Top US Boarding High Schools Accepting International Students

Deciding on the right boarding high school in the U.S. is a milestone decision for students and families abroad. A boarding school offers more than just academic instruction; it delivers a full immersion into American culture, academic rigour, extracurricular engagement, and a carefully structured path to college readiness. For an international student, stepping onto a U.S. boarding campus means access to world-class resources, guidance counsellors familiar with global admissions standards, and a peer group from around the world.

Choosing from the best options can feel overwhelming. Every school markets unique strengths—whether it’s a strong college preparatory curriculum, exceptional sports facilities, or supportive ESL pathways. Clarity is essential: not all boarding schools accept international applicants, and among those that do, programs vary dramatically.

In this guide, we highlight the top US boarding high schools accepting international students, helping you compare tuition fees, acceptance rates, unique strengths, and insights into daily life on campus. By the end, you’ll be equipped to identify schools that align with personal goals, educational priorities, and cultural needs.

Why Boarding School is an Advantage for International Students

1. Academic Preparation for College
   Boarding schools often offer AP, IB, or dual-enrollment programs that align with university expectations. Their graduates stand out in U.S. college admissions.
   
2. Intensive Support Structures
   From English as a Second Language (ESL) instructors to peer mentors, international students get dedicated guidance for linguistic and cultural adjustment.
   
3. Safe, 24/7 Learning Environment
   Residential life ensures a stable, supervised campus environment—especially valuable for families seeking consistency and immersion.
   
4. Global Peer Network
   Boarding campuses draw students from across the globe, enabling cross-cultural friendships, international clubs, and a tolerant school culture.
   

Comparing school environments is easier when considering day schools you’ve researched, like Best High Schools in Texas for College Prep or Best Magnet High Schools in New York City. Both offer examples of schools that attract global students and structure academic rigour to international standards.

If you’re unsure which educational path best suits your teen—boarding, day, or magnet—a helpful starting point is our article on How to Choose the Right High School for Your Teen in the US. It outlines key decision metrics and fosters parent–teen collaboration.

Top 10 Boarding Schools for International Students

Below are schools known for welcoming international students, along with key data:

1. Groton School (MA)

• Tuition & Fees: ~$72,000/year
  
• Acceptance Rate: ~13%
  
• Highlights:
  
  • Offers over 40 international student scholarships.
    
  • IB Diploma program with strong support for ELL learners.
    
  • Small classes (7:1 student-teacher ratio) and robust college counselling.
    
  • The weekly advisory system provides emotional and academic guidance.
    

2. Deerfield Academy (MA)

• Tuition & Fees: ~$76,000/year
  
• Acceptance Rate: ~14%
  
• Highlights:
  
  • Diverse international population (~20% of students).
    
  • Regents coursework along with a liberal arts curriculum.
    
  • 100% college placement into four-year universities.
    
  • Family-style dorm living and strong weekend activity programs.
    

3. Phillips Exeter Academy (NH)

• Tuition & Fees: ~$77,000/year
  
• Acceptance Rate: ~19%
  
• Highlights:
  
  • Harkness method of teaching (seminar-style learning).
    
  • Strong ESL instruction and an international student office.
    
  • AP courses, global seminars, and extensive student clubs.
    
  • An alumni network with a global footprint and support.
    

4. Choate Rosemary Hall (CT)

• Tuition & Fees: ~$74,000/year
  
• Acceptance Rate: ~14%
  
• Highlights:
  
  • Mandarin Chinese major, Global Studies concentration.
    
  • Semester-abroad programs in East Asia and Europe.
    
  • Faculty advisers who provide structured academic mentorship.
    

5. The Hotchkiss School (CT)

• Tuition & Fees: ~$75,000/year
  
• Acceptance Rate: ~16%
  
• Highlights:
  
  • Financial assistance for income-tested international families.
    
  • ICC (International Culture Council) organises cultural exchanges.
    
  • The US boarding curriculum is combined with arts-integrated learning.
    

6. Nineveh-Henshaw School (PA)

• Tuition & Fees: ~$68,000/year
  
• Acceptance Rate: ~18%
  
• Highlights:
  
  • Known for STEM and robotics programs with national competition teams.
    
  • ESL blended into academic classes, not isolated instruction.
    
  • Boarding Faculty who act as surrogate families.
    

7. St. Paul’s School (NH)

• Tuition & Fees: ~$73,000/year
  
• Acceptance Rate: ~15%
  
• Highlights:
  
  • Offers need-blind admission for international applicants.
    
  • Integrates AP & IB, strong environmental science focus.
    
  • “Big siblings” peer mentorship across grades.
    

8. Taft School (CT)

• Tuition & Fees: ~$75,000/year
  
• Acceptance Rate: ~15%
  
• Highlights:
  
  • AP and Global Leadership initiatives.
    
  • Boarding policy fosters intercultural roommates.
    
  • Financial aid covers up to 90% based on need.
    

9. Mercersburg Academy (PA)

• Tuition & Fees: ~$70,000/year
  
• Acceptance Rate: ~18%
  
• Highlights:
  
  • The IB curriculum lum with a high pass rate among international students.
    
  • Exchange programs with partner schools in Europe/Asia.
    
  • The The Gateway Counsellor program assists boarding students in transitioning.
    

10. Cristo Rey School (IL)

• Tuition & Fees: ~$72,000/year
  
• Acceptance Rate: ~20%
  
• Highlights:
  
  • Global leadership and service-learning curriculum.
    
  • Corporate Work Study is tied into academic requirements.
    
  • Scholarship support specifically reserved for international students.
    

Life as an International Boarding Student

Academic Experience

• Full-day structured schedules with afternoon supervision.
  
• ESL classes are embedded in the daily curriculum.
  
• Mandatory math, science, language, and electives based on graduation requirements similar to those you’d find outlined in our guide on graduation requirements in US high schools.
  

Residential Life

• Dormitories are supervised by faculty or rotating house staff.
  
• Students share rooms with both domestic and international roommates.
  
• Weekend enrichment includes activities, arts, sports, and local excursions.
  

Cultural Support

• Most schools have a dedicated international student coordinator.
  
• Local families sometimes host weekend visits (“homestays”).
  
• Clubs and events promote intercultural dialogue and global awareness.
  

Admissions Process for International Students

Application Essentials

• Transcript & academic records (translated if needed).
  
• Standardised testing (TOEFL/IELTS, SSAT/ISEE).
  
• Teacher recommendations, interviews (virtual/in-person).
  
• Essay or personal statement reflecting a global perspective.
  

Visa & Legal

• Schools issue an I-20 for obtaining an F-1 visa.
  
• Students must attend a visa interview at the U.S. embassy/consulate.
  
• Upon arrival, orientation and SEVIS check-in are conducted.
  

Scholarships & Financial Aid

• Many top schools offer need-based aid to international applicants.
  
• Merit scholarships often require early submission and interviews.
  

How to Choose the Best Fit

When evaluating schools:

• Match academic interests (e.g., STEM, arts, leadership).
  
• Assess location and safety (urban vs rural).
  
• Look into support systems (ESL, college counselling, mental health).
  
• Review extracurricular offerings and dorm life.
  
• Consider financial cost vs scholarship opportunities.
  
• Arrange a visit or virtual tour if possible.
  

Our comparative framework from How to Choose the Right High School for Your Teen in the US can help you score each factor and make a confident decision.

External Resources

• Niche’s Top Boarding Schools Rankings
  
• EF Academy’s international boarding program details on EF Academy Boarding USA
  
• Encyclopedia of best boarding schools at TheBestSchools.org
  
• State-by-state boarding support via ECS Graduation Requirements comparison
  

Final Thoughts

Pursuing a top-tier U.S. boarding school as an international student opens doors to exceptional academics, a global peer community, and structured preparation for the American college system. From tuition costs to dorm life, from ESL support to cultural immersion—every detail matters in choosing the right match.

If you’re considering different school types, take a look at our profiles on:

• Graduation Requirements in US High Schools
  
• Best High Schools in Texas for College Prep
  
• Best Magnet High Schools in New York City
  

With preparation, research, and clear priorities, you’ll find a welcoming U.S. boarding school that supports your teen’s future vision.

❓ FAQs

1. Is admission competitive for international applicants?
   Yes. Acceptance rates range from ~10% to 20%—similar to selective colleges.
   
2. What is the total cost for boarding and tuition?
   Combined costs typically fall between $68,000 and $77,000/year, depending on the school.
   
3. Do they offer ESL support?
   All top schools listed provide integrated ESL support and structured orientation programs.
   
4. Can I get a scholarship?
   Yes—many offer need-based or merit-based aid, often covering a significant portion of tuition.
   

5. Do these schools help with U.S. college placement?
Absolutely—college counselling is highly personalised, with nearly 100% placement rates.