Founded in 1843 in Farmington, Connecticut, Miss Porter’s School is a private boarding school for girls, and was named the top girls’ boarding school by U.S. News & World Report. In addition to challenging coursework, students must play in three interscholastic team sport offerings before the start of their senior year. They also receive formal leadership training via themed seminars each year; topics include decision-making, personal awareness, teamwork, problem-solving, and strategic planning.

Students select from over 115 classes, one of which must be an online core class. Girls must complete 30 hours of community service as a graduation requirement. There are nearly 6,000 alumnae worldwide, making an attractive and huge network available to students.

•Percentage of students who board: 65%

•Tuition, room, and board: $52,475

•Percentage of students who receive some form of financial aid: 42% (need and merit-based scholarships)

•Notable alumnae: Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis, Lillian McKim Pulitzer Rousseau (founder of Lilly Pulitzer, Inc.), Suzannah Grant Henrickson (director and Academy Award–nominated screenwriter), Sarah Blake (New York Times best-selling author)