12 best boarding schools in Los Angeles, California 2024

Boarding Schools in Los Angeles. Guide for foreign students

In the United States today, there exists a vast landscape of approximately 29,000 private boarding schools. With no uniform standard for secondary education, these institutions offer diverse programs, teaching methodologies, and academic rigor levels. Notably, boarding schools in Los Angeles, California, stand out for their well-rounded schedules and exceptional accommodations, making them an attractive choice for international students.

A Haven for Excellence and Safety

The top boarding schools in California extend comprehensive support to students, encompassing both educational and residential aspects. These institutions provide students with room and board, meticulously curate their free time, and maintain a safe and secure campus environment. For foreign students, this arrangement offers a remarkable convenience, especially when their parents reside in another country. Traditionally, the best boarding schools in California adhere to stringent academic standards and embrace cultural diversity. Smaller class sizes enable educators to engage with students on an individual basis, fostering academic growth. Moreover, the controlled yet moderately free environment nurtures self-confidence and hones vital social skills.

Enriching Extracurricular Experiences

Boarding schools in Southern California commonly feature a wide array of extracurricular activities and encourage active participation in various events. For instance, The Kings Academy's school choir had the honor of performing at the inaugurations of Presidents George H.W. Bush and Donald Trump.

Some California boarding schools maintain separate campuses for boys and girls, reflecting the popularity of single-sex education in the state. This approach often leads to heightened focus on academic pursuits. Additionally, top boarding schools in California offer specialized environments tailored to specific areas of study. For instance, students at The Athenian School in California gain hands-on experience building airplanes as part of their Engineering Design class. Strong academic emphasis on mathematics and physics is evident, with 24–27 students earning invitations to Stanford University each year to continue their studies.

Simon Kizhner

Regional Admissions representative, EMEA

What are the most important questions parents ask when choosing a school in the USA?

The main thing to consider is how the chosen school suits your child, his habits, ambitions, interests. In principle, the criteria that are taken into account in the rankings will become good determinants: class size, names of universities that graduates choose, composition of the student community, location, etc.

Tuition fees for the best boarding schools in Los Angeles, California, can vary based on factors such as school location, program offerings, and faculty size. Typically, annual tuition fees range from $25,000 to $70,000, which often include room and board in school residences or with host families.

Many parents and students find that the overall benefits of attending a boarding school far outweigh the associated costs. Living independently fosters self-discipline, and the educational system encourages critical, independent thinking. Graduating from an American boarding school opens doors to universities worldwide, thanks to the school's reputation. Students also enhance their English proficiency and become fully immersed in a rich cultural environment. These advantages explain why thousands of local and international students choose to leave their homes and pursue their education at American boarding schools.

Applying to boarding schools in Los Angeles as a foreign student can be a comprehensive process, but it can open doors to an enriching academic experience in one of the most diverse and vibrant cities in the United States. Here's a general outline of the steps involved in the application process:

Research and School Selection. Start by researching and identifying the boarding schools in Los Angeles that align with your academic and personal goals. Consider factors such as location, academic programs, extracurricular offerings, and available scholarships for international students.

Admission Requirements. Carefully review the admission requirements for each school, as they may differ. Common requirements include academic transcripts, standardized test scores (such as the SSAT or ISEE), letters of recommendation, a personal statement or essay, and proof of English language proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS scores for non-native English speakers).

Financial Planning. Determine the cost of tuition, boarding, and additional expenses for each school. Investigate scholarships, grants, and financial aid opportunities for international students, as many boarding schools are dedicated to making their programs accessible to a diverse range of students.

Application Submission. Complete the application forms for your selected boarding schools, paying close attention to deadlines. Make sure all required documents, essays, and fees are submitted as per the school's guidelines.

Interview and Campus Visit: Some schools may require an interview, which can be conducted in person or remotely. If feasible, consider visiting the schools you're interested in to get a feel for the campus, meet with admissions staff, and learn more about the community.

Admission Decision. After submitting your application, you'll need to await the school's admission decision. The admissions committee will assess your academic qualifications, recommendations, and overall fit with the school's mission and community.

Enrollment: If accepted, you'll receive an acceptance letter and instructions for enrollment. Be sure to complete all necessary forms and deposits to secure your spot at the school.

• North Broward Preparatory School

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• The Storm King School New York

• Red Bank Catholic High School

• Windermere Preparatory School

• Shattuck St. Mary's School

• Cheshire Academy

• Cate School

• Ross School

• Deerfield Academy

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