5 best boarding schools in San Diego, California 2025

Esteemed for its educational quality, San Diego features a variety of boarding schools catering to local and foreign learners. Many of these schools are known for their bilingual programs in languages such as Spanish, German, Chinese, and French.

Boarding School Options in San Diego

Many San Diego boarding schools have historical ties to religious groups but now predominantly offer secular education, along with optional religious classes and events. Co-educational setups are the norm, with single-gender education being a rarity. These educational institutions, operating under government contracts, are known for their high educational standards and experienced faculty.

• Primary School (Ages 5-10): Focuses on fundamental skills in arithmetic, reading, and writing, with an emphasis on outdoor and play-based learning.
• Middle School (Ages 11-14): Offers a tailored educational plan, including mandatory and elective subjects, with an early introduction to career guidance and a strong emphasis on physical development.
• Advanced Placement (Ages 16-18): An intensive program preparing high school students for university, with two years of study at a first-year university level. AP diplomas are highly valued and increase chances for admission to top universities.
• International Baccalaureate (IB) (Ages 16-18): An international, comprehensive program that includes in-depth subject study and personal development.

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.

San Diego's boarding schools offer a range of secondary education options, including traditional, AP, and IB programs. Some schools specialize in certain academic disciplines, effectively preparing students for university enrollment. The best boarding schools in San Diego offer diverse and specialized education programs, enjoying a degree of freedom in their teaching methods and systems.

San Diego’s boarding schools charge foreign students between $45,000 and $65,000 annually, with specific admissions criteria, including application fees, standardized tests, and interviews.

To apply, students generally take assessments like the SSAT or ISEE, submitting required documentation for review. Required documents include a passport copy, recent academic grades, language certificates, teacher recommendations, a motivation letter, and centre-specific forms. Additional internal tests in mathematics and English may be required to assess readiness.

• Solana Pacific Elementary School
• Canyon Crest Academy
• Stone Ranch Elementary School
• Mt. Everest Academy
• Carmel Valley Middle School
• Fairmont Private Schools
• Sage Canyon School
• Fairmont Academy
• Westview High School
• Mater Dei Catholic High School San Diego

These educational centres represent the pinnacle of boarding education in San Diego, offering diverse programs and an environment conducive to academic and personal growth.