Schools at sea are more and more popular worldwide. Discover The Best Schools at sea and the benefits to study in a school at sea.
Benefits of studying in a school at sea
Every student is different. Some look for traditional schools in traditional settings. Others search for alternatives where they can fulfil their potential inside and outside of the classroom.
A school as sea is different. Although their class room instruction is comparable with other land based schools, students also take an active part in shipboard life and have the opportunity to move from one place to the other.
These schools are fully accredited schools that have replaced the traditional brick-and-mortar schools with Ships – 90 year old tall ships, younger replicas and cruise ships.
The rigours of a maritime environment
Living at sea and sailing around the world presents real life challenges on a daily basis. Schools at sea are small and students live close to each other, often without regular communication with people at home. Experiences like these help develop important life skills such as independence, empathy and communication.
When you attend a school on a ship there are always tasks that needs to be done. A ship must be navigated 24/7. Someone needs to stand lookout every hour of the day. And safety is paramount in the maritime environment. When students are asked to perform these tasks, they are asked to take their part of the responsibility for a common good. If one person does not show up for watch, someone else will need to fill his/her place. It’s through experiences like these that students develop a sense of responsibility, accountability and work ethic on a daily basis.
Opportunities at sea
While life at sea is challenging it allows students opportunities that no one else will have. They will have the opportunity to experience multiple cultures in multiple countries on multiple continents in one year. They will have the opportunity to experience sunsets and sunrises from the top of a tall ship in the middle of the Atlantic ocean. They will have the opportunity to gain an advantage over everyone else through learning and experiencing how to overcome challenges and building a story that will set them apart in any college or job application process.
Top rated Schools at Sea in 2025
Discover top Schools at Sea. Use the filters to find the right fit and contact schools directly from their profiles.
Hamelin Laie International School Barcelona
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Catalunya - Barcelona
- Co-Education
- 1 to 18 years old
- School type:Day & Boarding School
- Yearly fee: 10,250 - 38,000 eur
- Curriculum:IB Curriculum, Spanish Curriculum
- Foundation:1988
- Community: 1450 students • 48 nationalities
- Examinations:IB Diploma
- Language:Catalan, English, Spanish
- Multilingual Learning: English, Spanish, Chinese
- Innovative Robotics & AI Education
- Stunning Beachside Campus Location
Annual tuition fees at Hamelin Laie International School Barcelona range from 10,250 eur to 38,000 eur, depending on the student's grade level and program.
J. Addison School
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Toronto - Markham
- Co-Education
- 4 to 18 years old
- School type:Day & Boarding School
- Yearly fee: 18,000 - 46,500 cad
- Curriculum:Canadian Curriculum
- Foundation:2002
- Community: 250 students • 30 nationalities
- Language:English
- Personalized Learning Paths
- Fosters Independent Living Skills
- Diverse Global Student Community
Annual tuition fees at J. Addison School range from 18,000 cad to 46,500 cad, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Harrow International School New York
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New York - New York City
- Co-Education
- 11 to 19 years old
- School type:Day & Boarding School
- Yearly fee: 40,000 - 75,000 eur
- Curriculum:IB Curriculum
- Foundation:1572
- Community: 20 students
- Examinations:IB Diploma, MYP
- Language:English
- Global Outlook with British Pedagogy
- Unique Leadership in Action Program
- Integrated STEAM and Innovation Hub
Annual tuition fees at Harrow International School New York range from 40,000 eur to 75,000 eur, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Day School: $61,700Tuition is inclusive of meals, textbooks and standard co-curriculars. Additional fees may apply.5-Day Boarding: $70,250 | 7-Day Boarding: $75,000 Tuition is inclusive of meals, textbooks and standard co-curriculars. Additional fees may apply.
The Arbor School
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Dubai - Middle East
- Co-Education
- 3 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 49,500 - 90,250 eur
- Curriculum:British Curriculum
- Foundation:2018
- Community: 87 students
- Examinations:A Level, IGCSE
- Language:English
- Emphasizes eco-literacy and sustainability.
- Offers forest school and farm programs.
- Features an innovative, biodome campus.
Annual tuition fees at The Arbor School range from 49,500 eur to 90,250 eur, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Yew Chung International School of Shanghai
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China - Shanghai
- Co-Education
- 1 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 163,600 - 359,100 cny
- Curriculum:American Curriculum, British Curriculum, Cambridge Curriculum, Other
- Foundation:1993
- Community: 2200 students • 50 nationalities
- Examinations:Cambridge, IB Diploma, IGCSE, SAT
- Language:Bilingual, Chinese, English, Spanish
- Embraces bilingual learning (English/Chinese)
- Fuses Eastern and Western pedagogies
- Nurtures globally-minded leaders
Annual tuition fees at Yew Chung International School of Shanghai range from 163,600 cny to 359,100 cny, depending on the student's grade level and program.
The Western International School of Shanghai (WISS)
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China - Shanghai
- Co-Education
- 2 to 17 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 161,975 - 275,600 cny
- Curriculum:IB Curriculum
- Foundation:2006
- Community: 620 students • 40 nationalities
- Examinations:IB Diploma
- Language:English
- Only Shanghai's full IB continuum school
- Over 50 nations in student body
- Emphasis on experiential learning
Annual tuition fees at The Western International School of Shanghai (WISS) range from 161,975 cny to 275,600 cny, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Shanghai Community International School
-
China - Shanghai
- Co-Education
- 2 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 122,000 - 277,500 cny
- Curriculum:IB Curriculum
- Foundation:1996
- Community: 1800 students • 60 nationalities
- Language:Chinese, English, French, Spanish
- Unrivaled Mandarin immersion program
- Tangible connections to Shanghai culture
- Bountiful extracurricular opportunities
Annual tuition fees at Shanghai Community International School range from 122,000 cny to 277,500 cny, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Barcelona High School
-
Catalunya - Barcelona
- Co-Education
- 3 to 19 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 11,610 - 17,910 eur
- Curriculum:American Curriculum
- Foundation:2020
- Community: 500 students • 35 nationalities
- Examinations:AP
- Language:Bilingual, Catalan, English, Spanish
- Bilingual Program in English & Catalan
- Innovative Tech-Focused Curriculum
- Partnership with Renowned Museums
Annual tuition fees at Barcelona High School range from 11,610 eur to 17,910 eur, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Annual Matriculation Fee 1000€ One-Time Entrance Fee 2 500€ Meal Plan Preschool & Elementary - Free 215€ / month Student Visa - Mobility Program(If Applicable)500€ - administrative fees Application Fee...
Dwight Global Online School
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New York - New York City
- Co-Education
- 11 to 18 years old
- School type:Online School
- Yearly fee: 39,900 usd
- Curriculum:American Curriculum, IB Curriculum
- Foundation:1872
- Community: 423 students
- Examinations:AP, IB Diploma, SAT
- Language:English
- Flexibility for Elite Performers
- Personalized Learning Pathways
- Access to Renowned IB Curriculum
The annual tuition fee at Dwight Global Online School is 39,900 usd.
Nord Anglia International School Shanghai, Pudong
-
Shanghai - Pudong
- Co-Education
- 2 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 131,193 - 375,196 cny
- Curriculum:British Curriculum, IB Curriculum
- Foundation:2002
- Examinations:IB Diploma, IGCSE
- Language:Chinese, English
- Multilingual learning with Mandarin focus
- Personalized approach with STEAM program
- Global collaborations via UNICEF projects
Annual tuition fees at Nord Anglia International School Shanghai, Pudong range from 131,193 cny to 375,196 cny, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Gravitas: A Global Extension of The Stony Brook School
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New York - New York City
- Co-Education
- 10 to 18 years old
- School type:Online School
- Yearly fee: 16,800 - 17,000 usd
- Curriculum:American Curriculum
- Foundation:2020
- Community: 50 students • 15 nationalities
- Examinations:American Diploma, AP
- Language:English
- Innovative “Live-Learning” approach
- Personalized mentorship programs
- Global student interaction platform
Annual tuition fees at Gravitas: A Global Extension of The Stony Brook School range from 16,800 usd to 17,000 usd, depending on the student's grade level and program.
The English School of Kyrenia
-
Northern Cyprus - Kyrenia
- Co-Education
- 2 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 4,280 - 8,340 gbp
- Curriculum:British Curriculum, IB Curriculum
- Foundation:2008
- Community: 900 students • 40 nationalities
- Language:English
- Bilingual immersion in English & Turkish
- Diverse extracurriculars from chess to ballet
- Cambridge, IB & A-Level curricula offered
Annual tuition fees at The English School of Kyrenia range from 4,280 gbp to 8,340 gbp, depending on the student's grade level and program.
International School of Los Angeles
-
Los Angeles - Burbank
- Co-Education
- 2 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 19,995 - 24,900 usd
- Curriculum:American Curriculum, French Curriculum, IB Curriculum
- Foundation:1978
- Community: 1032 students • 65 nationalities
- Examinations:French Baccalaureate, IB Diploma
- Language:Bilingual, English, French
- Dual-language immersion English/French
- Emphasis on global citizenship
- Personalized learning approach
Annual tuition fees at International School of Los Angeles range from 19,995 usd to 24,900 usd, depending on the student's grade level and program.
THINK Global School
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New York - New York City
- Co-Education
- 16 to 18 years old
- School type:Boarding School
- Yearly fee: 94,050 usd
- Curriculum:American Curriculum
- Foundation:2010
- Community: 30 students • 18 nationalities
- Examinations:American Diploma
- Language:English
- Real-world learning in global classrooms
- Multi-cultural immersion fosters growth
- Project-based curriculum inspires innovation
The annual tuition fee at THINK Global School is 94,050 usd.
We believe an exceptional education should be accessible to outstanding students from all backgrounds. That's why TGS uses a sliding-scale tuition model tailored to each family's unique financial situation, considering...THINK Global School offers sliding-scale tuition based on each family’s ability to pay. The maximum tuition is $94,050.
Laurel Springs School
-
United States - California
- Co-Education
- 5 to 19 years old
- School type:Online School
- Yearly fee: 6,000 - 15,700 usd
- Curriculum:American Curriculum
- Foundation:1991
- Community: 2711 students • 100 nationalities
- Examinations:American Diploma, AP
- Language:English
- Flexible, self-paced learning.
- Dedicated college prep support.
- Global, online student network.
Annual tuition fees at Laurel Springs School range from 6,000 usd to 15,700 usd, depending on the student's grade level and program.
The British International School Abu Dhabi
-
Abu Dhabi - Middle East
- Co-Education
- 3 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 50,300 - 71,040 aed
- Curriculum:British Curriculum, IB Curriculum
- Foundation:2009
- Community: 2200 students • 90 nationalities
- Examinations:BTEC, IB Diploma, IGCSE
- Language:English
- Access to Juilliard curriculum.
- Partnership with MIT for STEAM.
- Inclusive ethos with 70+ nations.
Annual tuition fees at The British International School Abu Dhabi range from 50,300 aed to 71,040 aed, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Newington College
-
New South Wales - Sydney
- Co-Education
- 3 to 18 years old
- School type:Day & Boarding School
- Yearly fee: 24,390 - 42,201 aud
- Curriculum:Cambridge Curriculum, IB Curriculum, Other
- Foundation:1863
- Community: 2140 students
- Examinations:Cambridge, IB Diploma, IGCSE
- Language:English
- Integrated Tech Approach: iPads from Year 3
- Tailored Learning: Personal Development Programs
- Cultural Immersion: Diverse International Tours
Annual tuition fees at Newington College range from 24,390 aud to 42,201 aud, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Newington College provides a range of academic, named, music and sporting scholarships which focuses on social justice in education and offers opportunities to students with potential in both specific and...Newington College offers a range of academic and sporting scholarships for students including several scholarships specifically for rural, regional and international boarding students. - 2024 Boarding Fees - $33,651 (including...
The British International School Shanghai, Puxi
-
Shanghai - Puxi
- Co-Education
- 2 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 262,385 - 375,196
- Curriculum:British Curriculum, IB Curriculum
- Foundation:2004
- Examinations:IB Diploma, IGCSE
- Language:Chinese, English
- Global Campus for worldwide exposure.
- Exclusive STEAM collaboration with MIT.
- Personalised learning via Juilliard Curriculum.
Annual tuition fees at The British International School Shanghai, Puxi range from 262,385 to 375,196 , depending on the student's grade level and program.
St. Peter’s School Barcelona
-
Catalunya - Barcelona
- Co-Education
- 1 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 9,800 - 17,289 eur
- Curriculum:IB Curriculum
- Foundation:1964
- Community: 600 students • 42 nationalities
- Language:English, Spanish
- Embraces Bilingualism with English and Spanish
- Cultivates Tech-Savvy Confident Learners
- Fosters Global Citizenship and Awareness
Annual tuition fees at St. Peter’s School Barcelona range from 9,800 eur to 17,289 eur, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Prisma
-
California - San Francisco
- Co-Education
- 9 to 18 years old
- School type:Online School
- Yearly fee: 4,800 - 10,750 usd
- Curriculum:American Curriculum
- Foundation:2020
- Community: 246 students • 14 nationalities
- Examinations:AP, SAT
- Language:English
- Future-focused, personalized learning
- Robust, live online coaching
- Real-world projects with impact
Annual tuition fees at Prisma range from 4,800 usd to 10,750 usd, depending on the student's grade level and program.