Admission

Why Kimball Union

Be You. Become Who You Want to Be.

Kimball Union Academy, or KUA, is a boarding and day school in New Hampshire's Upper Valley, offering high school students in grades 9 through 12 or a postgraduate year with a transformational education that places individual growth and development at its core.

We may be one of the oldest boarding schools in the nation, but we are unbound by tradition. Innovative in nature and forward-thinking in our approach, we stay true to our mission to create a deep sense of belonging for all members of our community as they develop the knowledge, voice, and character to live with purpose and integrity.

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KUA By the Numbers

10

Students in an average class keeps courses small and engaging.
10

Miles to Lebanon Airport with flights to Boston and NYC.
12

Miles to Dartmouth College where students regularly visit for academic, cultural, and athletic experiences.
40,000

Square-foot indoor, heated turf field means year-round fun and games.
6:1

Student-faculty ratio gives everyone a chance to form meaningful relationships.
78%

Of full-time teaching faculty hold an advanced degree but all are lifelong learners.
130

Unique course offerings encourage students to try something new.
1300

Acre campus gives us room to explore and space to breathe.
1813

Year founded, making it one of the nation's oldest boarding schools.
20

AP courses challenge students in multiple subjects.
21

Interscholastic sports offer students a chance to play at every skill level.
24

U.S. states represented offers new friends from far and near.
25

Countries represented among our awesome, global student body.
340

Unique and kind students live and learn at KUA.
76

Percent of students board and our day students are "boarders who sleep at home."
13

Miles of mountain biking and Nordic ski trails for year-round adventure.
12

Sheep on the KUA farm who lend their wool to snuggly mittens.

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In Their Own Words

KUA students share their experiences, favorite activities, and what they love most about the school, as well as offer advice to incoming students.

Brynn ’25, Westport, CT

"I love the people at KUA, who make up this beautiful community we have here. The people here really make the place, and have made it a second home for me. I have grown close with so many people, friends who I know I will have for the rest of my life, teachers who I will stay in touch with despite having graduated. I love the people here more than anything."
Yiyi ’26, Shanghai, China

"This environment plays a pivotal role in nurturing the aspirations of students and student-athletes alike."
Elliot ’26, Claremont, NH

"One piece of advice I would share with a new student is to give things time to even out. It's a really big transition to make and is so scary at first. Give yourself time to get the hang of it, and things will turn out just fine."
Cale ’26, Dunbarton, NH

"What I love about KUA is meeting new people. I was surprised about how much the teachers really make time to be with you. My advice is to come in with an open mind and don’t be nervous because people will be there for you."
Tinashe ’23, White River Junction, VT

"Do things outside your comfort zone. Those are the things that are going to shape you into who you are. Don't stay in your comfort zone all the time."
Kai ’25, Bronxville, NY

"The forever welcoming students and staff always put a smile on my face."