The 50 smartest private high schools in the US

Location: Livingston, New Jersey

Average SAT score: 2080

Four-year matriculation rate: 100%

Popular college choices: University of Pennsylvania, New York University, Columbia University

"Teachers are always happy to provide extra help, and for the most part create fun and engaging classroom environments," one senior said.

Students point out that excellent teachers make the hard work worth it.

"Definitely one of the best schools in the state," another senior noted. "Rigorous academics but the teachers make it possible for everyone to succeed as long as they apply themselves."

Location: Dedham, Massachusetts

Average SAT score: 2080

Four-year matriculation rate: 100%

Popular college choices: Georgetown University, Vanderbilt University, Cornell University

"Noble typically has one of the most impressive matriculation rates in the country and definitely prepares its students for college and the real world," one Niche user shared. "I've been a step ahead of my peers in college and I know many of my fellow classmates can agree to this.

"Students and alumni are all well connected and the school has given me valuable life skills," they added. "I did plenty of internships in high school and the networks that I have been able to create will benefit me later on in the future."

Location: McLean, Virginia

Average SAT score: 2030

Four-year matriculation rate: 100%

Popular college choices: University of Virginia, Vanderbilt University, University of Pennsylvania

"Really feel like this school has done an excellent job preparing me for college and life outside of school," one senior reported. "It's an amazing institution and I really feel like I've gotten one of the highest educations attending here."

Location: Coconut Grove, Florida

Average SAT score: 2070

Four-year matriculation rate: 100%

Popular college choices: University of Miami, Vanderbilt University, University of Pennsylvania

"The teachers are phenomenal. They are experts in their departments and often times are well versed in other departments as well," one Niche user noted. "They are dedicated to the students and truly want them to succeed, while at the same time they challenge students to think outside their comfort zone and make them work hard for their grades."

Location: Boise, Idaho

Average SAT score: 2030

Four-year matriculation rate: 100%

Popular college choices: University of Pennsylvania, Stanford University, Columbia University

"The school is very relaxed and open minded while still maintaining a high degree of academic rigor and seriousness," one Niche user said. "The teachers are friendly and approachable, and it feels like a real community. The outdoor trips are exceptional and a very unique opportunity that have given me some of the best experiences of my life. People at the school are very talented and have many diverse interests and it's easy to learn about a lot of things through osmosis."

Location: Concord, Massachusetts

Average SAT score: 2110

Four-year matriculation rate: 100%

Popular college choices: Boston College, Georgetown University, Middlebury College

"Extraordinary school that provides a broad, deep, and challenging program in a nurturing environment with an age-appropriate amount of structure," one parent noted. "Students are encouraged to stretch outside of their comfort zone. Amazing teachers, writing program is first-rate, but other departments outstanding, too. Unified, warm community."

Location: Washington, DC

Average SAT score: 2070

Four-year matriculation rate: 100%

Popular college choices: University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University, Yale University

At Sidwell Friends School, students are able to enrich their studies outside of the classroom.

"I've learned a lot and the school even makes it easy for students to go abroad," one senior said.

Location: Greenwich, Connecticut

Average SAT score: 2040

Four-year matriculation rate: 100%

Popular college choices: Yale University, Boston College, Georgetown University

"With incredible academics and top-notch athletics, Brunswick has created an unbelievable atmosphere that fosters true growth among all of the students," one sophomore said. "Being a part of Brunswick is truly like being part of a loving family."

Location: Belmont, Massachusetts

Average SAT score: 2090

Four-year matriculation rate: 95%

Popular college choices: Boston College, Georgetown University, Harvard University

After their time at Belmont Hill School, boys go on to study at some of the top colleges in the country, including Boston College, Harvard, Vanderbilt, and Brown. Economics, business, and political science are among the most popular majors for these graduates, according to Niche.

Location: Washington, DC

Average SAT score: 2110

Four-year matriculation rate: 97%

Popular college choices: Georgetown University, University of Michigan at Ann Arbor

"The teachers at STA not only care passionately about the academic education that each student receives, but also, more importantly, they help mold the character of each boy," a senior said. "Whether it be through their own accolades and research, or engaging lectures, or extracurricular opportunities, or technological savviness, the teachers truly prepare each boy for college."

Location: Bronx, New York

Average SAT score: 2130

Four-year matriculation rate: 100%

Popular college choices: Columbia University, University of Pennsylvania, Wesleyan University

"I really enjoyed my time at Riverdale," one Niche user commented. "I met so many amazing people, all of the teachers were great, and the facilities are amazing."

Location: La Jolla, California

Average SAT score: 2080

Four-year matriculation rate: 100%

Popular college choices: University of Southern California, University of California at Los Angeles, Stanford University

"The students are accepting and appreciate their classmates for their unique talents," a Niche user said. "Teachers are demanding, but want to see the students succeed. Classes are rigorous and challenge the kids to speak and to think. They are well prepared for college."

Location: New York, New York

Average SAT score: 2090

Four-year matriculation rate: 100%

Popular college choices: Columbia University, University of Pennsylvania, Vanderbilt University

"While the stress is palpable, teachers are always there for you and willing to meet with you after class, hold review sessions before tests, and encourage you throughout the year and your time at school," one senior shared. "Most teachers are very understanding and want you to ask questions. The class sizes are small and generally class discussions are enjoyable."

Location: Greenwich, Connecticut

Average SAT score: 2090

Four-year matriculation rate: 100%

Popular college choices: Georgetown University, Vanderbilt University, Yale University

"It was academically rigorous and quite challenging, but at the same time I had so much fun each and every day," a Niche user commented. "You leave the school with great connections via your classmates, your teachers, and the alumni office that set you up for future success."

Location: Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

Average SAT score: 2100

Four-year matriculation rate: 100%

Popular college choices: University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, Michigan State University, University of Pennsylvania

"The skills I've learned from my time at Cranbrook have well served me here in my first couple months of college, and I feel confident going into class everyday knowing that I had the best college preparatory education I could've wanted," one Niche user said. "Looking back, I feel so grateful to all of the wonderful teachers I had the privilege of learning from, as their passion for learning inspired the same feeling in me, and their extensive knowledge in their subjects provided me with some of the best classroom experiences I've ever had."

Location: Ross, California

Average SAT score: 2080

Four-year matriculation rate: 100%

Popular college choices: Stanford University, University of California at Los Angeles, University of Southern California

"The classes are hard, but it's all worth it. You learn a lot in the end," a senior said. "And because we're such a small school, we don't offer tons of classes, but we do have some cool classes like biotechnology, microbiology, computer science, athletic men's dance. And, everyone at our school has iPads, which we use a lot in all of our classes."

Location: Seattle, Washington

Average SAT score: 2150

Four-year matriculation rate: 99%

Popular college choices: University of Washington, Stanford University, Brown University

"The teachers are dedicated and usually comparable to college professors," a Niche user reported. "The curriculum is varied and offers rigorous options far surpassing those found at a typical high school, such as multivariable calculus and organic chemistry."

Location: Hillsborough, California

Average SAT score: 2140

Four-year matriculation rate: 100%

Popular college choices: Stanford University, University of Southern California, University of California at Berkeley

"Every single student at Crystal brings something to the table and I think that's what makes it such a special place," one senior said.

The teachers bring that same enthusiasm to the classroom as well. "Most teachers are both extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic about what they're teaching," another senior commented.

Location: West Roxbury, Massachusetts

Average SAT score: 2180

Four-year matriculation rate: 100%

Popular college choices: Harvard University, Boston College, Georgetown University

"The teachers get to know the students in and out of the classroom, and they empower them to achieve their fullest potential as students, athletes, actors, musicians, debaters, artists, etc," one parent said. "It's a wonderful learning community that provides the boys with an intense learning and growth experience that they find incredibly stimulating while they're there and that leads them to lives of leadership, contribution, impact, and happiness."

Location: La Canada Flintridge, California

Average SAT score: 2140

Four-year matriculation rate: 100%

Popular college choices: University of Southern California, University of California at Los Angeles, University of California at Berkeley

"Flintridge Prep did really push and propel me to perform at my maximum at all times and it has carried onto my post-graduation years," one Niche user noted. "I have also learned critical leadership and public speaking skills that not only help me in school settings, but also when competing in competitions for a business conference or working abroad for a marketing team."

Location: New Haven, Connecticut

Average SAT score: 2100

Four-year matriculation rate: 99%

Popular college choices: Yale University, University of Pennsylvania, Georgetown University

"The academics are rigorous and meaningful, and without my experience here I wouldn't be half of the student that I am today," a sophomore reported. "The teachers are great, as are the pupils, and I really have enjoyed/am enjoying/will continue to enjoy my learning experience here."

Location: Wallingford, Connecticut

Average SAT score: 2040

Four-year matriculation rate: 99%

Popular college choices: Yale University, Georgetown University, Columbia University

"I felt well prepared for college," one Niche user said. "Many of the skills I learned at Choate helped me adjust better for my first year in college. Things that other students were experiencing for the first time in college, I had gone through four years before when I first left home."

Location: Los Angeles, California

Average SAT score: 2100

Four-year matriculation rate: 100%

Popular college choices: University of Southern California, University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University

"Marlborough graduates consistently move on to the best colleges and universities in the country, commonly sending dozens or more to Ivy League schools each year," one Niche user noted. "The Marlborough alumni network is strong and helpful when finding work in Los Angeles."

Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Average SAT score: 2120

Four-year matriculation rate: 100%

Popular college choices: University of Georgia, Vanderbilt University, University of Pennsylvania

"Students consistently get into top colleges each year and are driven to succeed," a Niche user shared. "Westminster truly is a unique school in that it provides an education, real world tools, and communication skills rivaling that of many colleges. It is the best school in order to prepare the student for the next step."

Location: Pasadena, California

Average SAT score: 2100

Four-year matriculation rate: 100%

Popular college choices: Stanford University, University of Southern California, University of California at Los Angeles

"Poly's academics are world-renowned and completely prepare students for the future that lays ahead of them," one Niche user said. "While academics are difficult, they are also both manageable, with a proper work ethic, and incredibly rewarding."

Location: Rye, New York

Average SAT score: 2110

Four-year matriculation rate: 100%

Popular college choices: Vanderbilt University, University of Pennsylvania, Cornell University

"You will be challenged beyond belief, but the results definitely do demonstrate that the work has not been to waste with college results — performing well at this school will all but guarantee a spot at an elite college," one senior said.

Location: Carpinteria, California

Average SAT score: 2080

Four-year matriculation rate: 100%

Popular college choices: University of Southern California, Stanford University, Georgetown University

"From the beautiful views and fantastic weather to the interesting, challenging classes and sense of community, Cate students leave here with the tools they need to improve not only their lives, but others'," one sophomore commented.

Location: Dallas, Texas

Average SAT score: 2090

Four-year matriculation rate: 100%

Popular college choices: University of Texas at Austin, Vanderbilt University, University of Southern California

"Although it is academically rigorous, the teachers are very helpful and always available," one junior said. "I think that Hockaday is very unique, and produces alumnae that are well rounded and exhibit our four cornerstones: character, courtesy, scholarship, and athletics."

Location: Washington, DC

Average SAT score: 2100

Four-year matriculation rate: 100%

Popular college choices: University of Pennsylvania, Georgetown University, Yale University

"I could not have had a better academic experience than the one I've received at National Cathedral School, and I feel more than prepared to attend any Ivy League-caliber college or university," a senior reported.

Location: New York, New York

Average SAT score: 2170

Four-year matriculation rate: 100%

Popular college choices: Duke University, University of Pennsylvania, Brown University

Collegiate students live up to a strong legacy. "Collegiate has a long and rich history of athletic and academic excellence," one senior reported.

Location: New York, New York

Average SAT score: 2210

Four-year matriculation rate: 98%

Popular college choices: Yale University, Columbia University, Brown University

Even outside of the classroom, Trinity students have a taste for learning.

"Very strong and varied [extracurricular] offerings, from robotics and math skills to debate and classics," one Niche user said. "Strong student government and publications."

Location: New York, New York

Average SAT score: 2160

Four-year matriculation rate: 100%

Popular college choices: Brown University, Columbia University, Yale University

"Although it is very selective and difficult to get admitted, the effort is worth it," one parent said. "The community is diverse, welcoming, and vibrant. The academics are strong! The teachers are mostly nurturing and dedicated."

Location: Bronx, New York

Average SAT score: 2140

Four-year matriculation rate: 100%

Popular college choices: Columbia University, Cornell University, University of Pennsylvania

"The teachers are all attentive and intelligent, and students can meet with them if they need to," one senior noted. "This is definitely a school where you can flourish as a person and a scholar due to the wide range of extracurricular opportunities and challenging courses available to students."

Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts

Average SAT score: 2100

Four-year matriculation rate: 100%

Popular college choices: Harvard University, Yale University, Brown University

"The teachers here are great, they really care about the students," one recent graduate said. "The workload is challenging and it takes time to figure out how to balance life and school. The academics are amazing, and you are more than prepared for when you go off to college."

Location: Dallas, Texas

Average SAT score: 2160

Four-year matriculation rate: 100%

Popular college choices: University of Texas at Austin, Southern Methodist University, Duke University

"St. Mark's is nationally recognized for academics, with a challenging curriculum designed to prepare students at their very best," one Niche user said. "Teachers are often experts in their field and often are recognized curriculum leaders. While the workload is intense, students are almost always more than capable of handling it, and the school ensures that there is adequate support for the students' success."

Location: Palo Alto, California

Average SAT score: 2160

Four-year matriculation rate: 100%

Popular college choices: Stanford University, University of California at Los Angeles, Brown University

"The teachers are top-notch and dedicated, make learning fun and exciting," one parent said. "Definitely focus on developing smart, confident women leaders in addition to being an excellent academic environment."

Location: Stanford, California

Average SAT score: 2150

Four-year matriculation rate: 100%

Popular college choices: Stanford University, Yale University, Harvard University

"Teachers are engaging and always challenge students to do their best," a Niche user noted. "The curriculum is fascinating and manages to prepare students for standardized tests while not solely teaching to the test. The workload is challenging in the best of manners for the determined students who attend."

Location: Concord, New Hampshire

Average SAT score: 2100

Four-year matriculation rate: 100%

Popular college choices: Harvard University, University of Pennsylvania, Yale University

"The academics of St. Paul's school are unmatched by any school in the country," one senior shared. "It is on another level in regards to the quality of teachers, rigor of academics, and self-drive of students."

Location: Oakland, California

Average SAT score: 2200

Four-year matriculation rate: 100%

Popular college choices: Stanford University, University of California at Los Angeles, University of California at Berkeley

"If you work hard, do the best you can in your classes, and take the hardest classes available, there are literally endless opportunities to you," one Niche user said. "The best schools and jobs will open up to you, and you will find yourself with more freedom than you can imagine."

Location: Boston, Massachusetts

Average SAT score: 2200

Four-year matriculation rate: 100%

Popular college choices: Brown University, Harvard University, Yale University

"Classes are very challenging and the workload is difficult, but teachers care and the classes are interesting," one senior noted.

Parents agree. "Stellar academics," one commented. "Rigorous to the point of college-level preparation and assessment."

Location: Lawrenceville, New Jersey

Average SAT score: 2130

Four-year matriculation rate: 99%

Popular college choices: Georgetown University, University of Pennsylvania, Princeton University

"This school is educational utopia," one parent said. "All the teachers are at the top of their game. The campus community provides a safe, nurturing environment to grow academically and personally."

Location: Deerfield, Massachusetts

Average SAT score: 2100

Four-year matriculation rate: 100%

Popular college choices: Harvard University, Yale University, Georgetown University

"The school encourages and supports students into becoming leaders," one Niche user said.

Location: Houston, Texas

Average SAT score: 2190

Four-year matriculation rate: 99%

Popular college choices: University of Texas at Austin, Rice University, Vanderbilt University

"The teachers strike the perfect balance between maintaining a challenging and interesting curriculum and guiding struggling students," one junior reported. "The homework is tough, but I have never regretted spending the extra time to learn more."

Location: Studio City, California

Average SAT score: 2120

Four-year matriculation rate: 100%

Popular college choices: University of Southern California, Stanford University, University of California at Los Angeles

"It's fantastic, has excellent resources, teachers, and facilities," one sophomore commented. "The only thing is its hard; the workload is huge and many people say that H-W is harder than college. But you're surrounded by smart kids, and the deans are really supportive."

Location: Groton, Massachusetts

Average SAT score: 2110

Four-year matriculation rate: 100%

Popular college choices: Harvard University, University of Pennsylvania, Georgetown University

"It's a hard school, but the people you meet and the classes you take make it worth it!" one student said. "I would do it again and recommend it to anyone applying to boarding school."

Location: Lakeville, Connecticut

Average SAT score: 2100

Four-year matriculation rate: 100%

Popular college choices: Yale University, Georgetown University, University of Pennsylvania

"The people you meet are some of the most intelligent and genuine individuals from all over the world," a Niche user said. "The relationships you create are worthwhile. You learn so much from your peers."

Location: San Jose, California

Average SAT score: 2220

Four-year matriculation rate: 100%

Popular college choices: Stanford University, University of Southern California, University of California at Los Angeles

"Harker is really well known for the quality of its academics and that reflects the quality of the teachers," one parent commented. "They are knowledgeable and passionate about their subjects and many of them, especially in the upper school, have doctorates.

"The most important thing teachers bring to the classroom, from what I have seen, is the ability to motivate students to do their very best by encouraging them and by keeping communication channels open to the parents so the family and school work together to give the students all the opportunity needed to thrive," they added.

Location: Exeter, New Hampshire

Average SAT score: 2120

Four-year matriculation rate: 99%

Popular college choices: Harvard University, University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University

"Very strong academically," one Niche user said. "The workload is tough, but all the teachers are friendly and put the student first; they're always available for extra help. There's also many study abroad options for upperclassmen."

Location: Andover, Massachusetts

Average SAT score: 2180

Four-year matriculation rate: 99%

Popular college choices: Brown University, University of Pennsylvania, Yale University

"The teachers at my school truly care about their students and want them to succeed both inside and outside of the classroom," one senior noted. "They are always available to chat if you are struggling with their class, and give great advice on how to reach your goals."