New Jersey has roughly eight boarding schools, led by The Lawrenceville School, Peddie School, and Blair Academy. Boarding tuition runs $65,000–$76,000 per year in 2026 — Lawrenceville is among the most expensive in the US. The state punches above its size because these schools hold unusually large endowments relative to enrollment.
Key facts about New Jersey boarding schools
- New Jersey has roughly eight boarding schools — few in number, high in endowment per student.
- Boarding tuition runs $65,000–$76,000 per year for 2025–26.
- Lawrenceville admits roughly 20% of applicants, comparable to the elite New England tier.
- Peddie School’s endowment, boosted by a landmark 1993 alumni gift, funds aid well beyond its size.
- Most campuses sit within an hour of Princeton and 90 minutes of both New York and Philadelphia.
Which are the top boarding schools in New Jersey?
| School | Town | Type | Boarding tuition | Acceptance rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Lawrenceville School | Lawrenceville | Coed, 9–12, PG | ~$76,000 | ~20% |
| Peddie School | Hightstown | Coed, 9–12, PG | ~$70,000 | ~35% |
| Blair Academy | Blairstown | Coed, 9–12, PG | ~$73,000 | ~40% |
| The Pennington School | Pennington | Coed, 6–12 | ~$68,000 | ~60% |
| The Hun School of Princeton | Princeton | Coed, 6–12, PG | ~$72,000 | ~60% |
| Purnell School | Pottersville | Girls, 9–12 | ~$70,000 | Rolling |
What makes Lawrenceville distinctive?
Lawrenceville organizes residential life around Houses of roughly 25–50 students with faculty living among them, rather than large dormitories. Houses compete athletically, hold their own traditions, and function as the school’s primary social unit — a structure adapted from English public schools and unusual in American boarding education.
Academically it pairs this with Harkness-style seminar teaching, the discussion format pioneered at Exeter. Together these make Lawrenceville a small-community experience inside a large, well-funded school. Compare with New Hampshire, where the Harkness method originated.
Where the value is
Peddie School deserves particular attention: a 1993 gift from alumnus Walter Annenberg — one of the largest ever to a US secondary school — left it with endowment resources far beyond what its size would suggest, which translates into meaningful financial aid. Blair Academy similarly combines a strong endowment with a 40% admit rate.
Check what aid is realistic in boarding school financial aid, and compare nearby markets in Pennsylvania and New York. All states are indexed in best boarding schools by state.
New Jersey boarding school FAQ
What is the best boarding school in New Jersey?
The Lawrenceville School is New Jersey's top boarding school and one of the most selective in the country, admitting roughly 20% of applicants. It is known for its Harkness-style teaching and House system, in which students live in small residential houses rather than large dormitories.
How much does Lawrenceville cost?
The Lawrenceville School charges approximately $76,000 per year for boarding students in 2025–26 — among the highest boarding tuitions in the United States. Its large endowment funds substantial need-based aid, and roughly a third of students receive some assistance.
What is the Lawrenceville House system?
Lawrenceville houses students in small residential Houses of roughly 25–50 students each, with faculty living alongside them, rather than in large dormitories. Houses compete in athletics and hold their own traditions, functioning as the school's core social unit — a model borrowed from English public schools.
How many boarding schools are in New Jersey?
New Jersey has roughly eight boarding schools, concentrated in the central and northwestern parts of the state. Despite the small count, the quality is high: Lawrenceville, Peddie, and Blair Academy all hold endowments large enough to fund significant need-based financial aid.
Sources
- The Lawrenceville School, Peddie School, Blair Academy: published tuition and admission data.
- New Jersey Association of Independent Schools (NJAIS): state school directory.