Choosing the correct school is an important decision for all students and families. The United States is home to some of the most prestigious and academically difficult institutions, with a diverse curriculum, extracurricular activities, and college preparation programs. In this guide, we showcase some of the best U.S. schools, providing essential insights into their tuition, curriculum structure, and distinguishing features. Whether you’re looking into private, boarding, or top public charter schools, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
1. Phillips Exeter Academy
One of America’s most prominent private boarding schools is Phillips Exeter Academy, situated in Exeter, New Hampshire. Since its founding in 1781, the school has gained recognition for its demanding academic program, Harkness teaching style, and focus on student-led discussions. Exeter has a long history of preparing students for elite colleges across the globe through liberal arts education.
Location: Exeter, New Hampshire
Type: Private, Co-ed, Boarding
Grades: 9–12
🔹 Highlights:
- Known for the Harkness teaching method (roundtable discussions).
- Excellent college placement (Ivy League and top universities).
- Massive endowment allows for generous financial aid.
2. Phillips Academy Andover
Phillips Academy Andover, a prestigious private boarding school in Andover, Massachusetts, was founded in 1778. The school is known for its academic brilliance, diverse student body, and commitment to need-blind admissions. It provides a tough curriculum as well as a variety of extracurricular activities. It has a long history of educating students for success in elite colleges and beyond.
Location: Andover, Massachusetts
Type: Private, Co-ed, Boarding
Grades: 9–12, PG
🔹 Highlights:
- The oldest incorporated academy in the U.S.
- Rigorous academics with a strong humanities program.
- High diversity and a global student body.
3. St. Paul’s School
St. Paul’s School in Concord, New Hampshire, is a famous co-educational Episcopal boarding school founded in 1856. It enrols roughly 540 students from all over the US and ~28 countries on its 2,000-acre campus.
The school prioritises a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with a 5:1 faculty ratio, advanced STEM, humanities, and classical honours programs, and a vibrant arts and athletics community.
Location: Concord, New Hampshire
Type: Private, Co-ed, Boarding
Grades: 9–12
🔹 Highlights:
- Fully residential boarding school.
- Focus on moral values, leadership, and service.
- Strong arts and athletics programs.
4. The Harker School
The Harker School in San Jose, California, is a prestigious co-educational, nonsectarian K-12 day school founded in 1893. It enrols approximately 2,040 students across three Silicon Valley campuses. The school is renowned for its rigorous college-preparatory academics, robust STEM and arts programs, small class sizes (approximately 1:9 teacher-student ratio), and consistent national recognition, such as high AP scores and National Merit semifinalists.
Location: San Jose, California
Type: Private, Co-ed
Grades: K–12
🔹 Highlights:
- Known for STEM excellence and innovation.
- 100% of graduates attend 4-year colleges.
- Modern campus with outstanding technology labs.
5. Horace Mann School
Horace Mann School, founded in 1887 on an 18-acre campus in the Fieldston neighbourhood of the Bronx, New York, is a prestigious co-educational independent day school serving roughly 1,800 students from preschool through grade 12. The school has a low student-teacher ratio (~8:1), a strong college-prep focus, a diverse student body (~46% students of colour), and membership in the Ivy Preparatory School League.
Location: Bronx, New York
Type: Private, Co-ed
Grades: Pre-K–12
🔹 Highlights:
- Highly selective private school.
- Known for preparing students for top-tier universities.
- Emphasis on character education and community service.
6. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST)
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) in Alexandria, Virginia, is a selective public magnet school founded in 1985 as a Governor’s School. It enrols over 2,100 grades 9-12 students from Northern Virginia and offers an advanced STEM-focused curriculum, including research labs, mentorships, and mandatory capstone projects. TJHSST is consistently ranked among the top U.S. high schools, with a near-100% graduation rate and highly competitive admission.
Location: Alexandria, Virginia
Type: Public Magnet, Co-ed
Grades: 9–12
🔹 Highlights:
- #1 public high school in the U.S. (often ranked).
- Advanced STEM curriculum and research opportunities.
- Admission is based on rigorous academic testing.
Also See: Best universities in the USA
7. The Brearley School
The Brearley School, founded in 1884 and located on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, is an independent all-girls K-12 day school serving around 770 students. The school offers a rigorous liberal arts curriculum with a 6:1 student-teacher ratio, strong STEM, arts, and athletics, and over $8 million in need-based aid—including full tuition for families earning under $100k—with a motto of “By Truth and Toil,” and consistently ranks among the top private schools in the U.S.
Location: New York, NY
Type: Private, All-Girls
Grades: K–12
🔹 Highlights:
- Elite academic standards, especially in the liberal arts.
- Small class sizes and dedicated faculty.
- High college acceptance rate at the Ivy League.
8. BASIS Scottsdale
BASIS Scottsdale, founded in 2003 by Michael and Olga Block, is a tuition-free public charter school serving grades 5-12 (with connected K-4 Primary schools). It is consistently ranked among the top-performing schools in the nation (e.g., #32 overall in U.S. News and #2 in the Phoenix metro in 2024). The school offers an accelerated STEM and humanities curriculum, including at least seven AP-level courses, mandatory capstones, and a 100% AP participation rate.
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
Type: Public Charter, Co-ed
Grades: 5–12
🔹 Highlights:
- STEM-focused curriculum with early AP courses.
- Ranked among the top public schools in the U.S.
- Tuition-free with rigorous academic expectations.
9. Harvard-Westlake School
Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles is a renowned independent coeducational day school for grades 7–12, with approximately 1,600 students spread across its Upper School in Studio City and Middle School in Holmby Hills. It is renowned for its strong financial aid commitment (20% of students receive support), demanding academic programs that prepare students for college, and a low student-teacher ratio (~8:1).
Location: Los Angeles, California
Type: Private, Co-ed
Grades: 7–12
🔹 Highlights:
- Known for balancing academics with arts and athletics.
- A strong alumni network in entertainment, technology, and politics.
- Very competitive college placement.
10. The Dalton School
The Dalton School, a well-known coeducational private K-12 day school in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, was established in 1919 by educator Helen Parkhurst. It is well-known for its innovative “Dalton Plan,” which emphasises independent, lab-based learning and customised assignments. It serves roughly 1,300 students with a low (~6:1) student–teacher ratio and a high diversity.
Location: New York, NY
Type: Private, Co-ed
Grades: K–12
🔹 Highlights:
- Progressive curriculum with “Dalton Plan” (independent learning).
- Popular among NYC’s elite families.
- Strong emphasis on creativity and academic excellence.
Here is a summarised table of Fees, Curriculum, and More for the top U.S. schools you mentioned:
| School Name | Location | Annual Tuition | Curriculum | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phillips Exeter Academy | Exeter, NH | ~$64,000 (boarding) | Rigorous college-prep, Harkness method | Prestigious boarding, top Ivy League placement |
| Phillips Academy Andover | Andover, MA | ~$66,000 (boarding) | Liberal arts, student-led inquiry | Need-blind admissions, historic reputation |
| St. Paul’s School | Concord, NH | ~$66,200 (all boarding) | Classical & modern, 5:1 ratio | 100% boarding, spiritual growth & leadership |
| The Harker School | San Jose, CA | ~$48,000 (upper school) | Advanced STEM, arts, AP-heavy | High AP scores, strong college results |
| Horace Mann School | Bronx, NY | ~$61,000 | Core liberal arts, STEM, languages | Ivy Prep League member, 8:1 ratio |
| TJHSST (Thomas Jefferson High School) | Alexandria, VA | Public (no tuition) | Advanced STEM, capstone, mentorship | Competitive admissions, top U.S. rankings |
| The Brearley School | New York, NY | ~$64,000 | Liberal arts, strong humanities | All-girls, K-12, high diversity and support |
| BASIS Scottsdale | Scottsdale, AZ | Tuition-free (charter) | Accelerated STEM, AP, capstone | Top national rankings, AP-focused |
| Harvard-Westlake School | Los Angeles, CA | ~$52,000 | Broad liberal arts, 300+ courses | Top athletics & arts, two campuses |
| The Dalton School | New York, NY | ~$64,300 | Dalton Plan (independent + lab work) | Progressive learning, strong diversity |
Conclusion
The schools listed above are among the best in the United States, noted for academic rigour, holistic development, and outstanding college-preparatory programs. Each school, whether private, charter, or magnet, provides a distinct environment that encourages student performance, innovation, and leadership. Choosing the proper school can be a game-changer in a student’s life, and these institutions stand out as excellent choices for families looking for the best in education.
