Boarding Schools in Massachusetts

What's Up in Massachusetts

This page features a list of boarding schools in Massachusetts (MA), USA.

Massachusetts, officially the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, is the most populous state in the New England region of the United States. It borders on the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Connecticut to the southwest and Rhode Island to the southeast, New Hampshire to the northeast, Vermont to the northwest, and New York to the west. The capital of Massachusetts is Boston, which is also the most populous city in New England. It is home to the Greater Boston metropolitan area, a region influential upon American history, academia, and industry. Originally dependent on agriculture, fishing, and trade, Massachusetts was transformed into a manufacturing center during the Industrial Revolution. During the 20th century, Massachusetts’s economy shifted from manufacturing to services.  Modern Massachusetts is a global leader in biotechnology, engineering, higher education, finance, and maritime trade.

Education in Massachusetts (MA), USA

Massachusetts Department of Education wants to prepare all students for success in life. Because each student learns differently, Massachusetts supports a variety of educational options for K-12 students. These options include traditional public schools, charter, vocational/technical, and boarding schools.

Massachusetts boarding school programs may function within a single school or be affiliated with the school districts. Massachusetts boarding schools are an initiative within a public school district, charter school, or private school to serve at-risk students whose needs are not being met in the traditional school setting. Boarding schools that operate as self-contained schools must comply with Massachusetts laws and regulations that guide schools’ operation in the Commonwealth and must be assigned a school code by the Department.

Students might attend a Massachusetts boarding school if they struggle with poor grades or behavioral issues, or suspension from school. Massachusetts boarding schools can also help students whose learning styles clash with conventional curricula or teaching methods.

To graduate from a high school boarding school, Massachusetts recommends that high school boarding school students earn 22 units in a graduation program referred to as MassCore. Among these units, requirements are English, math, science, history, the arts, a foreign language, and core electives. Additional courses beyond these 22 units are commonly expected but not required and may include Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), dual enrollment college courses, or other forms of advanced classwork and physical education. Local graduation requirements may vary since MassCore is only a recommendation. Students must also pass grade 10 Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) exams in English, math, and science and meet the MCAS competency determination required to graduate.

Full of rich history and beautiful landscapes, going to a boarding school in Massachusetts offers students academic excellence while giving them a sense of adventure. Of all the states in the northeast, perhaps none have more prestigious boarding schools than Massachusetts. Academics, athletics, music, acting, and more can all be found at various schools within the state. It has some of the oldest and most challenging schools for students who want to realize their dreams.

Dana Hall School View profile »

Considered to be one of the most competitive boarding schools in which to get accepted, Dana Hall School is an all-girls school for grades 6-12. Located in Wellesley, it is known for high academic standards that result in many of its students being accepted to such schools as Harvard and Boston University. In addition, it has a strong Alumni program, where past graduates return to help current students by teaching classes, acting as mentors, and giving lectures.

Chapel Hill-Chauncey Hall School

Located in Waltham, this school is coed for grades 9-12 and offers post-graduate work for students as well. Founded in 1828, it has an enrollment of only 175 students. With such low enrollment, the average class size is ten students, giving it a number that is lower than the national average for boarding schools across the nation. Offering an extensive array of athletic and academic options, it’s considered a very good school if individualized instruction is a high priority.

Phillips Academy

Coed for grades 9-12, this school in Andover is very prestigious and therefore difficult for many students to gain acceptance into. In fact, the current acceptance rate is only 13 percent, one of the strictest in the nation. However, for those who gain entry, they can expect to find an average class size of 13, Advanced Placement classes, various extracurricular activities, and faculty with many years of experience. Founded in 1778, it is well-known for choosing only the top students each year.