St. Paul’s School – Overview
Basic Information
- Location: Concord, New Hampshire
- Founded: 1856
- Type: Private, co-educational boarding school (Grades 9‒12)
- Enrollment: ~540 students
- Campus Size: ~2,000 acres (suburban/rural)
- Student–Faculty Ratio: ~5:1
- Average Class Size: ~10–12 students
- International Students: ~22%
- Students of Color: ~49%
Tuition & Financial Aid (2024–25)
- Annual Boarding Tuition: $68,353
- Other Fees & Personal Costs: ~ $4,000–$5,000
- Financial Aid:
- ~38% of students receive need-based aid
- Average grant is ~$60,500
- Families with income ≤ $150,000 typically receive full tuition support
- Aid budget exceeds $12 million annually
Admissions & Selectivity
- Acceptance Rate: ~13–16% (very selective)
- Application Deadline: January 15
- Decision Notification: Around March 10
- Requirements: Interview, transcripts, recommendations, and SSAT/ISEE (testing may be optional)
Academics & College Preparation
- Course Offerings: ~145 courses, including classical honors and independent study options
- Average SAT Score: ~1420
- Average ACT Score: ~32
- Extracurriculars: 51 interscholastic teams across 17 sports, plus intramurals, arts, and 60+ clubs
- College Matriculation: Nearly 100% admission to top colleges including Ivy League, Stanford, MIT, Duke, Georgetown, and more
Pros of St. Paul’s
- Fully Residential Experience
- 100% boarding, fostering community, independence, and continuity in academic life
- Strong Academic Environment
- Small classes, diverse course offerings, and emphasis on character and scholarship
- Diverse and Inclusive Community
- High representation from various backgrounds and cultures
- Generous Financial Support
- Substantial aid availability ensures access for families at different income levels
- Rich Extracurricular Opportunities
- Broad athletic, arts, and club offerings—enhancing personal growth
- Excellent College Preparation
- Graduates gain admission to elite universities at a high rate
Cons of St. Paul’s
- Highly Selective Admissions
- Competitive application process with limited spots (13–16% acceptance)
- High Cost Without Aid
- Total annual cost is substantial for families not receiving financial aid
- Remote, Boarding-Focused Setting
- The rural, fully residential environment may not suit students seeking urban experiences or day school alternatives
- Intensive Academic Environment
- Demands strong work ethic and maturity to thrive under rigorous academic and social expectations
Summary
St. Paul’s School offers an exceptional boarding school experience with rigorous academics, strong financial aid, and top-tier college placement. It’s ideal for students ready to immerse themselves in a tight-knit, all-residential community and pursue high-level intellectual and personal growth. However, its selectivity, cost, and remote setting require a good fit with student readiness and preferences.