16 best boarding schools in New York 2024

Boarding Schools in New York. Guide for foreign students

New York presents an extensive array of boarding schools for students and their parents to choose from, with variations in areas of focus and educational programs. Beyond traditional co-ed boarding schools, you'll find institutions emphasizing:

• Military Preparation: These are military boarding schools, offering initial training in military discipline.

• Therapeutic Support: Some schools specialize in providing therapy and psychological assistance to teenagers facing challenges or those with specific health conditions.

• Specialized Sciences and Disciplines: Boarding schools specializing in Fine Arts, Mathematics, and Science cater to students with a keen interest in these fields.

Additionally, some schools exclusively admit and educate teenagers within specific age groups. For instance, only students from the seventh grade or those in the tenth to twelfth grades, among others. On the other hand, some schools offer the complete secondary school curriculum, spanning from the first to the twelfth grade.

Key Features of Boarding Schools in New York for foreign students

Several factors should be considered when choosing a boarding school in New York:

• Average SAT Scores: Assess the average SAT scores of graduates, as this provides insights into academic performance.

• Total Student Population: Examine the size of the student body to understand the school's community and class sizes.

• Acceptance Rate: The percentage of students admitted to the school out of all applicants can indicate the level of competitiveness.

• Cost of Education: Understanding the tuition fees and additional expenses is essential.

These factors contribute to the school's ranking, with higher rankings signifying greater prestige.

Important Considerations

Before making a decision, it's crucial to ascertain whether the chosen boarding school is accredited by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services and whether it is authorized to admit foreign students.

Accommodation at Top Boarding Schools in New York

Foreign students studying in New York have two accommodation options: residing within the school's premises or with a host family. Host families typically have extensive experience in hosting international students, ensuring a comfortable and secure environment for their guests. On-campus accommodation guarantees around-the-clock security, with staff readily available to assist students with domestic matters. Whether living on campus or with a host family, students have the opportunity to enhance their English language skills.

Activities at Boarding Schools in New York, USA

Education at the best boarding schools in New York goes beyond classroom learning, emphasizing a combination of theory and practical experience. Through the Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) program, students engage in hands-on activities that foster problem-solving, project-building, and collaboration skills.

• Clubs: Students can immerse themselves in their interests and explore new passions through various clubs, with over 65 options to choose from. Extracurricular activities not only keep students active but also provide opportunities to develop new skills. Students even have the chance to initiate their own clubs with the support of coordinators.

• Sports: Boarding schools in New York offer sports programs to enhance physical fitness and teamwork. These programs include high school and junior high school sports teams, some of which have achieved top recognition in the state. Additionally, students can participate in various on-campus sports clubs to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.

• Activities and Excursions: Extracurricular coordinators ensure that students have exciting trips and activities in their schedules to look forward to. Studying at boarding schools transforms New York into an educational playground. Students deepen their academic and cultural understanding through museum visits, exhibitions, outdoor excursions, and hands-on experiments.

How to apply to Boarding Schools in New York

Applying to boarding schools in New York can be a rewarding and life-changing experience for students seeking a top-notch education in an academically rigorous and culturally diverse environment. Here's a general outline of the steps involved in the application process:

• Research and Select Schools. Begin by researching the various boarding schools in New York to find the ones that best match your academic and personal goals. Consider factors such as location, size, academic programs, extracurricular activities, and the school's mission.

• Gather Application Materials. Most boarding schools will require a comprehensive application package. This typically includes your academic transcripts, standardized test scores (like the SSAT or ISEE), teacher recommendations, a personal essay, and any other specific requirements set by the school.

• Complete the Application. Fill out the application forms provided by the schools you're interested in. Pay careful attention to deadlines, as they can vary from one institution to another. Be sure to provide accurate and complete information, as it will play a crucial role in the admissions process.

• Financial Aid (if needed). If you require financial aid, make sure to complete the necessary financial aid forms and submit them alongside your application. Many schools offer need-based financial aid, and it's important to meet their deadlines for consideration.

• Interviews and Campus Visits: Some schools may require an interview as part of the application process. Additionally, if possible, consider visiting the schools you're interested in to get a feel for the campus and the community.

• Admissions Decisions: After submitting your application, you'll typically have to wait for the school's admissions office to make a decision. Admissions committees consider various factors, including your academic performance, extracurricular involvement, recommendations, and the overall fit with the school's community.

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.

The cost of boarding schools in New York can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the school's location, reputation, facilities, and the level of financial aid available. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $40,000 to $70,000 or more per year for tuition and boarding. Some of the most prestigious and well-known boarding schools in New York, such as Phillips Exeter Academy and Choate Rosemary Hall, may have annual costs at the higher end of this range.

It's essential to note that these figures often do not include additional expenses like textbooks, uniforms, extracurricular activities, and personal spending money, which can add to the overall cost. However, many boarding schools offer need-based financial aid to help make their programs more accessible to a broader range of students. The availability and amount of financial aid can vary from one school to another, so it's crucial to research and inquire about their specific policies and application procedures if you require assistance in covering the costs.

In summary, the cost of attending a boarding school in New York can be significant, but it's essential to consider the quality of education and the potential for personal growth and development that these institutions offer. Many families find that the investment in a boarding school education is well worth it, and financial aid options can make these opportunities more accessible to a diverse range of students.

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