Best boarding schools in USA 2025 - 3 yo

The American schools are featured by a comprehensive approach to teaching. These schools see their mission in high academic performance, and the overall development of the students. This approach contributes to  achieving high results in sports, arts, and other extracurricular activities. An emphasis is also made on personal development, which results in the development of student’s independence, goal-oriented, and social skills.

In case of entering the university, graduates of boarding schools in America have a competitive advantage. When admitted, the applicants demonstrate good results in interviews and entrance tests, providing them foundation for success in pursing higher education.

Types of Schools and Boarding Options

American boarding schools  offer several variants for studying, in particular institutions with mixed forms of studying, and schools for boys and only for girls. American schools are typically divided into three types: public schools, which do not charge for studying and attended by up to 90% of residents, private schools (including both day and boarding options), and homeschooling. 

In the case of requirement of personalized assistance, please apply to consultancy of SMAPSE experts, who can prepare a detailed list of schools, complying with a student's academic level and future goals.

The students aged 12 years old can enter the most prestigious boarding schools in the USA. Residence on campus is compulsory for students aged below 14 years old. When they reach 14 years old, the option of living in a host family  is also available. At the same time, many foreign students choose staying in campus residences due to well-developed infrastructure.

While selecting a school, SMAPSE experts advise to pay attention to educational institutions which have extensive facilities on campus, in particular recreation areas and sports complexes. The best boarding schools in the USA usually represent small towns, where all sports and entertainment infrastructure is constructed for students, also there are their own theaters and creative studios.

Educational process pays great attention to sports, so students can participate in diverse athletic activities and stand for their schools at state and even national competitions.

Deciding on admission to the top boarding schools in the USA, the foreign students should be ready for high competition, with up to 10 applicants for a place. Typical application requirements include:

• A fully completed application form

• School reports from the last 2-3 years

• Teacher recommendations translated into English

• An interview, which can be conducted in person or via Skype

• Entrance examinations, typically in Math and English

• Some schools also require the SAT, SLEP, or TOEFL tests for language proficiency

The tuition fee in a top boarding school in the USA depends on many factors, among which are prestige, rankings, academic performance of students, and location. Under SMAPSE information, the cost of studying, including accommodation and meals, fluctuates from $35,000 to $90,000 USD per academic year.

Boarding schools are educational institutions where students live on the school grounds rather than going home after classes. They spend most of their time inside the school and have the opportunity to learn, live and develop under the supervision of teachers and administrators.

The school year in boarding schools is usually divided into two semesters: fall and spring. It starts in August or September and ends in May or June, depending on the particular school. There are vacations, breaks and study trips throughout the year.

The cost of boarding school tuition varies greatly depending on a number of factors, including the prestige of the school, its location, the quality of the academic programs, and the services provided. On average, costs can range from $55,000 per year, but some elite schools may charge more.

Boarding schools usually offer a wide range of sports and extracurricular activities such as soccer, basketball, golf, swimming, art, music, theater, drama and more. This allows students to develop in a variety of areas.

Yes, many boarding schools actively welcome international students and have programs for international learners. This provides a unique opportunity for cultural exchange and learning about American culture.

Language requirements may vary from school to school, but generally international students must prove their English language skills by taking tests such as TOEFL or IELTS. Some schools also provide ESL (English as a Second Language) courses to prepare you to study in English.

The following documents are usually required for admission to a boarding school: a completed application, an academic transcript with grades, and letters of recommendation from teachers or supervisors. Some schools may also interview applicants.

Yes, some boarding schools provide scholarships or financial aid based on outstanding athletic or academic achievement. Students may apply for these programs and check with each individual school for specific conditions.

Boarding schools offer a diverse curriculum, including required subjects such as math, science, and literature, as well as many additional subjects including art, music, foreign languages, and advanced placement courses (AP courses). This provides students with a wide range of educational opportunities.

Student safety is a priority for boarding schools. They usually have strict security measures that include student monitoring, access control, and security training. Parents can also rest assured that their children are in safe hands.

• Dunn School

The educational institution is located in a beautiful place in Santa Ynez, California. When you have decided on pursuing education in this school, a high-quality education and comprehensive development are provided to each student. Foreign students can choose academic programs, advanced courses, and study elective subjects according to their interests. Also the educational process stipulates conducting research projects. The number of students in a classroom is small, allowing the teacher to pay attention to each student. Besides standard classes, foreign students are offered a wide range of leisure activities and clubs, including sports, art, theater, and community services. The studying is aimed at developing leadership skills, creative thinking and social responsibility.

• The Hun School of Princeton

Located in Princeton, New Jersey, the school offers programs designed for high school students, who are interested in taking pre-university preparation.

According to their interests, future goals and preferences, students can choose diverse academic programs, among which are advanced courses, research projects. Educational process stipulates close interaction with teachers and provides individual support.

The studying process stipulates focus on developing the character and leadership skills of each student. By participating in diverse leisure activities and events, students actively communicate, and collaborate together. As a result, they develop social skills, required in their careers.

• Bishop Montgomery High School

Located in Torrance, California, the school focuses on artistic creativity, sports and spiritual development. In addition to it, students can attend advanced preparatory courses and choose electives for studying. For example, according to their interests, they can additionally study art, music, science, mathematics and technology.

The school's popularity is related to its sports programs, allowing it to practice diverse sports such as football, basketball, volleyball, golf, baseball and others. Given its focus on sports, the school regularly becomes a winner at the regional and national competitions.

In the middle classes the list of compulsory subjects is slightly reduced compared to primary school (career guidance and prospects are necessarily included in it), but the general curriculum of each student only becomes larger — subjects and electives of personal choice are added to it. At the end of each year, children take transfer exams.

Teachers are already divided into disciplinary blocks and subjects, and active learning of foreign languages (both modern and classical) begins.

At high school (grades 9-12) a full-fledged, thorough preparation for university admission is conducted. At this stage, students earn credits that will help them successfully enroll and receive personal scholarships. Studying practically from the 9th grade becomes specialized. There are few main profiles: industrial, commercial, agricultural, academic and general education. The list of compulsory subjects includes only a few disciplines: mathematics, natural sciences, English and humanities courses — the rest are recruited in the chosen specialty.

American boarding schools conduct studying under diverse programs, so there is both a purely American High School Diploma model, as well as traditional British A-level and IB Diploma.

• High School Diploma

The creation of this course is stipulated by the fact that the student needs to receive a certain number of academic credits for the chosen subjects. Disciplines can be studied at a basic or advanced level.

• A-level

The two-year course was developed in the UK, designed to help private school students prepare for higher education. For two years, students study 3-4 subjects at an advanced level, acquire useful skills and competencies that will be useful at the next stages of a professional or academic career.

• IB Diploma

The final stage of the international program, designed for schoolchildren aged 16-18. The course is two—year, within its framework, students study 7 disciplines from 6 subject groups: two languages - their own and a foreign one, mathematics, natural sciences, social sciences, creativity or craft; an in-depth essay and critical thinking serve as an addition.

Each of these models uses its own assessment system. For example, in the English model, students will have exams in different subjects, and each discipline has a special coefficient, and the final grade is the weighted average of the marks on each of the exams. The scale is nine-point. At IB, a seven—point scale is used, and at AP and High School Diploma - at first glance, the usual five-point scale, but there is a caveat: the "three" on AP can be counted as an academic credit already at the university (this opportunity can be used in universities in the USA and Canada).

While choosing a private school abroad, parents often consider TOP boarding schools in America. Firstly, they provide prestigious and high-quality education. Secondly, studying there increases chances to successfully enter university in America from the world’s TOP-100 list.

The cost of studying programs at top boarding schools in the US is high. At the same time, it is fully explained by high academic standards, as well as requirements for students. The average US boarding schools show high results: graduates often enter the Ivy League universities. According to the statistics, 90% of yesterday's students become students of selected universities.

Most students live on campus in American boarding schools. This form is essentially the only one for foreign students. Some schools offer accommodation with host families, but this option is less common.

Boarding schools have a completely closed territory, so students live and study in buildings located within walking distance from each other. The living conditions can be safely called excellent — usually they are double or single rooms with a bed, a wardrobe and a table for studying. The residences have common rooms and games rooms, as well as kitchens and terraces where you can chat with friends after lessons.

Living in a boarding school in America gives the child the opportunity to participate in all additional activities of interest to him. For example, you can attend training sessions, practice music or painting, including in the evening, when full-time students are already leaving campus.

If you are accepted to a boarding school in the United States, you will need to obtain an F-1 student visa. To do so, you will need an invitation from the institution, pay tuition fees, and attend an interview at the U.S. Consulate. The F-1 visa entitles you to study legally in the United States for a specified period of time.

• Independence

 During studying in boarding schools in America, students become responsible. They do their homework on their own, clean up the room, prepare their uniforms for classes, so they are better prepared for the next stage of life – studying at the university.

• A differentiated approach

 Modern schools in the USA are distinguished by an individual approach to studying. Firstly, a small number of children study in such educational institutions, allowing staff to know everyone by sight. Secondly, small classes contribute to the attentive attitude of the teacher to all students (for example, in Perkiomen school classes are held in groups of 10 people). Thirdly, schools offer a wide range of disciplines, children study not only compulsory, but also elective subjects (economics, business, design, art, etc.). Fourth, depending on the individual characteristics of the child, the teacher applies certain teaching methods, allowing you to achieve maximum results in each specific case.

• A sense of community

Entering an American boarding school means to be a member of a close community. Small number of students in the classroom (10-15 people), one-on-one communication with teachers and a rich leisure program positively influence the formation of a favorable environment of universal friendship and respect. Feeling like a part of the whole, it is easier for children to open up, show their talents, develop leadership skills and become a self-sufficient person. Of course, this helps graduates to enroll in the best universities in the world.

• Cultural diversity

Foreign  children study in American boarding schools. Students learn respect for each other, acceptance of other cultures and traditions, they broaden their horizons, getting to know a different way to live and communicate with everything around them.

• Immersion in American life

Obtaining education in top American boarding schools provides excellent opportunities for career development. Acquaintance with American culture and the studying process allows children to become more confident in themselves. Upon graduation, students get academic comprehensive preparation, allowing them to enter the best American universities. As a result,  they know how to apply, write a motivation letter, take an interview, etc.

As for disadvantages, the high tuition fee can be mentioned. Pursuing education at the best boarding schools in the USA stipulates significant finances.

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