Welcome to Part 2 of Our Exclusive U.S. Boarding School Visit Series

After last week’s deep dive into Exeter and Choate, our North America Director, Ashmita and Junior Boarding Programs Director, Zion were once again invited to visit four of New England’s most respected schools:

• St. Paul’s School
• Milton Academy
• The Governor’s Academy
• Dana Hall School

Through private luncheons, guided tours, and face-to-face conversations with admissions officers, our team gathered firsthand intelligence that’s not available on websites or brochures. Read on for exclusive insights on what these top-tier schools are really looking for—and how your child can stand out.

St. Paul’s School: Boarding Life Meets Purposeful Community

Located in Concord, New Hampshire, St. Paul’s School is one of just six fully boarding U.S. high schools. Known as a “launchpad for political leaders”, its alumni include presidential candidates, senators, ambassadors, and national agency heads.

FGE has a strong track record of admissions success at St. Paul’s, with multiple offers again this year for 2025 entry.

Over Lunch with Britt Harff

Associate Dean & Director of International Admissions

• What They’re Looking For: St. Paul’s prioritizes collaboration, community engagement, and the belief that the team comes before the individual. Students must demonstrate these values across all aspects of their application.

• Role-Based Admissions Needs: Each year, different talents are prioritized—like dance, music, ice hockey, and lacrosse. Applicants with standout abilities in these areas should work with coaches or mentors to submit supplementary endorsements.

• Asia Visit Planned: The admissions team is headed to Asia again this fall, signaling continued commitment to recruiting globally diverse students.

• New Campus Facilities: St. Paul’s recently opened a striking new admissions center. Families visiting will uncover warm hospitality and get a feel for the interview space and school atmosphere.

FGE Application Tip

Showcase your prefect fit for a full-boarding environment. St. Paul’s wants students who thrive in a closely-knitted residential community. Use essays and interviews to highlight past experiences where you’ve contributed to group efforts, team success, or community building.

Milton Academy: Intellectual Independence, Real-World Readiness

With a long tradition of academic innovation, Milton Academy fosters intellectual freedom and critical thinking. Though it does not offer AP courses, Milton’s honors classes often exceed AP-level rigor, demonstrating its confidence in its curriculum.

FGE students earned two offers from Milton for Fall 2025.

What Makes Milton Different

• Admissions Team that Cares: Our long-term relationship with Milton reveals a deeply personal admissions culture. Deputy Director Lori remembers the family background of every student. Financial Aid Director Chris is a passionate advocate for international student support.

• Alumni Advantage: FGE Senior Consultant Kevin Ma is a proud Milton alumnus—and shares invaluable insights into the school’s culture.

• Day Student Misconceptions: Many assume it’s easier to apply as a day student. However, competition for day spots—especially within Massachusetts—is undoubtedly intense, and admission is in fact more selective.

• Summer Contingency Planning: The school is preparing summer housing solutions for students who may face travel limitations due to visa delays or other emergencies.

• Campus Construction Note: Milton’s admissions office is being renovated, so summer campus tours are paused—families should plan to visit in the fall.

FGE Application Tip

Be bold in your ideas. Milton thrives on original thinkers. Let your writing and interviews reflect intellectual curiosity, personal convictions, and a willingness to explore complex issues from multiple angles.

The Governor’s Academy: History Meets Holistic Development

Founded in 1763, The Governor’s Academy is the oldest continuously operating boarding school in New England. Yet it remains forward-looking, with top students admitted to Princeton, Stanford, Yale, and UChicago each year.

This year, FGE secured two Fall 2025 offers from Governor’s.

What We Learned During Our Visit

• Strong Year for Enrollment: The school achieved diverse and balanced enrollment, keeping the international student ratio stable while welcoming a range of backgrounds and interests.

• Holistic Admissions Philosophy: Unlike schools that heavily weight “hooks” (legacy, athletic recruits, etc.), Governor’s prefers students who show integrity, curiosity, and alignment with school culture.

• Legacy of Leadership: FGE’s visit included a private tour of the on-campus historical archive, where we viewed documents and artifacts spanning nearly three centuries—a testament to Governor’s deep tradition of leadership and excellence.

FGE Application Tip

Focus on personal growth, not perfection. Governor’s wants students who embrace challenge, show humility, and care about more than just résumé-building.

Dana Hall School: Empowering Young Women to Lead

As one of Massachusetts’ top all-girls schools, Dana Hall School has over 100 years of experience nurturing female leaders of tomorrow. It offers both boarding and day options and ranks among the most respected girls’ schools in the U.S.

FGE helped secure one Dana Hall offer this year.

What Sets Dana Hall Apart

• Mission-Driven Culture: Dana Hall’s core goal is to cultivate independent thinking and leadership in girls, from middle school through high school.

• Top-Tier Academic Support: Students benefit from an advanced AI-integrated academic advising program, laptop use guidelines, and robust mentorship through the Advisory Program.

• Admissions Strength: The school had another exceptionally strong admissions season, remaining one of the highest-performing girls’ schools in New England.

FGE Application Tip

Highlight leadership, initiative, and passion. Dana Hall seeks young women who are ready to speak up, step forward, and inspire those around them—on stage, in STEM labs, on sports fields, or in student government.

Still Curious? Our Journey Isn’t Over Yet…

Ashmita and Zion’s U.S. school visit continues! In the coming weeks, we’ll share even more in-depth insights from Lawrenceville, Andover, and others. Want to stay informed and “visit” these schools through our eyes? Follow us for the next installment of our “Insider Boarding Series.”

Interested in applying to one of these schools?
Let us help you strategize, prepare, and shine. With firsthand knowledge and personal connections to admissions teams, Foundation Global Education is uniquely positioned to help you turn ambition into acceptance.