When considering study abroad options in the U.S., private day schools in the Boston area are an excellent choice for families seeking high-quality education. These schools offer rigorous academics, diverse extracurricular activities, and a chance to integrate into local communities while enjoying world-class resources.
1. Boston University Academy
Boston University Academy (BUA) is an honors-level school located on the Boston University campus for students in grades 9-12. It provides students with access to university-level resources and diverse academic opportunities.
Admissions requirements:
- International students need an F-1 visa and must live with at least one parent in the area. BUA does not offer housing or homestay support.
- Applicants must submit SSAT scores, and those applying for grade 11 must also submit PSAT, SAT, or ACT scores.
- International students must submit TOEFL scores with a minimum score of 100.
Curriculum: BUA students study a variety of core subjects and have the opportunity to take undergraduate courses at Boston University in grades 11 and 12. Notable programs include hands-on seminars in health, wellness, and computer science, and a senior thesis project in collaboration with university professors.
College destinations: BUA graduates are often admitted to top-tier universities such as Harvard, MIT, Princeton, and Stanford.
2. Commonwealth School
Located in Boston’s Back Bay, Commonwealth School is known for its rigorous honors and AP courses and a unique, personalized learning approach.
Admissions requirements:
- International students must have an F-1 visa and live with family in the area.
- Interviews are required for all applicants, and the school accepts SSAT and ISEE scores.
Curriculum: Commonwealth School offers a wide variety of AP courses, emphasizing critical thinking. It features an advisor system that begins in grade 9. Students also participate in Project Week, during which they engage in internships or independent projects.
College destinations: Commonwealth School graduates often attend Ivy League schools, including Harvard, MIT, and Oxford.
3. Buckingham Browne & Nichols School (BB&N)
BB&N offers a blend of academic rigor and extracurricular involvement, focusing on character development and global learning.
Admissions requirements:
- BB&N does not issue F-1 visas, so students must reside with family in the Boston area.
- The school accepts SSAT, ISEE, SAT, or PSAT scores.
Curriculum: BB&N offers both honors and AP-level courses and includes a unique senior project. Students also participate in a 9th-grade outdoor education experience called Bivouac, designed to teach teamwork and survival skills.
College destinations: BB&N’s graduates are regularly admitted to top colleges, including Harvard, Yale, and Stanford.
4. Newton Country Day School
Newton Country Day School is one of New England’s oldest independent Catholic girls’ schools and offers a well-rounded, college-preparatory education for girls in grades 5-12.
Admissions requirements:
- Offers F-1 visas but requires that international students reside with their immediate family.
- Interviews are required for all applicants, and strong standardized test scores are needed.
Curriculum: The school offers a rigorous academic program, emphasizing both academic and personal growth. Key programs include the Hesed Program, which promotes social awareness through service activities, and the Sacred Heart Network Exchange, which gives students the opportunity to study at affiliated Sacred Heart schools around the world and experience different cultures.
College destinations: Newton Country Day School graduates attend elite colleges such as Harvard, Columbia, and Oxford.
5. The Winsor School
The Winsor School, located in downtown Boston, offers a challenging academic environment with robust educational and cultural resources for girls in grades 5-12.
Admissions requirements:
- Does not issue F-1 visas.
- Applicants are required to submit ISEE or SSAT scores, depending on the grade.
Curriculum: The Winsor School offers 13 AP courses and emphasizes independent academic interests through its Independent Learning Experience. The Global Studies program allows students to explore specific global regions through paired English and history courses.
College destinations: Graduates of the Winsor School often go on to attend top universities like Harvard, Stanford, and Yale.
6. The Roxbury Latin School
The Roxbury Latin School, founded in 1645, is one of the oldest schools in North America. It provides a small, nurturing environment for boys in grades 7-12.
Admissions requirements:
- Does not issue F-1 visas.
- Requires an in-person campus tour and interview.
Curriculum: The school emphasizes a strong academic foundation in arts, English, history, and mathematics. Notable programs include the Independent Senior Project, where 12th graders spend time on self-designed projects, and the RL@Work program, which provides off-campus experiences.
College destinations: Roxbury Latin graduates frequently attend Ivy League schools like Harvard and Yale.
7. Belmont Hill School
Belmont Hill is a boys’ school known for its academic and athletic excellence. The school offers grades 7-12 and is located just outside Boston in Belmont, Massachusetts.
Admissions requirements:
- Does not issue F-1 visas.
- Requires SSAT scores and offers weekday-only boarding.
Curriculum: The school follows the Harkness Table Method, encouraging collaborative, discussion-based learning. Students also participate in a Poster Night Showcase to present their research projects.
College destinations: Belmont Hill graduates often attend top universities such as Princeton, Northwestern, and Brown.
8. Noble and Greenough School
Noble and Greenough School (Nobles) is a prestigious co-ed school in Dedham, Massachusetts with a strong focus on both academics and community engagement.
Admissions requirements:
- Does not issue F-1 visas.
- Requires SSAT or ISEE scores for admission.
Curriculum: Nobles offers AP courses and unique programs such as the Experiential & Community Engaged Learning (EXCEL) program, which encourages students to participate in service-learning and leadership activities.
College destinations: Graduates from Nobles attend top institutions such as Harvard, Yale, and Princeton.
The Boston area boasts some of the country’s most prestigious private day schools. Whether you are interested in a rigorous academic environment, personalized support, or unique extracurricular opportunities, these schools offer a range of options to suit your child’s needs.
If you want expert guidance in selecting the right school or navigating the application process, please don’t hesitate to contact us. The Ivy Talent team is dedicated to providing you with the support you need to make informed decisions about your child’s educational path.
Author: Vy Mai
Date: May 7th, 2025