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The Most Expensive High Schools In The United States, Ranked

We all know just how expensive college can get, with high tuition, dorm fees, books, and living costs. Most parents spend the first 18 years of their children’s life saving up for the high expenses of college. However, sometimes parents may have to dip into these savings a little early with some highly sought after high schools. 

Today, we’ll look at some of the most expensive high schools in the U.S and see what makes them so desirable. The tuition on #1 is mind-blowing.

25. St. Thomas More School – $53,900

This school is the destination for basketball hopefuls. It has a long history of students who went on to play Division 1 basketball as well as playing in the NBA. Basketball isn’t all that’s offered at this all-boys school; they thrive to improve boys’ personal growth and shape them into the leaders of tomorrow. They’re also a school focused strongly on the Christian faith. 

24. Linden Hall – $54,200

Linden is an all-girls school founded in 1746 with an abundance of programs and opportunities for girls. It considers itself a school where girls can thrive and develop leadership skills and build confidence. They offer flight training for girls to potentially gain a there private pilot license as well as a riding program filled with state of the art facilities such as a cross-country course. Tuition is $54,200 per year.

23. The MacDuffie School – $55,450

The MacDuffie School is a college preparatory school located in Massachusetts with a vision beyond just academically preparing students for the future with high ethical standards and individualism. There are currently 193 students enrolled, with more than 50% being international students, so diversity is a big deal. You can also expect fancy, well-prepared meals through Sage, which even has a phone app. Tuition is $55,450 per year.

22. Grier School – $55,900

This all-girls school in Pennsylvania costs $55,900 per year, but you will quickly find out why. Currently, there are 300 students enrolled, with the largest class having 14 students and classes as small as four students to provide an immersive learning experience. Besides the 21 AP courses offered here, they specialize in fine arts, dance, music, and horse-riding to push the limits of what these girls can accomplish.

21. Avenues: The World School – $56,400

Located in Manhattan, this private school also operates campuses in three other cities across the globe, where students are also allowed access. While their education is top-notch, that’s not the only thing that attracts wealthy parents. They offer after school programs such as art, music debate, chess, and much more to keep the mind active. Not only is the facility state of the art, but children receive transportation to and from school. This comes with a hefty price of $56,400 per year.

20. Woodberry Forest School – $57,250

Woodberry Forest School has one goal, and that is to prepare boys for the future. They promote moral integrity, intellectual thoroughness, and good sportsmanship. There is a squash pavilion, football stadium, wrestling room, basketball gym, and so much open space to play things like frisbee or catch with your friends. It’s a captivating experience that aims to create future leaders of the world. Tuition is $57,250 per year.

19. Kent School – $58,400

This private school in Kent, Connecticut, promises to deliver a unique experience to its students through participation and individualism. There are 172 courses, 28 AP courses, and 56 clubs and organizations, so there is always something to keep you busy. Students are pushed to exit their comfort zones and try something new to expand their minds. Tuition is $58,400 per year.

18. Midland School – $58,600

There is no better way to learn than by actually doing the task, and no school incorporates this quite like Midland. Located in California on a 2,860-acre ranch, Midland is a hybrid of a high school and ranch. Students here live in cabins and have their phones confiscated to lessen distractions and keep them engaged. They are taught hands-on lessons like maintaining the farm, chopping wood, and gardening. By the way, they do all of this while having to keep up with their classes. Tuition here is $58,600 per year.

17. The Hill School – $59,050

The Hill School is one of the most well renowned private schools in the U.S, so much so that the president’s son, Donald Trump Jr, attended there. They provide a tight-knit experience where teachers and students are well engaged in creating a great learning experience. There are athletic programs offered, such as Football, golf, soccer, field hockey, and water polo, to name a few. Tuition is $59,050 annually.

16. Northwood School – $59,920

Northwood is a boarding school located in New York that offers a college-prep curriculum with an average class size composed of 10 students. They offer a wide variety of programs outside of academics, such as an Entrepreneurship course, outdoor recreation, and community service. Not every student is required to live on campus, and they also offer a post-graduate year program. Tuition is $59,920 per year.

15. Episcopal High School – $60,900

EHS resides in Virginia on 130 acres of land. It has a 50/50 % ratio of boys to girls with all students living on campus. There are over 150 courses offered, with 75 being honors and advanced. Classes are very engaging, with an average class size of 11. Students also engage in Washington Program experiences to get hands-on experience. Tuition is $60,900 per year.

14. Salisbury School – $61,000

This school has everything from the state of the art athletic facilities to advanced classes. It is an all-boys school located in Connecticut and lies on 725 acres. They offer 15 advanced AP classes and project-based learning opportunities such as Boat Building, Digital Media, and Entrepreneurial Studies. Their goal is to provide students with all the tools necessary for a successful future in college and beyond. Tuition is $61,000 per year.

13. The Storm King School – $61,700

The Storm King School was founded in 1867 in New York and resided on 55 acres of land. There are 195 students currently enrolled, with an average of just eight people per class. They provide academic services such as world languages and ESL. Graduation requires a total of 20 credit hours of intense work that keeps students engaged and develops their thinking. Tuition is $61,700 per year.

12. St. Paul’s School – $62,000

This 2,000-acre campus located in Concord, NH, provides 145 academic offerings, 60+ student clubs, 17 different sports, and an average class size of 10. Involvement is a big deal in this school, as all students are expected to be a part of at least one sports team. 38% of their students currently receive some form of financial aid as they have packages designed for all forms of income. Tuition is $62,000 per year.

11. Trinity-Pawling School – $62,000

Trinity-Pawling School is an all-boys school located in New York that aims to provide a transformative experience for boys. “No boy sits on the sidelines” is a quote they strive to live by. Boys are transformed for the better through collaboration, critical thinking, and innovative thinking. The school sits on 230 acres, so there is more than enough space for these boys to explore. The tuition is $62,000 per year.

10. St. Andrews School – $62,280

St. Andrews School is an all-boarding school located in Delaware. It’s a Christian charter school that aims to provide top of the line education at a minimum cost, though they accept students regardless of religious background. Their goal is to develop students who are curious, thoughtful, creative, and utilize critical thinking. They offer a diverse selection of sports such as cross country, soccer, swimming, baseball, and more. Tuition is $62,280 annually.

9. Wasatch Academy – $62,300

This diverse private boarding school provides students with an opportunity for personal discovery, hands-on learning, and the potential to elevate their knowledge. Each dorm has what they call a “full-time dorm parent” that provides a home-like feeling in the dorms. What separates this school from others is it’s “Gen-Z” approach. They offer high-level learning services such as engineering, robotics, and technology to provide students with hands-on learning. It also has an art studio, ski club, and rock climbing, to name a few. It’s no wonder it costs $62,300 annually.

8. IMG Academy – $63,000

Imagine a school built for student-athletes with state of the art training facilities. This is exactly what IMG Academy is and what they offer. This is a private boarding school that focuses on helping student-athletes achieve their full potential in sports such as basketball, baseball, tennis, soccer, track, and much more. Your schedule is designed, so you have time for both classes and athletics. Tuition is $63,000 per year for this athletic-based private school.

7. The Berkshire School – $64,200

The Berkshire School sits on 400-acres in Sheffield, MA, with a population of 400 students. The school helps to keep student life interesting by offering hands-on learning and real-world experiences that help to develop the mind, which, in turn, helps keep students involved and connected. Their motto “Pro Vita Non-Pro Schola Discimus “Learning—not just for school but for life” perfectly represents their approach to learning. Tuition is $64,200 annually.

6. The Lang School – $65,000

This private school located in New York has extremely high standards for the performance of their students. For $65,000 per year, students have access to education therapy and counseling to help navigate social changes and the strict curriculum. Each school year, there is a universal question students must answer, but there are no definitive answers. 

5. The Oxford Academy – $67,000

When you hear the word Oxford, you generally think of the University of Oxford, one of the greatest colleges in the world. The Oxford Academy delivers on just what you would expect a school with the name Oxford in it to do. They offer individualized learning with multiple one-on-one classes. It’s a small school with just 48 students with visual art classes and character development classes. Varsity soccer, Tennis, and basketball are some of the sports involved with the school, and BeeKeeping is another cool thing. It sits only one block away from the ocean, so with all these fantastic features and offerings, you can expect to pay $67,000 for tuition. 

4. The Woodhall School – $74,500

This all-boys private school in Bethlehem, Connecticut, claims to provide an opportunity for success to above-average students who struggle in the traditional school setting. Individualism is a big deal at the Woodhall School as they want students to achieve their full potential. Class sizes are as small as 2-5 students to ensure students can work closely with teachers and their peers. Tuition is $74,500 annually, but that’s the cost of such hands-on teaching.

3. The Quad Preparatory School – $74,850

Quad Preparatory has one goal in mind, and that is to help students they consider gifted. They provide advanced classes completely tailored to challenge the minds of their students in such a way as to redefine the way they think and learn. Gifted students can feel socially different, and Quad Prep aims to provide an environment in which they feel welcomed and happy. Tuition is $74,850 per year.

2. Forman School – $80,000

Forman School is a private boarding school in Connecticut that aims to develop the minds of young people who display higher than normal academic potential. It was founded on the premise that more gifted students were held back by the more normal teaching standards. This college preparatory will set you back $80,000 for yearly tuition. 

1. Shortridge Academy – $85,000

This private school located in New Hampshire will cost you $85,000 per year intuition. Shortridge Academy is a boarding school that offers services to 9th to 12th graders. It’s an extremely challenging program with an average of 50 students on campus at any given time throughout the year. The school advertises itself as providing students with a normal lifestyle while also developing critical thinking skills and individualism. However, their therapeutic support system, which provides students with mental support to deal with new and challenging situations, makes them unique. 

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Glasgow’s First Tree Hugging Tournament Aims to Bring People Closer to Nature

Shannon Jackson

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In a shady clearing at Dams to Darnley Country Park, Hannah Willow, barefoot and clutching twigs and leaves, gently approached a towering tree. After gracefully circling it, she wrapped her arms around its wide trunk, resting her cheek against the rough bark.

Willow, a 36-year-old teacher and children’s book author, was crowned the champion tree hugger at Glasgow’s inaugural Tree Hugging Tournament. The event, organized just outside the city, was designed to help people reconnect with nature in what organizers called a “playful and heartfelt way.”

“I’m over the moon,” Willow said, adorned with her leaf-and-branch crown. “I’ve always been a bit of a tree hugger, so being here with others who feel the same is wonderful. The woods are truly where I feel at peace.”

About 15 adults and four children participated in the event, which draws inspiration from Finland’s World Tree Hugging Championships. As the weekend’s champion, Willow earned a spot in the international competition, held in the HaliPuu forest, just north of the Arctic Circle.

The global competition was established in 2020 to lift spirits during the pandemic and encourage people to reduce stress by spending time in forests. Since then, similar events have sprouted worldwide, including Glasgow’s tournament and another in the Scottish Highlands.

Shuna Mercer, 50, and Vicki Dale, the organizers, emphasized the mental health benefits of nature. Mercer, an outdoor play therapist, explained, “We wanted to raise awareness about how vital it is to reconnect with the natural world. With so much time spent on screens, people are missing out on the emotional benefits that come from being outdoors.”

The tournament consisted of three rounds. In the first, participants competed in speed hugging, where they hugged as many trees as possible in one minute, ensuring each hug lasted at least five seconds. The second round, “dedicated” hugging, focused on showing deep connection and respect to a single tree. The final freestyle round allowed competitors to express their creativity through their most unique and personal tree hug.

Vicki Dale’s daughter, Lottie, won the children’s category. Wearing a pink raincoat and green boots, she set up a whimsical tea party with her teddy bear, Tom, and a gnarled tree, which she lovingly referred to as the “twirly tree.” Lottie also read a poem during the dedicated hug, saying, “I chose this tree because it stood out to me. It’s important for kids to connect with nature, and I love spending time in the woods with my mom.”

As for Willow, she’s now preparing to compete in Finland next summer. When asked for her advice on tree hugging, she shared, “It’s all about intention. Trees are living beings, just like us. When you give them a bit of love, it’s a beautiful thing.”

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Swiss Innovation: Revolutionizing Chocolate Production with Whole Cocoa Fruit

Kevin Wells

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A groundbreaking development in chocolate production has emerged from Switzerland’s Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich. Food scientist Kim Mishra and his team have created a method to manufacture chocolate using the entire cocoa fruit, not just the beans, while eliminating the need for added sugar.

This innovative approach addresses several issues in the chocolate industry, including sustainability and farmer welfare. Traditionally, chocolate production discards most of the cocoa fruit, wasting valuable resources. The new method utilizes the fruit’s sweet juice, pulp, and even the husk to create a naturally sweet cocoa gel, potentially revolutionizing the industry.

The process has attracted attention from sustainable food companies and could solve multiple problems faced by the cocoa industry. Anian Schreiber, co-founder of KOA, a Swiss startup involved in the project, believes this approach could increase income for cocoa farmers and create more value in cocoa-producing countries.

This development comes at a time when the chocolate industry is under scrutiny for its historical links to colonialism and ongoing issues such as child labor and deforestation. The new method could contribute to more ethical and sustainable chocolate production.

The chocolate produced by this method has been described as having a rich, dark, yet sweet flavor with a hint of cocoa bitterness. However, challenges remain, including potentially higher production costs due to the current subsidies for sugar production.

Despite these hurdles, interest in the new method is growing. Chocolate producers from various cocoa-growing countries have reached out to learn more about the technique. Some major Swiss producers are beginning to incorporate more of the cocoa fruit in their processes, though none have yet eliminated sugar entirely.

As the Swiss chocolate industry, which produces 200,000 tonnes of chocolate annually worth an estimated $2 billion, looks to the future, this innovation could play a significant role in ensuring sustainability while maintaining Switzerland’s reputation for exceptional chocolate.

The development represents not just a potential shift in chocolate production, but also a step towards more sustainable and ethical practices in the food industry as a whole.

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Ukraine’s New Generation of Pet Owners: Finding Hope and Healing Through Animal Adoption

Renee Yates

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In the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a heartening trend has emerged among the country’s younger generation. Millennials and Gen-Z Ukrainians, many of whom previously hesitated to take on the responsibility of pet ownership, are now stepping up to adopt animals displaced by the conflict. This wave of compassion is particularly evident in Kyiv, where the canine population now includes many furry friends with poignant wartime backstories.

This article highlights several touching tales of adoption:

Olena, a 30-year-old entrepreneur, found an instant connection with Chara, a dog rescued from Izium in the Kharkiv Region. Their bond formed quickly, creating a new family unit.

Daria, 31, welcomed Amelie, a cocker spaniel discovered near the Belarusian border by her boyfriend during a military mission. Amelie’s rescue fulfilled Daria’s long-held desire to help an animal in need.

Nastia, a 32-year-old designer with roots in conflict-affected regions, found solace in Spike, a mixed-breed dog from the Donetsk region. Their relationship has brought joy amidst Nastia’s experiences with displacement.

Vitalii, 33, and his wife Julia adopted Dyvo (meaning “Miracle” in Ukrainian), a puppy who overcame severe illness. For Vitalii, this marked his first deep connection with an animal, becoming a source of healing.

Costya, 34, and his girlfriend chose Runa from a shelter in Vasylkiv, appreciating the organization’s approach to reducing animal stress through temporary home placements.

Oleh and Lika, a creative couple, brought Maoshinda, a Ukrainian Laika, into their lives, overcoming initial hesitations about pet ownership.

Anya, 22, found companionship in Luna, a street dog who lost her puppies, filling a void left by wartime disruptions.

Max, 33, adopted Chief, a dog rescued from the Donetsk region, learning to navigate the challenges of pet ownership, including separation anxiety.

Olga and Andrii’s adoption of Sirko, a husky rescued from Irpin, prompted Olga’s return to Ukraine from Berlin, symbolizing a deeper commitment to their home during uncertain times.

These stories collectively illustrate how adopting animals affected by war has not only provided homes for displaced pets but also brought healing, purpose, and renewed hope to their human companions during a challenging period in Ukraine’s history.

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Breakthrough in Maugean Skate Conservation: First Captive-Born Hatchling Thrives

Kevin Wells

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Scientists at the University of Tasmania’s Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) are celebrating a significant milestone in their efforts to save the endangered Maugean skate. The captive breeding program, initiated in December, has produced its first hatchling from an egg laid in captivity.

Professor Jayson Semmens, who leads the project, expressed enthusiasm about this development, noting its importance in validating the program’s scientific approach. The success comes at a crucial time, as recent studies have shown a dramatic decline in the skate population in its last known habitat, Macquarie Harbour on Tasmania’s west coast.

The breeding program has seen remarkable progress since its inception. A female skate brought into captivity has been consistently producing eggs, with over 100 laid so far and about 70 showing signs of embryonic development. The first healthy female hatchling emerged on July 10, with more expected soon.

Interestingly, the eggs are being fertilized using sperm stored by the female from previous mating in the wild, as the captive male was initially kept separate to avoid disturbing the laying process. Scientists are now observing the interactions between the adult skates in captivity.

The program has evolved rapidly, moving from basic care of skates and their eggs to successfully nurturing embryos into viable hatchlings. While there have been challenges, including the loss of two adult skates early in the program, these setbacks have led to improved screening and care protocols.

Looking ahead, researchers are focusing on developing strategies for successfully reintroducing captive-bred skates into the wild. Macquarie Harbour’s unique environmental conditions, including naturally low oxygen levels, present specific challenges that need to be addressed.

The Tasmanian government has incorporated the captive breeding program into a broader conservation action plan for the Maugean skate. However, environmental groups stress the need for urgent attention to the root causes of the harbour’s poor water quality, particularly citing concerns about the impact of salmon farming.

Despite these challenges, the scientists involved in the project express a sense of privilege in their work to preserve this endangered species, viewing each day with the skates as a special opportunity to contribute to conservation efforts.

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Centennial Celebration: World Unites to Honor RAF Veteran with Flood of Birthday Wishes

Kevin Wells

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A heartwarming global response marked the 100th birthday of Richard ‘Dick’ Skepper, a former Royal Air Force (RAF) serviceman. Following an appeal by the RAF Association, Skepper’s Warwickshire home was inundated with birthday cards from well-wishers worldwide, creating an unforgettable centennial celebration.

The outpouring of support left Skepper deeply moved. His son, David, shared that the cards came from an incredibly diverse range of senders, spanning multiple generations and continents. The family was amazed to see postmarks from as far as Australia and the Americas, alongside numerous European countries.

David emphasized how touched his father was by the thoughtfulness evident in each card. The veteran took the time to read every message, marveling at the variety of designs and their far-flung origins. While individual acknowledgment of each sender isn’t feasible, the family expressed profound gratitude for the joy these gestures brought to Skepper’s milestone birthday.

The centenarian’s military service began at 18 when he joined the RAF, eventually serving with 7 Squadron under Bomber Command at RAF Oakington in Cambridgeshire. His role as a Flight Mechanic – Engines (FM1) was crucial to the war effort.

To commemorate this special occasion, Skepper enjoyed a garden party at his nursing home, Kinton Manor, surrounded by loved ones. The global card-sending initiative not only honored his past service but also created new, cherished memories as he enters his second century of life.

This outpouring of international support demonstrates the enduring respect for veterans and the power of community to create meaningful celebrations across borders.

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