6 best boarding schools in Miami, Florida 2027

Miami welcomes foreign students to its educational institutions as young as six years old, thanks to the accommodating American education system. During their early years of primary education, children establish a foundation in key subjects, such as mathematics, literature, grammar, and interdisciplinary subjects bridging natural sciences and humanities. For students of this age, educators employ a specialized methodology characterized by interactive, individualized, and creative approaches.

Primary Schools in Miami

Tuition fees commence at $16,000 per semester.

International students have  the following accommodation options: host families or on-campus residences. Primary education spans from grades 2 to 5, catering to students aged 6 to 10.

Middle Schools in Miami

Middle school education includes grades 6 to 9, admitting students aged 11 to 14. International students have two accommodation options: host families or on-campus residences. The cost of education varies, ranging from $16,000 to $22,500 per semester.

During this period, elective subjects supplement the primary school curriculum, encouraging students to cultivate independent academic skills, refine their information-seeking abilities, and foster non-conventional problem-solving approaches.

High Schools in Miami

High school education spans grades 9 to 12, enrolling students aged 15 to 18. International students can select between host family accommodations or on-campus residences, inclusive of full-board nutrition. Tuition fees fluctuate between $12,500 and $45,000 per semester.

The boarding school program in Miami doesn't merely expand the range of subjects studied; it elevates the complexity level as well. Students engage in diverse learning formats, including research projects, written assignments, oral presentations, participation in discussions, and more. These varied approaches empower students to develop independent perspectives and enhance teamwork capabilities.

Simon Kizhner

Regional Admissions representative, EMEA

What are the most important questions parents ask when choosing a school in the USA?

The main thing to consider is how the chosen school suits your child, his habits, ambitions, interests. In principle, the criteria that are taken into account in the rankings will become good determinants: class size, names of universities that graduates choose, composition of the student community, location, etc.

1. North Broward Preparatory School

North Broward Preparatory School offers education to foreign students starting from the age of 5, even with no prior knowledge of the language. The school provides primary and secondary academic programs, allowing students to choose between international or American curricula at a cost of $58,000, which covers accommodation. The school's state-of-the-art facilities and highly skilled faculty guarantee 100% acceptance to leading universities in Canada, the United States, and Europe.

2. American Heritage School, Plantation, Florida

Ranked the #1 private K-12 school in Florida by Niche and boasting the highest number of National Merit Scholarship recipients among Florida schools, American Heritage School accepts international students from the age of 11. Tuition, including accommodation in a host family, is $45,000 per year.

3. Montverde Academy

Designed for sports enthusiasts seeking an American secondary education certificate, Montverde Academy ranks among the finest schools in the United States. The academy offers facilities such as running tracks, football and baseball fields, tennis courts, a golf course, a zip line, and more. Students can actively participate in sports while pursuing their education.

4. Windermere Preparatory School

Windermere Preparatory School offers primary, secondary, and higher education programs based on both American and international systems. Collaborating with The Startup Studio, Nord Anglia Education, Rollins Crummer Graduate School of Business, and SunTrust Bank, the school organizes popular summer programs for aspiring business leaders. This US summer camp is designed for students aged 16 to 19 and costs $3,295 for 12 days of study and recreation on the school campus and beyond.

5. Florida Preparatory Academy

Florida Preparatory Academy is renowned for its rich adventure-oriented leisure program and comfortable accommodations in double rooms within the popular Hilton hotel chain. Students from all over the world come right here to combine education with summer vacations and prepare for admission to prestigious local universities through the Diploma+ Advanced Placement program.

Enrolling in such boarding schools in Miami gives a unique opportunity for foreign students to obtain top-notch education while enjoying the vibrant lifestyle and warm climate of this bustling city in Florida.

Applying to boarding schools in Miami can be a simple process, but it's crucial to follow a well-organized approach to ensure an easy and successful application. Here are some key steps to bear in mind when applying to boarding schools in Miami.

Research Schools

The first step is to thoroughly research the boarding schools in Miami to choose those that align with your academic, extracurricular, and personal preferences. Consider such factors as location, curriculum, boarding facilities, and any precise programs or activities that interest you.

Application Requirements

Each boarding school may have its own set of application requirements and deadlines. Common application materials typically include academic transcripts, standardized test scores (e.g., SSAT or ISEE), letters of recommendation, a personal essay, and an application fee. Be sure to check the specific requirements of each school you are applying to and their deadlines.

Standardized Testing

Many boarding schools require applicants to take standardized tests like the SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) or ISEE (Independent School Entrance Examination). Prepare properly in advance, as those rankings can play an important role in the admission process. Consider taking these tests before the application deadline to allow time for retakes if necessary.

Letters of Recommendation

Obtain letters of recommendation from teachers, mentors, or counselors who can attest to your academic competencies and character. Ensure that these individuals know you well and might offer meaningful insights into your qualities and potential as a student.

Personal Essay: Write a compelling personal essay that highlights your background, experiences, and aspirations. Be sincere and authentic in your writing, and use this opportunity to showcase your unique features and hobbies.

Financial Aid (if applicable)

You need to research and complete the necessary financial aid applications and forms if you require economic assistance to attend a boarding school. Be aware about each school's financial aid policies and deadlines.

Interviews

Some boarding schools may require an interview as part of the application process. Prepare for the interview by being well-informed about the school and being ready to discuss your academic and extracurricular achievements, as well as your goals and motivations for attending.

Submit Your Application

Carefully review and complete all application materials, ensuring that you meet the deadlines for each school. Submit your application online or by mail as required, and keep records of all submissions.

Await Admission Decisions

After submitting your application, the schools will review your documents and make admission decisions. Be patient during this period, and if accepted, consider visiting the schools before making your final choice.

International students who plan to attend a US boarding school enrol on the F-1 nonimmigrant status. It covers study in academic programs at a university, college, high school, private elementary school, seminary, conservatory or another academic institution, including an English language program.

The first step is to apply to a school certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), the only type eligible to enrol F-1 and M-1 students. Once a student is accepted, the school's designated official sends a Form I-20, the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, which records the student's details in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

The steps that follow the Form I-20 run in order:

• Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee before applying for the visa,
• Apply for the visa at a US Embassy or Consulate and bring the Form I-20 along with the other required documents,
• Enter the country within 30 days before the program start date shown on the Form I-20.

After the program ends, F-1 students and their dependents have 60 days to leave the United States. On July 17, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security published a final rule that sets a fixed period of admission and an extension-of-stay procedure for F academic students, J exchange visitors and representatives of foreign information media, so check the current terms when you plan a longer course.

Accreditation tells families that a boarding school in Miami meets recognized standards for teaching, governance and student care. Florida independent and boarding schools usually hold accreditation from one or more bodies that focus on private education.

The Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) runs a mission-driven process built specifically for independent schools. It works alongside each school to support strategic growth, reaffirm the trust of parents and staff, and encourage steady improvement. The process rests on three components:

• Reflect, meaning the school demonstrates compliance with every SAIS standard and indicator,
• Report, meaning the school completes a mission-based self-study,
• Review, meaning a team of peer educators visits the campus.

SAIS also teams up with other associations so that a school can earn dual accreditation and satisfy more than one set of requirements at once.

At the state level the Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS) is one of only ten state associations in the United States whose accreditation process has been recognized by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). FCIS is a founding member of the International Council Advancing Independent School Accreditation, the international authority on the subject, which represents schools in more than 100 countries. An FCIS review examines academics and curriculum, governance, operations, funding and finance, compliance, ethics and integrity, parental involvement, faculty professional development, and leadership.

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