Desmond AbahWhen families think of elite education in New Jersey, Lawrenceville quickly comes to mind. Located in Mercer County, just outside of Princeton and within easy reach of both New York City and Philadelphia, Lawrenceville is a hub for some of the nation’s finest preparatory schools.
But the choice isn’t simple — each school offers something unique. From Lawrenceville’s world-renowned Harkness method to Peddie’s strong STEM programs, Hun’s Princeton connection, Pennington’s personalized learning support, and Blair’s classic boarding traditions, families will find options to suit different student needs and goals. In this blogpost, we’ll walk through the top 5 boarding schools in and near Lawrenceville, NJ
Top Boarding Schools In Lawrenceville NJ And Fees
1) The Lawrenceville School — Lawrenceville, NJ
Why it stands out
The Lawrenceville School is one of the most prestigious boarding schools in the United States, and it sits right in the heart of Lawrenceville itself. Founded in 1810, the school is famous for its Harkness method — a discussion-based style of teaching where students and teachers sit around an oval table, exchanging ideas and leading conversations. This approach fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and leadership, making it a defining feature of the Lawrenceville experience.
The school boasts a 700+ acre campus with Gothic-style architecture, expansive sports facilities, a modern arts center, and numerous residential houses. The house system is another hallmark of Lawrenceville, creating a sense of belonging and camaraderie among boarding students.
Lawrenceville has an endowment of over $1 billion, which means it can offer world-class facilities, generous financial aid packages, and abundant extracurricular opportunities. Students can engage in advanced research projects, leadership programs, and global travel experiences.
Boarding fees
For the current cycle, Lawrenceville’s boarding tuition is approximately $79,000–$81,000 per year. This figure includes tuition, housing, and most meals. Families should budget extra for books, supplies, travel, health insurance, and personal expenses.
Who it’s best for
- High-achieving students who thrive in discussion-based learning.
- Families who want a prestigious name with strong alumni connections.
- Students seeking a comprehensive residential life with athletics, arts, and leadership opportunities.
2) The Peddie School — Hightstown, NJ
Why it stands out
Located about 15 minutes from Lawrenceville, The Peddie School is another top choice for families. Peddie blends academic rigor with a welcoming community spirit, making it a strong alternative for students who want a balance between tradition and innovation.
Peddie offers over 150 courses, including advanced science and technology classes, humanities concentrations, and an impressive arts program. The school has state-of-the-art labs, an expansive athletic complex, and dedicated spaces for music and theater. One of Peddie’s unique features is its signature learning experiences that let students focus on specific tracks — such as engineering, global citizenship, or entrepreneurship.
The school also offers a post-graduate (PG) year, making it popular with student-athletes looking to refine their skills before college. With small class sizes, close faculty mentorship, and a reputation for strong college placement, Peddie remains one of the most attractive boarding options in the Princeton–Lawrenceville corridor.
Boarding fees
Boarding tuition at Peddie is in the mid-to-high $70,000 range. This includes tuition, housing, and meals, with extra costs for textbooks, travel, and personal items. Payment plan options and financial aid are available to ease the burden for families.
Who it’s best for
- Students interested in STEM and arts balance.
- Student-athletes seeking a post-graduate year before college.
- Families who want a close-knit but academically rigorous environment.
3) The Hun School of Princeton — Princeton, NJ
Why it stands out
Just a short drive from Lawrenceville, The Hun School of Princeton offers both day and boarding options. Founded in 1914, Hun is known for combining traditional academics with modern flexibility. Its campus sits just minutes from Princeton University, giving students access to a vibrant intellectual environment and cultural opportunities.
Hun focuses on preparing students for both college and life beyond. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Hun students benefit from personalized instruction. The school balances rigorous academics with strong arts and athletics programs, as well as community service.
Boarding life at Hun is structured to help students grow independently while feeling part of a supportive community. Dorms are overseen by faculty, and there’s a strong emphasis on leadership development and extracurricular engagement.
Boarding fees
Hun’s published fees place boarding tuition around $80,300. This includes tuition, room, and meals, with additional charges for personal needs, books, travel, and optional programs.
Who it’s best for
- Students who want to be near Princeton University and its resources.
- Families seeking a balanced academic and extracurricular experience.
- Students who value personalized faculty support in a smaller setting.
4) The Pennington School — Pennington, NJ
Why it stands out
The Pennington School, about 15–20 minutes from Lawrenceville, offers a smaller, community-driven boarding experience. Founded in 1838, it has a rich history but a modern, supportive approach to education.
One of Pennington’s unique features is its Center for Learning, which provides specialized academic support for students who may need extra help with organization, executive functioning, or learning differences. This makes Pennington especially appealing to families who want both academic rigor and personalized learning support.
The school serves students from grades 6–12, with boarding available from grade 8. Its small size fosters close relationships between students and teachers, while still offering strong programs in STEM, arts, athletics, and leadership.
Boarding fees
Pennington’s boarding tuition typically falls between $72,000–$80,000 depending on the grade level and whether a student is enrolled in specialized programs. This includes tuition, boarding, and meals, with extra fees for books, trips, and personal items.
Who it’s best for
- Students who want a smaller school feel with close faculty connections.
- Families seeking learning support services alongside a traditional boarding program.
- Students looking for a community-oriented environment.
5) Blair Academy — Blairstown, NJ
Why it stands out
Though it’s about an hour from Lawrenceville, Blair Academy remains one of New Jersey’s most iconic boarding schools. Founded in 1848, Blair is renowned for its tight-knit community, strong athletics, and classic boarding traditions.
Blair emphasizes character development, resilience, and teamwork. The school’s athletic teams are especially competitive, and the campus features world-class athletic facilities alongside performing arts centers and modern classrooms. Boarding life at Blair is deeply rooted in tradition, with long-standing events and rituals that connect generations of students.
Academically, Blair offers a broad curriculum with AP courses, independent study opportunities, and global travel experiences. Its alumni network is extensive and supportive, giving graduates a lifelong advantage.
Boarding fees
Blair lists its boarding tuition at around $78,980. This covers tuition, housing, and meals. Families should budget for additional personal and academic expenses.
Who it’s best for
- Students seeking a classic, tradition-rich boarding experience.
- Student-athletes who want to join competitive sports programs.
- Families looking for a tight-knit community with strong values.
What Do Boarding Fees Cover?
Most boarding schools in the Lawrenceville area include the following in their tuition packages:
- Tuition (academic instruction)
- Housing in dormitories or houses
- Most meals on campus
- Access to campus facilities (libraries, gyms, arts centers)
However, families should expect extra costs for:
- Textbooks and supplies
- Travel (holiday breaks, weekend trips)
- Personal items and spending money
- Health insurance (especially for international students)
- Optional trips or specialized programs
Many schools offer financial aid and scholarships, with some having endowments that allow generous support. In fact, a significant portion of students at schools like Lawrenceville and Peddie receive some form of financial aid.
Admissions Tips for Families
- Start early — Application deadlines often fall in January for fall admission. Begin prep in the summer or fall of the prior year.
- Prepare for testing — Many schools require SSAT, ISEE, or other entrance exams, though some are moving test-optional.
- Schedule visits — In-person or virtual tours help families evaluate fit.
- Emphasize fit in applications — Essays and interviews should highlight how the student’s interests match the school’s strengths.
- Explore financial aid options — Gather tax documents early and apply through FACTS or SSS, depending on the school’s requirements.
Related
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Conclusion
Lawrenceville, New Jersey, and its surrounding areas are home to some of the nation’s most prestigious boarding schools. Whether you’re drawn to the prestige of Lawrenceville, the balanced excellence of Peddie, the proximity of Hun to Princeton, the personalized support at Pennington, or the tradition-rich community at Blair, you’ll find a school that offers not just an education, but a life-shaping experience.
When weighing your options, be sure to compare boarding fees, programs, class sizes, and the feel of each community. The right choice ultimately comes down to where your child will thrive academically, socially, and personally.