boarding schools in Pennsylvania are a great choice for both local and expat families as they offer globally recognized curricula, outstanding academics plus a nurturing environment for children. Discover our selection of the best boarding schools in Pennsylvania, including reviews, fees, and why families choose them.
Why choose a boarding school in Pennsylvania?
Choosing the right boarding school for your child can significantly impact their future, and Pennsylvania’s boarding schools are renowned for offering an educational experience that is both enriching and transformative. Known for their rigorous academics, these institutions also emphasize a holistic development approach that nurtures students into well-rounded individuals ready to face the global challenges of tomorrow.
Academic Excellence
Pennsylvania boarding schools boast a tradition of academic excellence, with a curriculum designed to prepare students for success in higher education and beyond. The student-to-teacher ratios are typically low, allowing for personalized attention and tailored instruction that caters to each student's unique needs and learning styles. Advanced Placement (AP) courses, International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, and specialized STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) offerings are common, providing students with a plethora of opportunities to advance their knowledge and skills in various disciplines.
Rich Extracurricular Programs
Extracurricular activities are pivotal in Pennsylvania boarding schools, promoting not only physical health but also social skills, leadership qualities, and creative expression. Students have the opportunity to engage in a variety of sports, arts, music, and club activities, which fosters a well-balanced lifestyle that is crucial during adolescent years. These programs also encourage teamwork, resilience, and time management—skills essential for personal and professional success.
Global Community and Networking
Attending a boarding school in Pennsylvania offers students a chance to become part of a diverse community. Schools here are melting pots of cultures, bringing together students from different nationalities and backgrounds. This diversity prepares students for global citizenship, making them more adaptable and culturally aware. Furthermore, the alumni networks associated with these schools are often strong, helping graduates gain internships and job placements through various alumni events and mentorship programs.
Supportive Environment and Personal Growth
The residential nature of boarding schools in Pennsylvania facilitates a supportive community where students can engage with their peers and faculty members beyond the classroom. This constant interaction helps in building strong relationships and offers a support system that aids in personal growth and emotional development. Boarding schools also provide structured environments that teach students independence and responsibility, qualities that are invaluable as they move towards adulthood.
In conclusion, Pennsylvania’s boarding schools offer more than just a high-standard education. They provide a nurturing environment that fosters academic, emotional, and social development, preparing students to excel in their future endeavors and lead successful, fulfilling lives. The blend of rigorous academics, rich extracurricular activities, and a supportive, diverse community makes these schools an ideal choice for those seeking comprehensive development for their children.
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See what other families looking for Boarding Schools in Pennsylvania have also explored.
Top rated boarding schools in Pennsylvania 2025
Lancaster Mennonite School
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THINK Global School
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Fairfax Christian School
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North Broward Preparatory School, A Nord Anglia Education School
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Paris Saint-Germain Academy USA Pro Academy
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IMG Academy
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Windermere Preparatory School, A Nord Anglia Education School
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Lexington Christian Academy
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The Village School, A Nord Anglia Education School
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Lancaster Mennonite School
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How much do boarding schools in Pennsylvania cost?
According to World Schools data, the yearly tuition fee for boarding schools in Pennsylvania ranges between $59800 and $59800. However, the cost varies significantly depending on various factors such as the school curriculum, extracurricular activities, location, and facilities, and can go up to $59800.
The average yearly cost is $59800, around $6000 per month, and can go up to the maximum monthly cost of $6000.
Additionally, most schools will also charge a one-time registration fee, and you also need to count an extra budget during the year for extracurricular trips, holiday camps, etc.
If you would like to explore boarding schools in Pennsylvania with yearly fee filters, please use our advanced search filters.
Tips for Choosing a Boarding School in Pennsylvania
Parent and Student Reviews of boarding schools in Pennsylvania
- Our 2 children have been at the school for almost 8 years. The caring, nurturing environment alongside rigorous academics, allowed my daughter to access a top university in UK while my son joined a boarding school in UK.Written October 20, 2024
- When my wife became seriously ill, I took my children out of prep school and enrolled them at Wendover, where they stayed for 3 years. At prep school, they had been very average academically, but their time at Wendover transformed them—they developed a real love for learning. We later moved to Spain and decided to place them in an international school, thinking it would help us integrate. They are now top of their respective years academically and still often talk about how much they miss Wendover. I can’t recommend Wendover highly enough, and my children would be happy to share their experiences with anyone who’s interested.Written October 16, 2024
- A great place with great people. Friendly, family atmosphere and high level of education.Written September 27, 2024
- Awesome teachers and lovely classmates.Written September 26, 2024
- The school guarantees a high level of education. I recommend it.Written September 23, 2024
- I am so excited that U-Tech is now bringing the experience of JIA to students outside of Michigan! My time at JIA was pivotal to my success later in life. The unique structure of the program allowed me the flexibility to tailor my education to fit my individual needs, which was a game-changer for me. I took advantage of my flexible schedule to enroll in college courses and collaborate with JIA/U-Tech staff to create custom curriculum that aligned with my post-high school goals.The tools and strategies I gained during my time at JIA equipped me to excel in graduate school and now in my career as a Data Scientist at Garmin. The emphasis on critical thinking and self-directed learning has proven invaluable. I cannot recommend JIA/U-Tech enough!Written September 20, 2024
- Before Istarted at Nisai I had quite a few bad experiences with teachers. A lot of it was due to my absences or not turning in homework, and often ended up with being shouted at or told off in front of the class or privately told I should drop down onto a simpler course because I wasn’t capable of doing the subject at a higher level. While my anxiety and nerves due to these experiences still hasn’t gone away completely, the teachers at Nisai, and especially your class, have slowly lessened that fear instilled by my previous teachers. It’s sort of surreal to me that I haven’t been told off or shouted at or told I wasn’t trying hard enough or smart enough even once. But instead you’ve been really encouraging and understanding and it’s really really helped me get over some of those fears—which is why I managed to start going to live lessons—and also built my confidence back up a lot.Written September 19, 2024
- Teachers adapt teaching methods to the student’s individual needs.Written August 31, 2024
- Great place, the building is spacious and modern.Written August 28, 2024
- Its been great experience till date with my lil one in PYP3 and going through great learning processWritten August 28, 2024
- We have discussed education at this school with my child, Eva, and she’s really excited to study here. Teachers are really well-educated. They’re experts in their fields. Some of the students may need some help with certain subjects, and they will do their best to help you. The headteacher always comes to lessons to make sure everything is running properly.For example, if some students can’t attend or their family circumstances make it impossible for them to attend, you can replay recordings of the lessons.
We are really thankful to LEO School for their work!Written August 13, 2024 - Excellent qualified teachers, high level of teaching, excellent approach to children, interesting lessons, my daughter enjoys going to school.Written August 13, 2024
- Our 2 children have been at the school for almost 8 years. The caring, nurturing environment alongside rigorous academics, allowed my daughter to access a top university in UK while my son joined a boarding school in UK.Written October 20, 2024
- When my wife became seriously ill, I took my children out of prep school and enrolled them at Wendover, where they stayed for 3 years. At prep school, they had been very average academically, but their time at Wendover transformed them—they developed a real love for learning. We later moved to Spain and decided to place them in an international school, thinking it would help us integrate. They are now top of their respective years academically and still often talk about how much they miss Wendover. I can’t recommend Wendover highly enough, and my children would be happy to share their experiences with anyone who’s interested.Written October 16, 2024
- A great place with great people. Friendly, family atmosphere and high level of education.Written September 27, 2024
- Awesome teachers and lovely classmates.Written September 26, 2024
- The school guarantees a high level of education. I recommend it.Written September 23, 2024
- I am so excited that U-Tech is now bringing the experience of JIA to students outside of Michigan! My time at JIA was pivotal to my success later in life. The unique structure of the program allowed me the flexibility to tailor my education to fit my individual needs, which was a game-changer for me. I took advantage of my flexible schedule to enroll in college courses and collaborate with JIA/U-Tech staff to create custom curriculum that aligned with my post-high school goals.The tools and strategies I gained during my time at JIA equipped me to excel in graduate school and now in my career as a Data Scientist at Garmin. The emphasis on critical thinking and self-directed learning has proven invaluable. I cannot recommend JIA/U-Tech enough!Written September 20, 2024
- Before Istarted at Nisai I had quite a few bad experiences with teachers. A lot of it was due to my absences or not turning in homework, and often ended up with being shouted at or told off in front of the class or privately told I should drop down onto a simpler course because I wasn’t capable of doing the subject at a higher level. While my anxiety and nerves due to these experiences still hasn’t gone away completely, the teachers at Nisai, and especially your class, have slowly lessened that fear instilled by my previous teachers. It’s sort of surreal to me that I haven’t been told off or shouted at or told I wasn’t trying hard enough or smart enough even once. But instead you’ve been really encouraging and understanding and it’s really really helped me get over some of those fears—which is why I managed to start going to live lessons—and also built my confidence back up a lot.Written September 19, 2024
- Teachers adapt teaching methods to the student’s individual needs.Written August 31, 2024
- Great place, the building is spacious and modern.Written August 28, 2024
- Its been great experience till date with my lil one in PYP3 and going through great learning processWritten August 28, 2024
- We have discussed education at this school with my child, Eva, and she’s really excited to study here. Teachers are really well-educated. They’re experts in their fields. Some of the students may need some help with certain subjects, and they will do their best to help you. The headteacher always comes to lessons to make sure everything is running properly.For example, if some students can’t attend or their family circumstances make it impossible for them to attend, you can replay recordings of the lessons.
We are really thankful to LEO School for their work!Written August 13, 2024 - Excellent qualified teachers, high level of teaching, excellent approach to children, interesting lessons, my daughter enjoys going to school.Written August 13, 2024
Summary
Choosing a top boarding school in Pennsylvania means investing in a comprehensive education that emphasizes academic excellence, holistic development, and global awareness. With their low student-to-teacher ratios, diverse and rich extracurricular programs, and strong alumni networks, these schools prepare students not just for college, but for a successful and fulfilling life.