11 Best Boarding Schools in California 2024 | How to Apply

Do you reside in California or elsewhere? Do you want to send your child to the best boarding school possible?

This post will address your queries about California boarding schools.

Giving your children the greatest education possible isn’t a pipe dream; deliberate efforts, such as sending them to top schools, are required.

Boarding schools in California provide a safe atmosphere for students by grooming and exposing them to all aspects of learning, thereby preparing them for the future.

Aside from receiving an excellent academic education, your children will be exposed to various extracurricular activities at a California boarding school. You’re well aware of the advantages.

Also, with over 25 premier college-prep and junior boarding schools in Southern California and California, serving 7,759 students, you can be confident in receiving a top-notch education.

Let’s look at all you need to know about the best boarding schools in California now that you know why it’s such a great place for students.

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Are there Boarding Schools in California?

Yes, California is the most populous and third-largest state by area in the United States, with 25 outstanding college prep and junior boarding schools serving 7,759 students across the state.

These boarding schools in California offer outstanding educational possibilities to pupils.

Here’s a list of some boarding schools in California.

• Besant Hill School of Happy Valley
• Cate School
• Dunn School
• The Athenian School
• The Thacher School
• Woodside Priory School
• Santa Catalina School
• Army and Navy Academy
• Midland School
• Villanova Preparatory School
• Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy
• The Webb Schools
• Ojai Valley School
• Oak Grove School
• San Domenico School

See More Boarding School: Best Boarding Schools In Oregon |

How Much Does Boarding School Cost in California?

If you’re a parent considering boarding school alternatives for your kid, you’ve certainly observed that choosing a school is more than just a matter of education – it’s also a matter of finances.

Paying for boarding school is a significant financial commitment that requires careful planning and assessing the return on investment. 

In California, however, the average boarding school education costs between $35,000 and $60,000.

Check Also: Best Boarding Schools in Florida |

What are the Most Affordable Boarding Schools in California?

If your budget for a boarding school of your choice is low, here are some boarding schools in California that have low tuition and are very affordable:

• California Lutheran High School has tuition of $4,455 per year
• Newbury Park Adventist Academy has tuition of $7,775 per year
• South Hills Academy, with tuition of $7,950 per year

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What are the Best Boarding Schools in California?

Many boarding schools can be found in the United States’ most populous state. As a result, parents in California who are looking for the best educational options for their children have come to the perfect place.

These institutions were chosen based on the student-to-teacher ratio, accreditation, and acceptance rate, among other considerations.

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1. Amerigo Los Angeles, Bishop Montgomery High School

Amerigo is a private boarding school in Southern California that offers students a once-in-a-lifetime chance to get a world-class education in Los Angeles, a city noted for its natural beauty and vibrant culture.

Moreso, students at Amerigo Los Angeles have access to high academics, a full extracurricular program, and a friendly atmosphere, all while taking advantage of Los Angeles’ tremendous natural beauty and distinctive cultural experiences.

Also, students are equipped for a bright future with options for middle and high school students.

As a result, Bishop Montgomery High School came out on top as one of California’s best boarding schools.

Note that students in grades 9–12 attend the co-ed school, with a student-teacher ratio of 1:7 and tuition of $70,550 for boarding students.

Also, note that the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Western Catholic Education Association accredit the California residential school (WCEA).

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2. Amerigo Napa Valley Justin-Siena High School

Justin-Siena is a Lasallian Catholic high school that offers academic excellence in a loving, Christ-centered environment that equips students to serve and lead in an ever-changing world.

Amerigo Napa Valley, located just outside the San Francisco Bay Area, combines a rigorous academic curriculum with a scenic, friendly community.

Furthermore, Justin-Siena High School students benefit from a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum designed to prepare students for competitive colleges and universities.

Also, students in the Amerigo program benefit from a residential and social environment designed to help their growth and support them as they reach their goals under the supervision of our experienced campus personnel.

Interestingly, students live in modern facilities with on-site dorm parents and participate in various weekend activities, including sports and recreational activities, off-site excursions and immersion tours, community service, and numerous American cultural holidays.

The Co-ed school, which has a 57 percent acceptance rate, serves grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 1:7 and tuition of $73,600 for boarding students. 

In addition, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Western Catholic Education Association accredit the residential school in California (WCEA).

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See Also: 10 Best Boarding Schools in New York| Requirements, Cost & How to Apply

3. Woodside Priory School

A group of seven Hungarian Benedictine monks from Saint Martin’s Archabbey founded Woodside Priory School in 1957. 

Therefore, it is California’s only co-ed Benedictine College Preparatory residential school! Woodside established the groundwork for a balanced educational adventure with a great faculty and a challenging college-prep program.

Also, students engage in serious intellectual debates with their well-qualified teachers in an average small class with a 6:1 student-to-teacher ratio. The admittance rate for the school is 57%, with a tuition of $76,450 for boarding students.

In addition, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS), the Western Catholic Education Association (WECA), and the Association of Boarding Schools have all granted it accreditation (TABS).

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4. Amerigo San Francisco Saint Patrick-Saint Vincent Catholic High School

Saint Patrick-Saint Vincent Catholic High School, founded in the traditions of the Dominican Sisters and the Congregation of Christian Brothers, instills academic achievement in the minds of its pupils.

Furthermore, SPSV students find the academic challenges they seek, and 99 percent plan to attend college. 

However, all educational programs are demanding, requiring each student to think, study, and perform at the highest level possible.

Also, student groups for art, music, French and Spanish, physics, speaking, sports medicine, and other fields can help students deepen and broaden their classroom learning.

Students at SPSV also benefit from a unique school-wide leadership program.

In addition, SPSV is implementing a multi-year technology strategy that includes new classroom technology, a new wifi infrastructure, a 1:1 iPad program for kids, and improved contact with our families through e-mail and e-news.

Their online grading program will also provide parents immediate access to their children’s progress.

Also, students in grades 9–12 attend the co-ed school with a student–teacher ratio of 1:7 and tuition of $74,200. 

Note that the National Catholic Education Association has granted accreditation to the residential school in California (NCEA).

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5. Army and Navy Academy

This all-boys military boarding school in southern California encourages and shapes lads to achieve their best.

Their core curriculum is based on the entry criteria of the University of California, and their college-preparatory curriculum includes Advanced Placement (AP) and honors courses.

However, academics aren’t just for the classroom. Teachers are accessible for tutoring immediately after lessons and throughout the evening study hall.

They also coach or supervise sports and activities, allowing them to become acquainted with kids outside the classroom.

With a student-to-teacher ratio of 15:1, their children receive the best possible education and succeed in any pursuit.

Also, grades 9–12 are offered at the all-boys school, with a student–teacher ratio of 15:1. It has a 57 percent acceptance rate and tuition of $59,900 for boarding students.

In addition, the National Catholic Education Association has granted accreditation to the residential school in California (NCEA).

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Read Through: 10 Best Boarding Schools in Virginia | Requirements, Cost & How to Apply

6. The Athenian School

Athenian is the San Francisco Bay Area’s first nonsectarian high school boarding program, located on 75 lovely acres at the base of Mt. Diablo.

The Athenian School prepares students for college-level difficulty and a life of purpose and personal fulfillment.

Furthermore, they develop each student’s characteristics to become integrated human beings with integrity, strong moral character, and physical well-being.

Also, an Athenian boarding school in California is where you may learn a lot about yourself, such as how you prioritize, collaborate, and handle responsibilities.

With more than 70 people (25 teachers, their families, and their dogs) living on campus, a little guidance is always accessible.

Moreover, you will gain group living skills while learning about other cultures and customs while living with a varied group of peers from roughly 20 countries.

Someone can always assist with homework or play soccer on the field.

Note that the Co-ed school, which has a 57 percent acceptance rate, serves grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 1:7 and tuition of $61,800 for boarding students.

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7. Besant Hill School

Besant Hill School is more than a school; it promotes a caring, learning, and empowered culture.

Besant Hill School provides a nurturing atmosphere for teenagers. Students are encouraged to use what they’ve learned and integrate fresh information about the issues they’re dealing with.

Furthermore, Students at Besant Hill School develop life skills that enable them to adapt to change and new learning.

Besant Hill School enrolls 100 students from 13 states in the United States and 17 countries worldwide, with a 99 percent admission rate and a 1:4 teacher-to-student ratio with tuition of $57,750 for boarding students.

Also, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) have accredited Besant Hill School of Happy Valley, and it is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS).

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8. Cate School

Cate School combines the academic rigor of East Coast prep schools with the West Coast’s adventurous attitude.

In California, a college-preparatory boarding school provides pupils an exclusive boarding school experience.

However, you will learn foundational abilities in English, history, humanities, art, math, science, foreign language, and human development during your freshman and sophomore years.

Then you can choose from over 35 elective courses to follow your unique interests and gain a deeper understanding of a subject.

In addition, the Co-ed school has 320 students with a 57 percent acceptance rate and a 5:1 student-to-teacher ratio with tuition of $50,600 for boarding students.

Also note that the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), The Association of Boarding Schools, and Cate School are all accredited (TABS).

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See Also: 10 Best Boarding Schools in Alabama| Requirements, Cost & How to Apply

9. Dunn School

Dunn School is a private residential school in Southern California founded in 1957.

Going forward, the Dunn School community aims to educate each student to their greatest potential to prepare them for a life of learning and responsible leadership in society.

Also, Dunn School is a compassionate community of teachers and students that take a holistic approach to whole-child development in a beautiful and secure setting in northern Santa Barbara County. 

Dunn Middle School’s activities are geared toward preparing students for a life of learning and responsible societal leadership.

In addition, the Co-ed residential school admits students in grades 6 through 12 with a 57 percent acceptance rate and a 5:1 student-to-teacher ratio with tuition of $66,900.

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10. Santa Catalina

Santa Catalina School is a top-rated, all-girls, private boarding Catholic school in Monterey, California.

From exceptional academics — including a marine ecology program that takes advantage of access to Monterey Bay — to competitive athletics in 12 sports and an arts program with professional-quality facilities, the school pushes students to succeed in every area.

Furthermore, boarding at Santa Catalina is full of fresh experiences and one-of-a-kind chances that our students create for themselves. They develop life skills and ideals that can only be learned in a community.

Also, Santa Catalina has 216 students in grades 9 through 12, with an 8-to-1 student-teacher ratio and tuition of $59,000. After graduation, every student from this school goes to a four-year university.

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11. EF Academy Pasadena

This is one of the Southern California boarding schools. The new Pasadena campus is in a quiet neighborhood with a varied landscape and a vibrant learning environment.

However, modern facilities, competent teachers, and internationally recognized academic programs are all features of EF Academy, a world-class boarding school.

As an EF student, you will grow as a person and gain the skills necessary for success in the globalized twenty-first century.

Finally, students explore different ideas and perspectives in class and during co-curricular activities, thanks to a 100% admission rate and a 7:1 student-teacher ratio, and a tuition of $50,000. The Southern California boarding school is highly regarded.

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Moving on, we divided these boarding schools into categories to suit your reading and understanding and also aid in selecting the boarding school you want.

Here they are:

What are the Boarding Schools in Southern California?

Southern California is well known for its sunny weather and dramatic Pacific coastline. You can also find some boarding schools in it. Those boarding schools include:

• Amerigo Los Angeles, Bishop Montgomery High School
• Army and Navy Academy
• Cate School
• Besant Hill School of Happy Valley
• Dunn School

What are the Boarding Schools in Northern California?

Northern California (or NorCal) is a fertile region from Oregon to San Luis Obispo County, known for its redwood forests and dramatic Pacific coastline. 

They can also find some boarding schools in it and include:

• The Athenian School
• Santa Catalina School
• Woodside Priory School
• Lake Tahoe Preparatory School

Read More: 10 Best Boarding Schools In New Jersey| Requirements, Cost & Admission

What are the Boarding Schools in Los Angeles, California?

Do you reside in Los Angeles and need boarding schools to choose from for your ward? Here are some of them:

• The Webb Schools
• Sierra Canyon School
• Fairmont Preparatory Academy

What are the Boarding Schools in Sacramento, California?

If you live in Sacramento, finding a boarding school shouldn’t be hard, as many boarding schools can be found in the city. Some of them are:

• River Valley School
• Merryhill School
• St Philomene School

What are the Boarding Schools in San Diego, California?

San Diego is a city found in Southern California, and it is home to some boarding schools for both boys and girls. They include:

• Mater Dei Catholic High School
• Fred Finch Youth Center

What are the Boarding Schools in San Francisco, California?

San Francisco is another city located in Southern California. It is a beautiful city that houses a few of the boarding schools in California. These boarding schools include:

• San Domenico School
• California Crosspoint Academy
• Eastside College Preparatory School

What are the Boarding Schools in Malibu, California?

Malibu is a city west of Los Angeles, California. It’s known for its celebrity homes and beaches, including wide and sandy Zuma Beach. It is proudly home to many boarding schools in the state. These boarding schools include:

• Our Lady of Malibu School
• The Sycamore School
• Malibu High School
• Olympic High School

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What are the Boarding Schools in Orange County, California?

Do you reside in Orange County? Are you looking for boarding schools located in the city? Here are some of them:

• St. Catherine’s Academy
• Fairmont Preparatory Academy
• Orangewood Academy

What are the Boarding Schools in Beverly Hills, California?

Beverly Hills is a city in Los Angeles, California. It is home to many Hollywood stars, so there are good boarding schools where their children probably go in the city. If you reside in this city and need to know some of the boarding schools, then here they are:

• Futures Academy – Beverly Hills
• Hillel Hebrew Academy
• Beverly Hills High School

Are there Public Boarding Schools in California?

Definitely, yes, there are public boarding schools in California that are owned and managed by the government. They include:

• Crane Union High School
• Crow Creek Tribal School
• Cheyenne-Eagle Butte School
• California School for the Blind

Are there Private Boarding Schools in California?

Many private boarding schools in California are owned and managed by individuals in the state. These private boarding schools range from all-girls or all-boys to co-ed boarding schools. They include:

• The Thacher School
• Dunn School
• Woodside Priory School
• Stevenson School

Read Also: 10 Best Boarding Schools in Pennsylvania| Requirements, Cost & Admission

What are the All-Girls Boarding Schools in California?

California is not left out when it comes to all-girl boarding schools. Some boarding schools in the State admit only girls, and they include:

• Santa Catalina School
• Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy
• River View Christian Academy

What are the All-Boys Boarding Schools in California?

Like all-girls boarding schools in California, boys are not left out when it comes to all-boys boarding schools. Some boarding schools in the State admit only boys, and they include:

• Army and Navy Academy
• St. Catherine’s Academy
• St. John Bosco High School

Are there Military Boarding Schools in California?

If you’re seeking military boarding schools in California, you won’t find a better experience than the one provided by these four outstanding colleges. 

Whether you want to raise your GPA and pursue higher education or a more structured atmosphere to work on personal development, these schools will provide you with the tools you need to boost your prospects. They are:

• Army and Navy Academy
• California Military Institute
• St. Catherine’s Academy
• Oakland Military Institute

Are there Christian Boarding Schools in California?

There are Christian boarding schools that specialize in helping problematic teenagers. Their goal is to help their pupils overcome the issues that brought them in.

Whether your child is dealing with rage, drug abuse, stealing, a lack of self-control, or lying regularly, these schools can help!

• Mater Dei Catholic High School
• Our Lady of Malibu School
• St. Catherine’s Academy
• Orangewood Academy

What are the Therapeutic Boarding Schools in California for Troubled Youths?

Are you looking for a low-cost therapy option for a troublesome adolescent? Is your teen misbehaving, getting into legal or school difficulties, or engaging in self-destructive behaviors? 

In California, there are a variety of therapeutic boarding schools for underperforming, unruly, or disobedient youth. They will turn your child around and provide him or her with the tools they need to succeed in life in terms of conduct, spirituality, mental health, and academics.

They include:

• River View Christian Academy
• Sunset Bay Academy
• Army and Navy Academy

Also See: 10 Best Boarding Schools in Ohio| Requirements, Costs & How to Apply

Conclusion

Giving your children the best education possible isn’t a pipe dream; deliberate efforts, such as sending them to top schools, are required. 

Therefore, boarding schools in California provide a safe atmosphere for students by grooming and exposing them to all aspects of learning, thereby preparing them for the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

References

• Kiiky.com
• Edarabia.com
• Niche.com
• Wikipedia.org

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