Culver Academies upholds the values of Duty, Honor, Service, and Truth in achieving its vision: to lead the world in whole-person education. We have been developing courageous leaders of honorable character, who are global citizens and lifelong scholars, since 1894.
Located on 1,800 acres along the shores of Lake Maxinkuckee in Culver, Indiana, Culver offers a co-educational, residential experience beyond that of the typical boarding school for students in grades 9-12.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked IN School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 832 students
- Yearly Tuition: $54,500
- Acceptance rate: 65%
- Average class size: 14 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 15 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Culver Academies ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Indiana for:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
Advanced Degrees
Student Body
AP Courses
Sports offered
School History
School Resources
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Year Founded
1894
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
832 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
28%
State avg.: 25%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
109 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
8:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
87%
Average Class Size
14 students
Number of AP Courses
26 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
AP Biology, AP Calculus B, AP Chemistry, AP Comparative Government, AP English Language & Composition, AP Environmental Science, AP European History, AP French Language, AP German, AP Latin - Vergil, AP Literature & Composition, AP Macroeconomics, AP Microeconomics, AP Music Theory, AP Physics B, AP Physics C: Mechanics, AP Spanish Language, AP Statistics, AP U.S. Government & Politics, AP U.S. History, AP World History, Honors Elements of Calculus, Honors French 2 & 3, Honors Geometry, Honors Intermediate Algebra, Honors Latin 3, Honors Linear Algebra, Honors Pre-Calculus, Honors Science Research 1 & 2, Honors Spanish 2 & 3, Honors Visual Art Portfolio
Average SAT score
1245
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
26
(Out of 36)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
School Uniform
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 15 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$54,500
Tuition Notes
Book fees, special program, and uniform costs not included.
Summer Program Cost
$7,850
Summer Program Cost Notes
Uniform and special program fees are not included.
% on Financial Aid
35%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$32,370
Acceptance Rate
65%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Mr. Steven Pietraszek
Endowment Size
$440 million
Sports
Total Sports Offered
26 sports
Sports
School Notes
- "Culver educates its students for leadership and responsible citizenship in society by developing and nurturing the whole individual mind, spirit, and body through integrated programs that emphasize the cultivation of character."
- The Culver Missionstatement is phrased in relatively modern language, but the principles andtraditionsfrom which it springs go back to thefounding of the school in 1894.It`s this focus on principles, rather than simply a place, thatguides us aswe meetstudents` needs,whether it`sduring a traditional school year, over the summer, or within theparalleland coeducational,yetunique,systems of the boys andgirlsschools.Students do not merely attend Culver; they become part of the Culver Story a story that is rooted in tradition and innovation.
- Leadership & Character
- Telling the truth, doing what is right, and considering the needs of others. These are the building blocks of strong character. Building blocks that great leaders in the making come to possess and use as the foundation to hone their skills and strengths.At Culver, we live and lead by example, giving our students and summer campers the tools, the understanding and the moment-by-moment application of what they`ve learned to excel but, more importantly, how to view adversity not as a problem, but as an opportunity to lead others by doing what is right.In the end, Culver graduates thrive in their future endeavors in college, in the workplace and in their personal lives because these values of courage, honor and service to others are at the core of their experience here.
- Academic Excellence
- Culver believes that we should think for ourselves. To that end, Culver does not merely hand students the answers, but rather gives them a deep understanding of every topic and its impact on the world.In a sense, the rigorous exploration demanded by this pursuit of academic truth that feeds into the holistic approach of a character-building Culver education, giving young people the critical thinking skills they need to foster the ability to distinguish the wise from the unwise and the courage and strength to act on those perceptions.
- Holistic Wellness
- Culver`s holistic approach does not stop at the classroom door, nor is it limited to the barracks or dorm. The Culver Mission commands that we develop students "mind, spirit and body." Spirit is intentionally placed in the center, recognizing the balance they need in their life. Our students have a duty to themselves to fulfill their commitments, but also understand the impact making those commitments can have.They are also taught the skills to understand and meet their mental, social, moral, spiritual and physical needs. By teaching them to explore spirituality and morality, Culver students come to learn they have a place in the world, and, more importantly, that what they do matters to others, and that they themselves matter to others, in their unit, in their dorm, and within the greater Culver community. When they leave Culver, they are able to navigate the greater global community and make their way in it confidently and maturely.
- Global Citizenship
- Culver believes that in a diverse community, people overcome their natural inclination to adhere solely to what they know. Culver students live, work, and play in an atmosphere that is naturally diverse. The broad, global perspectives that students, faculty and staff from other countries, cultures and backgrounds bring to academic and residential life only serves to ensure students have a wealth of information to draw on when analyzing and making a decision, and to understand the impact of those decisions on the greater community. And with a residential community where every student plays a key role in the success of that community, the respect for other cultures and traditions is built up, strengthening the experience for everyone.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Kath Lingenfelter - Television writer and producer (Westworld, Caprica, The Leftovers, House M.D.)
- Hal Holbrook - Oscar-Nominated Actor
- Frank Batten - Weather Channel founder
- George Steinbrenner - New York Yankees owner
- Bernardo Quintana - Chairman and CEO, ICA Corporation
- Mitchell Henderson - Head Basketball Coach, Princeton University
- Molly Engstrom - Two-time Olympian
- Jon Scieszka - Children's Book Author
- Dr. Sally Hodder - HIV/AIDS researcher
- Miles White - Chairman, Former CEO, Abbott Laboratories
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Culver Academies cost?
Culver Academies's tuition is approximately $54,500 for private students and $7,850 for summer students.
What is the acceptance rate of Culver Academies?
The acceptance rate of Culver Academies is 65%, which is lower than the national average of 89%. Culver Academies's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Indiana with low acceptance rates.
Who are famous alumni from Culver Academies?
Culver Academies famous alumni include: Kath Lingenfelter, Hal Holbrook, Frank Batten, George Steinbrenner, Bernardo Quintana, Mitchell Henderson, Molly Engstrom, Jon Scieszka, Dr. Sally Hodder and Miles White.
Does Culver Academies offer a summer program?
Yes, Culver Academies offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Culver Academies offer?
Culver Academies offers 26 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Crew, Cross Country, Dance, Diving, Drill Team, Equestrian, Fencing, Football, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Polo, Riflery, Rugby, Sailing, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Winter Track and Wrestling. Culver Academies is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Indiana for most sports offered.
What is Culver Academies's ranking?
Culver Academies ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Indiana for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees, Largest student body, Most AP courses offered, Most sports offered, Oldest founding date and Largest endowments.
When is the application deadline for Culver Academies?
The application deadline for Culver Academies is Jan. 15 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 15 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
School Reviews
5 3/14/2023
great school.
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