Introduction to the State of California
California is the third largest and most populous state in the country. Located on the West Coast and bordered by the Pacific Ocean, it is known for its thriving economy, home to Silicon Valley—the world’s tech hub—and Hollywood, the heart of the global entertainment industry. In addition to its economic strength, California offers a warm, sunny climate year-round and a rich, diverse culture.
K-12 Education in California
With an education budget of $131 billion for the 2023–2024 school year, California ranks among the top states in the U.S. for public education funding. Many boarding high schools in California are consistently listed among the best in the nation. California’s K-12 education is recognized across the U.S. and attracts students from around the world.
Why Choose California for High School Study in the U.S.?
According to the Open Doors report produced by the Institute of International Education, California is home to the largest number of international students in the United States. So, what makes this state so attractive to thousands of students worldwide?
Here are some key reasons why many students and parents choose California for high school education:
- Pathway to Top U.S. Universities: California boasts one of the strongest and most prestigious public university systems in the U.S., including world-renowned institutions like the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Attending high school in California offers a strategic advantage for students aiming to gain admission to these top universities.
- Pleasant weather: For international students—especially teens—health and well-being are top priorities for parents. With its warm weather year-round, California provides a comfortable environment that supports students’ physical and mental well-being throughout their academic journey.
- Diverse culture: As the most populous state in the U.S., California is home to a wide array of cultures. This diversity helps international students adjust more easily, broaden their worldview, and learn from different cultural perspectives—essential skills in today’s globalized world.
- Thriving economy: California is one of the most economically dynamic states in the country. Studying here exposes students to a wide range of industries, from technology to entertainment, and offers opportunities to explore future career paths through learning and real-world experiences.
Top 8 Boarding High Schools in California, USA
According to Niche, the top eight boarding high schools in California for 2025 are:
- Cate School
- The Thatcher School
- Sierra Canyon School
- The Webb School
- Woodside Priory School
- Stevenson School
- The Athenian School
- Santa Catalina School
Niche rankings are based on a wide range of criteria, including reviews from current students and parents, and offer a comprehensive view of both academic quality and student life at these boarding schools.
Below, we’ll take a closer look at each of these top California boarding schools.
1. Cate School
Grades: 9–12
International Student Ratio: 17%
Tuition: $79,980/year
Founded in 1910, Cate School is a four-year coeducational college preparatory boarding school located in Southern California. The school seeks outstanding, self-motivated students eager to immerse themselves in a challenging educational experience.
Cate’s campus is fully equipped to support both academic and physical development, featuring a library, soccer field, competitive swimming pool, volleyball and basketball courts, and a multi-sport facility. With a total student body of 310 and a 5:1 student-to-teacher ratio, students receive personalized attention and support from faculty and staff. The school offers over 150 courses, including 51 advanced-level classes.
Unique Courses:
- Ceramics
- Horseback Riding
- Theater Arts
Top University Matriculation (2020–2024):
- Brown University: 11 students
- Columbia University: 8 students
- Cornell University: 5 students
- Dartmouth College: 5 students
- Harvard University: 4 students
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): 1 student
- Princeton University: 3 students
- Stanford University: 5 students
- University of California, Berkeley: 10 students
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA): 3 students
- University of Pennsylvania (UPenn): 7 students
- Yale University: 7 students
Aralia Empowers Students from California
We're proud to guide a thriving community of students from California. Our award-winning teachers and college professors offer a wide range of competition prep and academic classes to jumpstart your learning journey.
2. The Thatcher School
Grade Levels: 9–12
International Student Ratio: 14%
Tuition: $77,880/year
Established in 1889 in Ojai, California, The Thatcher School stands out thanks to its comprehensive education that combines rigorous academics, character development, and a supportive community. The student-to-teacher ratio is 6:1, indicating that students receive considerable attention and support from the school’s teachers and staff.
Unique Courses:
- Astronomy Studies
- Horseback Riding
- Wood Design
- Creative Electives: podcasting, sustainable food systems, and more
Acceptance Rate to Top Universities (2020-2024):
3. Sierra Canyon School
Grade Levels: Kindergarten to 12th Grade
International Student Ratio: 9%
Tuition: $41,100/year
Sierra Canyon School offers a creative and adventurous educational experience, where students learn not only in the classroom but also on the stage, on the sports field, and through real-world field trips. Students receive dedicated support from teachers in both academic and daily life, with a student-to-teacher ratio of 9:1. In 2024, the school recorded that 87% of students scored a 3 or higher on AP exams.
Unique Courses:
- Astronomy
- Forensic Science
- Oceanography
- Music Production
Top University Acceptance:
Graduates are often admitted to universities such as Harvard, Columbia, Brown, NYU, Duke, Stanford, and UC Berkeley.
4. The Webb School
Grade Levels: 9–12
International Student Ratio: 36%
Tuition: $80,835/year
Founded in 1922, The Webb School is a comprehensive educational community that celebrates diversity and aims to train future leaders. With a 150-acre campus at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains, it offers a highly creative interdisciplinary curriculum for students from various states across the U.S. as well as a significant number of international students.
Unique Courses:
- Neuroscience
- Paleontology
- AI Projects
Top University Acceptance:
Although specific numbers are not disclosed, Webb students frequently gain admission to Ivy League schools, UCLA, UC Berkeley, and others.
5. Woodside Priory School
Grade Levels: 6–12
International Student Ratio: 80%
Tuition: $89,915/year
Woodside Priory is a Benedictine Catholic school founded in 1957. The school educates students with the motto of balancing academics and life values. Located in the scenic hills of Portola Valley, near Silicon Valley, students can experience the natural surroundings and the world’s leading technology hub.
As a boarding high school with a high international student population (80%), Woodside Priory ensures that students receive the best support from its faculty and staff, with a student-to-teacher ratio of 7:1. In addition to advanced academic programs, the school emphasizes the development of interesting arts and physical education courses to provide students with a balanced experience.
Unique Courses:
- Marine Biology
- Sports Medicine
- Metal Arts
Top University Acceptance (2019-2024):
- More than 5 students at each of: Princeton University, Cornell University, Stanford University, UCLA, UC Berkeley
- 1-2 students at the following: Harvard University, Brown University, Dartmouth College, University of Pennsylvania
6. Stevenson School
Grade Levels: Kindergarten to 12th Grade
International Student Ratio: 33%
Tuition: $50,500/year
Stevenson School is located on the beautiful Monterey Peninsula, with two campuses: Carmel (students from kindergarten to 8th grade) and Pebble Beach (grades 9–12). The school combines California’s traditional educational program with a global perspective, nurturing curiosity and a spirit of progress.
With students from more than 20 countries and territories, studying at Stevenson offers a diverse, multicultural environment that fosters open-minded thinking. The student-to-teacher ratio of 7:1 also reflects the close attention students receive while studying here.
Unique Courses:
- Weird Science
- Reading and Understanding Disney Works
- Stage and Costume Design
Top University Acceptance (2024-2025):
The school does not disclose specific numbers, but Stevenson students have been admitted to many top universities in the U.S. during the 2024-2025 school year, including Cornell University, Brown University, UCLA, UC Berkeley, and others.
85% of Aralia Students Place in Top Writing Competitions
7. The Athenian School
Grade Levels: 6–12
International Student Ratio: 47%
Tuition: $57,270/year
Athenian is a pioneering boarding school founded in 1965 in California to admit international students and students of color. The school combines a challenging academic program with creativity and personal potential exploration. It is located at the foot of the beautiful Mt. Diablo in Danville, California.
With nearly 50% of students coming from countries outside the U.S. and an average class size of only 15 students, the learning environment helps students easily adapt and integrate.
Unique Courses:
- Theatre Tech Crew
- Black Holes and Einstein’s Theory of Relativity
- Astrophysics
Top University Acceptance (2021-2024):
- Cornell University: 5 students
- University of California, Berkeley: 13 students
- University of California, Los Angeles: 13 students
- Yale University: 2 students
- Stanford University: 2 students
8. Santa Catalina School
Grade Levels: 9–12
International Student Ratio: 22%
Tuition: $46,100/year
Santa Catalina is a Catholic all-girls boarding school located in Monterey, California. The school encourages female students to develop academic knowledge, confidence, leadership, and to live authentically. With a total of 211 students from nine countries and 10 different U.S. states, the school offers a culturally diverse environment and opportunities for both learning and exploration.
Unique Courses:
- Marine Ecosystem Studies
- Arts of Memoir
- Dance
Top University Acceptance (2020-2024):
- University of California, Berkeley: 6 students
- University of California, Los Angeles: 3 students
- Yale University: 2 students
- Stanford University: 2 students
Get Ready for U.S. Boarding School with Aralia’s Preparation Program
For international students, transitioning to a U.S. boarding school can be both exciting and challenging. Adapting to a new academic system, language, and culture takes time and support. That’s where Aralia comes in.
Our experienced instructors from top U.S. high schools are here to guide you through every step of the journey. Whether you’re facing challenges in literary analysis, U.S. history and geography, or biology, we provide expert instruction tailored to your needs. With Aralia, you’ll build the skills and confidence to succeed in your new academic environment.
