US$2,243 for boarding: Expensive boarding schools aren’t the only good options out there

Boarding schools, outside of regular day schools, are often advertised as the best place to let your child grow.

It’s where kids build their independence, find their place in a community of peers, and discover more about themselves outside the comforts of home.

They also, oftentimes, come with hefty price tags.

The Institut auf dem Rosenberg in St Gallen, Switzerland, is far from being part of the cheapest boarding schools in the world.

In fact, with an average annual tuition fee of US$168,771.62, it is quite the opposite.

On their website, the school says that they “only admit students who are keen to contribute to our community and are able to enrich their friends’ time at the school through their own personality and talents.”

Another prestigious school with a price tag to match is Institut Le Rosey, also located in Switzerland, where students pay a tuition fee of US$162,813.26 a year.

Here, the school emphasises academic excellence (Roseans have the option to take the International Baccalaureate Diploma or the French Baccalaureate, as well as a myriad of foreign language options) and a rigorous extracurricular programme covering sports, technology, the arts, service learning, and cultural activities. 

While the prices of the schools doubtlessly match its offerings, there are more affordable options to choose from; the cheapest boarding schools in the world aren’t lagging behind with their own promises.

Many of these inexpensive boarding schools maintain high academic standards and offer a nurturing environment for students. They focus on creating an inclusive and supportive place where students can excel.

8 cheapest boarding schools in the world 

1. Caxton College 

Tuition fees: US$9,883.49

Grades: early years to sixth form

Caxton College is one of the cheapest boarding schools in the world. Located in Valencia, Spain, this co-educational private school has provided affordable quality education since 1987. They have consistently been rated as one of the five best schools in the Valencian province. 

The school follows the British National Curriculum, and while most of the students are Spanish, 25% of the student body comes from overseas. 

The first year of enrolment fee is around US$9,883.49, which includes the registration fee, tuition fee, and resource fee. 

2. Red Bird Christian School 

Tuition fees: as low as US$12 per month

Grades: Pre-K to Grade 12

Red Bird Christian School is a private, faith-based school located in the mountains of southeastern Kentucky, US. 

Part of The Red Bird Mission, the school is dedicated to academic excellence, leadership, service, and spiritual development. The school’s site says that students who are accepted into their programmes must demonstrate a desire to succeed in the college preparatory curriculum, seek a closer relationship with the Lord, develop Christian leadership skills, and foster a spirit of service. 

 

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3. Alma Mater International School 

Tuition fees: From US$2,243.32 to US$5,856.19

Grades: Age one to 18 years old 

Nestled in the heart of Johannesburg, South Africa, Alma Mater International School is not only one of the cheapest boarding schools in the country but also in the world. 

The international school is known for offering world-class Cambridge education, research mentorship, and Elite Sports programmes. Beyond that, they emphasise on instilling an international mindset in students by promoting cultural understanding, fostering global perspectives, and nurturing respect for diverse viewpoints through immersive experiences, the Global Citizenship Committee, and a multicultural learning environment.

4. Colchester Royal Grammar School 

Tuition fees: No tuition fee, US$7,079.91 per term for boarding 

Grades: Age 11 to 18

As a state-funded grammar school, Colchester Royal Grammar School, there are no tuition fees, only boarding fees. 

Located in Essex, UK, the school was founded in 1128 and offers both primary education and secondary education. The school caters towards young boys from age 11 to 18 and admits girls into its co-educational sixth form. 

It has been named the best secondary school in East Anglia and ranks sixth among grammar schools in the UK.

 

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5. Bronte College 

Tuition fees: US$49,700 (Grades nine to 11), US$46,100 (Grades 12)

Grades: nine to 12 

Founded in 1991, Bronte College is a private, co-educational day and boarding high school located in Ontario, Canada. 

Graduates here earn the internationally recognized Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), and have the option of going for other options such as the Advanced Placement (AP) Programme, the Express Programme and the Leadership Development Programme. 

On top of that, the school is committed to preparing students for college and even partners with the University of Guelph to offer college-level courses.

6. Oakdale Christian Academy 

Tuition fees: US$4,000 (Junior Kindergarten) to US$11,000 (Grades nine to 12) per year 

Grades: Kindergarten to Grade 12

Oakdale Christian Academy is a Christ-centered academic boarding school in Kentucky, US. Founded in 1921, they are the first boarding school in America accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).

Those specifically looking for a college preparatory education in a Christian environment where they can reach their potential will find no better place than at the school. Annually, the school enrols students from 20 states and eight countries; 15% of students are international, and 40% are non-white.

7. Saint John’s Academy

Tuition fees: Starts at US$156.03 for Class one to Class five and goes up to US$209.73 for Class 11 and Class 12 per term

Grades: Pre-nursery to Class 12

Established in 1993, Saint John’s Academy in Karchhana is listed as one of the main English Medium Schools in Allahabad, India.

A co-ed school, they boast spacious buildings designed with modern, environment-friendly architecture. It is coupled with abundant greenery all around and has a vast campus to accommodate at least 2000 students, including 200 boarders in the hostel.

Academically, Saint John’s Academy is affiliated to the Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations, New Delhi, and has at its command in-built modern infrastructure for teaching Sciences, Computer Science, Arts and Commerce.

 

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8. Dallam School

Tuition fees: No tuition fees, boarding fees is US$5,883.84 per term for ages 11 to 15 and US$6,535.16 per term for students above 16

Grades: Ages 11 to 18

Located in Cumbria, UK, Dallam School is one of the cheapest boarding schools in the world. It is a co-educational state-sponsored boarding school.

Founded in 1984, the school was formed through the merging of Heversham Grammar School and Milnthorpe Secondary School. The curriculum is designed to prepare students between the ages of 11 and 18 for college and beyond. In fact, 95% of its students received their first-choice university offer.