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.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked MA School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 400 students
- Yearly Tuition: $65,950
- Average class size: 12 students
- Application Deadline: Feb. 1 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Cushing Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Massachusetts for:
Category
Attribute
Student Body
AP Courses
Sports offered
School History
School Resources
School Overview
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
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
Colors
White, Purple
Summer School Offered
Yes
First Day of School
Sat. Sep 6, 2025
Student Body
Total Students
400 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
15%
State avg.: 29%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
68 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
12 students
Number of AP Courses
26 courses
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Feb. 1 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$65,950
% on Financial Aid
27%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$32,000
Admissions Director
Catherine Pollock
Admissions Associate
Dan Morrissey
Application URL
Endowment Size
$84 million
Sports
Total Sports Offered
19 sports
School Notes
- School Mascot: The Penguin
- Cushing Academy, founded as a coeducational boarding school in 1865, exists for students, their academic growth and their personal development. We are dedicated to educating the mind, shaping the character, and nurturing the creativity of young men and women. In a community that is academically and culturally diverse, we challenge each individual, support excellence in every aspect of the learning process, and promote active participation in all areas of life and learning. We offer a demanding college preparatory curriculum, teach skills that build confidence, and instill values that endure.
- 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
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Cushing Academy cost?
Cushing Academy's tuition is approximately $65,950 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.
What sports does Cushing Academy offer?
Cushing Academy offers 19 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Ballet, Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Dance, 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, Oldest founding date and Largest endowments.
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.
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The nearest high school to Cushing Academy is The Winchendon School (3.5 miles away)
The nearest elementary school is Heritage Christian School (3.4 miles away)
The nearest preschool is Our Redeemer Preschool (6.6 miles away)
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