Cushing Academy

39 School Street
Ashburnham, MA 01430
Founded in 1865, Cushing is an independent, college preparatory school for girls and boys in grades 9 through 12 and post-graduate.
Cushing Academy exists for students and develops curious, creative, and confident learners and leaders.
Our beautiful 162-acre campus is located in Ashburnham, Massachusetts, just one hour northwest of Boston.

Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Grades: 9-12, PG
  • Enrollment: 385 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $72,850
  • Average class size: 12 students
  • Application Deadline: Feb. 1 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Cushing Academy ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 280 schools) for:

Category
Attribute
Student Test Scores

School Overview

Definition of Terms | 2024 School Data
Cushing Academy
Boarding School Avg.
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Grades Offered
9-12, PG
8-12
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Supports Learning Differences (LD)
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Language Based Learning Differences and Mild Learning Differences
n/a
Religious Affiliation
Non-denominational
Year Founded
1865
1906
Campus Size
162 acres
125 acres

Student Body

Enrollment
385 students
315 students
% Students of Color
17%
26%
% International Students
30%
20%
% Students Boarding
92%
70%
Average SAT Score
1270
(Out of 1600)
* National Avg. »View
Average ACT score
31
(Out of 36)
*National Avg. »View
Offers Post-Grad Year
Yes
No

Academics and Faculty

Saturday Classes
No
No
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Average Class Size
12 students
12
* National Avg. »18
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
7:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
21
18
ESL Courses Offered
Yes
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
65%
71%
Summer Program Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details

Tuition Cost

Endowment Size
$70.5 million
$28 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
$72,850
(See website for fees and optional services: cushing.org/admissions/tuition)
$66,250
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
n/a
$35,600
Tuition international students
$77,850
$57,650
Summer Program Cost
$6,500
(See website for more information: www.cushing.org/summer)
% Students on Financial Aid
27%
40%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$49,544
(See www.cushing.org/admissions/financial-aid)
$25,000
Merit Scholarships Offered
No
No

Acceptance Rate

Application Deadline
Feb. 1 / rolling
Jan. 15
Director of Admissions
Catherine Pollock
Tyler Hart

AP / Advanced Courses

# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
21
18
Courses
Advanced Art Portfolio, AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Chemistry, AP Chinese Language + Culture, AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science Foundations, AP Economics - Macro, AP Economics - Micro, AP English Language + Composition, AP English Literature + Composition, AP European History, AP French Language + Culture, AP Physics C: Mechanics + Electricity/Magnetism, AP Physics I, AP Psychology, AP Spanish Language + Culture, AP Statistics, AP United States Government + Politics, AP United States History, Multivariable Calculus

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total Extracurricular Organizations
22
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Ambassador Program, Black Student Union, CA Super Fans, Classics Club, Community Service Club, Debate Team, E-sports Club, Economics Team, Environmental Action Coalition, Ethics Committee, Gold Key Society, Habitat for Humanity, Kindness Club, PRIDE, Student Leader Program, Writing Center Tutors

Arts and Music Programs:
A Capella, Chamber, Cushing Chorus, Dance Club, Winter Musical

Recreational Athletic Programs:
Aerobics

College Matriculation

Year:
10 Most Popular College Choices  (# Enrolled)

School Notes

  • Founded as a coeducational institution in 1865, Cushing Academy offers a transformative learning experience for students in grades 9-12 and PG. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 6:1, Cushing's 390 students-hailing from 28 states and 30 countries-are afforded individual attention and guidance within the school's rigorous academic curriculum. The Academy also offers Academic Support and English as a Second Language tailored to students' needs. A dynamic five-week summer program is also available. 
  • Cushing boasts a long tradition of excellence in athletics and is also home to expansive visual and performing arts programs.
  • Cushing's 162-acre campus features several new, state-of-the-art facilities including a field house, expanded dining commons, two new dormitories, a resurfaced turf field, and a renovated ice arena.
  • Cushing Academy is located one hour northwest of Boston. We invite prospective students and families to make an appointment for a virtual or in-person visit. Details at www.cushing.org/admissions.
  • LD types supported: Language Based Learning Differences and Mild Learning Differences
  • Cushing Academy accreditations: NEASC, NAIS, TABS
  • Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
    • Bette Davis '26 - American actress of film, television, and theater
    • Nate Berkus '90 - American interior designer, author, and television personality
    • John Lilley '91 - Retired American professional ice hockey player and member of 1994 men's U.S. Olympic ice hockey team
    • His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck '99 - King of Bhutan
    • John Cena '95 - American professional wrestler, actor, rapper, and television presenter
    • Tom Poti '96 - American former professional ice hockey player and member of the 2002 silver-medalist men's U.S. Olympic ice hockey team
    • Chris Bourque '04 - American professional ice hockey forward
    • Erika Lawlor '05 - Member of the silver-medalist 2010 women's U.S. Olympic ice hockey team
    • Meghan Duggan '06 - American ice hockey forward and member of the 2010 and 2014 women's U.S. Olympic ice hockey teams (two silver medals) and captain of the 2018 U.S. women's gold-medal Olympic ice hockey team
    • Broc Little '07 - American professional ice hockey forward in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) and member of the 2018 men's U.S. Olympic ice hockey team
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Cushing Academy cost?
Cushing Academy's tuition is approximately $72,850 for boarding students.
Who are famous alumni from Cushing Academy?
Cushing Academy famous alumni include: Bette Davis '26, Nate Berkus '90, John Lilley '91, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck '99, John Cena '95, Tom Poti '96, Chris Bourque '04, Erika Lawlor '05, Meghan Duggan '06 and Broc Little '07.
What sports does Cushing Academy offer?
Cushing Academy offers 22 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Ballet, Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Cross Country Running, Dance, Esports, Field Hockey, Figure Skating, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Paddle Tennis, Skiing, Snowboarding, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track, Track and Field and Volleyball.
Does Cushing Academy offer a summer program?
Yes, Cushing Academy offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What is Cushing Academy's ranking?
Cushing Academy ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for High ACT scores.
When is the application deadline for Cushing Academy?
The application deadline for Cushing Academy is Feb. 1 / rolling (applications are due on Feb. 1 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

Alumni Reviews Review School

Review
Description

Class of 1997
5.00
Providence College
Cushing Academy’s family atmosphere and welcoming community is one that sets them apart from every other prep school. The people on campus make it a special place where everyone feels part of something bigger than. . .

Class of 2015
5.00
Northeastern University
For me Cushing's highlight was definitely that it had its own rink. For someone that lives the ice, like me, this was amazing. . .

Class of 2016
5.00
Pitzer College
It's a place where they not only encourage students to go out and make a difference, but they help make that possible by supporting student endeavors. A lot of what happens at the school is. . .
Submit Review for Cushing Academy
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Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Grades: 9-12, PG
  • Enrollment: 385 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $72,850
  • Average class size: 12 students
  • Application Deadline: Feb. 1 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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