The best private high school in America is here in Connecticut, according to one ranking.
The Hotchkiss School in Lakeville topped Niche’s 2026 Best Schools in America. The private school boasts an A+ Overall Niche Grade, with a 4:1 student-to-teacher ratio and 611 students enrolled in grades 9-12, according to Niche.
“Absolutely amazing school,” one 5-star review notes. “Take a bird’s eye view of the overall, holistic perspective, and it’s easy to see that that Hotchkiss truly offers one of, if not the best high school experiences ever to be possible. Not many schools in the world can match the sense of community, excellence, and culture that Hotchkiss exudes among its students and faculty.”
“I came in as a freshman and was instantly welcomed,” said another 5-star review. “Teachers and staff are excellent, the people are all super kind. The food is amazing and the campus is the prettiest of all schools like Hotchkiss. The teachers push you to your full potential and every academic team is very competitive. Hotchkiss is the school to go to now.”
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Along with best private school in America, Hotchkiss ranks first overall in Best High Schools for STEM in Connecticut, according to Niche.
The high school also boasts a 100% graduation rate, an average SAT score of 1450, and an average ACT store of 32, according to Niche.
Additionally, another Connecticut private school manage to crack the top ten nationally, according to Niche: Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford at 3rd overall.
Check out what other private schools made the top ten, courtesy of Niche:
