What St. Paul's School is and who attends

St. Paul's School is a boarding and day school located in Concord, New Hampshire, serving students in grades 9 through 12 and a postgraduate year. The school enrolls roughly 530 students, with about two-thirds boarding on campus and one-third attending as day students. The student body comes from across the United States and internationally, with students from over 40 states and more than 20 countries.

St. Paul's is an independent school, meaning it does not receive public funding and operates on tuition revenue, endowment income, and donations. The school is coeducational and does not have religious affiliation, though it was founded in 1856 by the Episcopal Church. Admission is based on academic performance, standardized test scores, essays, teacher recommendations, and an interview — not on religious background.

Key Takeaways

  • St. Paul's charges tuition of approximately $65,000 per year for boarding students and $45,000 for day students, with additional fees for books, activities, and other expenses.
  • The school meets 100 percent of demonstrated financial need for admitted students through a combination of grants, loans, and student work, though families are expected to contribute what they can afford.
  • Admission requires submission of the Common process, school transcripts, standardized test scores (SSAT or ISEE), teacher recommendations, and an on-campus or virtual interview.
  • The academic curriculum includes required courses in English, mathematics, science, history, and languages, with electives in arts, technology, and other subjects.
  • Boarding students live in dormitories organized by grade level, with faculty members and residential advisors present to supervise and support students outside the classroom.

Tuition, fees, and financial support

Boarding tuition at St. Paul's is approximately $65,000 per year. Day student tuition is approximately $45,000 per year. These figures do not include books, supplies, technology fees, activities, and other incidental costs, which add several thousand dollars annually. The school publishes its current costs on its website and in admissions materials.

St. Paul's states that it meets 100 percent of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students. This means the school calculates what a family can afford to pay based on income, assets, and family size, then covers the difference through grants (money that does not need to be repaid), loans, and opportunities for students to work on campus. Families complete the CSS Profile, a financial aid form used by independent schools, to document their financial situation. The school also considers families' ability to pay when making admissions decisions.

Many boarding students receive some form of financial support. The school does not publish the percentage of students receiving aid or the average aid package, so families should contact the admissions office directly to understand what support might be available in their specific situation.

The admissions process and timeline

Students explore to St. Paul's submit materials through the Common process, the standardized platform used by most independent schools. Required documents include official transcripts from the current school, scores from either the SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) or ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam), written recommendations from at least two teachers, and a personal essay. The school also requires an interview, which can take place on campus in Concord or virtually.

The process important date is typically in early January for enrollment the following fall. The school reviews applications on a rolling basis starting in the fall, meaning decisions are made throughout the winter and spring rather than all at once. Admitted students usually receive notification by March or April. Families who are admitted have until April 10 to confirm enrollment and submit a deposit.

The school recommends that students take the SSAT or ISEE in the fall of their eighth-grade year if they are explore for ninth grade, or in the fall of the year before they plan to enroll. Standardized test scores are a significant part of the admissions evaluation, along with grades, teacher recommendations, and the interview.

Academic structure and course requirements

St. Paul's operates on a traditional academic calendar with a fall term, winter term, and spring term. All students must complete courses in English, mathematics, science, history, and a foreign language. The school offers courses at multiple levels, including honors and advanced placement (AP) options in many subjects. Students typically take five or six courses per term.

Beyond core requirements, students choose from electives in the arts, technology, social sciences, and other areas. The school also requires all students to participate in athletics or other physical activities, and to engage in community service. Class sizes are small — the school reports an average class size of about 10 students — which means students have regular contact with teachers and can receive individualized feedback.

St. Paul's does not award letter grades in the traditional sense. Instead, teachers provide written evaluations and numerical grades that are shared with students and families several times per term. This approach is intended to give students detailed feedback on their progress rather than a single letter that reduces their work to a category.

Residential life and campus facilities

Boarding students live in dormitories organized primarily by grade level. Each dormitory is supervised by faculty members and residential advisors who live in the building. The school aims to create a community atmosphere in the residences, with common spaces for studying, socializing, and activities. Students are expected to follow the school's residential policies, which include rules about curfews, guests, and conduct.

The campus in Concord spans 2,000 acres and includes academic buildings, dormitories, athletic facilities, a library, dining hall, and arts centers. Boarding students eat meals together in the dining hall, and the school accommodates dietary restrictions and preferences. The campus is located in central New Hampshire, about 90 minutes from Boston and 4 hours from New York City.

Day students are integrated into the residential community through participation in clubs, athletics, and evening activities. The school provides transportation for day students from surrounding towns, and day students may stay on campus for evening events and activities.

Athletics, activities, and extracurriculars

St. Paul's requires all students to participate in athletics or another approved physical activity each term. The school competes in the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) and offers varsity sports including football, soccer, cross country, hockey, basketball, lacrosse, baseball, softball, tennis, and rowing. Students who do not compete in varsity sports may participate in club sports, intramural activities, or fitness programs.

Beyond athletics, students join clubs and organizations focused on academics, arts, service, culture, and interests. The school publishes a list of active clubs on its website. Students also participate in community service through required service projects and volunteer opportunities. Many students hold leadership positions in clubs and residential life, which are considered part of the school's emphasis on developing responsibility and character.

Diversity and community values

St. Paul's publishes demographic information about its student body, including the percentage of students of color, international students, and students from different geographic regions. The school has stated a commitment to building a diverse community and has worked to increase recruitment and support for students from underrepresented backgrounds. However, like many independent boarding schools, St. Paul's enrolls a student body that is predominantly white and comes from families with significant financial resources.

The school's mission emphasizes academic excellence, character development, and service to others. The honor code is a central part of the community, and students are expected to uphold standards of integrity in their academic work and conduct. The school also emphasizes environmental stewardship and has made commitments to sustainability on campus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be religious to attend St. Paul's?

No. While St. Paul's was founded by the Episcopal Church, the school is not affiliated with any religious denomination and does not require students to be members of any faith. The school does include chapel services and discussions of ethics and values as part of its community life, but these are not tied to a specific religious tradition.

What happens if my family cannot afford the full tuition?

St. Paul's states that it meets 100 percent of demonstrated financial need for admitted students. Families complete the CSS Profile to document their financial situation, and the school calculates what they can afford to pay. The difference is covered through grants, loans, and work opportunities. Contact the admissions office to discuss your family's specific situation.

Can day students participate in evening activities and clubs?

Yes. Day students are encouraged to stay on campus for evening activities, clubs, and social events. The school provides transportation home after these activities. Many day students participate fully in the residential community outside of classes.

What is the acceptance rate at St. Paul's?

St. Paul's does not publish its acceptance rate in its standard admissions materials. The school is selective and receives applications from many may have access to candidates. Contact the admissions office for current information about the competitiveness of the admissions process.

How do I schedule a campus visit or interview?

Prospective students and families can schedule a visit and interview through the St. Paul's admissions website. The school offers on-campus visits during the school year and virtual interviews for students who cannot travel to New Hampshire. The admissions office can be reached by phone or email for questions about scheduling.