The Thacher School Photo - In courses designed for intellectual and creative expansion, students and teachers meet in seminar circles, studios, and laboratories to create a learning environment that is vigorous and supportive, galvanizing and nurturing.

Best California Boarding Schools (2024-25)

For the 2024-25 school year, there are 16 college-prep and junior boarding schools serving 4,309 students located throughout California.

Top California Boarding Schools (2024-25)

School
Location
Grades
Students
Army and Navy Academy
Army and Navy Academy Photo
(4)
2605 Carlsbad Blvd.
Carlsbad, CA 92008
(888) 762-2338
Grades: 7-12
| 320 students
The Athenian School
The Athenian School Photo
(1)
2100 Mt. Diablo Scenic Blvd.
Danville, CA 94506
(925) 362-7223
Grades: 9-12
6-12 (day)
| 525 students
Besant Hill School
Besant Hill School Photo - Besant Hill School is located in the Ojai Valley, on 500 acres of private land with beautiful vistas in every direction. Facilities include four dormitories, outdoor sports facilities including a new aquatic center, indoor theater, atelier, and classrooms nestled along winding paths and oak trees. We also have an eight acre organic farm.
(1)
8585 Ojai Santa Paula Road
Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 646-4343
Grades: 9-12, PG
| 100 students
Cate School
Cate School Photo - Day Walk
(19)
1960 Cate Mesa Road, P.O. Box 5005
Carpinteria, CA 93013
(805) 684-4127
Grades: 9-12
| 300 students
Dunn School
Dunn School Photo - In 2020 the new Leadership Center was completed. Overlooking the open space known as Munger Common, the center provides state of the art meeting rooms and learning facilities, is home to the student-run Earwig Cafe, and hosts our college counseling team. Students can be found gathering both indoors and outside the center for conversation and relaxation.
P.O. Box 98, 2555 W. Highway 154
Los Olivos, CA 93441
(800) 287-9197
Grades: 9-12
6-12 (day)
| 249 students
EF Academy Pasadena
EF Academy Pasadena Photo - Hands-on learning encourages our students to make their own discoveries. Calculate velocity in the real world by measuring the speed of a baseball!
1505 E Howard St.
Pasadena, CA 91104
(626) 507-9223
Grades: 9-12
| 265 students
Idyllwild Arts Academy
Idyllwild Arts Academy Photo - Idyllwild Arts Academy is home to 280 students from 30 countries and 26 US states, all devoted to intensive study of the arts. Located 2 hours from Los Angeles, 2 hours from San Diego, and 1 hour from Palm Springs, the Academy is an artistic crossroads for Southern California.
(23)
52500 Temecula Road
Idyllwild, CA 92549
(951) 468-7223
Grades: 9-12, PG
| 280 students
255 Olympic Valley Road | P.O. Box 2180
Olympic Valley, CA 96146
(245) 582-8690
Grades: 9-12, PG
| 70 students
Midland School
(4)
PO Box 8 / 5100 Figueroa Mountain Road
Los Olivos, CA 93441
(805) 688-5114
Grades: 9-12
| 82 students
Ojai Valley School
Ojai Valley School Photo - OVS offers an exceptional college-prep program. Recent college acceptances for our students include Stanford, Columbia, Northeastern, NYU, Boston College, UC Berkeley, UCLA, Pitzer College, Smith College, Vassar College, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and many more.
(2)
723 El Paseo Road
Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 646-1423
Grades: 3-12
PK-12 (day)
| 323 students
San Domenico School
1500 Butterfield Road
San Anselmo, CA 94960
(415) 258-1990
Grades: 9-12
K-12 (day)
| n/a students
Santa Catalina School
Santa Catalina School Photo - Come visit our beautiful campus in Monterey, California! Call the admission office at 831.655.9356 or email admission@santacatalina.org to schedule your visit.
(Catholic)
(1)
1500 Mark Thomas Drive
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 655-9356
Grades: 9-12
| 200 students
Stevenson School
Stevenson School Photo
(11)
3152 Forest Lake Road
Pebble Beach, CA 93953
(831) 625-8309
Grades: 9-12
PK-12 (day)
| 510 students
The Thacher School
The Thacher School Photo - In courses designed for intellectual and creative expansion, students and teachers meet in seminar circles, studios, and laboratories to create a learning environment that is vigorous and supportive, galvanizing and nurturing.
(26)
5025 Thacher Road
Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 640-3210
Grades: 9-12
| 255 students
The Webb Schools
The Webb Schools Photo - Welcome to Webb!
(29)
1175 West Baseline Road
Claremont, CA 91711
(909) 482-5214
Grades: 9-12
| 405 students
Woodside Priory School (Priory)
Woodside Priory School (Priory) Photo - School spirit is huge at Priory. More than 30 club and activity choices are available to High School students. Clubs provide opportunities to discover passions, develop strengths, apply academic knowledge in a practical way, develop self-knowledge, and learn to make the choices necessary to manage a busy schedule independently.
(Catholic)
(2)
302 Portola Road
Portola Valley, CA 94028
(650) 851-8223
Grades: 9-12
6-12 (day)
| 425 students

Frequently Asked Questions

How many boarding schools are located in California?
There are 16 college-preparatory boarding schools located in California.
What is the average tuition cost of boarding school in California?
The average California boarding school tuition cost is $73,293 per year.
What is the oldest boarding school in California?
San Domenico School, founded in 1850, is the oldest boarding school in California.
What boarding school in California has the lowest acceptance rates?
The Thacher School has the lowest boarding school acceptance rate (15%) in California.
What boarding school in California has the highest average SAT scores?
The Webb Schools has the highest average SAT scores (1510) in California.
Which boarding schools in California are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

Teaching in a Boarding School: A Comprehensive Guide for Educators
Teaching in a Boarding School: A Comprehensive Guide for Educators
We explore the unique aspects of teaching in a boarding school environment and offer provides valuable insights for educators considering this career path, covering the multifaceted nature of the job, qualifications required, and practical tips for securing a position. Whether you're a seasoned teacher looking for a change or a new graduate exploring career options, this guide offers a realistic view of life as a boarding school educator.
When Should I Go Off to Boarding School?
When Should I Go Off to Boarding School?
Explore the optimal entry points for boarding school, considering factors like academic programs, sports opportunities, and individual circumstances. This guide discusses the pros and cons of entering at different grade levels, including 9th, 10th, and upper grades.
Military Schools Demystified: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents
November 10, 2024
Military Schools Demystified: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents
This in-depth article explores the world of military schools, addressing common misconceptions and highlighting their unique benefits. It provides parents with valuable insights into why they might consider a military school, debunks prevalent myths, and offers a realistic view of life in these institutions. Whether you're just beginning to explore educational options or are seriously considering a military school for your child, this guide will help you make an informed decision.

Featured Schools

Featured Schools

Quick Links