Most Selective Boarding Schools

Among "All-Girls Schools", view the boarding schools with the lowest acceptance rates (2026).
Acceptance rates listed below reflect the average rate of acceptance for all applicants (boarding and day applicants) in the previous year.
Keep in mind that acceptance rates may be lower or higher than the average acceptance rate depending on: what grade you are applying for, whether you are a boarding applicant or day student applicant, and the time of year you are applying.
Schools typically have the most openings for freshmen and sophomores (many schools do not accept incoming seniors), so applying for entrance into 9th or 10th grade may improve your chances of admission.
Acceptance rates between boarding applicants and day student applicants may differ (i.e., schools in certain areas may a higher ratio of day student applicants to day student openings, versus boarding applicants to boarding openings; the acceptance rate of some schools will actually be lower for day applicants and higher for boarding applicants).
Many, but not all, schools will accept applications after application deadlines, but admission generally becomes more difficult.
Emma Willard School
Oldfields School
The Ethel Walker School
Miss Porter's School
Grier School
The Madeira School
St. Timothy's School
Dana Hall School
Westover School
Academy of the Holy Family
Buffalo Seminary
Miss Hall's School
St. Margaret's School
Acceptance Rate Range: 36% 90% Avg. Acceptance Rate: 61%

Lowest Acceptance Rates

Among All-Girls Schools (out of 14 schools)

Sorted by range (alphabetically within range)
Emma Willard School Photo
Gr: 9-12, PG
All-girls
285 Pawling Avenue
Troy, NY 12180
(518) 833-1320
(9)
Oldfields School Photo - Oldfields School`s Mission is to embrace each student`s authentic self, educate through collaboration, empower the individual voice, and inspire confidence and continual growth, leading to a life of purpose.
Gr: 8-12, PG
All-girls (non-sectarian)
1500 Glencoe Road
Sparks Glencoe, MD 21152
(443) 662-1009
(12)
The Ethel Walker School Photo - Beaver Brook Building - This building houses many of our academic classes as well as administrative offices, meeting spaces, art rooms, and our computer lab.
Gr: 7-12, PG | 6-12, PG (day)
All-girls
230 Bushy Hill Road
Simsbury, CT 06070
(860) 408-4200
Miss Porter's School Photo
Gr: 9-12
All-girls
60 Main Street
Farmington, CT 06032
(860) 409-3530
(5)
Grier School Photo
#5(T5–T7)Grier School
Gr: 7-12, PG | 5-12, PG (day)
All-girls
2522 Grier School Road
Tyrone, PA 16686
(814) 684-3000
(6)
The Madeira School Photo - Capitol Hill internships in the offices of senators and representatives are a hallmark of the junior year at Madeira
Gr: 9-12
All-girls
8328 Georgetown Pike
McLean, VA 22102
(703) 556-8273
(2)
St. Timothy's School Photo - Completed in 2012, Dixon Hall is our state-of-the-art academic building. The technology-rich facility features the Taft Lecture Hall, the Coleman World Languages and Cultures Center, and a Center for Learning and Teaching.
Gr: 9-12, PG
All-girls (Episcopal)
8400 Greenspring Avenue
Stevenson, MD 21153
(410) 486-7401
(2)
Dana Hall School Photo - The Dana Hall Dragons are ready to roar.
Gr: 9-12 | 5-12 (day)
All-girls
45 Dana Road
Wellesley, MA 02482
(781) 489-1331
(6)
Westover School Photo
Gr: 9-12
All-girls
1237 Whittemore Rd.
Middlebury, CT 06762
(203) 577-4521
(12)
Academy of the Holy Family Photo - Ambassadors Club
Gr: 9-12
All-girls (Roman Catholic)
54 W. Main Street Box 691
Baltic, CT 06330
(860) 822-6279
Buffalo Seminary Photo - Our oldest tradition may be forward thinking but we are anchored in many other traditions too. Roses and white dresses for commencement. Our Social & Academic Honor Code. Morning Meeting to start the day. ..
#10(T10–T14)Buffalo Seminary
Gr: 9-12, PG
All-girls (non-sectarian)
205 Bidwell Parkway
Buffalo, NY 14222
(716) 885-6780
Miss Hall's School Photo - A talented, supportive community of learners awaits you at MHS. Our faculty are dedicated mentors who are passionate about their subjects and creative in their teaching, unafraid to ditch the textbook in favor of collaborative, project-based learning.
#10(T10–T14)Miss Hall's School
Gr: 9-12, PG
All-girls
492 Holmes Road
Pittsfield, MA 01201
(413) 499-1300
(4)
St. Margaret's School Photo - College Preparedness: Challenge yourself with a collaborative STEAM curriculum and rigorous academics, including Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment courses to start earning college credit. Our college counselor will help you to navigate the different colleges and degree fields to best prepare you for life after graduation from St. Margaret's.
#10(T10–T14)St. Margaret's School
Gr: 8-12, PG
All-girls (Episcopal)
PO Box 158, 444 Water Lane
Tappahannock, VA 22560
(804) 443-3357
(7)
Raleigh, NC
#10(T10–T14)Saint Mary's School
Gr: 9-12
All-girls (Episcopal)
900 Hillsborough Street
Raleigh, NC 27603
(919) 424-4100
(1)

Recent Articles

How to Read a School's Strategic Plan Before You Apply
How to Read a School's Strategic Plan Before You Apply
Learn how to evaluate a boarding school's strategic plan and uncover insights about leadership, finances, priorities, and long-term stability.
The Dorm Parent Interview: 15 Questions Families Should Ask
The Dorm Parent Interview: 15 Questions Families Should Ask
Discover 15 important questions to ask dorm parents before choosing a boarding school and learn how residential life shapes the student experience.
What Happens if a Boarding School Closes or Merges? Parent Guide
What Happens if a Boarding School Closes or Merges? Parent Guide
Learn how to prepare if a boarding school closes or merges, including transfer planning, financial considerations, and protecting your child's education.

Featured Schools

Featured Schools