It’s no secret that New York, California, and Texas consistently rank among the top states hosting the most international students. This isn’t a coincidence; the Empire State offers a truly unique and enriching experience for high schoolers looking to study abroad. With a diverse cultural tapestry that makes every neighborhood a discovery and unparalleled networking opportunities in global hubs, New York is a dynamic environment that fosters academic growth and personal development like nowhere else.
What Makes Boarding High Schools in New York Truly Unique?
Several factors combine to create a dynamic and enriching experience for students. Here are some key aspects:
- Access to world-class resources: Boarding schools in New York leverage the state’s vibrant cultural and economic landscape. Students benefit from “city as a classroom” experiences, with field trips to world-renowned museums, Broadway shows, and historical landmarks. Proximity to global hubs also opens doors for unique internship opportunities, and schools often host guest speakers from diverse industries, providing real-world insights that extend beyond the classroom.
- Diverse and global community: New York attracts students from every corner of the globe. This creates a truly international learning environment where students collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds. This daily cultural exchange fosters global awareness, empathy, and broadens perspectives, preparing students for an increasingly interconnected world.
- Rigorous academics and specialized programs: New York boarding schools are known for their demanding college preparatory curricula. They typically feature small class sizes to provide individualized attention and offer specialized programs ranging from pre-professional arts and STEM to environmental leadership and entrepreneurship. A strong emphasis is placed on experiential learning, including hands-on projects and real-world knowledge applications.
- Holistic development and supportive environment: These institutions are committed to the holistic growth of every student. They cultivate a family-like atmosphere with 24/7 nurturing from dorm parents and dedicated staff. A wide array of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and clubs, encourages students to explore new interests and develop essential life skills, all while fostering independence and self-discipline in preparation for college and beyond.
Top Seven Boarding High Schools in New York
Now that we’ve explored what makes New York an exceptional destination for high school education, let’s dive into some of the best boarding schools the state has to offer. This list is based on the latest 2025 Niche rankings, which evaluate high schools based on a mix of factors including academic performance, college readiness, diversity, and student and parent reviews.
- Ross School
- Hackley School
- The Stony Brook School
- EF Academy New York
- The Storm King School
- The Masters School
- Emma Willard School
1. Ross School
Grade Levels: Pre-K, K-12 (boarding available for grades 6-12 and post-graduate)
International Student Ratio: Approximately 50% of international boarding students are from major countries like China, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, and South Korea.
Tuition: $81,200/year (5-day boarding), $86,200/year (7-day boarding)
Ross School, located in the Hamptons on Long Island, New York, offers a distinctive co-educational boarding and day school experience. With its motto, “Know Thyself in Order to Serve,” the school is dedicated to preparing students for meaningful lives and active participation in a rapidly changing global community. The school is renowned for its unique academic programs. At its core is the Spiral Curriculum, a globally minded, integrated approach spanning grades one to twelve that chronologically traces world cultural history and the evolution of consciousness. For those with a passion for innovation, the STEAM Innovation Certificate offers a rigorous program focused on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, emphasizing project-based learning, problem-solving, design thinking, and research opportunities.
Beyond academics, Ross School offers a truly unique residential and supportive environment. Unlike traditional dormitories, boarding students live in single-family residences near Sag Harbor. Each house is overseen by dedicated house parents, often with their own families and pets, cultivating a warm, family-like atmosphere that provides continuous support and guidance. The school strongly focuses on wellness and has daily programs dedicated to promoting students’ mind, body, and spirit.
Ross School boasts a highly successful college placement program, with 100% of applicants receiving acceptances at competitive colleges and universities.
2. Hackley School
Grade Levels: K-12 (boarding available for grades 9-12)
Tuition: $77,800/year (includes Upper School day tuition of $59,600 plus 5-day boarding fee of $18,200)
Nestled on a scenic hilltop campus in Tarrytown, New York, Hackley School is a co-educational K-12 college-preparatory institution with a rich history dating back to 1899. Guided by its motto “United, We Help One Another,” Hackley is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, character development, and a strong sense of community. The school offers a five-day boarding program for its Upper School students, providing a supportive and engaging environment that balances rigorous academics with a vibrant residential life, all within convenient reach of New York City.
Hackley School offers distinctive academic programs and features designed to challenge and inspire its students. Among these is the Independent Science Research Program, which provides students with advanced opportunities to engage in scientific inquiry and participate in premier science fairs. Through its membership in the Global Online Academy and Round Square, Hackley offers global education and exchange programs, broadening students’ perspectives and fostering international understanding. The school also boasts a dedicated Center for the Creative Arts and Technology, which integrates arts education with modern technological advancements and encourages innovative expression. Additionally, the blog Hackley Perspectives serves as a platform where faculty share their insights and expertise, contributing to the intellectual life of the school community.
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3. The Stony Brook School
Grade Levels: 7-12 (boarding available for grades 7-12; 5-day and 7-day options)
International Student Ratio: Approximately 26-29% international students, representing over 25 countries.
Tuition: $73,700/year (for international boarding students, 7-day)
Situated on a beautiful, wooded campus on the picturesque North Shore of Long Island, The Stony Brook School is a private, co-educational Christian college preparatory boarding and day school. Founded in 1922 with the enduring motto “Character Before Career,” the school is dedicated to educating students in matters of the mind, body, and heart, challenging them to become leaders of integrity and virtue. Its convenient location offers the tranquility of a suburban setting and easy access to the cultural and academic opportunities of New York City, with a train station directly across the street.
The Stony Brook School distinguishes itself through its unique academic programs and courses, particularly its integrated humanities curriculum. This program seamlessly weaves together history, literature, theology, and philosophy to guide students through a chronological exploration of world cultures from ancient to medieval times. The English curriculum explores thematic virtues such as justice, courage, temperance, and hope, directly supporting the school’s mission of character formation. The school also offers a robust selection of Advanced Placement (AP) and dual credit college-level courses, ensuring rigorous academic preparation.
Unique courses: College-Level Ethics & Politics, College-Level History of Philosophy, Contemporary Global History.
Beyond that, the Stony Brook School’s commitment to small class sizes (averaging 14-18 students) ensures individualized attention, while its structured approach to personal organization, time management, and responsibility prepares students for college. The Middle School’s unique mentor program connects younger students with Upper School peers to provide valuable role models. Boarding students live in single-gender residential halls alongside faculty families, fostering a close-knit, family-like atmosphere. The school emphasizes holistic development, preparing students not just for academic success, but for lives of purpose and integrity.
4. EF Academy New York
Grade Levels: 9-12 (boarding available for grades 9-12; 5-day and 7-day options)
International Student Ratio: Approximately 90% international students, with over 60 nationalities represented.
Tuition: $71,700/year (7-day boarding)
Located in Thornwood, New York, EF Academy New York offers a truly global boarding school experience for students in grades 9-12. As part of the international education company EF Education First, a pioneer in immersion learning for nearly 60 years, EF Academy New York is dedicated to opening the world through education. The school offers a vibrant, global community where students from over 60 countries come together to learn and live, fostering an international mindset and preparing them to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. Its proximity to New York City allows for enriching educational excursions and cultural experiences.
EF Academy New York is distinguished by its student-centered academic programs and unique features, emphasizing personalized and experiential learning. Students can pursue either the U.S. High School Diploma with Advanced Placement (AP) course options or the globally recognized International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program. The curriculum is based on a “mastery of skills” approach, focusing on real-life challenges and critical thinking rather than rote memorization. With an average class size of 13 and a wide array of over 100 courses and 90 clubs, students can tailor their academic pathway and explore diverse interests.
Unique programs at EF Academy New York:
- Day in the Life of the Hudson: Students become citizen scientists, collecting data on the local estuary, and participate in multi-day immersive tours to cities like Boston, Washington D.C., and New York City, which deepen cultural understanding and reinforce classroom learning.
- Partnership with the Nobel Prize Museum: Through exclusive access to lectures, workshops, and even direct interactions with Nobel laureates, students gain profound insights into groundbreaking discoveries and global challenges.
EF Academy New York boasts an impressive 99% university placement rate, with 92% of graduates successfully placed in their first or second-choice universities. Alumni attend a wide range of top institutions globally, including many in the U.S. Top 50, demonstrating the school’s commitment to preparing students for competitive higher education and successful futures.
5. The Storm King School
Grade Levels: 8-12 and post-graduate (boarding available for grades 8-12)
International Student Ratio: Approximately 40% international students, representing over 25 countries.
Tuition: $76,900/year (7-day boarding, inclusive of many fees)
The Storm King School is one of the oldest co-educational boarding and day schools in the state of New York. Founded in 1867, the school’s breathtaking 60-acre campus offers sweeping views of the Hudson River and is next to the Black Rock Forest Nature Preserve, providing an inspiring backdrop for learning. Guided by its motto, “Truth, Respect, Responsibility,” Storm King cultivates a close-knit, diverse community where students are encouraged to explore their potential, embrace challenges, and prepare for a meaningful future, all while being just an hour’s drive from New York City’s cultural offerings.
Storm King is particularly known for its highly individualized and experiential academic approach, offering several truly unique programs and courses. The curriculum also incorporates extensive project-based learning, interdisciplinary courses, and global travel opportunities. The impressive 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio and average class size of 10 students ensure personalized attention and tailored support.
Unique programs at Storm King:
- Q-Term: A short, intensive course period where students and faculty delve deeply into subjects that they are passionate or curious about, often outside the traditional classroom setting, with examples ranging from rocketry and animation to forensics and leadership.
- Academic Support Program: A significant offering for bright, college-bound students with documented learning differences, which provides individualized strategies and multisensory curricula to foster executive function skills and self-advocacy.
Beyond academics, the school boasts robust programs in both arts and athletics, featuring state-of-the-art facilities like the Walter Reade Jr. Theatre and Allison Vladimir Art Center, alongside championship and no-cut athletic teams. This holistic focus, combined with a diverse international student body, prepares graduates for strong college placements and lives of purpose and global citizenship. Students achieve a 100% college acceptance rate and a high percentage gain admission to their top choices.
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6. The Masters School
Grade Levels: 5-12 (boarding available for grades 9-12)
Tuition: $79,750/year (7-day boarding)
The Masters School is a co-educational, independent day and boarding school committed to empowering independent thinkers. Since its founding in 1877, The Masters School has cultivated a vibrant, diverse community dedicated to its mission: “to be a power for good in the world.” Located just 12 miles north of New York City, the school leverages its proximity to offer students a dynamic blend of rigorous academics, a lively seven-day campus experience, and unparalleled access to the cultural and intellectual opportunities of one of the world’s greatest cities.
Unique aspects of The Masters School include:
- Harkness Method: All classes are designed around a large oval Harkness table, encouraging student-led discussion, active participation, critical thinking, and collaborative problem-solving.
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center: Offers programs like Engineering and Robotics, Mathematical Modeling, Computer Science, and Cybersecurity Team.
Beyond its academic rigor, The Masters School fosters a vibrant and exceptionally inclusive community. This commitment is evident in numerous student-run affinity groups such as the International Club, Diversity Ambassadors, and various cultural and identity-based organizations, ensuring every student feels valued and connected to the community. The school’s success in preparing students is reflected in its 100% college acceptance rate to four-year institutions.
7. Emma Willard School
Grade Levels: 9-12, post-graduate (boarding available for grades 9-12)
International Student Ratio: Approximately 25-29% of international students, who come from over 25 countries.
Tuition: $77,325/year (7-day boarding)
As one of the oldest and most distinguished boarding schools for girls in the U.S., Emma Willard School has been a pioneer in women’s education since its founding in 1814 by Emma Hart Willard. The school cultivates a dynamic and inclusive community where young women from around the globe are empowered to become independent thinkers, ethical leaders, and agents of positive change, all while benefiting from its accessibility to the cultural richness of New York City.
Emma Willard School is renowned for its innovative academic programs and unique courses, which transcend traditional boundaries of learning. Unique features of the school’s education include:
- Advanced Studies Program: A school-designed curriculum that moves beyond standard Advanced Placement (AP) courses. This distinctive approach enables faculty to create rigorous, interdisciplinary learning experiences that foster a genuine love of learning rather than simply teaching to a test.
- Experiential Learning: The curriculum offers project-based, problem-based, and service-learning opportunities. Students can also pursue their interests through the Practicum program, which provides the chance to complete off-campus coursework, career internships, or individualized training for academic credit.
- Jestermester: Week-long, intensive deep dives into specific subjects, sometimes involving travel.
Beyond its academic excellence, a strong emphasis on well-being and resilience is integrated into student life, including programs like the “READY Seminar” that equip students with essential life skills. Emma Willard also boasts a comprehensive arts program, featuring over 30 courses in music, dance, theater, and the visual arts, providing ample opportunities for creative expression. The school’s progressive approach extends to its unique practice of student-led comments, where students assess their own performance, fostering agency and self-reflection. These factors all contribute to a 100% college acceptance rate for its graduates.
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