Kimball Union Academy (2026 Profile)

5.00 (5 reviews)

Tel: (603) 469-2100

7 Campus Center Drive
Meriden, NH 03770

www.kua.org

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Kimball Union Academy Photo #6 - One of the many opportunities for community service is the unique opportunity to train for the Fire Brigade and become be part of the Meriden Fire and Rescue Team.

Our mission is to create a deep sense of belonging for every member of our community. Through intentionally designed experiences and challenges, our students develop the knowledge, voice, and character to live with purpose and integrity.

Quick Facts (2026)

Grades: 9-12, PG
Enrollment: 340 students
Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $83,300
Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $52,500
Acceptance rate: 38%
Average class size: 10 students
Application Deadline: Feb. 1
Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Kimball Union Academy ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 307 schools) for:

School Overview

| 2025 School Data

Kimball Union Academy

Boarding School Avg.

School Focus

College Preparatory

Grades Offered

9-12, PG

9-12

School Type

Co-ed

ADD/ADHD Support

Yes

Supports Learning Differences (LD)

Yes

Religious Affiliation

Non-denominational

Year Founded

1813

1909

Campus Size

1300 acres

125 acres

School Calendar

View School Calendar

School Motto

Create a Deep Sense of Belonging

Student Body

Enrollment

340 students

300 students

% Students of Color

12%

25%

% International Students

25%

20%

% Students Boarding

80%

70%

Average SAT Score

1250
(Out of 1600)

* National Avg. »View

Average ACT score

26
(Out of 36)

*National Avg. »View

Offers Post-Grad Year

Yes

Academic Profile

Saturday Classes

Yes

Frequency of Saturday Classes

Weekly

Classroom Dress Code

Casual

Average Class Size

10 students

* National Avg. »18

Student-Teacher Ratio

6:1

7:1

# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered

ESL Courses Offered

Yes

% Faculty with Advanced Degree

75%

70%

Summer Program Offered

Yes

# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered

Courses

AP Art HistoryAP Biology

AP Calculus (AB)AP Calculus (BC)

AP ChemistryAP Computer Science

AP Environmental ScienceAP European History

AP FrenchAP Language and Composition

AP LatinAP Literature and Composition

AP Mandarin Chinese AP Microeconomics

AP Music TheoryAP Physics

AP SpanishAP Statistics

AP Studio ArtAP US History

AP World HistoryMultivariable Calculus

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Tuition & Financial Aid

Endowment Size

$68 million

$25 million

Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)

$83,300
(Inclusive of Books)

$59,900

Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)

$52,500
(Inclusive of Books)

$33,500

Tuition international students

$77,200

$53,975

% Students on Financial Aid

45%

40%

Avg. Financial Aid Grant

$38,000

$25,000

Admissions

Application Deadline

Feb. 1

Jan. 15

Accepts Standardized Application (SAO and/or Gateway)

Yes

Acceptance Rate

38%

58%

Director of Admissions

Josh Labove

Application URL

Online Application

Sports

# Interscholastic Sports Offered

Colors

Black and Orange

School Mascot

Wildcats

Extracurriculars

Total Extracurricular Organizations

Extracurriculars

Club or Organization:

Fire BrigadeMath Team

Model UNRelay Diversity Club

Residential ProctorSchool Tour Guides

STEMStudent Government

The Claw - Student NewspaperThe Penny Fellowship - Community Service

Yearbook

Arts and Music Programs:

Art ActivityDigital Film Editing

Pottery ActivityRock Ensemble

Theater ActivityWinter Musical Production

Woodworking

Recreational Athletic Programs:

EquestrianInstructional Golf

Instructional TennisRecreational Skiing

Strength & Conditioning ActivityStrength Training

College Matriculation

10 Most Popular College Choices (# Enrolled)

Northeastern University

Connecticut College

St. Lawrence University

University of Vermont

Endicott College

Boston University

Trinity College

New York University

St. Michael's College

Union College

View Matriculation Data

School Notes

KUA Design is our approach to learning at Kimball Union. Students' unique experiences, interests, and abilities influence how they learn and engage inside and outside the classroom and tell us how best to support and inspire them. That`s why, from the day students arrive at KUA, it`s our mission to learn about them. Using relationships as our foundation, we leverage everything we know about the science of learning and how the brain works to design intentional experiences to challenge and support their growth. As a result, students find their voice, develop new knowledge, and strengthen their character through a robust academic curriculum. This philosophy is infused throughout our environment. Learning transcends classroom walls; it occurs on a soccer field, on the stage, in an advisory group, over a shared meal, and throughout our residential programming. You`ll find that everyone here is highly invested in our students' intellectual and individual growth. Our teachers will engage students in all their pursuits, help them build confidence, and make education feel rewarding and satisfying.
Kimball Union Academy offers a variety of residences for boarding school students to choose from, and students have a voice in where they`d like to live. We develop relationships within and across classes and give every student the chance to thrive in the nurturing environment of multi-aged supporters. Each dorm is guided by a dedicated faculty member or House Head who creates a healthy environment where students can find friendships, connections, and space in different ways. Each House Head has their own approach to creating a "home away from home" that speaks to the individuality of the residents. For some, weekend baking and crafts are a favorite activity while other dorms enjoy grill nights and Sunday afternoon football games. Dorm families eat together, study together, tackle problems together, and find space away from each other when necessary, just like a family. Typically, dorm meetings are held on Tuesday nights as time for discussion and general housekeeping, but also for community time and celebration. Student proctors help create a sense of culture and maintain respect within the dorms.
Day students are fully engaged members of the KUA community and are often described as "boarders who sleep at home." There`s no way to distinguish between our boarding and day students until the day is done. Our day student community about 75 students is fully invested in the KUA experience, participating in all academic, athletic, and extracurricular, and weekend activities. They hold leadership positions and help shape the life of the Academy and the community, and join their friends for meals in Doe Dining Commons.
Kimball Union Academy opens opportunities for students to share their vision and tap into their creativity. Students will find a grounding in aesthetics, history, and criticism, and a chance to discover their unique voice. Regardless of their previous level of engagement, students will find a robust arts experience and immersive programming led by KUA`s exceptional faculty who are also practicing artists. Our artists find a home in the expansive Flickinger Arts Center. Students also benefit from our proximity to the rich cultural resources of Dartmouth College's Hood Museum of Art and Hopkins Center for Performing Arts, as well as Northern Stage. Our visiting artists' program exposes students to working professionals. While we require that every student fulfill visual and performing art requirements, most students explore the arts through afternoon activities and participation in ensemble groups. Our schedule is designed so students will never have to choose between the arts or another activity, like athletics.
Kimball Union offers a competitive and engaging athletic and recreational program for student-athletes looking to progress in their sport. As a member of the New England Preparatory School Athletic Conference (NEPSAC) and the Lakes Region League, the Wildcats compete in 14 varsity sports, such as hockey, basketball, field hockey, and soccer, with more than 70% of students earning at least one varsity letter each year. Each year KUA graduates student-athletes who pursue their sport at the college and professional levels. They'll work closely with talented and experienced coaches, utilizing exceptional facilities, and leave KUA with self-confidence, commitment, time management, and leadership skills.
Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Ernest Everett Just - African American biologist
- Dana Stone - Vietnam War photographer
- Chester Bradley Jordan - Governor of New Hampshire
- Kathryn Woodman Leighton - artist
- Augustus Washington - African American photographer
- Andrew Wheating - Olympian
- F. Lee Bailey - defense attorney
- Kasim Edebali - NFL football player
- Steven Sotloff - journalist
- Richard Aitson - Native American poet

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Kimball Union Academy cost?

Kimball Union Academy's tuition is approximately $83,300 for boarding students and $52,500 for day students.

What schools are Kimball Union Academy often compared to?

Kimball Union Academy is often viewed alongside schools like Cushing Academy by visitors of our site.

What is the acceptance rate of Kimball Union Academy?

The acceptance rate of Kimball Union Academy is 38%, which is lower than the boarding school average of 58%.

Who are famous alumni from Kimball Union Academy?

Kimball Union Academy famous alumni include: Ernest Everett Just, Dana Stone, Chester Bradley Jordan, Kathryn Woodman Leighton, Augustus Washington, Andrew Wheating, F. Lee Bailey, Kasim Edebali, Steven Sotloff and Richard Aitson.

What sports does Kimball Union Academy offer?

Kimball Union Academy offers 21 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Cycling, Dance, Equestrian, Field Hockey, Freestyle Skiing, Golf, Ice Hockey, Indoor Soccer, Lacrosse, Mountain Biking, Nordic Skiing, Rugby, Snowboarding, Soccer, Softball, Tennis and Track and Field.

What is Kimball Union Academy's ranking?

Kimball Union Academy ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for Oldest founding date.

When is the application deadline for Kimball Union Academy?

The application deadline for Kimball Union Academy is Feb. 1.

Alumni Reviews Review School

Review

Description

Kimball Union Academy Alumni #1
Class of 2016
5.0010/3/2019
Endicott College

I feel like the sense of community is like no other at KUA. I graduated nearly 4 years ago, yet I am still in daily contact with at least 15-20 students from my school. It. . .

Kimball Union Academy Alumni #2
Class of 2014
5.001/16/2018
Emory University

What is really unique about KUA is that the school keeps the student size relatively small; thus, you can always feel like you're at home. Everyone knows each other and every faculty knows every student's. . .

Kimball Union Academy Alumni #3
Class of 2005
5.008/28/2017
Northeastern University

The campus, at least in 2001, was set up so you could be in either a dormitory-style building, or a more intimate farm-house settings with as few as 4 other students. The "dorms" had at. . .

Show more reviews (2 reviews)

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