10 Best College Prep Schools in the U.S. for Ivy League Admissions
- Stephen Turban
- 12 hours ago
- 5 min read
If you're aiming for the Ivy League, where you attend high school can make a meaningful difference. Some private college prep schools have built strong reputations as “feeder schools” due to their consistent track records of sending students to top-tier universities like Harvard, Yale, and Princeton. These schools often provide access to experienced college counselors, rigorous academic programs, and robust alumni networks, all of which can play a role in making your application stand out in a competitive admissions landscape.
In this list, we’ll break down 10 of the best college prep schools in the U.S. based on their Ivy League placement over the past five years. For each school, you’ll find key information like tuition, location, and how many students have been accepted to Ivy League schools. Whether you're applying soon or just starting to plan ahead, understanding your options can help you make a more informed decision about where to apply, and how to strengthen your application.
10 Best College Prep Schools in the U.S. for Ivy League Admissions
Location: Andover, Massachusetts
Tuition: $69,600 (boarding); $53,950 (day)
Ivy League Admits (within the last 4 years): Approx. 221
Founded in 1778, Phillips Academy Andover is one of the oldest and most prestigious boarding schools in the U.S. With an expansive curriculum that includes 300+ courses, including independent research options and advanced STEM and humanities offerings, Andover creates space for ambitious students to explore their interests deeply. The school offers robust college counseling starting in Grade 11, and its alumni network is vast and influential. Andover’s commitment to need-blind admissions makes it financially accessible to a wide range of students.
Location: Lawrenceville, New Jersey
Tuition: $76,580 (boarding); $65,220 (day)
Ivy League Admits (within the last 4 years): Approx. 179
With its distinctive house system and Harkness-style teaching, The Lawrenceville School emphasizes collaborative learning and intellectual independence. The school offers more than 250 courses and encourages cross-disciplinary studies, which is reflected in its strong track record in college admissions. Its historic campus and close proximity to Princeton provide further academic and cultural enrichment opportunities.
Location: Wallingford, Connecticut
Tuition: $69,760 (boarding); $53,810 (day)
Ivy League Admits (within the last 4 years): Approx. 212
Choate Rosemary Hall is known for its rigorous academic culture and emphasis on global thinking. The school’s Signature Programs, ranging from Environmental Immersion to Arts Concentration, let students specialize in areas that align with their passions. Choate combines this with a low student-to-faculty ratio, making mentorship a key part of the learning experience. Its college matriculation list includes regular acceptances to all eight Ivy League schools.
Location: Exeter, New Hampshire
Tuition: $67,880 (boarding); $55,190 (day)
Ivy League Admits (within the last 4 years): Approx. 70
Though not in the top five for Ivy admissions numbers, Phillips Exeter Academy remains one of the most respected prep schools in the country. Known for pioneering the Harkness method, Exeter centers its academic experience around student-led discussion and inquiry. The school offers over 450 courses, including independent study and senior research options. Its students regularly matriculate to Ivy League schools, often with strong recommendations and extensive academic portfolios.
Location: Lakeville, Connecticut
Tuition: $72,290 (boarding); $62,430 (day)
Ivy League Admits (within the last 4 years): Approx. 116
Hotchkiss blends rigorous academics with a strong commitment to sustainability and global citizenship. The school offers over 200 courses, with special programs in humanities, sciences, and visual and performing arts. The campus includes a 287-acre farm and ecological preserve, which students use for hands-on learning. Its graduates often go on to top-tier universities, including all eight Ivies.
Location: Groton, Massachusetts
Tuition: $67,950 (boarding); $53,510 (day)
Ivy League Admits (within the last 4 years): Approx. 93
Groton is a small, highly selective boarding school that offers a classical curriculum with a strong liberal arts foundation. The school’s small size, around 380 students, means classes are tight-knit and personalized. Students participate in a required service program, and many pursue independent research or creative projects during their time at Groton. Its Ivy League placement rate is high relative to its small student body.
Location: Dedham, Massachusetts
Tuition: $63,550 (day); $71,000 (5-day boarding)
Ivy League Admits (within the last 4 years): Approx. 159
Often referred to as “Nobles,” this day and five-day boarding school fosters both academic rigor and personal growth. The curriculum emphasizes ethical leadership and social responsibility, and students are encouraged to engage in service work throughout their time at the school. With a strong arts program and personalized college counseling, Nobles has steadily placed students into Ivy League institutions.
Location: Deerfield, Massachusetts
Tuition: $73,050 (boarding); $64,180 (day)
Ivy League Admits (within the last 4 years): Approx. 170
Deerfield Academy offers a traditional New England boarding school experience with a modern academic edge. The school places a strong emphasis on character, leadership, and service. Students benefit from Deerfield’s Global Studies Program and research opportunities, which help set their applications apart. With extensive college counseling and small class sizes, it’s no surprise that many students go on to Ivy League universities.
Location: Concord, Massachusetts
Tuition: $69,750 (boarding); $56,200 (day)
Ivy League Admits (within the last 4 years): Approx. 71
Concord Academy is known for its progressive curriculum and commitment to student agency. With no AP classes, the school instead offers advanced courses developed by faculty, designed to push students beyond standardized expectations. Students have broad freedom in shaping their academic path, and the school’s arts and writing programs are especially strong. College placement remains consistent, particularly into the Ivies and top liberal arts colleges.
10. The Taft School
Location: Watertown, Connecticut
Tuition: $71,500 (boarding); $56,000 (day)
Ivy League Admits (within the last 4 years): Approx. 110
The Taft School is known for combining academic excellence with a strong sense of community and service. It offers a challenging curriculum that includes AP and advanced-level courses, and it also prioritizes public speaking and writing skills across disciplines. Taft's Global Leadership Institute and strong arts offerings give students multiple pathways to explore their interests and develop college-ready portfolios.
How to Stand Out in Prep School Admissions – Junior Explorer Program
Getting into one of these highly competitive college prep schools means more than just good grades. Programs like JEP (Junior Explorer Program) can strengthen your application by helping you stand out in ways that align with what top-tier schools are looking for - original research experience, academic depth, and strong mentor relationships. JEP gives you the chance to complete a guided research project with a PhD mentor, earn a letter of recommendation, and build an academic sample that showcases your potential beyond the classroom. It’s one way to start preparing now for both selective prep schools and future Ivy League admissions.
Lydia is an alumna of Harvard University and studied Molecular and Cellular Biology & Economics. In high school, she was the captain of her high school’s Academic Decathlon team and attended the Governor's School of Engineering and Technology. She is working as a life sciences consultant after graduation.
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