Cushing Academy (Top Ranked Private School for 2026-27)

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Quick Facts (2026-27)

Top Ranked MA School
Grades: 9-12
Enrollment: 390 students
Yearly Tuition: $79,980
Average class size: 12 students
Application Deadline: Feb. 1 / rolling
Source: ✓Verified school update

School Rankings

Cushing Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Massachusetts for:

School Facts

Grades Offered

Grades 9-12

Students By Grade

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Distribution of Students By Grade
Grade	Cushing Academy
9	60
10	100
11	115
12	115

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Offers Post-Graduate Year

Yes

ADD/ADHD Support

Yes

Learning Difference Programs

Yes

Learning Programs Supported

Mild learning differences, Language based learning differences

Year Founded

1865

Summer School Offered

Yes

Summer Program Details

View Summer Program Details

Last Day of School

Tue. Jun 1, 2027

Student Body

Total Students

390 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

15%

State avg.: 32%

Academic Profile

Total Classroom Teachers

68 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

6:1

National avg.: 11:1

Average Class Size

12 students

Matriculation DataMatric. Data

View Matriculation Data

Classroom Dress Code

Casual

Number of AP Courses

26 courses

List of Courses Offered

Link to List of Courses

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS)
New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
Association of Independent Schools of New England (AISNE)

Tuition & Financial Aid

Admission Deadline

Feb. 1 / rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$79,980

View national tuition avg.

% on Financial Aid

25%

Average Financial Aid Grant

$32,000

Admissions Director

Catherine Pollock

Admissions Associate

Kevin Smith

Application URL

Online Application

Endowment Size

$84 million

Sports

Total Sports Offered

20 sports

Colors

White, Purple

School Mascot

The Penguin

School Notes

Cushing Academy, an independent, coeducational boarding school for students in grades 9-12 and post-graduate.
Founded in 1865, the Academy is home to students from over 28 countries and 26 states, with challenging and supportive programs in academics, arts and athletics.
The 162-acre campus is located in a bucolic setting approximately one hour west of Boston, Massachusetts.

Cushing Academy develops curious, creative, and confident learners and leaders. Founded as a coeducational institution in 1865, the school is located one hour west of Boston and draws students (grades 9-12 and postgraduate) from more than 30 countries and 30 states to its rural, 162-acre campus in Ashburnham, Massachusetts.
Combining outstanding academics with a robust program of athletics, arts, and cultural offerings, the Academy's dynamic faculty leads a holistic, student-centered approach to learning. At Cushing, students build confidence and intellectual curiosity; they are pushed by their teachers and peers to explore and elevate their unique range of talents, abilities, and interests.
Community plays an essential role in the Cushing experience; 96% of students live on campus and the school's academic, social, and athletic support is singularly designed to promote opportunities for leadership and personal growth. At its core, Cushing Academy empowers students in all aspects of their lives and builds a foundation for a lifetime of independence, learning, and the pursuit of excellence.

Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Bette Davis '26 - American actress of film, television, and theater
- Nate Berkus '90 - American interior designer, author, and television personality
- John Lilley '91 - Retired American professional ice hockey player and member of 1994 men's U.S. Olympic ice hockey team
- His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck '99 - King of Bhutan
- John Cena '95 - American professional wrestler, actor, rapper, and television presenter
- Tom Poti '96 - American former professional ice hockey player and member of the 2002 silver-medalist men's U.S. Olympic ice hockey team
- Chris Bourque '04 - American professional ice hockey forward
- Erika Lawlor '05 - Member of the silver-medalist 2010 women's U.S. Olympic ice hockey team
- Meghan Duggan '06 - American ice hockey forward and member of the 2010 and 2014 women's U.S. Olympic ice hockey teams (two silver medals) and captain of the 2018 U.S. women's gold-medal Olympic ice hockey team
- Broc Little '07 - American professional ice hockey forward in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) and member of the 2018 men's U.S. Olympic ice hockey team

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Cushing Academy cost?

Cushing Academy's tuition is approximately $79,980 for private students.

Who are famous alumni from Cushing Academy?

Cushing Academy famous alumni include: Bette Davis '26, Nate Berkus '90, John Lilley '91, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck '99, John Cena '95, Tom Poti '96, Chris Bourque '04, Erika Lawlor '05, Meghan Duggan '06 and Broc Little '07.

Does Cushing Academy offer a summer program?

Yes, Cushing Academy offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.

What sports does Cushing Academy offer?

Cushing Academy offers 20 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Ballet, Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Dance, E-sports, Field Hockey, Figure Skating, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Mountain Biking, Snowboarding, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball and Weightlifting. Cushing Academy is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Massachusetts for most sports offered.

What is Cushing Academy's ranking?

Cushing Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Massachusetts for: Largest student body, Most AP courses offered, Most sports offered and Oldest founding date.

When is the application deadline for Cushing Academy?

The application deadline for Cushing Academy is Feb. 1 / rolling (applications are due on Feb. 1 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

School Calendar

View the Cushing Academy yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:

Event

Date

Thanksgiving Break begins after classes

November 20, 2026 (Friday)

Thanksgiving Break

November 21, 2026 (Saturday)

Spring Break begins after classes

March 05, 2027 (Friday)

Spring Break

March 06, 2027 (Saturday)

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Worcester County, MA is $18,660 for elementary schools and $41,133 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

The average acceptance rate in Worcester County, MA is 82% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).