The Best Boarding Schools in the World

Attending a boarding school abroad can be a life-changing experience for students. If you’re looking for information on the top boarding schools worldwide, you can check out our article that features the best international boarding schools of 2024.

Why choose a Boarding School?

Boarding Schools offer amazing life experiences and educational opportunities, such as small class sizes, excellent academic standards and extracurricular activities. These tangible benefits will be even surpassed by the intangible facts of becoming mature, self-confident and well prepared for University life and beyond.
 

We asked some of the best boarding schools in the world why parents usually choose a boarding school for their children, and here is an overview of their main reasons:

1. International Education

Boarding schools propose internationally recognized curricula, diplomas, and an international community. Students, teachers, and other staff members come from all over the world.

2. High Academic Standards

The learning experience as a boarding student is very different than in a day school. Boarding schools usually have high academic standards and can offer more supervision and support to students. Students can receive support from teachers, supervisors, or friends at all times, which can lead to a higher success rate.

3. Extra-curricular Activities

Extra-curricular activities are an important part of a boarding school schedule. Students can usually choose from a wide variety of activities and sports, and explore new talents or perfect existing skills.

4. Character Development

Experiencing a life away from home will help children develop more self-reliance and independence from their parents than they could at home.

5. University Preparation

Top boarding schools have good connections with the best universities and offer guidance and support to their students in finding their path after they graduate.

6. Lifelong Friendships

Boarding school friendships are specially strong because of the proximity and the shared adventure to be away from home. Other students and the school team become a new family.

7. Language Immersion

Boarding schools provide the opportunity to be immersed in the language. Students can become fully bilingual when attending a boarding school.

If you are interested in learning more about all the 7 reasons why families choose boarding schools, click here to read the full article.

International Boarding School Reviews 2024

Education experts worldwide concur that attending a boarding school provides numerous benefits (See also benefits of studying in a boarding school). While the choice of destination country may depend on individual preferences, studying abroad presents students with opportunities to experience new cultures, develop international friendships, hone independence and confidence, learn new languages, expand social networks, and increase future professional opportunities.

Best Boarding Schools in the World

Explore the best boarding schools worldwide. Get information on tuition, curriculum, facilities, location, reviews, etc.
Region
Region
Curriculum
Curriculum
Gender
Gender
A co-educational international school for day and boarding students aged 2-18 that follows the British curriculum. Students take IGCSE and A Level examinations in preparation for university entry.
Institut auf dem Rosenberg, the Artisans of Education®, is a Swiss international boarding school for students between the ages of 5-18.
THINK Global School is the world's first traveling high school. Attendees between the ages of 15-18 gain an education by living in four different countries each year --ten countries total-- learning firsthand from their multicultural experiences. ...
ENSR International School is a leading, non-for-profit, private educational establishment in Switzerland.
Established in northeastern Ontario in 1879, Lakefield College School provides a world-renowned co-educational day and boarding school experience for Grades 9 through 12.
Established 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 curri...
H-FARM International School is a day & boarding school offering three IB programmes (PYP, MYP, DP) within a stunning and innovative 50-hectare campus, located minutes away from Venice, Italy.
Established in 1897, Saint-Charles International School is located in Porrentruy, Switzerland. We provide high-quality education for students aged 8-20, with a commitment to fostering global citizens.
AMADEUS International School Vienna is a unique day and first-class boarding IB World school with an integrated Music and Arts Academy.
Welcome to Ermitage International School, a diverse, cosmopolitan community with 80 years of excellence in teaching students to engage, prosper, and succeed.
Newington College is a comprehensive Early Learning Centre (ELC) to Year 12 Day and Boarding school located in Sydney, Australia. Founded in 1863, we are more than 160 years in the making and, as a Uniting Church school, offer high-quality educati...
Regents International School Pattaya is like no other school in Thailand. As part of the family of 66 Nord Anglia schools located around the world, we provide unique learning opportunities far beyond the ordinary. We are an exciting, vibrant and i...
SJI International is a Lasallian Catholic school in Singapore that offers a holistic, values-driven, international educational experience to a 2,000-strong student body of over 40 nationalities.
At J. Addison School, we are a K-12 day/boarding school based in Markham, Ontario, Canada that strives to provide an inclusive environment to foster cooperative learning, creativity, and innovation.
SVIS – Sainte Victoire International School is an IB World School located near Aix-en-Provence in the south of France.
Préfleuri is an exclusive international boarding school in the Swiss Alps that caters for children from 3 to 13 years of age.
The aim of Prime School International is to promote well-being and personal fulfilment within the academic community.
Schloss Krumbach International School is a co-educational boarding school for students of 12-19 years old, based in a truly unique setting within an Austrian Castle.
The Paris Saint-Germain Academy Pro Residency is designed to propel elite international players from talented to unstoppable. Immerse yourself in football 24/7 and follow a regimen that replicates the professional environment of Paris Saint-Germai...
The 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.
An IB World School located in the heart of Rome. A connected community driven by our 5 core values of Scholarship, Integrity, Creativity, Independence, and Care.
NLCS Jeju provides a stimulating and diverse experience in which every child is challenged and supported to realise their potential.
Yago School is an innovative IB day school (Ages 0 to 18) and the only Boarding School in Sevilla.
Copperfield Verbier is the world’s only ski-in, ski-out international school, located in the Swiss alpine village of Verbier. We have hired world-class teachers, built an inspiring and peaceful campus, and developed an empowering educational philo...
The BSC, Spain offers exceptional education in English for International and local students. Our curriculum is based on the best international systems, including iGCSE´s and the IB Diploma.
AN EXTRAORDINARY COMMUNITY OF LEARNERS At North Broward Preparatory School, students are inspired to learn without limits and go beyond any border to make an impact in the world.
Located in the breathtaking Swiss Alps, Leysin American School has a history of nurturing talent and motivating students to succeed in education, sports, and the arts.
Welcome to BBIS Berlin Brandenburg International School, a place where students are empowered to reach their unique potential and thrive on a global stage.
Keystone Academy is an innovative and unique school in China and the world.
Founded in 2014, Epsom College in Malaysia is the only sister school of the prestigious Epsom College in the UK, which was honoured as 'Independent School of the Year 2022.' Epsom College in Malaysia provides a transformative learning experience, ...
South Korea’s leading independent, full-continuum IB World School offering students academic excellence in tandem with unmatched commitments to global engagement and well-being.
Surrounded by the awe-inspiring peaks of the Swiss Alps, the Ecole d’Humanité is home to students and teachers from 25 countries.
The International School of Schaffhausen (ISSH) is a place where students feel at home away from home.
IMG Academy is the world's premier boarding school for dedicated and passionate student-athletes. It is renowned for providing a well-rounded education model that fosters the development of student-athletes and equips them with the skills they nee...
At Beau Soleil, we believe it’s what you do that counts: Our international boarding school community in Switzerland offers an outstanding environment combined with a holistic educational philosophy, encouraging students to become responsible and a...
Welcome to Prince of Wales Island International School (POWIIS). We offer a broad and balanced education based on a British-style curriculum for students aged 3 to 19.
The Global College is a co-educational day and boarding school for 15 to 18-year-olds, offering an innovative IB Diploma Programme, anchored in the history and values of IE University.
Bromsgrove International School Thailand (BIST) is a British Curriculum Day and Boarding School for students aged 2-18.
Haut-Lac International Bilingual School, an independent day and boarding school, opened its doors in 1993 with thirteen students and continues to grow and develop.
British International School, Phuket (BISP), is an English medium, co-educational, day and boarding school that was established in 1996 in the heart of Phuket, Thailand.
Rugby School Japan (RSJ) is located in Kashiwanoha, a designated education, Innovation and entrepreneurial hub within the greater Tokyo district, Japan. Opened in September 2023, Rugby School Japan is the second international school founded by the...
Founded by international education pioneer M. Crist Fleming in 1956, TASIS The American School in Switzerland is a day and boarding school committed to creating global citizens through education, travel, and service.
Institut Montana Zugerberg is a fully accredited Swiss international boarding school for 90 years now and since 1987 an official IB World School.
The Swiss International Scientific School in Dubai (SISD) is a leading international day and boarding school where future generations are inspired to become confident and enthusiastic lifelong learners, ready to embrace the opportunities and chall...
The Fairfax Christian School is the first K–12 school to receive the Presidential E–Award from the U.
Brillantmont International School is one of the oldest schools in Switzerland. It was founded in 1882 and is still owned by the founding family.
Ranum Efterskole College is a Danish-International residential school, where students can combine IGCSEs with a wide range of extracurricular activities in the unique environment of the 'efterskole'.
The International Bilingual School of Provence, an independent coeducational school located near Aix-en-Provence in the south of France, owes its international character to the diversity of its student population.
Montessori British is Day and Boarding School in Murcia that follows the UK National Curriculum with a Montessori approach.
With sweeping views of the historic harbour, The Scots College is one of Australia’s oldest and most respected Presbyterian boys’ schools, located in Sydney. The College is a distinctive Australian school that defends the honourable traditions adv...
UWC ISAK Japan is a boarding school located in Japan, providing a comprehensive education following the renowned IB Curriculum.
Lexington Christian Academy is an independent, co-ed, college preparatory, day and boarding school educating students in grades 6-12 in Lexington, MA. Founded in 1946, Lexington Christian Academy provides exceptional academic preparation that n...
Whether in the mountains or in an urban environment, Swiss Boarding Schools Disentis & Zurich provide a safe and comfortable home for your child during his or her school years. In the friendly, yet performance-oriented, atmosphere of our Engli...
Fyling Hall School is a small school with a large heart, located in a breathtaking setting overlooking the picturesque coastline of Robin Hood’s Bay within the North York Moors National Park.  
KIS International School Reignwood Park is a new world-class 60-acre campus opening August 2024 for students aged 3 to 18, from Early Years to Grade 12.
Being the longest established international school in the city, at International school of Milan students will find the strongest academic standards supported by the most progressive educational thinking that has served the international and Itali...
Founded in 1851, Scotch College has been educating boys for over 170 years. Located in the heart of suburban Melbourne, our beautiful single campus, spanning 27 hectares and flanked by the Yarra River, provides a home for the Scotch Family of boys...
We are an independent school, with an international, state-of-the-art and practical approach, fostering the abilities and reinforcing the natural talents of our students.

How to Choose a Boarding School?

Choosing a boarding school is a very important step for the entire family. You need first to clarify your criteria. The location and the curriculum are the most important factors to consider. Are you limited to a certain curriculum, like the IB or the American curriculum or is it not a major criteria for you?

We encourage you to define a list of boarding schools matching your requirements (location, budget, curriculum, values, etc.) by using our favorites list for example and contact them all to request a virtual tour or a video call. Visiting the school, speaking with teachers and principals, and meeting other families will help you determine the best fit for your family.

Recap of Top Boarding Schools

Families seeking top boarding schools in the World can find a variety of schools, each with its own unique qualities. Each world’s region has many schools, each being unique in terms of geography, curriculum, student life, and values, which draws students from all over the world.
We hope that this article has been helpful to you in providing valuable information about the top boarding schools. Finally, with thousands of boarding school students worldwide attending a boarding school, students can gain a new perspective and a global education.

If you have found it useful, please feel free to share it with others or follow us on Instagram. If you are unable to find the international school you are looking for, please do not hesitate to contact us. We can help you find schools that match your search criteria. Please provide us with some details, such as your preferred location, curriculum, and any other relevant information that can assist us in finding the right international school for your child.