Any recommendations for the best boarding schools?

I'm thinking about going to a boarding school for my senior year to better prepare for college. Do you guys know what the best boarding schools are and what makes them stand out?

Sure! Your decision to consider boarding schools as part of your preparation for college education is a significant step. Several top boarding schools not only provide excellent academic curricula, but they also offer a variety of extracurricular activities, creating an environment that resembles a mini-college experience. Here are few high-ranking options:

1. Phillips Academy Andover: Located in Massachusetts, Andover boasts small class sizes that facilitate personal attention and a curriculum that encourages in-depth exploration, provided through more than 200 electives. They also have a robust support system to ensure student welfare.

2. Phillips Exeter Academy: Known for its unique Harkness teaching method, where students and teachers engage in round-table discussions, this New Hampshire school fosters an environment of collaborative learning and critical thinking.

3. The Lawrenceville School: Situated in New Jersey, this school provides the Harkness method as well. It also presents a unique house system, just like at UK universities, which fosters a tight-knit community.

4. Deerfield Academy: This Massachusetts school is renowned for its focus on liberal arts, which prepares students well for college-level academic rigor. They boast a broad range of unusual courses and novel study methodologies.

5. The Thacher School: Located in California and known for its unique horse program, Thacher encourages responsibility and foster close-knit relationships between students and faculty.

What makes these schools stand out are factors like dedicated faculty, innovative teaching methodologies, diverse extracurricular options, and extensive support services. However, "the best" is subjective and depends on what you're specifically looking for in a boarding school experience. It's crucial to tour these schools (physically or virtually), speak with current students or alumni, and consider rigor, affordability, location, and culture to decide which options are the best fit for you. If you prioritize specific areas like STEM, the arts or sports, you might lean towards schools with strong reputations in those fields. Finally, remember that attending a boarding school should serve your overall needs and not just college preparation; your high school experience is important in its own right!