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- What are the best boarding schools in the US?
Educational professionals around the world agree on the many benefits of studying at a boarding school. The country of choice depends on personal preferences, but any destination offers students the opportunity to experience a new culture, meet international friends, gain more independence and confidence, and develop new language skills, and social networks. and provide opportunities to enhance future professional opportunities. Here are the best boarding schools in America based on academics, class size, facilities, and location. Please note that these are not in any particular order.
- Groton School (Groton, MA)
- Phillips Exeter Academy (Exeter, New Hampshire, USA)
- Phillips Academy Andover (Andover, Massachusetts, USA)
- Choate Rosemary Hall (Wallingford, CT)
- The Thacher Schol (Ojai, CA)
- The Storm King School (Hudson NY)
- Cate School (Carpinteria, CA)
- The Hotchkiss School (Lakeville, Connecticut, USA)
- The Taft School (Watertown, CT)
- Holderness School (Plymouth, NH)
- What are the different types of boarding schools?
There are three types of boarding schools that families can consider when choosing for their children.
- College Preparatory Boarding School
College preparatory boarding schools offer a rigorous academic curriculum designed to prepare students for higher education. They offer a structured learning environment including academic and residential facilities. These boarding schools help students develop life skills such as time management, self-discipline, and leadership skills through various social engagements and extracurricular activities. There are further distinctions between schools:- Single Gender or Coeducational Boarding Schools
Parents can choose whether to send their children to an all-boys, all-girls, or co-educational boarding school. Each will have its own advantages and disadvantages that will depend largely on personal circumstances. Ultimately, the most important factors in choosing a boarding school are the needs, personality, values, and beliefs of the student and the family. - Military Schools
Many believe that military boarding schools are for troubled students where parents send their children to be disciplined. But in reality, military boarding schools offer a rigorous college preparatory curriculum that helps develop the abilities and emotional intelligence required to excel in any pursuit, whether inside or outside of the military. Aside from the structure and discipline that boarding schools provide, military schools aid students in developing strong moral values and focus on strong character, respect, discipline, leadership, accountability, and solidarity. - Performing Arts School or Fine Arts Boarding Schools
These boarding schools provide comprehensive arts training and education alongside a traditional academic curriculum. These schools offer a unique environment where students can immerse themselves in their chosen artistic disciplines such as music, dance, visual arts, theater, or creative writing. Admission to arts boarding schools can be competitive as some require auditions or portfolio submissions. - Religious Boarding Schools
Religious boarding schools are academic institutions that integrate religious principles and teachings into their extracurricular and academic offerings. In addition to standard education, these institutions emphasize moral development, spiritual growth, and religious teaching. They may belong to several different religious movements, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. While some schools might have strong religious requirements for pupils, others might take a more inclusive stance toward those with different religious backgrounds. - Sports Academies
Sports boarding schools provide an immersive environment for student-athletes, combining their academic and athletic pursuits. These schools offer comprehensive sports programs, elite coaching and training, top-notch sports facilities and resources, participation in competitions and tournaments, and college athletic preparation. Families can choose from a wide range of sports, including soccer, tennis, swimming, rugby, equestrian, skiing, snowboarding, and others.
- Single Gender or Coeducational Boarding Schools
- Junior Boarding Schools
Also known as junior boarding academies, these schools cater to students in their early and middle school years and offer academic programs tailored for students in the 6th through 9th grades. These schools provide a structured environment where students live on campus and receive comprehensive academic instruction, extracurricular activities, and character development that are crucial for middle school years.
- Therapeutic Boarding Schools
For pupils who are having emotional, behavioral, or mental health issues, therapeutic boarding schools offer support to cope with their needs. These schools are specialized educational facilities that offer academic instruction and therapeutic therapies. They seek to provide students with a disciplined and encouraging environment that meets their emotional, psychological, and academic needs. Students receive customized therapy and help to develop their living skills until they are prepared to enter a regular school or a vocational school.
- College Preparatory Boarding School
- Are boarding schools expensive?
Boarding schools are often considered expensive because they provide far more than just classroom instruction. The cost reflects a comprehensive educational experience that includes academics, residential life, extracurricular programs, and personalized student support. Families are paying not only for highly qualified faculty and small class sizes but also for the full-time residential environment—dormitories, meals, student activities, and around-the-clock supervision. Many boarding schools also maintain expansive campuses with athletic facilities, theaters, research labs, and arts studios, all of which require significant upkeep. In addition, schools invest in leadership programs, global travel opportunities, and individualized college counseling. All these resources combine to create an immersive environment that prepares students academically, socially, and emotionally for college and beyond. The higher price tag reflects the all-inclusive, holistic nature of a boarding school education, which is designed to support both academic excellence and personal growth.
- How can admissions consultants help you in boarding school admissions?
Working with an experienced boarding school admissions consultant will definitely increase your chances of getting into the most selective boarding schools. Cardinal Education emphasizes that many families become overwhelmed by complex deadlines, unclear priorities, and the pressure of perfecting essays and interviews.
With over 20 years of experience, Cardinal Education has guided thousands of ambitious families worldwide—ranging from U.S. families to expats in Singapore and Dubai—through top-tier boarding school admissions Our admissions consultants bring deep insights into what specific schools look for, helping applicants distinguish themselves with authentic stories—from being a jazz-sax‑playing mathlete to a budding app developer or book‑club founder.
Through their expertise, families gain strategic support—from narrative construction to timing—to present students not just as high-achievers, but as unique contributors to a school’s community. Read here to learn more about the role admissions consultants play in boarding school admissions.
