Élite 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 children. Discover our selection of the best Élite Boarding Schools, including reviews, fees, and why families choose them.
Why families choose a Élite Boarding school?
Choosing an elite boarding school is a decision that goes beyond just education; it’s about providing children with a launching pad for lifelong success. These prestigious institutions are renowned not only for their rigorous academic programs but also for the unique environment they offer, which fosters independence, resilience, and a global perspective.
Academic Excellence
One of the primary reasons families opt for elite boarding schools is their unwavering commitment to academic excellence. These schools typically boast a faculty of highly qualified teachers who are experts in their subjects and are passionately dedicated to student success. The curriculum is often challenging and enriched with opportunities for advanced study, including International Baccalaureate (IB) programs and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. This rigorous academic environment prepares students exceptionally well for university level education, often giving them a competitive edge in college admissions.
Development of Key Life Skills
Beyond academics, elite boarding schools are instrumental in developing important life skills. The residential nature of these schools requires students to learn how to live with peers from diverse backgrounds, fostering a sense of community and mutual respect. Students become adept at managing their time, balancing academic, extracurricular, and social activities. They also develop leadership skills, as many schools offer various leadership roles and student-led initiatives, which are integral to their personal growth and development.
Global Networking Opportunities
Attending an elite boarding school also means entering a community that is often global. Students interact with peers from around the world, which not only enhances their cultural awareness but also builds a global network of contacts that can be beneficial in their future professional lives. Alumni networks are typically strong and active, offering students mentorship opportunities and connections that can lead to internships and job placements post-graduation.
State-of-the-Art Facilities and Extracurricular Activities
These schools are usually equipped with superior facilities that support a wide array of extracurricular activities. From sports complexes and art studios to science laboratories and technology centers, the resources available to students are vast and designed to support a wide range of interests and talents. This not only enriches the student experience but also helps in the holistic development of the child, ensuring they excel in multiple domains, not just academics.
The decision to enroll a child in an elite boarding school is often driven by the desire to provide them with the best possible education and development opportunities. The unique blend of rigorous academics, life skill development, global exposure, and excellent extracurricular facilities underpins the enduring appeal of these prestigious institutions.
How much do Élite Boarding Schools cost?
Category | Low Range | High Range |
|---|---|---|
Annual Tuition | $25,000 | $60,000 |
Monthly Tuition Equivalent | $2,085 | $5,000 |
Registration Fee (one-time) | $500 | $2,000 |
Uniforms & Materials | $300 | $800 |
Extras & Trips | $1,000 | $3,000 |
Total Est. Annual Cost | $27,800 | $64,800 |
Top rated Élite Boarding Schools in the World
Discover top Boarding Schools . Use the filters to find the right fit and contact schools directly from their profiles.
International Bilingual School of Provence 
-
Aix-en-Provence - Luynes
- Co-Education
- 2 to 18 years old
- School type:Day & Boarding School
- Yearly fee: 12,300 - 36,600 eur
- Curriculum:British Curriculum, French Curriculum, IB Curriculum
- Foundation:1984
- Community: 950 students • 75 nationalities
- Examinations:Cambridge, French Baccalaureate, IB Diploma, IGCSE
- Language:Bilingual, English, French
- Bilingualism with French Immersion
- Rural Provençal Setting
- Individualized IB Diplomas
Annual tuition fees at International Bilingual School of Provence range from 12,300 eur to 36,600 eur, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Hamelin Laie International School Barcelona
-
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.
The Global College
-
Spain - Madrid
- Co-Education
- 15 to 18 years old
- School type:Day & Boarding School
- Yearly fee: 20,940 - 37,440 eur
- Curriculum:IB Curriculum
- Foundation:2021
- Community: 250 students
- Examinations:IB Diploma
- Language:English
- Hands-on learning in global cities
- Instills resilience via travel challenges
- Fosters cultural fluency, beyond books
Annual tuition fees at The Global College range from 20,940 eur to 37,440 eur, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Annual Tuition Fee 20.700€ (6.900€ per term) Place Reservation 2.000€* Total20.700€**Annual Tuition & Boarding fee 37.200€ (12.400€ per term) Place Reservation 4.000€* Total 37.200€**
Ecole d’Humanité
-
Bern - Hasliberg
- Co-Education
- 13 to 19 years old
- School type:Boarding School
- Yearly fee: 65,000 - 68,000 chf
- Curriculum:American Curriculum, Swiss Curriculum
- Foundation:1934
- Community: 120 students • 25 nationalities
- Language:English, German
- Bilingual immersion in Swiss Alps.
- Personalized learning; 6:1 student ratio.
- Promotes global citizenship values.
Annual tuition fees at Ecole d’Humanité range from 65,000 chf to 68,000 chf, 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...
Regents International School Pattaya
-
Bang Lamung District - Pattaya
- Co-Education
- 2 to 18 years old
- School type:Day & Boarding School
- Yearly fee: 133,200 - 680,675 thb
- Curriculum:British Curriculum, IB Curriculum
- Foundation:1994
- Community: 1000 students • 53 nationalities
- Language:English
- Global Campus extends learning beyond
- Personalized learning with STEAM approach
- Unmatched access to Juilliard programmes
Annual tuition fees at Regents International School Pattaya range from 133,200 thb to 680,675 thb, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Rugby School Japan
-
Japan - Tokyo
- Co-Education
- 11 to 18 years old
- School type:Day & Boarding School
- Yearly fee: 5,000,000 - 8,200,000 jpy
- Curriculum:British Curriculum
- Foundation:2023
- Community: 140 students • 15 nationalities
- Examinations:A Level, AS, IGCSE
- Language:English
- First British boarding ethos in Japan
- Unrivalled focus on character growth
- Enrichment via diverse global connections
Annual tuition fees at Rugby School Japan range from 5,000,000 jpy to 8,200,000 jpy, depending on the student's grade level and program.
The annual School Fee consists of:Tuition Fee School Meals (Lunch)Annual Facility Maintenance FeeA discount is available if a full year fees are paid in advance. Additional Fees 'one off' fees:Application...The annual School Fee consists of:Tuition Fee (The same for Day and Boarding Students)Boarding Fee (an additional charge only for Boarding Students: 5 days or 7 days)School Meals (All meals:...
The British School of Córdoba
-
Andalusia - Cordoba
- Co-Education
- 2 to 18 years old
- School type:Day & Boarding School
- Yearly fee: 5,612 eur
- Curriculum:British Curriculum, IB Curriculum
- Foundation:1998
- Community: 457 students • 12 nationalities
- Examinations:A Level, IB Diploma, IGCSE
- Language:English, Spanish
- Embraces Bilingualism with Cambridge Assessment
- Focus on Emotional Intelligence Development
- Rich Blend of British and Spanish Cultures
Annual tuition fees at The British School of Córdoba start at 5,612 eur.
Inclusive of: schooling, canteen, school materials, books, academic and university guidance, educational guidance team with assessment, diagnosis and monitoring of educational needs, educational platforms (Tapestry, Dojo, Google Classroom, Unifrog, Testeando,...Includes: School fees (including equipment, books, lunch) Host family accommodation Meals Dedicated Spanish/English tutor In-person support from BSC staff Pastoral care
Institut Montana Zugerberg
-
Switzerland - Zug
- Co-Education
- 6 to 19 years old
- School type:Day & Boarding School
- Yearly fee: 32,900 - 72,800 chf
- Curriculum:British Curriculum, IB Curriculum, Swiss Curriculum
- Foundation:1926
- Community: 377 students • 55 nationalities
- Language:Bilingual, English, German
- Bilingual Diplomas: English & German
- Idyllic Swiss Mountain Environment
- Personalised Learning via 4:1 Ratio
Annual tuition fees at Institut Montana Zugerberg range from 32,900 chf to 72,800 chf, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Day school - Years 1-12:CHF 32,900 - 36,800 (annual)Boarding school - Years 5-12: Our boarding school begins at the age of 10 - CHF 70,400 - 72,800 (fee per year) Flexi-boarding: On request Note: Your child can stay...
Schloss Krumbach International School
-
Austria - Vorarlberg
- Co-Education
- 12 to 19 years old
- School type:Boarding School
- Yearly fee: 39,900 - 43,680 eur
- Curriculum:British Curriculum, IB Curriculum
- Foundation:2020
- Community: 25 students
- Examinations:A Level, IB Diploma, IGCSE
- Language:English, German
- Breathtaking Austrian castle setting
- Weekly outdoor education expeditions
- Cultivates global citizen ethos
Annual tuition fees at Schloss Krumbach International School range from 39,900 eur to 43,680 eur, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Keystone Academy
-
China - Beijing
- Co-Education
- 5 to 18 years old
- School type:Day & Boarding School
- Yearly fee: 250,000 - 387,500 cny
- Curriculum:American Curriculum, IB Curriculum
- Foundation:2014
- Community: 1600 students
- Language:Chinese, English
- Bilingual immersion, East meets West
- Boarding option from Grade 7
- Enriching Chinese Thread curriculum
Annual tuition fees at Keystone Academy range from 250,000 cny to 387,500 cny, depending on the student's grade level and program.
H-FARM International School
-
Veneto - Vicenza
- Co-Education
- 3 to 18 years old
- School type:Day & Boarding School
- Yearly fee: 9,500 - 21,000 eur
- Curriculum:IB Curriculum
- Community: 650 students • 25 nationalities
- Examinations:IB Diploma
- Language:English
- Innovation-focused learning approach
- Stunning 51-acre tech-inspired campus
- Bilingual immersion from day one
Annual tuition fees at H-FARM International School range from 9,500 eur to 21,000 eur, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Costs for Day students range from 8.000€ (nursery) to 18.000€ (IB Diploma Programme).Costs for Boarding students range from 15.000€ to 21.000€ (in addition to the Tuition fees).
Brillantmont International School
-
Vaud - Lausanne
- Co-Education
- 13 to 18 years old
- School type:Day & Boarding School
- Yearly fee: 31,500 - 103,500 chf
- Curriculum:American Curriculum, British Curriculum
- Foundation:1882
- Community: 95 students • 30 nationalities
- Examinations:A Level, AP, AS, IGCSE, SAT
- Language:English
- Swiss baccalaureate & US High School Diploma
- Breathtaking Lake Geneva views
- Family-owned, nurturing atmosphere
Annual tuition fees at Brillantmont International School range from 31,500 chf to 103,500 chf, depending on the student's grade level and program.
At Brillantmont, we welcome a small group of day students, who live with their parents in the local area. Day students are fully integrated into the school and are encouraged...We want our students to enjoy a full boarding and learning experience and take advantage of the numerous opportunities we offer beyond the classroom. For this reason, many things are...
North London Collegiate School Jeju
-
Jeju Island - Seogwipo City
- Co-Education
- 4 to 18 years old
- School type:Day & Boarding School
- Yearly fee: 25,500 - 35,500 usd
- Curriculum:British Curriculum, IB Curriculum
- Foundation:2011
- Community: 1420 students • 18 nationalities
- Examinations:IB Diploma, IGCSE
- Language:English
- Internationally-recognized British curriculum
- State-of-the-art campus facilities
- Enriching residential experience
Annual tuition fees at North London Collegiate School Jeju range from 25,500 usd to 35,500 usd, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Our tuition fees for day and boarding students ranges from $25,000 to $35,000 USDOur fees for boarding range from $9,000 to $18,000 USD
BBIS Berlin Brandenburg International School
-
Berlin - Kleinmachnow
- Co-Education
- 3 to 19 years old
- School type:Day & Boarding School
- Yearly fee: 14,500 - 23,650 eur
- Curriculum:IB Curriculum
- Foundation:1990
- Community: 900 students • 75 nationalities
- Examinations:IB Diploma
- Language:English
- Immersive bilingual program in Berlin
- Top-notch IB Diploma acceptance rates
- Strategic focus on experiential learning
Annual tuition fees at BBIS Berlin Brandenburg International School range from 14,500 eur to 23,650 eur, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Annual Boarding Fees 2024-2025 Grade 9 - 12 24,400 Euro
St. Joseph’s Institution International
-
South-eastern Asia - Singapore
- Co-Education
- 4 to 18 years old
- School type:Day & Boarding School
- Yearly fee: 37,000 - 46,000 sgd
- Curriculum:British Curriculum, IB Curriculum
- Foundation:2007
- Community: 2044 students • 48 nationalities
- Examinations:IB Diploma, IGCSE
- Language:English
- Holistic Lasallian education approach
- Diverse, inclusive global community
- Focus on service-based learning
Annual tuition fees at St. Joseph’s Institution International range from 37,000 sgd to 46,000 sgd, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Elementary School Fees range from $36,686 - $36,950 SGD || High School Fees range from $37,130 - $39,850 SGDBoarding is available from Grade 9 onwards. SJI International has appointed St Andrew’s Hall, a co-educational residence housing up to 600 students under the management of St Andrew’s Junior College,...
Fairfax Christian School
-
Virginia - Sterling
- Co-Education
- 5 to 19 years old
- School type:Day & Boarding School
- Yearly fee: 30,000 - 47,800 usd
- Curriculum:American Curriculum
- Foundation:1961
- Community: 339 students • 30 nationalities
- Language:English
- Unmatched 60-year educational legacy
- Bilingual fluency from K-12
- 100% college-acceptance record
Annual tuition fees at Fairfax Christian School range from 30,000 usd to 47,800 usd, depending on the student's grade level and program.
St Gilgen International School
-
Salzburg - St. Gilgen
- Co-Education
- 9 to 19 years old
- School type:Day & Boarding School
- Yearly fee: 31,700 - 73,200 eur
- Curriculum:IB Curriculum, IB Diploma Programme, IB Middle Years Programme
- Foundation:2008
- Community: 225 students • 35 nationalities
- Examinations:IB Diploma, IB MYP
- Language:English
- World-Class IB Curriculum
- Inspiring Alpine Environment
- Safe & Caring Boarding Community
Annual tuition fees at St Gilgen International School range from 31,700 eur to 73,200 eur, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Application Fee: €290 Enrolment Fee: €2,700 Deposit (refundable): €6,000 (Day student) What’s Included. Fees cover:- Academic tuition - Curriculum-based and enrichment trips/activities - Day students: School lunches Please note: Additional...Application Fee: €290 Enrolment Fee: €2,700 Deposit (refundable): €12,000 (Boarding student) What’s Included. Fees cover:- Academic tuition - Curriculum-based and enrichment trips/activities - Boarding students: Accommodation and all meals Please...
Haut-Lac International Bilingual School
-
Vaud - Lausanne
- Co-Education
- 3 to 18 years old
- School type:Day & Boarding School
- Yearly fee: 24,400 - 35,400 chf
- Curriculum:American Curriculum, IB Curriculum
- Foundation:1993
- Community: 600 students • 50 nationalities
- Examinations:American Diploma, IB Diploma
- Language:Bilingual, English, French
- Bilingual immersion from age 3
- Outdoor education focus
- Offers International Baccalaureate
Annual tuition fees at Haut-Lac International Bilingual School range from 24,400 chf to 35,400 chf, depending on the student's grade level and program.
St. Stephen’s School Rome
-
Lazio - Rome
- Co-Education
- 13 to 18 years old
- School type:Day & Boarding School
- Yearly fee: 28,960 - 49,413 eur
- Curriculum:IB Curriculum
- Foundation:1964
- Community: 308 students • 57 nationalities
- Examinations:IB Diploma
- Language:English
- Embrace global citizenship in Rome
- Boarding fosters independence
- IB curriculum with humanities focus
Annual tuition fees at St. Stephen’s School Rome range from 28,960 eur to 49,413 eur, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Day Program Tuition: EUR 28,960.00 | Locally sourced lunch: EUR 1,590.00 | New students Capital Assessment Fee: EUR 1,500.00 | Returning students Capital Assessment Fee: EUR 500 | Spring Trip...Boarding Tuition: EUR 20,453.00 | Total Boarding Tuition: EUR 49,413.00 | New students Capital Assessment Fee: EUR 1,500.00 | Returning students Capital Assessment Fee: EUR 500 | Spring Trip Deposit:...Discover Popular Destinations
Parent and Student Reviews
- Our son is at Leysin and having an excellent experience. With a fairly strict curriculum he has learned to study and focus on his classes. He has travelled across Europe and skies frequently at multiple Swiss resorts.
- March, 2025We visited this school for an open house event in the winter. We cannot say enough good things about the faculty. They were a group of incredibly experienced people from around the world, and also very welcoming. You don’t always see that from top talent. With its location next to New York City, the IB, waterfront, and huge campus, this is going to be one of the best schools in the world.
- January, 2025The school has an extremely impressive campus and professional experienced teachers mostly from the UK. There is an expectation for students to achieve academically but a focus to ensure a balance of indoor and outdoor activates plus classroom time. It is the best school in the area but is expensive.
- October, 2024Our 2 children have been at the school for almost 8 years. The caring, nurturing environment alongside rigorous academics, allowed my daughter to access a top university in UK while my son joined a boarding school in UK.
- We have been parents here at Fairfax Christian for the past three years. We now have a child in each level of the school, lower, middle and high school. The school kept our children safe and in school during the tumultuous time of the pandemic and we will be forever grateful. We have been blessed with teachers who are attentive and care about the character and education of our children. The challenging curriculum, diverse student population and a Christian education will keep our family at Fairfax Christian.
- 4.I know the Krumbach school in Austria where my niece Anne Princess GAKIZA, orphan of father and mother studies. This school takes care of all her needs (school fees, travel and accommodation, health care and insurance, ect. ..) and develop the child’s talents. As legal guardian, I am very delighted to have my niece in Krumbach school and I would recommend this school without a second thought…The orphan has a wonderful time at school with excellent relationships and attention, love and adequate education. In addition to her strong open-mindedness in the scientific field, she is learning several languages which is also a very pleasant tool to start for a long subsequent journey of study and learning!
The school allows also for very organized control of the behavior and needs of students in a more specific and personalized way.
I would like to thank all the staff and educational leaders of the school for the period already spent by my niece at Kumbrach school and the quality/service that was provided.
An exceptional school attentive to the specific needs of children, in a wonderful environment for children to learn and develop their creativity.
The school’s strong points are the maintenance of permanent liaison with parents, the communication of informations which trace the activities carried out by the children as well as the academic results of each term. You know it’s a good school when your child can’t wait to return at the end of the holidays. - February, 2024Our son is in his third year at the school. And we can already form an opinion about everything.
The first thing that sticks in the mind is the location: a castle on a mountain in the middle of the forest with an inexpressible view and always fresh air.
Secondly, the daily routine and hygiene in everything is observed with Austrian pedantry.
Third, the offices, lodging and recreation rooms, library, are modern and comfortable.
Fourth, the new sports ground, bicycles, contribute to the physical development of students.
Fifth, the kitchen, it deserves special praise. Diverse, full, healthy food. Special thanks for the days of cuisines of different nations. Pupils not only familiarize themselves with the dishes of the world, but also actively participate in their preparation.
The sixth is collective, creative work. Joint productions of plays, cognitive visits to museums, theaters, exhibitions, movies, concerts. Annual outings for skiing and skating in winter, hiking in summer and tourist trips to European countries. This is a topic for a separate comment.
And, finally, the seventh is the main thing. Educational process. Bilingualism! Education is a two-way process, teacher – student. The approach to the selection of teachers is serious. Not every teacher is able to be enthusiastic about his subject, complex to teach simply, while maintaining the subordination. It works here.
There are no perfect schools, as well as people. The administration solves force-majeure circumstances, nuances in requirements, difficulties in adaptation of teenagers and young men (at the expense of their moral and physical health) skillfully, keeping the spirit of the school and the priority of education.
We are sincerely grateful to all those who work, bring up, educate our son, showing him respect. - November, 2023This is a great school
- Our son is 8 years in BISP, next year graduating the IB program. We are so lucky being a part of the school community, having all the experiences in all offered sports, singing , art and foreign languages! Growing in multinational, tolerant, warm hearted environment, learning to give, to think criticaly, to enjoy friendship, active life style and celebrate diversity has been the best choice of school and we would do it again! Love our school! My son hopes it is still here for his future children after 20 years ?
- February, 2023Fairfax Christian School (FCS) has been a great foundation for all my children. They are all excelling academically, thanks to the challenging curriculum at FCS. Thank you, FCS!
- February, 2023Fairfax Christian School is providing my son the academic challenges we feel we have missed at other schools. When he graduates, we feel he will be well prepared, academically, for college.
- February, 2023My years at FCS were highlighted by dedicated, excellent teachers whom I respected. The wealth of the information, the teachers, imparted has added value: they often enlivened class periods with stories and experiences from their own lives and spoke of the lessons they had learned. Many of those stories I have recounted to my sons through the years. I am grateful for memories and friendships with classmates that have lasted these many years.
Summary
Elite boarding schools attract families seeking academic excellence, life skill development, and global networking opportunities. These institutions offer a challenging curriculum, a supportive and diverse community, and state-of-the-art facilities, preparing students for successful futures both personally and professionally.