Boston has a very high level of education in middle and high schools. In particular, private high schools are highly competitive, attracting students not only from the U.S. but also from around the world. Tuition is quite expensive, but due to the excellent education and college admission rates, many applicants apply each year. These schools are consistently of interest to Korean families who prioritize their children's education.

The first school to introduce is Phillips Academy Andover. Located about 25 miles north of Boston in Andover, it was established in 1778 and is one of the top prestigious boarding schools in the U.S. It has produced numerous politicians, business leaders, and scholars, including former President George W. Bush.

This school has a very high college admission rate to top-tier universities, including Ivy League schools, and its international educational environment, with students from over 150 countries, is also a strong point. It is equipped with the latest research facilities, an arts center, and sports facilities, earning its reputation as the best preparatory school in the U.S.

Tuition is certainly not cheap. For the 2025-2026 academic year, the annual cost for boarding students is about $78,000 to $80,000, while day students are around $60,000. Including textbook fees and personal activity costs, the actual educational expenses can increase. However, the school is also well-known for providing substantial financial aid based on family circumstances.

The second school is Milton Academy. Located in Milton, south of Boston, this school was established in 1798 and operates as a prestigious private school offering both boarding and day options. It is also well-known for being the alma mater of Nobel Prize-winning author T. S. Eliot.

Milton Academy excels not only in academics but also in music, art, theater, and sports programs. It has an educational philosophy that values individual creativity and leadership, and it has a strong record of admissions to prestigious universities such as Harvard, Princeton, and Yale.

Tuition for day students is approximately $65,000 per year, while boarding students pay around $80,000. The school also offers various scholarships and financial aid programs, allowing support based on family income.

The third school is Roxbury Latin School. Located in West Roxbury, it is a boys' school established in 1645, making it one of the oldest schools in the country.

This school is special due to its tuition policy. All students receive scholarships, effectively making tuition free. It operates on the basis of school development funds and donations, providing excellent educational opportunities to outstanding students regardless of their economic background. Although the student body is small, the college admission rate is among the highest in the U.S., and it offers careful guidance to each student through small class sizes.

In addition, there are many excellent private schools in the Boston metropolitan area. Brimmer and May School is known for its small, personalized education, while Noble and Greenough School balances academics and sports. The Cambridge School of Weston is well-known for its creative education and project-based classes.

The tuition for these schools is generally in the range of $55,000 to $70,000 per year. For schools with boarding, the total cost can exceed $80,000 when including room and board. However, most have well-established financial aid systems, and some schools offer substantial support based on family income.

The admission process for private schools differs from that of public schools. Typically, applications begin in the fall and are submitted by January or February of the following year, with a comprehensive evaluation of transcripts, recommendations, interviews, English proficiency, and entrance exam results such as SSAT or ISEE. Recently, more schools have made test scores optional, but academic ability, character, and extracurricular activities remain important evaluation factors.

Boston's prestigious private schools are not just places to prepare for college admission. They provide balanced support for students' research activities, discussions, arts, sports, and leadership education, creating an environment where students can grow alongside peers from around the world.

Of course, the financial burden is significant, but by actively utilizing scholarships and financial aid programs, it can become a more realistic option than expected. For families that prioritize their children's education, it is crucial to check application schedules and admission requirements in advance and to have ample preparation time.