All girls boarding schools are a great choice for both local and expat families as they offer globally recognized curricula, outstanding academics plus a nurturing environment for girls. Discover our selection of the best boarding schools for girls, including reviews, fees, and why families choose them.
Why families choose all girls boarding school?
Enhanced Focus on Development
One of the primary reasons families opt for all girls boarding schools is the tailored environment these institutions provide, which focuses on specific developmental needs. In a setting free from the social pressures of a coeducational system, students often feel more empowered to explore a wide range of subjects—including STEM fields, traditionally dominated by male students. Educators in boarding schools for girls are specially trained to address the unique ways girls learn and grow, which can lead to enhanced academic performance and a stronger sense of self-confidence.
Cultivating Leadership Skills
Leadership is a critical focus in girls-only boarding schools. The absence of gender stereotypes encourages students to take on leadership roles in various aspects of school life, from sports teams to student council. This immersion in leadership roles is designed to instill confidence and independence, qualities that are invaluable in higher education and beyond. Schools often highlight alumnae who have gone on to successful careers in diverse fields, underscoring the effectiveness of their focus on female empowerment.
Building a Supportive Community
The communal life at girls-only boarding schools is often cited as a transformative experience by alumni. These institutions foster a strong sense of community and sisterhood among students, which can be particularly supportive during the crucial teenage years. This close-knit environment not only helps in developing lifelong friendships but also in building a network that can be beneficial professionally and personally long after graduation.
Customized Curriculum Choices
Academic curricula at girls-only boarding schools are frequently designed to challenge and engage students in ways that are most appealing to them. With classes that often include robust arts, humanities, and sciences, these schools provide a well-rounded education that encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Moreover, the absence of gender bias ensures that girls participate fully in class, leading to better communication skills and higher academic achievement overall.
Safe and Nurturing Environment
Safety and well-being are paramount concerns for parents, and girls-only boarding schools tend to offer a secure environment where young women can focus on their education without the distractions or challenges that might be more prevalent in coeducational settings. The dedicated staff and stringent security measures ensure that parents can rest easy knowing their daughters are in a safe, supportive environment.
Preparation for the Future
Finally, the preparation for higher education and future careers is a significant draw. Girls-only boarding schools boast high rates of university admissions, including to prestigious institutions. The rigorous academics combined with strong advising and support systems help students navigate the complex process of college applications more effectively, setting them up for success in higher education and their eventual career paths.
How much do Boarding Schools for Girls cost?
The yearly tuition fees for Boarding Schools for Girls in generally range from $20,000 to $50,000 per year. This cost can vary based on factors like the curriculum, the quality of campus facilities, the standard of boarding, and the services – with some top-tier schools exceeding $60,000 annually.
Category | Low Range | High Range |
|---|---|---|
Annual Tuition | $20,000 | $50,000 |
Monthly Tuition Equivalent | $1,665 | $4,165 |
Registration Fee (one-time) | $500 | $2,000 |
Uniforms & Materials | $300 | $800 |
Extras & Trips | $500 | $2,000 |
Total Est. Annual Cost | $23,300 | $55,800 |
Top rated Boarding Schools for Girls in the World
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Walford Anglican School for Girls
Oceania, Adelaide •Girls Only •- from 5
- to 18 years old
School type: Boarding School - International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: Australian CurriculumYearly fee: from 30,600 to 46,600 AUD
Foundation: 1893Nationalities: 21 different nationalitiesNr of students: 21 studentsLocated in Adelaide’s inner south, Walford Anglican School for Girls is an exceptional community offering a unique place in which your daughter is seen, heard, known, and supported to carve out a pathway to achieve her best, her way. As a vibrant, close-knit ELC to Year 12 day and boarding school, we believe that each student deserves an education that is personal, purposeful and empowering.
We are proud of our students’ consistently strong academic results, which reflects the positive learning culture that is fostered at Walford. Through a model of continuous reporting, students receive comprehensive feedback that supports their ongoing scholastic and personal development. Their learning and achievements are consistently monitored, enhancing their academic abilities and fostering a self-directed learning mindset. We also offer enrichment and acceleration opportunities through our bespoke pathways program. Bespoke Pathways is Walford’s commitment to personalisation and partnership. Rather than simply offering a set curriculum with fixed milestones, the School designs, brokers and facilitates tailored learning experiences that allow every girl to pursue her ambitions, whether s...Annual tuition fees at Walford Anglican School for Girls range from AUD 30,600 to AUD 46,600, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
Day school tuition: Please view our 2026 International Student Fee Schedule: https://walford.sa.edu.au/resources/common/Walford-International-Fees-2026%C6%92.pdfBoarding tuition: Please view our 2026 International Student Fee Schedule: https://walford.sa.edu.au/resources/common/Walford-International-Fees-2026%C6%92.pdf -
Saint Mary's School, USA
Raleigh, North Carolina •Girls Only •- from 13
- to 19 years old
School type: Boarding School - International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: American CurriculumLanguage of instruction: EnglishYearly fee: from 32,550 to 62,850 USD
Foundation: 1842Nationalities: 20 different nationalitiesNr of students: 20 studentsExaminations: APSaint Mary’s School in Raleigh, North Carolina, is an independent, Episcopal, college-preparatory, boarding and day school dedicated to academic excellence and personal achievement for girls in grades 9-12.Founded in 1842, the historic, residential 23-acre campus is located in the heart of North Carolina’s capital city of Raleigh, offering easy access to all the city has to offer as well as a peaceful oasis in the midst of the hustle and…
Saint Mary’s School offers high school courses at two levels: honors and Advanced Placement (AP). Placement in courses is determined through the Course Request Process - by teachers and advisors in consultation with students and parents. Each student has different strengths and weaknesses in her learning styles and subject areas. Students are strongly encouraged to select classes that enhance their learning, complement their learning styles, and allow for an overall positive school experience. All courses at Saint Mary’s are designed to meet our mission of preparing students for college and for life.Annual tuition fees at Saint Mary’s School, USA range from USD 32,550 to USD 62,850, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
Day school tuition:Boarding tuition: -
Branksome Hall
Toronto, Ontario •Girls Only •- from 4
- to 17 years old
School type: Boarding School - International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: IB CurriculumLanguage of instruction: EnglishYearly fee: from 38,990 to 42,490 CAD
Foundation: 1903Nationalities: N/ANr of students: N/AExaminations: IB DiplomaBranksome Hall is a school where remarkable things happen every day! We welcome you to learn about our community, our programs, our facilities and the many opportunities that inspire our students.Every student at Branksome Hall, from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12, benefits from the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. It emphasizes inquiry-based learning complemented by critical, creative and collaborative thinking. The IB curriculum also provides for regular assessments and feedback against standardized criteria, and has been shown to improve students’ performance while providing unmatched preparation for university studies.IB Program students study English, Mathematics, Sciences, Technology, Physical Education, the Arts (Drama, Music, Visual Art), humanities and a foreign language every year. Grounded in the liberal arts tradition, our students learn from an early age how to be thoughtful learners who seek knowledge, think critically, and communicate their idea and opin...Annual tuition fees at Branksome Hall range from CAD 38,990 to CAD 42,490, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
Day school tuition: $38,990 for students Kindergarten to Grade 10; $42,490 for students in Grade 11 and 12; $9,500 Initial Registration Fee (or $6,500 if a sibling is already enrolled)Boarding tuition: $36,700 CAD boarding fee (in addition to student fee) -
St Catherine's School
Melbourne, Victoria •Girls Only •- from 3
- to 18 years old
School type: Boarding School - International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: Australian Curriculum - OtherYearly fee: from 14,120 to 89,820 AUD
Foundation: 1986Nationalities: N/ANr of students: N/AEstablished in 1896, our reputation as a leader in girls’ education, for well over a century, is based on our readiness to embrace innovation. St Catherine’s School aspires to graduating intellectually and emotionally agile young women, fully prepared to navigate their futures across new and emerging industries, thrive within global and digital communities, persevere during adversity and remain authentic and fearless in all they pursue.Our goals begin with the values…
Annual tuition fees at St Catherine’s School range from AUD 14,120 to AUD 89,820, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
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Humboldt-Institut
Berlin, Germany •Co-Education, Girls Only •- from 10
- to 17 years old
School type: Boarding School - Private SchoolCurriculum: American Curriculum - German CurriculumLanguage of instruction: English - GermanYearly fee: from 27,000 to 50,000 EUR
Foundation: 2010Nationalities: 45 different nationalitiesNr of students: 45 studentsExaminations: A LevelThe Humboldt-Institut has more than 45 years of experience in teaching German and prepares young students from all over the world for a school and university career in Germany.Our counseling aims at Gymnasium attendance. From this school form, students graduate with the Abitur (A-levels, university entrance qualification), i.e., students qualify for higher education in Germany with the Abitur certificate. The German school system aims at a diversified basic education, i.e., subject-based specialization does not start until higher education.Annual tuition fees at Humboldt-Institut range from EUR 27,000 to EUR 50,000, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
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Presbyterian Ladies’ College (PLC), Sydney
Sydney, New South Wales •Girls Only •- from 3
- to 18 years old
School type: Boarding School - International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: OtherYearly fee: from 16,620 to 48,300 AUD
Foundation: 1888Nationalities: N/ANr of students: N/APresbyterian Ladies’ College, Sydney (PLC Sydney) is one of Australia’s oldest and most respected schools for girls. PLC Sydney is a day and boarding school that offers the renowned NSW Curriculum.
Annual tuition fees at Presbyterian Ladies’ College (PLC), Sydney range from AUD 16,620 to AUD 48,300, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
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Abbotsleigh School
Sydney, New South Wales •Girls Only •- from 3
- to 18 years old
School type: Boarding School - International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: OtherYearly fee: from 21,050 to 39,030 AUD
Foundation: 1885Nationalities: N/ANr of students: N/AAbbotsleigh is a PreK to Year 12 Anglican day and boarding school for girls located in Wahroonga, on Sydney’s North Shore. It offers the renowned NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) curriculum.
Annual tuition fees at Abbotsleigh School range from AUD 21,050 to AUD 39,030, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
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St Cuthbert's College
Auckland, New Zealand •Girls Only •- from 5
- to 18 years old
School type: Boarding School - International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: IB Curriculum - New Zealand CurriculumLanguage of instruction: EnglishYearly fee: from 25,424 to 58,328 NZD
Foundation: 1915Nationalities: N/ANr of students: N/AExaminations: IB Diploma - NCEASt Cuthbert’s College is an independent Christian day and boarding school for 1470 girls, from Year 1 to Year 13, in Auckland, New Zealand.St Cuthbert’s students have a reputation for obtaining exceptional academic results. We are now offering our own St Cuthbert’s Year 11 Diploma.From Years 12 and 13 there is a choice of two academic pathways. With both NCEA and International Baccalaureate (IB) qualifications on offer, no matter your daughter’s academic aspirations and interests, our approach to teaching means that our students gain the tools to become adaptable, forward-thinking, life-long learners.Annual tuition fees at St Cuthbert’s College range from NZD 25,424 to NZD 58,328, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
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Rangi Ruru Girls' School
Christchurch, Canterbury •Girls Only •- from 10
- to 18 years old
School type: Boarding School - International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: New Zealand Curriculum - OtherLanguage of instruction: EnglishYearly fee: from 26,100 to 47,500 NZD
Foundation: 1889Nationalities: N/ANr of students: N/AExaminations: NCEARangi Ruru is one of Christchurch’s most reputed independent boarding schools for girls, delivering an outstanding academic record for more than 130 years.Rangi is Christchurch’s only girls’ school offering a true Years 7 to 13 experience, delivering a seamless curriculum by specialist teachers at all year levels. We believe in NCEA because it is a level playing field and a true New Zealand qualification that is well understood offshore.Rangi is consistently in the top 3% of New Zealand schools for academic achievement. In national and international competitions and examinations, a high proportion of students feature at the top of their chosen fields of endeavour. More than 95% of Rangi girls go on to further tertiary study in New Zealand and overseas, many gaining substantial scholarships as a result of their work at school, and our dedicated Careers and Pathways Strategist who works with each girl one on one. The New Zealand Curriculum Ran...Annual tuition fees at Rangi Ruru Girls’ School range from NZD 26,100 to NZD 47,500, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
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Methodist Ladies' College (MLC)
Melbourne, Victoria •Girls Only •- from 4
- to 18 years old
School type: Boarding School - International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: IB CurriculumLanguage of instruction: EnglishYearly fee: from 23,250 to 54,330 AUD
Foundation: 1882Nationalities: N/ANr of students: N/AExaminations: IB DiplomaEstablished in 1882, Methodist Ladies’ College has long been recognised as one of Melbourne’s finest independent Prep to Year 12 day and boarding schools for girls and a leader in co-ed Early Learning. MLC is renowned for our extensive curriculum and co-curricular choice, innovative approach to education and wellbeing, inspiring learning environments, and outstanding academic results.As a non-denominational, open-entry College, we offer an inclusive and welcoming environment, where our students…
We enjoy the largest VCE, VCE VET, and IB subject choice of any girls’ school in Victoria. MLC is an exciting and rewarding place for our students to learn and prepare for the future.In Years 11 and 12, students reach the fulfilment of their Secondary Schooling. At MLC, every passion and interest catered for across our extensive subject offerings and pathways. Senior School students may graduate with an academically focused Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), an industry-specific skill set through Vocational Education and Training (VCE VET), or an interdisciplinary International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) that develops their sense of global citizenship. VCE Subjects Our diverse VCE program is tailored to meet the needs and interests of each student, with a wide range of subject choic...Annual tuition fees at Methodist Ladies’ College (MLC) range from AUD 23,250 to AUD 54,330, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
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Summary
All girls boarding schools offer a unique environment tailored to the developmental needs of young women, fostering leadership, confidence, and strong academic performance. These institutions provide a safe, supportive community that nurtures personal and professional growth, preparing students for successful futures in diverse fields.