5 Private Schools with Strong Liberal Arts Programs

Every child has unique strengths and interests. While some gravitate toward STEM fields like Mathematics, Science, and Computer Science, many students demonstrate extraordinary talent and passion in the humanities—including Literature, Philosophy, and History.

Navigating thousands of U.S. private schools to find the perfect fit is no small feat. Today, we curate a selection of top-tier boarding schools renowned for their exceptional humanities programs. It is important to note that these are not strictly "iberal arts schools", rather, they are premier institutions that offer a rigorous, balanced education across both the arts and sciences.

Milton Academy

Founded in 1798, Milton Academy is a traditional New England boarding school with formidable academic strength, particularly in the humanities. The school fosters an environment of academic freedom, encouraging diverse perspectives and the open exchange of creative ideas. Located in close proximity to Harvard and MIT, students benefit from elite local academic resources, alongside dozens of extracurricular clubs and athletic programs.

School Highlights & Special Features: Milton’s Modern Comparative Literature curriculum is highly acclaimed, covering a vast range of works from classical texts to modernism. This program enriches students' literary literacy while building a sophisticated foundation for university-level studies.

The school also offers unique experiential programs, such as the Maine Coast Semester, where 11th graders engage in hands-on learning within the natural world. Additionally, 11th and 12th graders have the opportunity to spend a semester or a full academic year studying in China, France, Italy, or Spain. Living with local host families, students fully immerse themselves in language acquisition and traditional academic coursework.

Official Website: www.milton.edu

Middlesex School

Established in 1901, Middlesex is a century-old elite private high school located less than three miles from Concord Academy. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and engaging teaching methods, the school prioritizes critical thinking. 100% of its graduates go on to pursue higher education at top-tier universities.

School Highlights & Special Features: Writing is the cornerstone of the Middlesex experience. The English and Writing departments are the school's "crown jewels," featuring a nationally recognized curriculum. Through weekly writing assignments, interactive plenary sessions, and one-on-one feedback, students learn to craft well-structured, nuanced paragraphs that serve as the building blocks for persuasive essays.

The school emphasizes abstract thinking, argumentation skills, purposeful punctuation, and precise vocabulary. All 10th graders must complete a dedicated semester-long writing project taught by senior English faculty to systematically refine their personal voice and independent thinking.

Official Website: https://www.mxschool.edu/

Blair Academy

Founded in 1848, Blair Academy is located in northwestern New Jersey, drawing a diverse student body from various racial, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The school is dedicated to maintaining a supportive, family-like environment while fostering an active classroom atmosphere.

Humanities Advantages: Blair utilizes the Harkness Method, where students and teachers sit around a large oval table, ensuring every participant is at the heart of the discussion. One of Blair’s most distinctive initiatives is the Skeptics Society. Every Tuesday evening, distinguished speakers—ranging from CNN anchors and Columbia University history professors to former U.S. Ambassadors—visit the campus to share unique perspectives on politics, science, economics, and literature, encouraging students to engage in rigorous debate.

Furthermore, Blair’s History curriculum is unique. Unlike schools that teach traditional 9th-grade World History, Blair offers a "Global Issues" course. This curriculum focuses on pressing contemporary themes such as globalization and international trade, helping students understand the complexities of the modern world.

Official Website: https://www.blair.edu/

Deerfield Academy

Located in an affluent area of Massachusetts, Deerfield Academy is one of the oldest boarding schools in the U.S. and a member of the prestigious Ten Schools Admissions Organization (TSAO). Known for its excellence in athletics and the humanities, it was also the first co-educational school in the country.

School Highlights & Special Features: The school’s humanities focus is exemplified by the Center for Service and Global Citizenship (CSGC). This center organizes dialogues, hosts scholars and educators for seminars, and provides resources for grant applications and global service projects. Deerfield's Study Abroad programs are equally prominent, designed to cultivate global citizenship and encourage students to integrate into diverse cultures.

Additionally, the Environmental Sustainability initiative integrates campus practices with academic learning. From the "Think 80:20" recycling program to inter-dorm energy competitions, students work alongside faculty to propose innovative solutions, acting as environmental stewards.

Official Website: https://www.deerfield.edu/

Concord Academy

Situated on the Main Street of historic Concord, Massachusetts, just 18 miles from Boston, Concord Academy has produced many notable alumni despite its relatively short history. Alumni include Drew Gilpin Faust (the first female president of Harvard University), Caroline Kennedy, and Queen Noor of Jordan. The school is renowned for its rigorous academic standards, offering over 230 courses across eight academic departments.

School Highlights & Special Features: In literature, Concord offers Classical Literature courses where students systematically study various writing genres. The English curriculum for grades 9-12 is diverse, spanning poetry, prose, drama, and essays. Through close reading and roundtable discussions, students enhance their analytical and expressive skills. Concord’s History curriculum is also highly distinctive.

Rather than following a traditional chronological survey of World or U.S. History, the school breaks these subjects into semester-long thematic courses. This allows students to conduct deep-dive research into specific eras, regions, or specialized topics, gaining a much more profound understanding of historical context.

Official Website: https://concordacademy.org/