The Best Boarding Schools in Europe

Boarding Schools are very popular in Europe. Discover The Best Boarding Schools in Europe.

The Best Boarding Schools in Europe

Boarding Schools in Europe 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 Europe, including reviews, fees, and why families choose them.

Table of Contents

Why families choose a Boarding school in Europe?

Choosing a boarding school in Europe is a significant decision that hinges on several compelling factors that attract families from across the globe. The allure of high academic standards combined with a unique cultural experience makes European boarding schools a top choice for those seeking an exceptional education for their children.

Exemplary Educational Standards

European boarding schools are renowned for their rigorous academic programs that challenge students to excel and prepare for university and beyond. These institutions often follow internationally recognized curricula, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), which are highly regarded by universities worldwide. The academic environment in these schools is designed to foster intellectual growth, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning.

Multicultural Environment

One of the most enriching aspects of attending a boarding school in Europe is the opportunity to live and study in a multicultural environment. Students interact with peers from diverse backgrounds, learning to navigate and embrace different cultures and perspectives. This exposure is invaluable in today’s globalized world, equipping students with the social skills and cultural sensitivity needed for international careers.

Language Skills and Immersion

Europe's linguistic diversity offers a unique advantage for students at boarding schools. Immersion in a new language is not only beneficial for personal and academic development but also enhances future career opportunities. Many schools offer language classes or are situated in areas where students can practice a new language daily, leading to fluency and a deeper understanding of the local culture.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

Boarding schools in Europe often boast impressive facilities that cater to a wide range of extracurricular activities and interests. From sports complexes and art studios to science labs and technology centers, these schools are equipped to support students in pursuing their passions and talents, ensuring a well-rounded education.

Character and Independence Building

The boarding school experience is about more than just academics; it’s a journey that fosters maturity, independence, and self-reliance. Living away from home teaches students valuable life skills such as time management, responsibility, and the ability to adapt to new challenges. These are qualities that colleges and employers find highly desirable.

In conclusion, boarding schools in Europe offer more than just a high-standard education. They provide a holistic experience that molds students into global citizens, prepared to take on the world’s challenges. The combination of rigorous academics, a multicultural setting, advanced facilities, and life-shaping experiences makes these schools highly sought after by families pursuing the best possible education for their children.

See what other families looking for Boarding Schools in Europe have also explored.

Top rated Boarding Schools in Europe 2025

This Boarding Schools list is informed by World Schools data—we consider parents and students reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.

Institut Montana Zugerberg

Switzerland - Zug
Institut Montana Zugerberg is a fully accredited Swiss international boarding school for 90 years now and since 1987 an official IB World School.

Why parents choose this school

Bilingual German British Curriculum IB Curriculum Swiss Curriculum

Humboldt-Institut

Germany - Berlin
The Humboldt-Institut has more than 45 years of experience in teaching German and prepares young students from all over the world for a school and university career in Germany.

Why parents choose this school

Girls Only German American Curriculum German Curriculum

Ecole d’Humanité

Bern - Hasliberg
Surrounded by the awe-inspiring peaks of the Swiss Alps, the Ecole d’Humanité is home to students and teachers from 25 countries.

Why parents choose this school

German American Curriculum Swiss Curriculum

Schloss Krumbach International School

Austria - Vorarlberg
Schloss Krumbach International School is a co-educational boarding school for students of 12-19 years old, based in a truly unique setting within an Austrian Castle.

Why parents choose this school

German British Curriculum IB Curriculum Intellectual Giftedness

Leysin American School in Switzerland

Vaud - Leysin
Located in the breathtaking Swiss Alps, Leysin American School has a history of nurturing talent and motivating students to succeed in education, sports, and the arts.

Why parents choose this school

American Curriculum IB Curriculum

International Bilingual School of Provence

Aix-en-Provence - Luynes
The International Bilingual School of Provence, an independent coeducational school located near Aix-en-Provence in the south of France, owes its international character to the diversity of its student population.

Why parents choose this school

Bilingual French British Curriculum French Curriculum IB Curriculum

St. Stephen’s School Rome

Lazio - Rome
5
An IB World School located in the heart of Rome. A connected community driven by our 5 core values of Scholarship, Integrity, Creativity, Independence, and Care.

Why parents choose this school

IB Curriculum

Smiling International School

Emilia Romagna - Ferrara
Smiling International School is accredited by the Italian Ministry of Education and it is also an International Baccalaureate® World School authorised to offer the IB Diploma Programme.

Why parents choose this school

IB Curriculum Italian Curriculum Other ADHD Autism Dyslexia Intellectual Giftedness

H-FARM International School

Veneto - Vicenza
H-FARM International School is a day & boarding school offering three IB programmes (PYP, MYP, DP) within a stunning and innovative 50-hectare campus, located minutes away from Venice, Italy.

Why parents choose this school

IB Curriculum

Institut auf dem Rosenberg

Switzerland - St Gallen
Institut auf dem Rosenberg, the Artisans of Education®, is a Swiss international boarding school for students between the ages of 5-18.

Why parents choose this school

American Curriculum British Curriculum IB Curriculum Other

Brillantmont International School

Vaud - Lausanne
Brillantmont International School is one of the oldest schools in Switzerland. It was founded in 1882 and is still owned by the founding family.

Why parents choose this school

American Curriculum British Curriculum

College Alpin Beau Soleil

Vaud - Villars
At Beau Soleil, we believe it’s what you do that counts: Our international boarding school community in Switzerland offers an outstanding environment combined with a holistic educational philosophy, encouraging students to become responsible and ambitious world citizens.

Why parents choose this school

Bilingual French American Curriculum IB Curriculum

The Global College

Spain - Madrid
The Global College is a co-educational day and boarding school for 15 to 18-year-olds, offering an innovative IB Diploma Programme, anchored in the history and values of IE University.

Why parents choose this school

IB Curriculum

Ranum Efterskole College

North Denmark Region - Ranum
Ranum Efterskole College is a Danish-International residential school, where students can combine IGCSEs with a wide range of extracurricular activities in the unique environment of the 'efterskole'.

Why parents choose this school

British Curriculum

Ermitage International School

Ile-de-France - Paris
Welcome to Ermitage International School, a diverse, cosmopolitan community with 80 years of excellence in teaching students to engage, prosper, and succeed.

Why parents choose this school

Bilingual French IB Curriculum

IB Boarding Schools in Europe

US Curriculum Boarding Schools in Europe

British Curriculum Boarding Schools in Europe

How much do Boarding Schools in Europe cost?

According to World Schools data, the yearly tuition fee for Boarding Schools in Europe ranges between $38600 and $47600. However, the cost varies significantly depending on various factors such as the school curriculum, extracurricular activities, location, and facilities, and can go up to $125100.

The average yearly cost is $95600, around $9600 per month, and can go up to the maximum monthly cost of $12600.

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 Europe with yearly fee filters, please use our advanced search filters.

Tips for Choosing a Boarding School in Europe

Latest News from Boarding Schools in Europe

Parent and Student Reviews of Boarding Schools in Europe

  • 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.
    Read more
    Written October 20, 2024
  • 4.I know the Krumbach school in Austria where my niece Anne Princess GAKIZA, orphan of father and mother studies. This school takes care of all her needs (school fees, travel and accommodation, health care and insurance, ect. ..) and develop the child’s talents. As legal guardian, I am very delighted to have my niece in Krumbach school and I would recommend this school without a second thought…The orphan has a wonderful time at school with excellent relationships and attention, love and adequate education. In addition to her strong open-mindedness in the scientific field, she is learning several languages ​​which is also a very pleasant tool to start for a long subsequent journey of study and learning!
    The school allows also for very organized control of the behavior and needs of students in a more specific and personalized way.
    I would like to thank all the staff and educational leaders of the school for the period already spent by my niece at Kumbrach school and the quality/service that was provided.
    An exceptional school attentive to the specific needs of children, in a wonderful environment for children to learn and develop their creativity.
    The school’s strong points are the maintenance of permanent liaison with parents, the communication of informations which trace the activities carried out by the children as well as the academic results of each term. You know it’s a good school when your child can’t wait to return at the end of the holidays.

    Read more
    Written February 2, 2024
  • Our son is in his third year at the school. And we can already form an opinion about everything.
    The first thing that sticks in the mind is the location: a castle on a mountain in the middle of the forest with an inexpressible view and always fresh air.
    Secondly, the daily routine and hygiene in everything is observed with Austrian pedantry.
    Third, the offices, lodging and recreation rooms, library, are modern and comfortable.
    Fourth, the new sports ground, bicycles, contribute to the physical development of students.
    Fifth, the kitchen, it deserves special praise. Diverse, full, healthy food. Special thanks for the days of cuisines of different nations. Pupils not only familiarize themselves with the dishes of the world, but also actively participate in their preparation.
    The sixth is collective, creative work. Joint productions of plays, cognitive visits to museums, theaters, exhibitions, movies, concerts. Annual outings for skiing and skating in winter, hiking in summer and tourist trips to European countries. This is a topic for a separate comment.
    And, finally, the seventh is the main thing. Educational process. Bilingualism! Education is a two-way process, teacher – student. The approach to the selection of teachers is serious. Not every teacher is able to be enthusiastic about his subject, complex to teach simply, while maintaining the subordination. It works here.
    There are no perfect schools, as well as people. The administration solves force-majeure circumstances, nuances in requirements, difficulties in adaptation of teenagers and young men (at the expense of their moral and physical health) skillfully, keeping the spirit of the school and the priority of education.
    We are sincerely grateful to all those who work, bring up, educate our son, showing him respect.
    Read more
    Written February 2, 2024
  • Everything’s welcoming.
    Read more
    Written February 25, 2023
  • All five of my children successfully completed their school careers at ENSR and now have embraced adulthood and entrepreneurship.
    Read more
    Written February 25, 2023
  • A School with a wonderful atmosphere where the whole family feels welcome.
    Read more
    Written February 25, 2023
  • ENSR is where my son discovered how to be an independent learner.
    Read more
    Written February 25, 2023
  • Institut auf dem Rosenberg leads the way in re-defining the way children and young adults learn, by embracing the challenges of the 21st century
    Read more
    Written February 25, 2023
  • Rosenberg’s facilities are worthy of the best five-star swiss hospitality
    Read more
    Written February 25, 2023
  • The Rosenberg offer could not be further removed than from your average state School in the UK
    Read more
    Written February 25, 2023
  • Courses that sit somewhere between a TED Talk and an M.B.A. on the scale of personal ambition
    Read more
    Written February 25, 2023
  • School of Dreams
    Read more
    Written February 25, 2023
  • 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.
    Read more
    Written October 20, 2024
  • 4.I know the Krumbach school in Austria where my niece Anne Princess GAKIZA, orphan of father and mother studies. This school takes care of all her needs (school fees, travel and accommodation, health care and insurance, ect. ..) and develop the child’s talents. As legal guardian, I am very delighted to have my niece in Krumbach school and I would recommend this school without a second thought…The orphan has a wonderful time at school with excellent relationships and attention, love and adequate education. In addition to her strong open-mindedness in the scientific field, she is learning several languages ​​which is also a very pleasant tool to start for a long subsequent journey of study and learning!
    The school allows also for very organized control of the behavior and needs of students in a more specific and personalized way.
    I would like to thank all the staff and educational leaders of the school for the period already spent by my niece at Kumbrach school and the quality/service that was provided.
    An exceptional school attentive to the specific needs of children, in a wonderful environment for children to learn and develop their creativity.
    The school’s strong points are the maintenance of permanent liaison with parents, the communication of informations which trace the activities carried out by the children as well as the academic results of each term. You know it’s a good school when your child can’t wait to return at the end of the holidays.

    Read more
    Written February 2, 2024
  • Our son is in his third year at the school. And we can already form an opinion about everything.
    The first thing that sticks in the mind is the location: a castle on a mountain in the middle of the forest with an inexpressible view and always fresh air.
    Secondly, the daily routine and hygiene in everything is observed with Austrian pedantry.
    Third, the offices, lodging and recreation rooms, library, are modern and comfortable.
    Fourth, the new sports ground, bicycles, contribute to the physical development of students.
    Fifth, the kitchen, it deserves special praise. Diverse, full, healthy food. Special thanks for the days of cuisines of different nations. Pupils not only familiarize themselves with the dishes of the world, but also actively participate in their preparation.
    The sixth is collective, creative work. Joint productions of plays, cognitive visits to museums, theaters, exhibitions, movies, concerts. Annual outings for skiing and skating in winter, hiking in summer and tourist trips to European countries. This is a topic for a separate comment.
    And, finally, the seventh is the main thing. Educational process. Bilingualism! Education is a two-way process, teacher – student. The approach to the selection of teachers is serious. Not every teacher is able to be enthusiastic about his subject, complex to teach simply, while maintaining the subordination. It works here.
    There are no perfect schools, as well as people. The administration solves force-majeure circumstances, nuances in requirements, difficulties in adaptation of teenagers and young men (at the expense of their moral and physical health) skillfully, keeping the spirit of the school and the priority of education.
    We are sincerely grateful to all those who work, bring up, educate our son, showing him respect.
    Read more
    Written February 2, 2024
  • Everything’s welcoming.
    Read more
    Written February 25, 2023
  • All five of my children successfully completed their school careers at ENSR and now have embraced adulthood and entrepreneurship.
    Read more
    Written February 25, 2023
  • A School with a wonderful atmosphere where the whole family feels welcome.
    Read more
    Written February 25, 2023
  • ENSR is where my son discovered how to be an independent learner.
    Read more
    Written February 25, 2023
  • Institut auf dem Rosenberg leads the way in re-defining the way children and young adults learn, by embracing the challenges of the 21st century
    Read more
    Written February 25, 2023
  • Rosenberg’s facilities are worthy of the best five-star swiss hospitality
    Read more
    Written February 25, 2023
  • The Rosenberg offer could not be further removed than from your average state School in the UK
    Read more
    Written February 25, 2023
  • Courses that sit somewhere between a TED Talk and an M.B.A. on the scale of personal ambition
    Read more
    Written February 25, 2023
  • School of Dreams
    Read more
    Written February 25, 2023

Summary

European boarding schools attract families with their rigorous academic programs, multicultural environments, and exceptional facilities. These institutions not only prepare students academically but also promote personal growth and cultural competence, making them ideal for nurturing future global citizens.

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