconnectedness.

    Pine Crest School stats:

    • Average class size: 12–20
    • Student/teacher ratio: 9:1
    • Total students: 2661 (pre-K–12)
    • Tuition: $36,550
    • Endowment size: $79 million
    • Percent on financial aid: 18%

    Most influential alumni:

  17. 14

    Montverde Academy

    Montverde Academy

    Montverde, Florida

    Montverde Academy is a K–12 prep school in Montverde, Florida. Founded in 1912 the school, the school was originally just a two-room building and a church, but grew quickly. The school now boards students grades 1–12 and day students for all grades including a post-graduate year. 70% of the faculty have advanced degrees and there are 32 available AP classes.

    Distinguishing itself from other schools, Monteverde offers five study area concentrations for students who have already decided what they plan to pursue in college. Students in this program will receive a Study Area Concentration Diploma. Students can also choose to be part of the Distinguished Scholars Program where they can earn Advanced Placement International Diplomas.

    Recent graduates from Montverde have chosen to study at colleges such as Purdue University, Emory University, and the University of London.

    Montverde Academy stats:

    • Student/teacher ratio: 15:1
    • Total students: 825 (upper school)
    • Percentage of Boarding Students: 40% of upper school students
    • Boarding Tuition: 52,925
    • Day Tuition: $19,400

    Most influential alumni:

  18. 15

    Regis High School

    Regis High School

    New York City, New York

    Regis High School in New York City is an all-boys Jesuit prep school founded in 1914. The school is distinctive for being a tuition-free private school that prides itself on diversity. 40% of the student body are the sons of immigrants. The school is part of the REACH program that serves 146 families from underserved communities and helps students become high-achieving learners and the leaders of tomorrow. The school tries to instill leadership, generosity, and service into the students and uses the phrase “Men for Others” as a guide.

    Students can participate in extracurricular activities including seven publications, six service-based programs, and eight interscholastic sports. Graduates from Regis frequently attend schools like Boston College, Northeastern University, and Cornell University.

    Regis High School stats:

    • Student/teacher ratio: 10:1
    • Total students: 533
    • Tuition: Regis prides itself on being tuition-free

    Most influential alumni:

  19. 16

    Gonzaga College High School

    Gonzaga College High School

    Washington, DC

    Gonzaga College High School is an all-boys Catholic school founded in 1821 and is the only Jesuit high school in Washington, DC. Located less than a mile from the US Capitol Building, the school is the only Jesuit school in the District of Columbia. Gonzaga offers 104 honors and AP classes, and 90% of the faculty hold advanced degrees. 81% of AP students scored a three or higher in 2018.

    The school aims to instill an appreciation of Christian service in students, and more than 20,000 student hours are spent on service projects each year. Students are also encouraged to join one of the 54 clubs available on campus.

    Students in the Class of 2020 visited a total of 174 colleges in the fall, and 99% of the class immediately began attending a 4-year university receiving a combined 22 million dollars in scholarships.

    Gonzaga College High School stats:

    • Average class size: 20
    • Student/teacher ratio: 13:1
    • Total students: 960
    • Average SAT score: 1285
    • Tuition: $23,550
    • Percent on financial aid: 35%

    Most influential alumni:

  20. 17

    Riverdale Country School

    Riverdale Country School

    Bronx, New York

    Riverdale Country School is a K–12 co-educational school in the Bronx, New York. Founded in 1907, the school aims to be a diverse and progressive atmosphere for students to thrive in. Riverdale is described as a high challenge, high support school on its website, and strives to broaden students’ minds and teach them to think critically and creatively, while giving them the support they need to succeed in and outside of the classroom. Riverdale seeks to teach students to advocate for themselves so that they can fight for change throughout their lives.

    The school is divided into two campuses: River Campus for pre-K–5th grade and Hill Campus for 6th–12th grades. Students at the Hill Campus have access to first-class athletic facilities including one 9,600 square foot gymnasium, a second gym dedicated to training, a fencing room, and an aquatic center.

    Riverdale Country School stats:

    • Student/teacher ratio: 5:1
    • Total students: 1200 (K–12)
    • Tuition: $50,045
    • Percent on financial aid: 20%

    Most influential alumni:

  22. 18

    Saint Ann’s School

    Saint Ann’s School

    Brooklyn, New York

    Saint Ann’s School located in Brooklyn, New York, was founded in 1965. Dedicated to students seeking to study the arts, Saint Ann’s offers over 200 courses to choose from, 70 of which are arts courses. Saint Ann’s does not grade students. Instead, parents receive narrative reports from teachers detailing what the students are learning. The no grades policy helps prevent competitiveness between students and teaches them that many problems do not necessarily have right or wrong answers. In keeping with this belief, Saint Ann’s does not offer honors or AP classes.

    The Class of 2020 went on from Saint Ann’s to matriculate to colleges such as Wesleyan, Oberlin, and Amherst.

    Saint Ann’s School stats:

    • Student/teacher ratio: 12:1
    • Total students: 1065
    • Average SAT score: 1440
    • Critical thinking: 730
    • Math: 700
    • Average ACT score: 32
    • Tuition: $51,650
    • Percent on financial aid: 31%

    Most influential alumni:

  23. 19

    St. Augustine High School

    St. Augustine High School New Orleans

    New Orleans, Louisiana

    St. Augustine High School in New Orleans, Louisiana, is a leading Catholic high school educating predominantly African American males ages 13-18. It is a training ground for leadership through academic excellence, moral values, christian responsibility and reasonable, consistent discipline. In its 70 years of existence, the school has produced 9,161 graduates. In its latest graduating class of 114 young men, 98% will enter a four-year university with 1% entering a two-year college and the remaining 1% electing to enter the military ranks.

    The school offers a traditional education supplemented by a requirement of four theology classes. Electives at Saint Augustine are varied and include Business Entrepreneurship, Art, Visuals & Media and Mandarin courses.

    In its 70 years of existence, St. Augustine has produced over 75 graduates to enter and graduate from Ivy League schools in addition to Stanford University, MIT, Carnegie-Mellon, University of Notre Dame and several other top 50 universities; in addition, St. Augustine has produced 41 NFL players, 3 NBA players, nearly a dozen MLB amateur ballplayers and a current Team USA fencer who’s ranked #4 in the United States.

    St. Augustine is located on the corner of two streets, named Law and Hope. These names are symbolic of what the school hopes students will learn during their time here. Students are brought closer together through annual retreats that create opportunities for bonding and creating life-long friendships and deepen student spirituality. Each student is required to complete a minimum of 40 hours of community service per year.

    St. Augustine High School stats:

    • Total students: 540
    • Tuition: $10,100
    • Percent on financial aid: 40%
    • Free to reduced luch population: 63%
  24. 20

    Loyola Academy

    Loyola Academy

    Wilmette, Illinois

    Loyola Academy is a co-educational Jesuit high school in Wilmette, Illinois and is the largest Jesuit high school in America. Founded in 1909, the school balances education with a commitment to service and catering to students’ development as well-rounded people. 97% of faculty have advanced degrees, including 6% with PhDs. Loyola offers 21 AP courses and 51 honors courses. In 2020, 80% of students taking AP exams scored a three or higher.

    Loyola offers two honors programs, and 20% of students are enrolled in one of the two. The Dumbach Scholars Honors Program utilizes the Great Books Foundation’s Shared Inquiry Method and the Clavius Scholars Honors Program focuses on fostering a critical appreciation of the scientific method.

    Graduates in the Class of 2020 attended college in places like Georgetown University, Stanford University, and Wake Forest University.

    Loyola Academy stats:

    • Total students: 2000
    • Average SAT score: 1274
    • Average ACT score: 27
    • Tuition: $17,750
    • Percent on financial aid: 30%
    • Average financial aid grant: $8,500

    Most influential alumni:

  25. 21

    Bellarmine College Preparatory

    San Jose, California

    Bellarmine College Preparatory in San Jose, California is an all-boys Jesuit school founded in 1851 and is the oldest secondary school in California. Bellarmine believes fully in the Jesuit ideal of cura personalis or care of the whole person. Their curriculum extends outside of the classroom to offer students skills and principles necessary to shape them into leaders and people of faith.

    Bellarmine offers AP classes, and 80% of their students consistently pass with a score of three or better. Outside of the classroom, students can participate in extracurricular ranging from robotics to theatre.

    As part of their leadership program students are able to serve as student ambassadors, big brothers to new students, or Kairos Student Leaders who guide ongoing discussions at retreats.

    Bellarmine plays host to over 150 college admission officers through the year to ensure their students have access to the school of their choice. The Class of 2020 is currently attending schools like Santa Clara University, Chapman University, and California Polytechnic.

    Bellarmine College Preparatory stats:

    • Average class size: 22
    • Student/teacher ratio: 12:1
    • Total students: 1570
    • Average SAT score: 1320
    • Critical thinking: 650
    • Math: 670
    • Average ACT score: 30
    • Tuition: $23,475

    Most influential alumni:

  27. 22

    Ethical Culture Fieldston School

    Ethical Culture Fieldston School

    New York City, New York

    Ethical Culture Fieldston School in New York City is a K–12 prep school founded in 1878 by humanitarian leader Felix Adler. The curriculum includes a strong ethics program that encourages students to think critically and expand students’ moral growth along with their academic growth.

    Students at Fieldston also engage in a City Semester in their junior year where they study New York City through an interdisciplinary program designed to raise their awareness of their surroundings and help them learn to explore, research, and solve real-world problems.

    In 2020, 92% of students at Fieldston were accepted into their first or second choice college. Students ultimately chose to attend school such as Stanford University, Harvard University, and Colgate University.

    Ethical Culture Fieldston School stats:

    • Student/teacher ratio: 10:1
    • Total students: 1700 (K–12)
    • Tuition: $55,510
    • Percent on financial aid: 22%

    Most influential alumni:

  28. 23

    The Hill School

    The Hill School

    Pottstown, Pennsylvania

    The Hill School located in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, was founded in 1851 by Rev. Matthew Megis. Originally an all-boys school, The Hill School became co-educational in 1998 and now has an almost 50/50 split of male and female students attending.

    The 62 faculty members at The Hill School hold 32 master’s degrees and seven PhDs between them and offer AP courses, college-level courses, and honors courses to meet each student’s needs. Students are encouraged to interact with faculty at family-style meals.

    Students come to Hill School from 28 states and 21 countries, bringing unique perspectives and experiences. Students can choose to participate in six Signature Programs including one in Eudemonia (a Greek word meaning the worthwhile life”) where according to the school website they can learn how to “capitalize upon human resources to make the most of their potential.

    The Hill School stats:

    • Percentage of students who board: 76%
    • Tuition, room & board: $63,870
    • Day tuition: $44,060
    • Average class size: 12
    • Student/teacher ratio: 7:1
    • Total students: 519
    • Endowment size: $163 million
    • Percent on financial aid: 37%

    Most influential alumni:

  29. 24

    Montgomery Bell Academy

    Montgomery Bell Academy

    Nashville, Tennessee

    Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville, Tennessee, is an all-boys school for students in grades 1–12. Founded in 1866, the school is the oldest all-boys school in middle Tennessee and takes pride in the curriculum and atmosphere geared toward boys’ unique learning needs. They hope to develop character, compassion, and intellectual curiosity in every boy.

    68% of the faculty have advanced degrees, including 20% with PhDs. In recent years, the school has graduated nine National Merit Semi-Finalists, 13 Commended Scholars, and 126 AP Scholars.

    Montgomery Bell is home to 15 international exchange programs and offers over $600,000 in student grants each year to help students realize their dream of studying in another country.

    Students from the Class of 2020 matriculated to schools such as Columbia University, Auburn University, and Yale University.

    Montgomery Bell Academy stats:

    • Average class size: 14
    • Student/teacher ratio: 7:1
    • Tuition: $30,680
    • Percent on financial aid: 22%

    Most influential alumni:

  30. 25

    Archbishop Molloy High School

    Archbishop Molloy High School

    Queens, New York

    Archbishop Molloy High School is a Catholic college-prep school located in Queens, New York. Founded in 1892, the school has been named an Outstanding American High School by U.S. News & World Report and an Exemplary High School by the Department of Education.

    Students can choose from over 60 sports and clubs, and over 90% of freshmen participate in school activities on average. Molloy offers over 30 honors classes and students have the opportunity to take up to 36 hours of college credits through a dual enrollment program.

    In 2016, Molloy students received college scholarships totaling over $100,000,000. Students choose to study at schools such as Vassar, Brown, and Dartmouth.

    Archbishop Molloy High School stats:

    • Student/teacher ratio: 19:1
    • Total students: 1560
    • Tuition: $9,850
    • Acceptance Rate: 20%

    Most influential alumni:

  32. 26

    Concord Academy

    Concord Academy

    Concord, Massachusetts

    Concord Academy in Concord, Massachusetts, was founded in 1922. It was the first school in New England to switch from an all-girls to a coeducational model. The school is home to over 70 student clubs and organizations so that every student can find their niche. Ranging from the Dessert Club to the Big Data Club to the Harry Potter Club, as well as more traditional language and arts groups, there is a place for everybody to explore their interests at Concord.

    Concord does not rank students or offer any types of academic awards in order to foster a collaborative environment instead of a high-pressure competitive feel. 100% of Concord students go on to study at a college or university either directly after graduation or after taking an interim year. Over the past four years, the top three schools attended by Concord graduates were Tufts University, Wesleyan University, and New York University.

    Concord Academy stats:

    • Percentage of students who board: 40%
    • Tuition, room & board: $65,850
    • Day tuition: $52,740
    • Average class size: 12
    • Student/teacher ratio: 6:1
    • Total students: 395
    • Average SAT score: 1440
    • Critical thinking: 720
    • Math: 720
    • Percent on financial aid: 26%
    • Average financial aid grant: $49,390

    Most influential alumni:

  33. 27

    The Putney School

    The Putney School

    Putney, Vermont

    The Putney School in Putney, Vermont, was founded in 1935 as part of the Progressive Education movement then sweeping the nation. Putney takes the commitment to a research- based curriculum seriously and does not offer AP classes or put stock in standardized tests. Instead of teaching students how to recite information for a test, Putney puts the emphasis on teaching a solid foundation of reasoning, analytical, and presentation skills.

    Far from a drawback, this unconventional plan from an institution that takes pride in not being a prep school has enabled students to gain admission to Ivy League schools, competitive state universities, and a variety of art and technology-specific institutions over the past three years.

    The school is located on 500 acres and has a working dairy farm. All students are required to work in the barns for at least one semester before graduation.

    The Putney School stats:

    • Percentage of students who board: 73%
    • Tuition, room & board: $66,100
    • Day tuition: $38,900
    • Average class size: 12
    • Student/teacher ratio: 5:1
    • Total students: 232
    • Percent on financial aid: 40%

    Most influential alumni:

  34. 28

    Boston College High School

    Boston College High School

    Boston, Massachusetts

    Boston College High School is an all-boys Catholic high school in Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 1863, the school serves students in grades 1–12. BCHS is committed to nurturing the whole student and helping them learn with their head, heart, and hands. This philosophy entails hands-on learning experience that engage students intellectually and help them learn to empathize with those around them and develop attainable solutions to real-world problems.

    From 2012–2019 the school had 59 National Merit Scholar Finalists and ten winners. 82% of students were accepted to the nation’s most highly competitive colleges. Some of the most popular colleges chosen by students during this time period were Yale University, Georgia Institute of Technology, and University of Michigan.

    Boston College High School stats:

    • Average class size: 22
    • Average SAT score: 1273
    • Tuition: $23,300
    • Endowment size: $84 million
    • Percent on financial aid: 33%
    • Average financial aid grant: $13,000

    Most influential alumni:

  35. 29

    Bergen Catholic High School

    Bergen Catholic High School

    Oradell, New Jersey

    Bergen Catholic High School is an all-boys Catholic school in Oradell, New Jersey. Founded in 1955, the school is a relatively new addition to the private school community, but it has managed to make a big impact in a short time.

    75% of Bergen’s faculty hold advanced degrees, and they have helped students achieve a 100% college acceptance rate in recent years. The school offers 18 AP classes, and 100 colleges send representatives to Bergen each year. All students at Bergen participate in one of the 30+ activities and clubs available to them. Bergen’s goal is to educate the whole student in mind, body, and spirit.

    Bergen Catholic High School has recently sent students to colleges such as Boston College, Princeton University, and James Madison University.

    Bergen Catholic High School stats:

    • Average class size: 20
    • Student/teacher ratio: 13:1
    • Total students: 667
    • Average SAT score: 1186
    • Critical thinking: 589
    • Math: 697
    • Average ACT score: 25
    • Tuition: $18,300

    Most influential alumni:

  36. 30

    Saint Ignatius High School

    Saint Ignatius High School

    Cleveland, Ohio

    Saint Ignatius High School is an all-boys Catholic school in Cleveland, Ohio. Founded in 1886, today 90% of the faculty at Saint Ignatius hold advanced degrees, and 56% have ten or more years of teaching experience.

    The fine arts department at Saint Ignatius sets it apart from other schools. Students can choose from classes in Digital Film Production, Web Design, and Persuasion and Propaganda (a speech class).

    Saint Ignatius prioritizes service for all of its students, and the Christian Action Team is the hub for more than 20 service programs that the school hosts each year. Students performed more than 15,000 hours of non-required service last year, making a lasting difference in their chosen outreaches. Students are also provided with opportunities to attend Mass, retreats, faith-sharing groups, and mission trips.

    Students at Saint Ignatius have matriculated to universities such as Loyola, Ohio State, and Notre Dame in recent years.

    Saint Ignatius High School stats:

    • Total students: 1514
    • Average SAT score: 1212
    • Critical thinking: 607
    • Math: 605
    • Average ACT score: 26
    • Tuition: $17,300

    Most influential alumni:

  38. 31

    Spence School

    Spence School

    New York City

    Spence School in New York City is an all-girls K–12 school founded in 1892. Spence offers a rigorous academic program to ready students for the college classroom and the job market beyond. Guest speakers are regularly brought in to address changing industries, emerging issues, and leadership-oriented topics. Recent guest speakers include Stephen Greenblatt and Sherman Alexie.

    The all-female atmosphere at Spence is designed to empower young women to make their own way in the world and have curriculum and assignments tailored to their academic needs. Their school motto translates to not for school but for life we learn and the school prepares students for life outside of classroom walls where new and exciting problems await solutions.

    80% of the faculty at Spence hold advanced degrees, and students from the Class of 2021 have been selected to attend colleges such as Columbia University, Duke University, and Stanford University.

    Spence School stats:

    • Student/teacher ratio: 6:1
    • Total students: 774
    • Tuition: $57,385
    • Percent on financial aid: 20%

    Most influential alumni:

  39. 32

    Servite High School

    Anaheim, California

    Servite High School in Anaheim, California, is an all-male Catholic school founded in 1958. The school has 29 honors courses and 15 AP courses with an AP pass rate of 70%. Last year, the school prepared over 13,000 meals to give to the homeless, and the importance of community outreach is instilled in each student through service projects.

    The robotics program at Servite is ranked in the top 25 in the world. The program is an excellent real-world application of engineering skills and allows students to build and design functioning robots.

    Students at Servite in the Class of 2020 went on to attend colleges such as California State Polytechnic University, Cornell University, and Stanford University. 95% of the student population is accepted into a 4-year university.

    Servite High School stats:

    • Average class size: 21
    • Student/teacher ratio: 18:1
    • Total students: 765
    • Average SAT score: 1227
    • Average ACT score: 26
    • Tuition: $18,015
    • Percent on financial aid: 50%

    Most influential alumni:

  40. 33

    St. John Bosco High School

    Bellflower, California

    St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower, California, is an all-boys Catholic school founded in 1940. The school features a traditional curriculum and cultivates a family-like atmosphere that they call The Bosco Brotherhood where students can build strong, lifelong friendships with each other, faculty members, and alumni.

    Bosco has built a place specifically designed for students to come together for studying and fellowship. The Learning Commons has more than 4500 square feet of space dedicated to bringing students together. Rooms are available to reserve so that students can work on group projects or study for exams.

    In 2019 graduates attended schools such as Princeton, Notre Dame, UCLA, Georgetown, UC Berkeley, MIT, Stanford and USC. In 2022, 96% of the student population pursued further education.

    St. John Bosco High School stats:

    • Average class size: 28
    • Student/teacher ratio: 14:1
    • Total students: 855
    • Tuition: $15,575

    Most influential alumni:

  41. 34

    Georgetown Preparatory School

    Georgetown Preparatory School

    Bethesda, Maryland

    Georgetown Preparatory School located in Bethesda, Maryland, is an all-boys Jesuit school founded in 1789. It is the country’s oldest boarding and day school. The school focuses on educating young men in mind, body, and spirit, and emphasizes the importance of service to others. Students participate in service projects throughout the school year and are also encouraged to take part in a more extensive Summer Service Trip before beginning their senior year.

    Students engage in a Christian curriculum that includes requirements in Theology, Latin, and Christian Service. The school offers 25 AP classes and 85% of the faculty hold advanced degrees. The school boasts the honor of graduating two sitting Supreme Court Justices: Kavanaugh and Gorsuch.

    The school is also home to a recording studio that produces two compilations per year. Students expand their knowledge of the music industry and hone their talents at no additional cost during the school year.

    Georgetown Preparatory School stats:

    • Percentage of students who board: 23%
    • Tuition, room & board: $63,800
    • Day tuition: $39,385
    • Average class size: 16
    • Student/teacher ratio: 8:1
    • Total students: 496
    • Average SAT score: 1386
    • Percent on financial aid: 28%

    Most influential alumni:

  43. 35

    Dwight School

    Dwight School

    New York City, New York

    Dwight School is a K–12 prep school located in New York City. Founded in 1872, the school uses the International Baccalaureate curriculum and accepts students as young as three in its pre-school program. In 1972, it became the first U.S. independent school to estabish an overseas campus.

    Dwight students are constantly challenged to think critically and creatively through initiatives such as the Spark Tank, an innovation lab where students generate tomorrow’s big ideas.

    While closed to students during COVID-19, the staff at Dwight was hard at work preparing the next place for students to learn and grow. Two rooftop pavilions now provide access to a stimulating environment for students to have class, study, or hang out with their friends. Bowdoin, Cornell, Dartmouth, UCLA, McGill, NYU, and University of Pennsylvania are just a few of the excellent colleges and universities that Dwight’s Class of 2020 chose to attend.

    Dwight School stats:

    • Total students: 954
    • Tuition: $53,550
    • Percent on financial aid: 23%

    Most influential alumni:

  44. 36

    Calvert Hall College High School

    Calvert Hall College High School

    Baltimore, Maryland

    Calvert Hall College High School in Baltimore, Maryland, is an all-boys Catholic school founded in 1845. The school utilizes lecture-seminar format for classes to acclimate students to the university-style of teaching. The school offers over 20 AP classes and faculty develop individual plans for each student’s education to help them reach their potential.

    Students can participate in immersion trips to places like Belize where they can soak in the culture, language, and feel of a new place. Students blog to document their time on these trips and adjust to writing for nonacademic audiences. The school also boasts a 100% student involvement rate in retreats and service.

    Calvert Hall regularly organizes college trips to different universities to help students decide which would be the best fit for them In the past four years students have chosen to attend schools such as Boston College, Princeton University, and University of North Carolina.

    Calvert Hall College High School stats:

    • Average class size: 18
    • Total students: 1200
    • Tuition: $17,575
    • Percent on financial aid: 35%

    Most influential alumni:

  45. 37

    Don Bosco Preparatory High School

    Ramsey, New Jersey

    Don Bosco Preparatory High School in Ramsey, New Jersey, is an all-boys Catholic prep school founded in 1915. The school uses the preventative system of education that emphasizes reason, religion, and kindness. Don Bosco offers college prep, AP, and honors classes as well as a partnership with local colleges to allow students to earn college credit beginning in their junior year. 48% of the faculty have master’s degrees and 6% have PhDs.

    Don Bosco has a communication arts program where students can learn about different production techniques, filmmaking, and scripting. Students, who are called Ironmen, produce morning shows, sports broadcasts, and gain experience with broadcasting.

    Don Bosco Preparatory High School stats:

    • Student/teacher ratio: 15:1
    • Total students: 772
    • Average SAT score: 1188
    • Critical thinking: 592
    • Math: 596
    • Average ACT score: 24
    • Tuition: $16,550

    Most influential alumni:

  46. 38

    Santa Margarita Catholic High School

    Rancho Santa Margarita, California

    Santa Margarita Catholic High School is a co-educational Catholic school in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, founded in 1987. 74% of the faculty at Santa Margarita hold advanced degrees, and the school has spent seven years as a Microsoft Showcase School. 90% of the student body participate in extracurricular activities and the school is host to students from 14 countries.

    Santa Margarita is the only Catholic International Baccalaureate high school in the country. It offers 111 higher level courses, including AP classes. In 2023, the school produced 5 finalists, 5 semifinalists, and 26 commended National Merit Scholar Finalists.

    46 students from the Class of 2020 committed to schools for athletic programs, and 99% of the class went straight into a college degree program.

    Santa Margarita Catholic High School stats:

    • Student/teacher ratio: 15:1
    • Total students: 1641
    • Average SAT score: 1274
    • Average ACT score: 27
    • Tuition: $18,275
    • Percent on financial aid: 33%

    Most influential alumni:

  48. 39

    Loyola High School

    Loyola High School

    Los Angeles, California

    Loyola High School in Los Angeles, California is an all-boys Catholic school. Founded in 1865, Loyola is the oldest continuously running educational institution in California. 83 of the 117 faculty members have master’s degrees and 17 have doctoral degrees.

    Loyola requires 135 hours of community service and eight semesters of theology in addition to a traditional curriculum. The school also sponsors the Hannon Theatre Company, a college prep dramatic arts program for students at Loyola interested in pursuing performing arts at the college level.

    From 2012–2018 some of the most popular colleges Loyola graduates attended were NYU, Fordham University, and University of Southern California.

    Loyola High School stats:

    • Student/teacher ratio: 23:1
    • Total students: 1241
    • Average SAT score: 1294
    • Critical thinking: 643
    • Math: 651
    • Average ACT score: 29
    • Tuition: $22,440
    • Acceptance Rate: 40%
    • Average financial aid grant: 52% of tuition

    Most influential alumni:

  49. 40

    Trinity School

    Trinity School

    New York City, New York

    Trinity School in New York City is a K–12 prep school founded in 1706, making it one of the five oldest schools in the country. The school is highly selective and known for sending students to elite schools: an average of 40% of graduates go on to attend an Ivy League university.

    Trinity offers many opportunities for global engagement. Students can take a Mandarin immersion program in China or Taiwan, study the Lakota Indians in South Dakota, or take a Jazz tour of Europe.

    Graduates from 2012–2017 attended prestigious universities and over ten students attended each of the Ivy League colleges. In 2022, 98% of students went on to a four-year college or university.

    Trinity School stats:

    • Student/teacher ratio: 6:1
    • Total students: 995
    • Average SAT score: 1525
    • Average ACT score: 34
    • Tuition: $57,230

    Most influential alumni:

  50. 41

    Archbishop Mitty High School

    Archbishop Mitty High School

    San Jose, California

    Archbishop Mitty High School is a Catholic high school in San Jose, California. Founded in 1964, the school offers 22 AP classes and 15 honors classes. In 2020, Mitty had 16 National Merit finalists and 92% of students passed their AP exams.

    In addition to an excellent academic program, Mitty offers students the chance to participate in a Corporate Internship Program where they can partner with one of over 50 Silicon Valley corporations to explore career options and beef up their resumes before graduation. Unusually for internship programs, students are compensated appropriately for their time to help them build financial independence and responsibility.

    Students in the Class of 2020 attended schools such as California State University in San Jose, University of Portland, and University of Arizona.

    Archbishop Mitty High School stats:

    • Average class size: 27
    • Student/teacher ratio: 16:1
    • Total students: 1783
    • Average SAT score: 1310
    • Critical thinking: 656
    • Math: 654
    • Average ACT score: 28
    • Tuition: $22,925
    • Percent on financial aid: 23%

    Most influential alumni:

  51. 42

    Buckley School

    Los Angeles, California

    Buckley School in Los Angeles, California, is a K–12 day school founded in 1933. It is one of the few schools to have all grades on the same campus. The school offers 22 AP courses and 14 honors courses.

    Since 2015, students at Buckley have had the opportunity to partner with the prestigious graduate writing program at the Iowa Writer’s Workshop. Students are allowed to participate in a three-day experience working on developing their craft in non-fiction writing. Buckley is the only high school participating in the program.

    100% of the class of 2020 were accepted to the college or university of their choice. Students chose to study at schools such as College of William and Mary, Tulane University, and Vassar College.

    Buckley School stats:

    • Average class size: 13
    • Student/teacher ratio: 12:1
    • Total students: 830
    • Tuition: $43,860
    • Percent on financial aid: 14%

    Most influential alumni:

  53. 43

    New Mexico Military Institute

    New Mexico Military Institute

    Roswell, New Mexico

    New Mexico Military Institute founded in 1891 in Roswell, New Mexico, is the only state-supported co-educational college prep high school and junior college in the United States according to its website. The unique opportunity for students to prepare for and attend college at the same institution sets the school apart from other boarding schools. NMMI features students from 45 states, 2 U.S. territories, and 35 foreign nations.

    Students receive leadership training through the JROTC program available at NMMI. Students who decide to remain at the school and receive their Associates of Art or Science degrees are also available to receive a commission in the US Army through the school’s 2-year Early Commissioning Program.

    In addition to military careers, students at NMMI go on to purse college degrees in a wide array of subjects, and the school has a number of graduates who went on to win Pulitzer Prizes.

    New Mexico Military Institute stats:

    • Tuition, room & board: $22,061
    • Acceptance Rate: 39%
    • Total students: 408 (in high school program)
    • Percent on financial aid: 71%

    Most influential alumni:

  54. 44

    St. Ignatius College Preparatory

    San Francisco, California

    St. Ignatius College Preparatory is a Catholic prep school in San Francisco, California. Founded at the height of the California Gold Rush in 1855, the school now boasts 20 acres on two sites: one for academics and one for athletic practices and competitions.

    St. Ignatius has one of the most comprehensive AP programs in the country, with their scores ranking in the top 150 in the nation. 80% of AP test takers score a three or higher. This success is facilitated by a faculty of 123 teachers, 92 of which have master’s degrees.

    St. Ignatius’s performing arts program has a musical theater program and a choir program that have both been named in the top ten in California. Over 20% of students are involved in some aspect of the performing arts department.

    97% of the Class of 2019 attended a four-year institution including places such as Amherst College, Syracuse University, and Wake Forest University.

    St. Ignatius College Preparatory stats:

    • Average class size: 25
    • Student/teacher ratio: 14:1
    • Total students: 1459
    • Average SAT score: 1306
    • Critical thinking: 660
    • Math: 646
    • Average ACT score: 27
    • Tuition: $27,625
    • Acceptance Rate: 25%
    • Percent on financial aid: 24%
    • Average financial aid grant: $13,500
    • Average community service hours per student: 170

    Most influential alumni:

  55. 45

    Mount Carmel High School

    Chicago, Illinois

    Mount Carmel High School is an all-boys Catholic high school in Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 1900, the school has a long tradition of educating young men to achieve excellence in body, mind, and spirit.

    Mount Carmel offers three curriculum paths based on the individual needs of students. Incoming freshmen can choose from the foundations curriculum, excel curriculum, or honors curriculum based on their college and career plans.

    Students at Mount Carmel can also join the Scholars Fraternity for those looking to take their academic experience to the highest level. Participants enjoy exclusive field trips, guest speakers, and tickets to sporting events. Admission is highly selective, and based on GPA, grades, and course load.

    Mount Carmel High School stats:

    • Student/teacher ratio: 14:1
    • Total students: 600
    • Tuition: $12,800

    Most influential alumni:

  56. 46

    Loyola Blakefield

    Loyola Blakefield

    Towson, Maryland

    Loyola Blakefield is an all-boys Catholic school. Located in Towson, Maryland, the school was founded in 1852. The curriculum is designed to follow five directives: service and justice, global-mindedness, integral ecology, holistic health, and discerning use of technology. They hope to empower students to “find God in all things”.

    Students at Loyola Blakefield have the opportunity to participate in the Ricci Experience, an interdisciplinary program seeking to immerse students in Chinese culture. This two-week adventure allows students to visit historical and religious sites in historical cities like Beijing and Shanghai.

    Recent graduates from Loyola Blakefield have gone on to attend Princeton, Harvard, Yale, Duke, and Dartmouth.

    Loyola Blakefield stats:

    • Average class size: 17
    • Total students: 1000
    • Tuition: $21,100
    • Endowment size: $25 million
    • Percent on financial aid: 60%

    Most influential alumni:

  58. 47

    Chaminade High School

    Chaminade High School

    Mineola, New York

    Chaminade High School is a Catholic prep school founded in 1930 in Mineola, New York. The school offers a rigorous curriculum to prepare students to enroll in the college or university of their choice. The core subjects and electives are supplemented by an academic enrichment program that spans all four years of high school and teaches students the necessary skills to succeed in an academic environment.

    The school also has the opportunity for students to join the Emmaus Apostolic Program which is a service based community on campus. 90% of students are involved in one or more campus activities.

    Students who graduate from Chaminade are equipped to study in diverse fields at the college level due to the solid educational foundation they received over the course of their four years of preparation in high school.

    Chaminade High School stats:

    • Student/teacher ratio: 17:1
    • Total students: 1703
    • Tuition: $16,265

    Most influential alumni:

  59. 48

    Cretin-Derham Hall High School

    Cretin-Derham Hall High School

    Saint Paul, Minnesota

    Cretin-Derham Hall High School in Saint Paul, Minnesota, is a co-educational Catholic school founded in 1871. Cretin-Derham offers over 170 courses to fit the ability of all students. The school has ten AP classes and 12 dual enrollment classes at the University of Minnesota and Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. 92% of students go on to attend 4-year colleges or universities.

    All classrooms at Cretin-Derham are equipped with projectors and Apple TVs. The school is home to a state of the art theater and a 10,000 square fitness center. Students can choose from four languages to study, and there are three levels of course placement so that students receive instruction on their level.

    Cretin-Derham Hall High School stats:

    • Average class size: 21
    • Student/teacher ratio: 12:1
    • Total students: 1030
    • Average ACT score: 24
    • Tuition: $14,475

    Most influential alumni:

  60. 49

    Brophy College Preparatory

    Brophy College Preparatory

    Phoenix, Arizona

    Brophy College Preparatory is an all-male Jesuit high school in Phoenix, Arizona. Founded in 1928, the school has now grown to three different campuses. The school teaches a Jesuit foundation that fosters an openness to growth and a commitment to doing justice in the world. Students are given the opportunity to grow in their faith through service opportunities, immersion experiences, and the Summit of Human Dignity.

    75% of staff at Brophy have advanced degrees and the academic program requires a unit of service learning and a unit of advanced technology. 84% of students scored a three or better on AP tests in 2020.

    99% of the Class of 2020 chose to enroll directly into a two or four college. Students attended colleges such as University of Georgia, Arizona State University, and Notre Dame.

    Brophy College Preparatory stats:

    • Student/teacher ratio: 14:1
    • Total students: 1400
    • Average SAT score: 1287
    • Critical thinking: 645
    • Math: 643
    • Average ACT score: 27
    • Tuition: $16,400

    Most influential alumni:

  61. 50

    Xavier High School

    Xavier High School

    New York City, New York

    Xavier High School, the home of the Knights, in New York City was founded in 1847. Like many Jesuit schools the school teaches the importance of a well-rounded education and service to others before self. The school is home to one of the oldest and most prestigious JROTC programs in the country, and 20% of the student body are members of the organization. This paired with an entire department dedicated to military science has led many graduates to pursue military careers. The school offers 17 sports teams for students to choose from, and has a wide array of service programs, immersion opportunities, and retreats for students to participate in.

    87% of the faculty at Xavier have advanced degrees, and the school offers many AP classes to enhance the traditional curriculum.

    The alumni network at Xavier is very active and currently has over 14,000 members. Students from 2012–2020 chose to attend schools such as Purdue University and Howard University.

    Xavier High School stats:

    • Student/teacher ratio: 13:1
    • Total students: 1067
    • Average SAT score: 1250
    • Critical thinking: 625
    • Math: 625
    • Average ACT score: 26
    • Tuition: $20,200
    • Percent on financial aid: 30%
    • Average financial aid grant: $9800

    Most influential alumni:

Parents, it’s never too early to start thinking about your child’s college journey. We can help with our look at the Best College Websites for Parents.


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