Welcome to the world of boarding schools in California, where students have the opportunity to receive a top-notch education while also experiencing the unique culture and beauty of the Golden State. These schools offer a wide range of programs and resources to help students achieve their academic and personal goals. Whether you’re looking for a school with a strong focus on STEM education, a robust arts program, or a diverse student body, a boarding school in California is right for you. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best boarding schools in California, highlighting their strengths and unique features to help you find the perfect fit for your child.
Top 5 best Boarding schools in California
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At Fairmont, they believe that every child deserves an A+ education, which is why they have a dedicated team of caring, passionate educators who undergo rigorous training and mandatory evaluations every year to ensure that each student has access to an exceptional teacher. Their co-educational P-12 program combines traditional fundamentals with innovative learning approaches to support not just intellectual growth, but also social and emotional development.
Their school offers award-winning academics, as well as opportunities for students to explore their unique talents through the arts, athletics, and special programs such as robotics and speech and debate. They believe in fostering a growth mindset and celebrating their student body’s diverse backgrounds and abilities.
For students in grades 9-12, Fairmont’s boarding program offers a safe and structured home-like environment where students can live and study together while being supported by a “Resident Parent” and enjoying daily catered meals, private transportation, and a safe home environment. The boarding house is located within 10 miles of campus.
- The Athenian School
The Athenian School is more than just a school that prepares students for college. It empowers its graduates to become responsible global citizens with a sense of purpose and fulfillment. With its distinctive programs, Athenian goes beyond academics to offer a holistic education that includes:
-A challenging and stimulating academic curriculum
-A mandatory community service requirement
-A wilderness course that encourages personal growth and self-discovery
-Exceptional international experiences that expose students to different cultures and perspectives
Some of the school’s signature programs include Town Meeting, an aircraft construction project, an award-winning robotics team, and various international opportunities such as exchange programs, service projects, annual conferences, and faculty-led educational and service trips. The Athenian School is located on 75 acres of beautiful land at the base of Mt. Diablo and is the only non-sectarian school in the San Francisco Bay Area with a high school boarding program.
- Cate School
Cate School, founded in 1910, is a co-educational, college preparatory boarding school for students in grades 9-12, located in Carpinteria, California. From its humble beginnings as a school for just 12 boys, it has grown into a community of 280 students and 57 teachers, known for its high academic and talented student body and faculty.
With a student body that is one of the most diverse among boarding schools of its size in the United States, Cate School is proud to have one of the most experienced and dedicated teaching faculties in the country. 82% of our teachers hold advanced degrees, and 18% have a Ph.D., which is a testament to our commitment to providing our students with a top-notch education.
Cate School is also one of the most selective boarding schools in the nation, accepting less than 20% of applicants each year, ensuring that our students have access to the best teachers, facilities, and resources.
- EF Academy Pasadena
At EF Academy, they are driven by a mission to open the world through education. Their international, private high school serves students from over 60 countries, both day and boarding students. It encourages them to engage in a learning experience that promotes diversity, collaboration, analysis, and reflection. By fostering these skills, they aim to prepare their students to meet the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Their new Pasadena campus is set to open in September 2022 and is located in the heart of Southern California. The campus is situated in a peaceful community with a diverse landscape and stimulating learning environment, providing students with an ideal setting to pursue their education and personal growth.
- Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy
Flintridge Sacred Heart is a Catholic, Dominican, independent college-preparatory day and boarding school for young women. The school’s mission is to educate students for a life of faith, integrity, and truth. At Flintridge Sacred Heart, we foster an environment that encourages students to be curious, critical thinkers who are driven to seek truth in their studies and life.
As an all-female school guided by Catholic and Dominican values, Flintridge Sacred Heart is committed to providing an education that prepares students to positively impact the world as they grow into adulthood. We provide a safe and nurturing environment that allows individuals to flourish and reach their full potential.
