Boarding schools in America providing an excellent education to inspire the next generation of leaders

The value of a good boarding school is priceless. But that hasn’t stopped researchers from quantifying it. Studying at “Internats d’Excellence” (boarding schools of excellence in France, shortened as BSE) was found to increase graduation rates at high school. Joining the US’s first and only network of public, college-preparatory boarding schools was also found to have a significant and positive effect on both reading and mathematics test scores. 

Whether in Europe or the US, boarding schools are often seen as platforms to prepare children to be ruling elites. In previous decades, the best of its kind have served as the alma maters of presidents and prime ministers. More recently, that has expanded to include the movers and shakers of industries, philanthropy and the arts — for which the following selection of boarding schools in the US has plenty of.

The Madeira School

The Madeira School is devoted to its mission to “launch women who will change the world” — and it’s one they’ve succeeded in since its founding by being different and better. Graduates go on to some of the most highly selective colleges and universities before joining generations of Madeira women trailblazing in the sciences, media, arts, politics and more.

Central to its success is a powerful Co-Curriculum Internship programme. Starting in ninth grade all the way to the 12th, the research-based, girl-centred curriculum builds critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. The programme, unique to the boarding ranked #7 nationally amongst all-girls high schools by Niche, gets girls experiencing the world with the goal of changing them. It gets them serving the greater community, interning in a Congressional office on Capitol Hill, or pursuing a passion in a field or industry of their own choosing. By the time they graduate, all Madeira students have three five-week internships in hand, impressing recruiters and ready to create meaningful change on their own.

The setting? A scenic, 376-acre, park-like campus overlooking the breathtaking Potomac River. Located just 10 miles from the nation’s capital, studying here means being surrounded by outdoor beauty and world-class urban living. It makes for the perfect living laboratory, with many adventures to boost student wellbeing, from hiking in the woods and ziplining in the trees to riding horses in great equestrian facilities and swimming in a competition-size indoor pool — all of which are available on campus itself. Minutes away is Washington, D.C., the free world’s seat of power, filled with museums, monuments, art and leadership of the history-making kind — a fitting forecast of the future for Madeira girls. Apply to The Madeira School today.

Choate Rosemary Hall

Located in the scenic town of Wallingford, Connecticut, Choate Rosemary Hall is a co-educational boarding and day school for students grades nine to postgraduate.

Students are prepared to take on college and life with the school’s support, programmes and expertise. Academic exploration is encouraged here, with diverse perspectives, cultures, and student experiences valued. Choate is just the right size, with an authentic community and unparalleled facilities to make this possible.

In short, Choate is a school where students are undefinable. With a vast array of opportunities, studies and activities, combined with support and guidance from campus adults, there is no need for students to be constrained by one thing — be it sport, passion, or identity.

Signature Programmes let students build upon their interests and talents further. From Advanced Robotics to Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies (AMES), each option is completely immersive. There is also the Capstone Programme, where students use their creativity and curiosity to chart a concentrated course of study that culminates in a final project during the spring term of the sixth form year. Past concentrations have included China-US Relations, The Art of Dissent, and Preventable Exploitation in the Developing World.

Choate is an intellectually inquisitive community where students can widen their worlds and explore many different passions. They have the full support of faculty members ready to guide them in stretching their discoveries and passion in any area. If you seek an education that brings big changes and impressive transformations, learn more about Choate Rosemary Hall here.

Church Farm School is known for its high standard of producing high-achieving young men. Source: Church Farm School

Church Farm School

Located in Exton, Pennsylvania, 30 miles west of Philadelphia, Church Farm School is a private college preparatory boarding and day school for boys in grades nine to 12. Here, the values of respect, responsibility, integrity and brotherhood permeate — continuing its founding mission of ensuring bright young men of good character have access to a world-class education. And they do — 100% of graduates go on to attend leading universities every year.

Young men of all faiths, ethnicities and socioeconomic statuses are welcomed to this school often found on the “top” of many schools’ lists, including Most Beautiful Private School in Pennsylvania (Architectural Digest 2018), top 10 Chester County High Schools (Main Line Today 2021) and Top 10 Boarding Schools in PA (Niche 2022).

A CFS education comprises a rigorous curriculum that fosters outstanding academic development, a strong focus on STEM, ethical leadership, and a full programme of athletic, artistic and spiritual activities. With 75 faculty and staff members guiding 200 students, class size averages 10 students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of five-to-one.

Here, young men can pursue this rigorous and engaging academic programme at an unusually accessible cost. Boarding and day rates here are well lower than competitors while offering the same rigour and facilities. Students of all incomes, including some middle- and upper-income families, can also apply for financial aid options.

“There is so much motivation here, whether it’s seeing the other students working so hard and succeeding, the mentoring from upperclassmen and advisors or the genuine investment in our kids we witness from every adult on campus,” says student Morgan Beever.

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International