Connecticut Home to America’s Top Private High School, Niche 2026

Connecticut keeps making headlines as a leader in private education. Several of its schools have landed among the best in the country, at least according to Niche’s latest 2026 rankings.

These schools stand out for academic excellence, low faculty-to-student ratios, and top-notch facilities. From Lakeville to Westport, families searching for standout educational opportunities will find Connecticut packed with options—some steeped in tradition, others more innovative, but all focused on student success.

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Connecticut’s Top Private High Schools Ranked

Niche’s rankings highlight just how fierce the competition is among private schools in the state. Each school has its own strengths, but all of them push for high academic standards and strong extracurricular programs.

The Hotchkiss School – Lakeville

The Hotchkiss School in Lakeville takes the No. 1 spot nationally and in Connecticut. It’s a top boarding school with 611 students and an impressive 4-to-1 student-teacher ratio.

Tuition and boarding cost $71,170 per year. Hotchkiss is known for its challenging academic programs, beautiful campus, and focus on building character.

Choate Rosemary Hall – Wallingford

Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford lands second in Connecticut and third nationwide. The school serves 861 students with a 7-to-1 ratio, and tuition is about $71,420 a year.

Choate balances tradition with forward-thinking programs, giving students lots of chances to dive into STEM, the arts, and athletics.

The Loomis Chaffee School – Windsor

Loomis Chaffee comes in third in Connecticut and ranks 26th nationally. Tuition is around $74,000.

Students at Loomis get a wide range of extracurriculars, helping them step into leadership roles anywhere in the world.

Schools Offering Unique Specializations

Some schools shine in academics, while others make their mark in arts, athletics, or by serving a broader range of grade levels.

Pierrepont School – Westport

Pierrepont sits fourth in Connecticut and 60th nationally, but it’s the top private K-12 school in the state. Tuition is $57,200.

This Westport school is known for small class sizes and a personalized approach that spans many grade levels.

The Taft School – Watertown

The Taft School is fifth in Connecticut and 62nd nationally. Boarding tuition reaches $78,300.

Located in Watertown, Taft offers a strong athletic program along with tough academics, making for a well-rounded student experience.

Hopkins School – New Haven

Hopkins ranks sixth in Connecticut and 65th nationally. Tuition is $54,800 a year.

As one of the oldest independent schools in the U.S., Hopkins gets noticed for its long history and creative curriculum design.

Miss Porter’s School – Farmington

This all-girls boarding school is seventh in Connecticut and 159th nationally. Tuition runs $76,800.

Miss Porter’s is Connecticut’s top all-girls high school, building confidence and leadership skills in young women.

The Frederick Gunn School – Washington

Frederick Gunn lands eighth in Connecticut and 163rd nationally. Tuition is $79,800 a year.

It’s the state’s best high school for athletes, mixing academic rigor with serious sports programs.

Kent and Suffield Complete the List

Two respected schools round out Connecticut’s top ten for 2026.

Kent School – Kent

Kent School holds ninth place in Connecticut. Tuition and boarding top $73,000 annually.

Kent builds a strong reputation for getting students ready for selective colleges.

Suffield Academy – Suffield

Suffield Academy takes the tenth spot statewide. Tuition is also over $73,000 a year.

The school blends tough academics with a friendly, inclusive environment.

Why Connecticut Stands Out

You’ll find an impressive concentration of top-tier private schools in Connecticut. Towns like Lakeville, Wallingford, Windsor, Westport, Watertown, New Haven, Farmington, Washington, Kent, and Suffield all have standout options.

Families can choose from institutions that offer:

Exceptional faculty-to-student ratios
Comprehensive academic programs
Robust extracurricular opportunities
Specialized arts and athletics
State-of-the-art facilities

If you’re a parent looking to invest in your child’s future, Connecticut’s private schools give you plenty of opportunities. There’s a reason the state keeps attracting families who value education.

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Here is the source article for this story: Connecticut has the best private school in America, according to 2026 Niche rankings

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