Considering private school in US? These 5 high schools are worth exploring
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The decision goes beyond academics—it encompasses cost, location, values, and long-term goals.
While public schools serve the majority of students across the United States, some private high schools have consistently drawn attention for their focus on college preparation, smaller class sizes, and broad extracurricular options. However, identifying which of these institutions provides meaningful educational value, beyond name recognition, requires a close look at credible data.
One such source is Niche.com, a platform that compiles comprehensive data on schools, colleges, neighborhoods, and workplaces across the US. The company's rankings and reviews are based on publicly available datasets and millions of opinions from students, parents, and educators. In recent years, Niche has adapted its methodology to reflect changes in college admissions policies—no longer factoring in SAT or ACT scores, for instance—and instead placing greater emphasis on teacher quality, academic performance, diversity, and student outcomes.
Below are five private high schools in the United States that feature prominently in Niche's 2025 rankings. They stand out across several academic and institutional benchmarks, offering insights for families exploring non-public school options.
1. Commonwealth School
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Annual Tuition: $57,625
Niche Evaluation: A+
Commonwealth School is recognized for its tight-knit academic community and focus on intellectual curiosity. With a small student body and close faculty interaction, the school encourages independent thinking and research-oriented learning.
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2. Choate Rosemary Hall
Location: Wallingford, Connecticut
Annual Tuition: $54,990
Niche Evaluation: A+
Choate offers both day and boarding programmes, blending rigorous academics with a commitment to global and environmental education. The school's curriculum supports interdisciplinary learning, and its resources cater to a wide range of student interests.
3. Phillips Exeter Academy
Location: Exeter, New Hampshire
Annual Tuition: $52,577
Niche Evaluation: A+
Exeter is noted for its Harkness method—a discussion-based teaching model that fosters collaboration and critical inquiry. The school emphasizes a broad liberal arts education and student leadership in classroom settings.
4. Phillips Academy Andover
Location: Andover, Massachusetts
Annual Tuition: $53,950
Niche Evaluation: A+
One of the oldest private schools in the country, Andover combines traditional academic foundations with modern approaches to issues like ethics, data science, and global citizenship. The school also maintains one of the largest financial aid budgets among its peers.
5. Groton School
Location: Groton, Massachusetts
Annual Tuition: $48,135
Niche Evaluation: A+
Groton's curriculum integrates academic excellence with service learning and leadership development. A small student-to-teacher ratio and a strong advisory system support personalized academic growth.
While tuition at these institutions is often substantial, many offer robust financial aid packages aimed at making education more accessible. These schools reflect just a portion of the larger private education ecosystem in the U.S.—each with its own mission, philosophy, and student experience. For families considering alternatives to public education, such profiles provide a starting point in a much broader and more nuanced conversation.
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