Boarding and country day schools, with their focus on creating nurturing, intellectual communities, can be a savvy choice for parents looking for a school that will provide more than the typical school-day experience. However, sending a child away from home for some of their most formative school years—even just for the day—is a big decision and investment. In choosing a school, you want to ensure that the institution is as supportive as it is enriching, both in and out of the classroom.
While boarding schools often boast more diverse student bodies—drawn from across the country and even around the world—as well as uniquely personal mentorship opportunities (since teachers serve as coaches, advisers, and dorm parents), country day schools incorporate many of the best elements of a prep school education sans residential life—strong academics, individualized attention and mentorship from teachers, a rich slate of extracurriculars—and some even offer boarding options.
But whether you’re choosing a boarding or a country day school, it’s important to evaluate an institution holistically. Judge whether your child would be both challenged academically and excited by the school’s community. To assist in this process, we’ve compiled a list of great boarding and country day schools, all within about four hours of the city. By starting to get a sense of each school’s unique philosophies and offerings, you can begin the search for the best match for your child.
–Lauren Vespoli
BOARDING
Blair Academy New Jersey
Grades 9-12, PG (Post-graduate year)
2 Park Street, P.O. Box 600, Blairstown, NJ
Philosophy: College Prep
Religious Affiliation: None
Noteworthy: “The weekly Society of Skeptics series, which has been in continuous existence since 1977, is one of the premier high school lecture series in the country. The program was an outgrowth of the Blair International Society, begun in 1937, and has served as a forum for the discussion and debate of important national and international issues.” blair.edu
Choate Rosemary Hall Connecticut
Grades 9-12, PG
333 Christian Street, Wallingford, CT
Philosophy: Traditional
Religious Affiliation: None
Noteworthy: “A model for interdisciplinary education, the Lanphier Center [a state-of-the-art facility for mathematics, computer science, and robotics,] will accommodate a wide scope of academic inquiry. Courses such as architecture and robotics will share the building with sculpture and biotechnology for the first time at Choate. New courses such as Visual Mathematics, Reverse Engineering, and Design Thinking will add to the variety of disciplines studied in close proximity. Designed to support hands-on learning, the building will also foster collaboration and creativity with spaces for students to work in teams. In addition, the new building will be home to Choate’s first purpose–built i.d.Lab which will serve as a catalyst for the curriculum.” choate.edu
Concord Academy Massachusetts
Grades 9-12
166 Main Street, Concord, MA
Philosophy: College prep
Religious Affiliation: None
Noteworthy: “CA is a ‘no prize’ school, with no class rank and no academic awards. Our mission is to inspire our students to become lifelong learners who grow into young adults with informed opinions, clear goals, and the confidence they need to embrace the world.” concordacademy.org
Deerfield Academy Massachusetts
Grades 9-12, PG
7 Boyden Lane, Deerfield, MA
Philosophy: Traditional
Religious Affiliation: None
Noteworthy: “The historic village of Deerfield in the Connecticut River Valley offers a long and rich American heritage. At Deerfield, our time-honored traditions foster lifelong bonds founded on personal responsibility, citizenship, and compassion. Gatherings such as school meetings, cookies and cocoa, dorm feeds, and spirited rallies draw the Deerfield community together.” deerfield.edu
The Gow School New York
Grades 7-12
2491 Emery Road, South Wales, NY
Philosophy: College Prep
Religious Affiliation: None
Noteworthy: “A leader and innovator in dyslexia education with a commitment to the values of kindness, respect, honesty and hard work, since 1926 the Gow School has been helping students with language-based learning differences develop the skills and confidence to succeed in higher education and beyond as creative, compassionate adults and engaged citizens.” gow.org
Groton School Massachusetts
Grades 8-12
282 Farmers Row, P.O. Box 991, Groton, MA
Philosophy: College prep
Religious Affiliation: Episcopal
Noteworthy: “Groton offers Upper School students a full slate of electives, but students also may design tutorials, which are concentrated scholarship in subjects of special interest, under the guidance of a faculty member. The afternoon program can be individualized as well: a Faculty-Sponsored Activity, or FSA, allows students in-depth study of anything from extended research in a chemistry lab to the formation of a rugby team.” groton.org
Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School New York
Early childhood-grade 12 (boarding grades 9-12)
327 County Route 21C, Ghent, NY
Philosophy: Waldorf
Religious Affiliation: None
Noteworthy: “At Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School, we enjoy a 400-acre campus surrounded by the cultivated fields, gardens, and forests of Hawthorne Valley Farm, an active biodynamic farm. The beauty of tended nature and the seasons of farm life provide exceptional educational resources built into the founding ideals of Hawthorne Valley.” hawthornevalleyschool.org
The Hotchkiss School Connecticut
Grades 9-12, PG
11 Interlaken Road, Lakeville, CT
Philosophy: Traditional
Religious Affiliation: None
Noteworthy: “Hotchkiss established the Center for Global Understanding and Independent Thinking to promote strong global awareness within the school. The Center is the umbrella under which all global initiatives and international programs at Hotchkiss are implemented.” hotchkiss.org
Kent School Connecticut
Grades 9-12, PG
1 Macedonia Road, Kent, CT
Philosophy: Traditional
Religious Affiliation: Episcopal
Noteworthy: “Since the founding of the school in 1906, it’s been a tradition for every Kent student to have a job. You might help in the Dining Hall or be a Student Technician. Maybe you’ll lead tours of the school for prospective families, help fix computers, or clean up the common room in your dorm. You might keep your same job the whole time you’re here or change it every term. These tasks can take you as little as ten to twenty minutes a day or much more (leading tours and becoming a tech guru are quite a bit more involved).” kent-school.edu
The Lawrenceville School New Jersey
Grades 9-12, PG
2500 Main Street, Lawrenceville, NJ
Philosophy: Traditional
Religious Affiliation: None
Noteworthy: “Lawrenceville’s unique ‘House system’ creates a familial atmosphere and fosters a strong sense of community, responsibility and support. Each House is a small group within the larger School community that fosters pride, responsibility, and respect for the contributions of others. The Houses are divided by levels and gender, and these differ in degrees of freedom and supervision.” lawrenceville.org
Middlesex School Massachusetts
Grades 9-12
1400 Lowell Road, Concord, MA
Philosophy: College prep
Religious Affiliation: None
Noteworthy: “All new students at Middlesex participate in an Introduction to Mindfulness course in the fall semester that meets once a week for 40 minutes over the course of ten weeks…Students report that the course helped them sleep better, concentrate on schoolwork, reduce stress, focus in sports, and improve relationships with themselves and others.” mxschool.edu
Milton Academy Massachusetts
Grades K-12; boarding grades 9-12
170 Centre Street, Milton, MA
Philosophy: College prep
Religious Affiliation: None
Noteworthy: “Astronomy students use the Ayer Observatory to observe and study celestial objects. Science faculty member Jim Kernohan pushes science beyond the confines of the classroom, opening the Ayer Observatory to the School and the town on many Friday nights throughout the year. Mr. Kernohan’s guided tour of the stars and planets is a popular event on campus.” milton.edu
Peddie School New Jersey
Grades 9-12
201 South Main Street, Hightstown, NJ
Philosophy: College Prep
Religious Affiliation: None
Noteworthy: “The Sophomore Bike Trip is focused on enabling younger Peddie students to experience their country first hand, country that they, and much of modern America, could otherwise easily forget. A group trip in all respects, students not only ride each day’s route and explore the countryside but also plan menus, shop, cook, clean, and manage their own success and the success of the group, under the guidance of veteran Peddie faculty.” peddie.org
Phillips Academy Massachusetts
Grades 9-12
180 Main Street, Andover, MA
Philosophy: Traditional
Religious Affiliation: None
Noteworthy: “Phillips Academy is unique among secondary schools in that it is home to two museums—the Addison Gallery of American Art and the Robert S. Peabody Museum of Archaeology. Both museums are dedicated to educating and enriching the student community while also serving as a resource to the general public.” andover.edu
Phillips Exeter Academy New Hampshire
Grades 9-12, PG
20 Main Street, Exeter, NH
Philosophy: Traditional
Religious Affiliation: None
Noteworthy: “The school has a student-teacher ratio of 5:1 and average class size of 12 students. We use the Harkness method—a powerful approach to learning—which puts 12 students and one teacher around an oval table encouraging inspired dialogue.” exeter.edu
The Pomfret School Connecticut
Grades 9-12, PG
398 Pomfret Street, Pomfret, CT
Philosophy: College prep
Religious Affiliation: None
Noteworthy: “Increasingly, our academic program is becoming personalized such that students have a voice and choice in their learning… We want students to connect their interests, passions, aspirations, and unique strengths to their learning process and to the learning objectives designed collaboratively with their teachers. ” pomfretschool.org
Purnell School New Jersey
Grades 9-12
51 Pottersville Road, Pottersville, NJ
Philosophy: College Prep, All-Girls
Religious Affiliation: None
Noteworthy: “Each spring, Purnell hosts the E.B. Osborn Artists in Residence program, funded by the E.B. Osborn Charitable Trust. Students have the opportunity to join with professional performing, visual, and commercial artists who share their talents in individualized workshops offering not only advice from working artists but also opportunities for hands-on experience.” purnell.org
Taft School Connecticut
Grades 9-12, PG
110 Woodbury Road, Watertown, CT
Philosophy: College prep
Religious Affiliation: None
Noteworthy: “The Taft School in partnership with the City of Waterbury, Waterbury Public Schools and the Police Activities League (PAL) is launching the Center for Global Leadership and Service. Premised on the philosophy: ‘Think globally, act locally,’ the center will allow students from Taft and Waterbury Public Schools to collaboratively explore global issues while developing leadership skills to address them.” taftschool.org
Valley Forge Military Academy Pennsylvania
Grades 7-12
1001 Eagle Road, Wayne, PA
Philosophy: Military, all-boys
Religious Affiliation: None
Noteworthy: “High achieving, academically-qualified high school juniors and seniors have the opportunity to enroll in credit classes at the Valley Forge Military College.” vfmac.edu
COUNTRY DAY
Connecticut Friends School Connecticut
Preschool through 8th Grade
317 New Canaan Rd, Wilton, CT
Philosophy: Classical education
Religious Affiliation: Quaker
Noteworthy: “A Quaker or Friends School education emphasizes social responsibility. Celebrating our differences and working for social justice is an integral part of our curriculum. Guided by Quaker values, Friends schools aim to do more than prepare students for the world that is; they help them bring about the world that might be.” ctfriendsschool.org
Dutchess Day School New York
Preschool-grade 8
415 Route 343, Millbrook, NY
Philosophy: College prep
Religious Affiliation: None
Noteworthy: “We are a small school, where each of us enjoys the rewards of belonging to a lively extended family. Students at every level interact with one another both formally (older students reading to younger students, and weekly all-school assemblies) and informally (through school-sponsored events). Our surroundings are warm and hospitable, reminiscent of the private home the school once was.” dutchessday.org
Dwight-Englewood School New Jersey
Preschool-grade 12
315 East Palisade Avenue, Englewood, NJ
Philosophy: Traditional
Religious Affiliation: None
Noteworthy: “Dwight Englewood is the most ethnically-diverse school in Bergen County, with students who represent over 80 communities in New Jersey and New York.” d-e.org
The Elisabeth Morrow School New Jersey
Age 3-grade 8
435 Lydecker Street, Englewood, NJ
Philosophy: Traditional
Religious Affiliation: None
Noteworthy: “At Elisabeth Morrow, we embrace the notion that even the youngest children can have serious passions and pursuits and we acknowledge and support them wherever we can. As our students enter grade 8, they must reflect upon those passions and the role that they will play in the next step in their educational journey.” elisabethmorrow.org
French American School of New York New York
Grades N-12
85 Palmer Ave, Scarsdale, NY (Preschool)
111 Larchmont Avenue, Larchmont, NY (Lower School)
145 New Street, Mamaroneck, NY (Upper School)
Philosophy: College Prep/Bilingual
Religious Affiliation: None
Noteworthy: “Eighty-five percent of the faculty hold advanced degrees, an impressive statistic for a school our size. Accredited by the French Ministry of National Education, the New York State Department of Education, the New York State Association of Independent Schools, and the International Baccalaureate Organisation, FASNY is proud to be the only true bilingual and multicultural school in the greater New York City area. Students are awarded a FASNY diploma and are prepared to pass either the French Baccalaureate or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.” fasny.org
Friends Academy New York
Grades Pre-K-12
270 Duck Pond Road, Locust Valley, NY
Philosophy: Traditional
Religious Affiliation: Quaker
Noteworty: “Our philosophy is based in the principles of integrity, simplicity, patience, moderation, peaceful resolution of conflict, and a belief that the silence and simple ministry of the ‘gathered meeting’ bring the presence of God into the midst of our busy lives. Friends are committed to developing a diverse community whose members value excellence in learning and growth in knowledge and skills. We are also committed to service and ethical action, and to an understanding that every life is to be explored, celebrated and enjoyed in the spirit of the Religious Society of Friends.” fa.org
Golda Och Academy New Jersey
Grades Pre-K-12
Wilf Lower School Campus (grades Pre-K-5):
122 Gregory Avenue, West Orange, NJ
Eric F. Ross Upper School Campus (grades 6-12):
1418 Pleasant Valley Way, West Orange, NJ
Philosophy: Academic
Religious Affiliation: Jewish
Noteworthy: “A vigorous STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) program, based in part on the Israel Sci-Tech Schools Network curriculum that emphasizes real-world problem-based learning, is key to what we do across all disciplines.” goldaochacademy.org
Green Meadow Waldorf School New York
Grades N-12
307 Hungry Hollow Road, Chestnut Ridge, NY
Philosophy: Waldorf
Religious Affiliation: None
Noteworthy: “Our carefully constructed curriculum, developed by Rudolf Steiner in 1919 and made new every day by our inspired teachers, includes a comprehensive humanities program based on the great literature and the history and culture of world civilizations. Green Meadow’s excellent math program builds proficiency in arithmetic, computer programming, geometry, algebra, trigonometry, and calculus. Science offerings in biology, earth sciences, chemistry, and physics contain a strong empirical component, allowing students to learn scientific principles through first-hand experience and observation.” gmws.org
The Green Vale School New York
Grades N-8
250 Valentine’s Lane, Old Brookville, NY
Philosophy: Traditional
Religious Affiliation: None
Noteworthy: “Integral to the School’s mission and motto is the importance of character formation in our students. The character education program at The Green Vale School is the intrinsic thread that ties together the different school divisions and course offerings. This coordination of efforts is based on the concepts of respect, responsibility, care, citizenship, fairness, and trustworthiness. These key values reinforce positive behaviors, and are accomplished through adult modeling, both at home and in the school environment.” greenvaleschool.org
Hackley School New York
Grades K-12 (five-day boarding grades 9-12)
293 Benedict Avenue, Tarrytown, NY
Philosophy: College Prep
Religious Affiliation: None
Noteworthy: “At the heart of Hackley’s Five-Day Boarding community is the Hackley school motto: ‘United, We Help One Another.’ There are many manifestations of our commitment to one another. Weekly social activities bring residential faculty and boarders together. Faculty who live on campus also offer our boarders academic support.” hackleyschool.org
The Harvey School New York
Grades 6-12 (5-day boarding grades 9-12)
260 Jay Street, Katonah, NY
Philosophy: College Prep
Religious Affiliation: None
Noteworthy: “[Our website] eHarvey.org offers students the chance to make up credit or get ahead by offering a blended solution of learning—independent learning using state-of-the-art customizable online courseware plus guided learning with a teacher using our fully interactive virtual classroom. Students can get extra-help from their teachers while sitting in the comfort of their own homes.” harveyschool.org
Kent Place School New Jersey
Co-ed preschool; Grades K-12
42 Norwood Avenue, Summit, NJ
Philosophy: College prep, all-girls
Religious Affiliation: None
Noteworthy: “The mission of the Global Program at Kent Place School is to empower young women as leaders who understand, evaluate and take action in response to the challenges and opportunities of an interconnected world. To accomplish this, we have defined four key components—global curriculum, travel, partnerships and community service—that will shape the growth of the exciting global initiatives already underway on campus.” kentplace.org
The Knox School New York
Grades 6-12, PG (boarding grades 7-PG)
541 Long Beach Road, St. James, NY
Philosophy: College Prep
Religious Affiliation: None
Noteworthy: “On-campus Equestrian and Crew programs add to the uniqueness of the Knox experience.” knoxschool.org
Lawrence Woodmere Academy New York
Preschool-grade 12
336 Woodmere Boulevard, Woodmere, NY
Philosophy: Traditional
Religious Affiliation: None
Noteworthy: “The Global Scholar Certificate complements the student’s Upper School course of study with a concentration in global studies. The Global Scholar engages in globally oriented explorations—both in and outside of the classroom—that cultivate the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to think and act globally.” lawrencewoodmere.org
The Masters School New York
Grades 5-12 (boarding grades 9-12)
49 Clinton Avenue, Dobbs Ferry, NY
Philosophy: Traditional
Religious Affiliation: None
Noteworthy: “The Masters School takes full advantage of its proximity [to New York City], tapping into the city’s rich cultural and educational resources. Students utilize the museums, landmarks, universities, and more to expand their educational experience. The School’s performing artists can attend world-class dance and musical performances and even take the stage in some of the city’s prominent venues.” mastersny.org
Pingry School New Jersey
Grades K-12
Short Hills Campus (Lower School, grades K-5):
50 Country Day Drive, Short Hills, NJ
Basking Ridge Campus (Middle & Upper Schools, grades 6-12):
131 Martinsville Road, Basking Ridge, NJ
Philosophy: College Prep
Religious Affiliation: None
Noteworthy: Pingry offers 20 different sports, fielding approximately 80 teams in Form I through Form VI (grades 7-12). Our Upper School students can select from 34 Varsity and JV level teams, a total offering that is among the highest of any school in New Jersey.” pingry.org
Portledge School New York
Pre-Nursery-grade 12
355 Duck Pond Road, Locust Valley, NY
Philosophy: College prep
Religious Affiliation: None
Noteworthy: “Portledge has applied to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program in grades 11 and 12. In the Middle School, our approach to pedagogy has shifted to become more student-centered about inquiry through project-based learning. Four years ago in the Lower School, Portledge began to offer the Reggio Emelia Program in early childhood and currently partners with Harvard’s Project Zero program to inspire learning in grades 1-5.” portledge.org
Rockland Country Day School New York
Grades Pre-K-12
34 Kings Hwy, Congers, NY
Philosophy: College prep
Religious Affiliation: None
Noteworthy: “Rockland Country Day School (RCDS) welcomes domestic and international students to its twenty-acre campus in Congers, New York. We have a small but growing boarding student population in response to increasing international and domestic interest in our school. Students 14 years of age and older are eligible for our boarding program.” rocklandcds.org
Ross School New York
Pre-nursery-grade 12, PG (boarding grades 7-12)
Lower School (2 years-grade 6):
739 Butter Lane, Bridgehampton, NY
Upper School (grades 7-PG):
18 Goodfriend Drive, East Hampton, NY
Philosophy: Interdisciplinary, Integrated Learning
Religious Affiliation: None
Noteworthy: “Ross School Field Academy gives students an opportunity to engage in authentic learning experiences alongside mentors and scholars. Classes and programs take place both on campus and in the field (locally and around the world), enabling students to take part in hands-on, in-depth investigations in a wide variety of subjects. These experiences can lead to intensive analysis, new interests and passions, possible college/career paths, or volunteer opportunities. Ross School Field Academy programs might inspire continued study of a subject, expansion into a Senior Project, or the impetus for fundraising or other service efforts.” ross.org
Rye Country Day School New York
Grades Pre-K-12
3 Grandview Ave, Rye, NY
Philosophy: College Prep
Religious Affiliation: None
Noteworthy: During the last six days of the school year, seniors embark on volunteer projects to fulfill the Senior Term requirement. To fulfill the Senior Term graduation requirement, students participate in self-designed, full day, individual or group community service projects. Through the Senior Term experience, students apply the skills they have cultivated throughout their career at RCDS to a mutually beneficial project that fosters students’ personal responsibility and empathy while also enabling them to make a positive contribution to the local and/or global community. ryecountryday.org
Solomon Schechter School of Westchester New York
Grades K-12
Lower School (grades K-5):
30 Dellwood Road, White Plains, NY
Upper School (grades 6-12):
555 West Hartsdale Avenue, Hartsdale, NY
Philosophy: Academic
Religious Affiliation: Jewish
Noteworthy: “Our differentiated instruction model meets the needs of students with a wide range of academic levels, learning styles, interests, and talents. Flexible and fluid learning groups are a regular part of classroom life.” schechterwestchester.org
The Stony Brook School New York
Grades 7-12 (boarding 7-12)
1 Chapman Parkway, Stony Brook, NY
Philosophy: Traditional, College Prep
Religious Affiliation: Christian
Noteworthy: “The beaches, harbors and wetlands that make up the northern coast of Long Island are known for their beauty and scientific interest. The School strives to take full advantage of its ideal maritime setting, offering sail training, sail competition, and the study of the marine environment through its Marine & Environmental Programs.” stonybrookschool.org
Thornton-Donovan School New York
Grades K-12
100 Overlook Circle, New Rochelle, NY
Philosophy: Personalized, international
Religious Affiliation: None
Noteworthy: “Across all grades, perspectives are challenged daily through culturally themed courses focusing on a different area of the world each year. Each spring, our classrooms literally come alive with our annual journey to the country of focus. Imagine having the opportunity to experience first-hand the sights, sounds and smells about which you learned during the year! Recent adventures have brought us to South Africa and Ireland.” td.edu
The Windward School New York
Grades 1-9
Westchester Lower School (grades 1-4): 13 Windward Ave, White Plains, NY
Westchester Middle School (grades 5-9): 40 West Red Oak Lane, White Plains, NY
Windward Manhattan (grades 3-6): Temporary location currently at 202 West 97th Street, New York, NY
Philosophy: College Prep
Religious Affiliation: None
Noteworthy: “The Windward Manhattan campus will be a state-of-the-art facility designed to carry on the School’s tradition of providing an outstanding education to students with dyslexia and language-based learning disabilities. The permanent location for the Manhattan campus (opening in 2016) will be located at 212 East 93rd Street. The campus will have grades 2-7 in the 2016-2017 school year and finally grades 1-8 in the 2017-2018 school year. A total of 350 children will be taught on the Manhattan campus by the sixth year of operation. The academic curriculum at the Manhattan campus will mirror the Windward programs currently being used at the Westchester Lower School and Westchester Middle School campuses.” thewindwardschool.org
