Cardigan Mountain School (Top Ranked Private School for 2026)

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Quick Facts (2026)

Top Ranked NH School
Grades: 6-9
Enrollment: 240 students
Yearly Tuition: $80,800
Acceptance rate: 74%
Average class size: 12 students
Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Source: ✓Verified school update

School Rankings

Cardigan Mountain School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New Hampshire for:

School Facts

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades 6-9

Students By Grade

View Data

Distribution of Students By Grade
Grade	Cardigan Mountain School
6	17
7	54
8	92
9	77

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ADD/ADHD Support

Yes

Learning Difference Programs

Yes

Year Founded

1945

Campus Size

525 acres

Student Body

Total Students

240 students

Student Body Type

All-boys

% Students of Color

41%

State avg.: 18%

Academics & Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

64 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

4:1

National avg.: 11:1

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

45%

Average Class Size

12 students

Matriculation DataMatric. Data

View Matriculation Data

Classroom Dress Code

Casual

Tuition & Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

None / Rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$80,800

View national tuition avg.

% on Financial Aid

30%

Acceptance Rate

74%

National avg.: 82%

Admissions Director

Chip Audett

Admissions Associate

John Bayreuther

Application URL

Online Application

Endowment Size

$29.5 million

Sports

Total Sports Offered

16 sports

Sports

Alpine SkiingBaseball

BasketballClimbing

CrewCross Country

FootballIce Hockey

LacrosseMountain Biking

Nordic SkiingRock Climbing

SnowboardingSoccer

TennisWrestling

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.

18 extracurriculars

ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.

BadmintonChess

Community ServiceCooking

DramaGardening

Music EnsemblePainting

Club or Organization:

Anime ClubArt Club

Board Game ClubDog Walking Club

Fishing ClubLEGO Robotics Club

Ping Pong ClubSkateboarding Club

Soccer ClubWoodworking Club

School Notes

Cardigan Mountain School is a boarding and day school for boys in 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th grade in Canaan, New Hampshire. We understand and appreciate boys at this great age and stage of development. We`ve created an environment designed to nurture not only their academic achievement, but also their physical, social, ethical, and personal growth.

School Mascot: Cougars

- Student Body:Students represent 25 states and 15 countries. In 2025-2026 we will have approximately 30 day students and 210 boarding students.
- Boarding Facilities: Twelve dormitories house from 8 to 16 students each. Each dormitory houses faculty members and their families. Students reside in double rooms, with some singles provided.
- Class Size: The average class size ranges from 4 to 16 students, and within each grade there is ability tracking. There are normally three levels in each subject in grades 7, 8, and 9. The extra help and conference period gives students yet another opportunity to work with faculty members on an individual basis.
- Faculty and Advisers: Cardigan has a 4:1 student-faculty ratio. The faculty consists of 64 full-time faculty and 9 part-time faculty, the majority of whom reside on campus. Nearly half of the faculty members have earned advanced academic degrees. All faculty members teach, coach, supervise dormitories, and serve as advisers for the students. Each student works with their adviser to discuss academics, discuss problems, and to communicate with parents.
- Academics: Each student is required to take six courses each year at Cardigan to include history, English, math, science, a world language (French, Latin, Spanish, or ESL), and Personalized Education for the Acquisition of Knowledge and Skills (PEAKS). To enhance the academic experience of the boys, we also require that students take an art course each year. Grade six and seven students take an introduction to studio art course while students in grades eight and nine are required to take art or woodworking, drama, and music. All students in grades six and seven participate in the Gates Invention & Innovation Competition program.
- Grading: Cardigan uses a trimester system, and grades and teacher comments are sent home at the middle and end of each of the three terms. Grading includes both achievement marks and an effort rating.
- Student Conduct: Cardigan has a two-tiered disciplinary status system in order to inform students, their advisers, and parents when School expectations are not being met. This disciplinary system is used to correct patterns of misbehavior and to discipline those students who commit serious offenses. The Discipline Committee meets to hear cases deemed appropriate by the Headmaster and the Assistant Headmaster. Two student leaders and three faculty members are selected by the Assistant Headmaster to join him on the committee.
- Daily Life: The typical academic day begins six days per week with a required family-style breakfast. After room inspection in the dormitories, classes begin at 8:30 a.m. block class periods precede a family-style lunch. On Wednesday and Saturday, the academic day ends with lunch and is followed by a full slate of athletics and recreational activities. Dinner is a family-style meal every evening except Wednesday and Saturday, when a buffet is scheduled. A study period occurs each school night. Lights-out ranges from 9:30 to 10:15 p.m., depending on the evening and the age of the student.
- Weekend Life: The majority of Cardigan students are on campus on weekends, and the School provides an exciting array of options for them. A typical Saturday night`s schedule might include a movie, a trip off campus, various other on-campus activities and programs, or an excursion to Dartmouth College to watch a hockey game. In addition to the regularly scheduled vacations, all boys may take weekends away from the campus and parents are invited to the campus to share in their son`s experience at any time.
- Educational Programming: PEAKS stands for Personalized Education for the Acquisition of Knowledge and Skills.Through guided self-development, Cardigan's PEAKS Coachesteachboys to be better learners whilefocusing ona holistic perspective that includes mind, brain, wellness, and education. PEAKS courses helpeach studentunderstand the interrelated factors that impact learning with a particular focus on applying this information to the discovery of howhelearns best. Students learn to identify their individual strengths and challengesas they learn to advocate for themselves.
- History: Cardigan Mountain School was founded in 1945 by Harold P. Hinman, a Dartmouth College graduate, and William R. Brewster, then Headmaster of Kimball Union Academy, joined forces with legendary Dartmouth President Ernest M. Hopkins to obtain the land that is now the site of Cardigan Mountain`s campus. Cardigan Mountain School opened with 24 boys, and, in 1954, upon merging with the Clark School of Hanover, New Hampshire, the School as it is known today began to emerge. Since that time, the School has grown to its current enrollment of nearly 225 boys.
- Location: The 525-acre campus, located on Canaan Street Lake, is 18 miles from Dartmouth College. Driving time from Boston is approximately 2.5 hours. Some of the finest skiing in New England is only 1 hour away.
- Endowment: The self-perpetuating Board of Trustees and Incorporators is instrumental in guiding the School. The School`s endowment is valued at more than $29.5 million. Accreditation: Cardigan Mountain is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Its memberships include the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), the Junior Boarding Schools Association, the Independent Schools Association of Northern New England (ISANNE), the Association of Independent Schools of New England (AISNE), the Secondary School Admission Test Board (SSATB), Boys` Schools, A Better Chance (ABC), the Federation of American Independent Schools, and the Educational Records Bureau (ERB).
- Secondary School Placement: The experienced team in Cardigan`s Secondary School Counseling Office guides ninth graders and their families through the process of finding the right-fit school. The process begins in the spring of eighth grade with intentional programming and a secondary school fair.Working with students, families, teachers, advisors, coaches, and dorm parents, counselors compile a list of targetschools for each student in June. This list is shared with families during the summer before the student`s ninth-grade year. During the fall, more than 80 secondary school representatives visit Cardigan to meet and talk with interested students.
- Matriculation: Over the past few years, a number of Cardigan graduates have matriculated to schools such as Avon Old Farms, Brooks, Deerfield, Holderness, Hotchkiss, Lawrence, Phillips Andover, Phillips Exeter, Pomfret, Salisbury, St. Mark`s, St. Paul`s, Tabor, Taft, and Westminster.
- Academic Facilities:The Bronfman Center features, among other things, the three Freda R. Caspersen state-of-the-art science laboratories and classrooms for sixth graders. Stoddard Center is the home of the Kirk Library and the Humann Theatre. The Kirk Library is a three-tiered, well-equipped multimedia resource center. Humann, the 250-seat theater, is the site of school meetings, lectures, films, concerts, and drama performances.Wallach is the new home for Cardigan`s active learning spaces including theCharles C. Gates Lab, E.P.I.C Center, Williams Wood Shop, visual and digital arts classrooms, and the Tsui-Yee Gallery.
- Health: The School operates an on-campus health center, where most student medical needs can be met. For extended services, Cardigan students benefit from the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon. The Hamilton Health Center on the Cardigan campus has a resident nurse and a physician.
- Athletics: Over the years, Cardigan has been fortunate enough to acquire extensive athletics facilities, fields, and equipment. These include five fields for soccer, football, and lacrosse; ten outdoor tennis courts; two baseball diamonds; a state-of-the-art hockey rink that can be converted to a multipurpose arena in the fall and spring; an on-campus, lighted ski slope; cross-country ski trails; snow and bike sports center; a wrestling room; a fully equipped weight-training room; an in-line hockey rink; and indoor and outdoor basketball courts. Lake Front Access: As the School is situated on the shores of Canaan Street Lake, students and faculty members take full advantage of water-related activities. Motorboats, kayaks, and canoes provide additional opportunities for students to enjoy the water. The waterfront area is well supervised, and instruction is available in all activities. Outdoor Exploration: In addition to fall and spring rock climbing, C.O.R.E. serves to use the natural world as a classroom.Skiing: Sunapee Mountain Ski Resort is close to the School and is used by the Alpine ski team, recreational skiers, and snowboarders. As in the classroom, the focus of interscholastic sports and individual activities is on learning the fundamentals. Teams are fielded on several levels in most sports, and they compete against local independent and public schools. Recreational sports are offered for the student who does not wish to compete interscholastically.
- Extracurricular Opportunities: Many students and faculty members bring to Cardigan skills and interests that, though not included in the usual program of studies, may be pursued and developed in the informal setting of the Club Program. Clubs meet every Thursday afternoon in lieu of athletics, with the opportunity for additional meetings if the members and adviser so desire. Community Service: Students also participate in clubs. Students in clubs have participated in community service, including visits to a local nursing home, hospital volunteer work, recycling, the Big Brother Program, and Red Cross lifeguard training; blues, jazz, and rock bands; a cappella singing groups; technical rock-climbing; horseback riding; mountain-biking; debating; painting; chess; photography; windsurfing; and conversational Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, and Japanese.
- Spiritual Development: Cardigan is nondenominational, yet the School seeks to strengthen each boy`s spiritual development within his own religious heritage. All boys are required to attend the weekly Thursday afternoon chapel service. Arrangements are made for students of all faiths to attend appropriate weekly services in the immediate area.
- Summer Programs: A Transformative Experiencefor Students 8-15 Years Old. Our days are full! Mornings are set aside for academic activities, includingclass offeringsthat cover a wide range of subjects for all ages that will inspire students through experiential, hands-on learning. Wallach, our newest academic building, is the campus hub for innovative design, applied engineering, and the creative arts. As a state-of-the-art makerspace,Wallachwill inspire new academic offerings to prepare students for academic pursuits beyond Summer Session.
- Financial Aid- Financial aid is available to families of qualified students who complete the School and Student Service for Financial Aid forms and demonstrate need.
- Admissions Information: Interested candidates should fill out an online inquiry form, located on our website, to receive beneficial admissions information. Cardigan seeks to enroll students of good character and academic promise who will contribute to and benefit from the broad range of academic and extracurricular opportunities available. The Admissions Committee reviews applications on a rolling admissions basis for students wishing to enter the sixth through the ninth grades. Decisions are based upon previous school records, teacher recommendations, aptitude testing, and a campus interview. Cardigan admits students of any race, color, nationality, or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School.
- Application Timetable: Initial inquiries are welcome at any time. Visits are scheduled in the mornings while school is in session Monday to Friday and some Satruday's. The application fee is $50 for domestic applicants and $125 for international applicants. The financial aid deadline is January 31, 2025. Applications for Day Students are also due by January 31, 2025.
Admissions Correspondence- [email protected] or 603-523-3548

Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Samuel S. Adams - president of the American Geological Institute, geology professor at the Colorado School of Mines, and president of Loon Mountain
- Franklin S. Billings, Jr. - American politician and judge from Woodstock, Vermont
- Ben Lovejoy - Professional ice hockey player and first New Hampshire native to win the Stanley Cup
- Gavin Bayreuther - Professional ice hockey player
- Mo Bamba - Professional basketball player
- Taylor Chace - Sledge hockey player who won gold medals in the 2010 Winter Paralympics and the 2014 Winter Paralympics

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Cardigan Mountain School cost?

Cardigan Mountain School's tuition is approximately $80,800 for private students and $8,550 for summer students.

What schools are Cardigan Mountain School often compared to?

Cardigan Mountain School is often viewed alongside schools like Camp E-toh-anee by visitors of our site.

What is the acceptance rate of Cardigan Mountain School?

The acceptance rate of Cardigan Mountain School is 74%, which is equal to the national average of 74%.

Who are famous alumni from Cardigan Mountain School?

Cardigan Mountain School famous alumni include: Samuel S. Adams, Franklin S. Billings, Jr., Ben Lovejoy, Gavin Bayreuther, Mo Bamba and Taylor Chace.

What sports does Cardigan Mountain School offer?

Cardigan Mountain School offers 16 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Baseball, Basketball, Climbing, Crew, Cross Country, Football, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Mountain Biking, Nordic Skiing, Rock Climbing, Snowboarding, Soccer, Tennis and Wrestling. Cardigan Mountain School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in New Hampshire for most sports offered.

What is Cardigan Mountain School's ranking?

Cardigan Mountain School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New Hampshire for: Highest percentage of students of color, Largest student body, Most sports offered, Most extracurriculars offered and Oldest founding date.

When is the application deadline for Cardigan Mountain School?

The application deadline for Cardigan Mountain School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Grafton County, NH is $23,390 for elementary schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

The average acceptance rate in Grafton County, NH is 76% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).