Top 20 Boarding Schools In Florida And Fees (2026)

Florida, known for its beautiful beaches, diverse culture, and thriving education system, is also home to some of the best boarding schools in the United States. Parents often consider boarding schools for the holistic education they provide—balancing academics, extracurricular activities, and character development. Florida’s boarding schools stand out because of their strong academic reputation, top-notch facilities, and focus on preparing students for college and beyond.

In this article, we’ll explore the top 20 boarding schools in Florida, highlighting their unique offerings, tuition fees, and what makes each one stand out. Whether you are looking for a college-preparatory environment, a faith-based school, or one with strong extracurricular programs, this guide will give you everything you need to make the right choice.

Top 20 Boarding Schools In Florida And Fees

1. Montverde Academy

Location: Montverde, FL
Annual Tuition: $66,000 (boarding)

Montverde Academy is one of the most prestigious boarding schools in Florida, known for its rigorous college preparatory curriculum and international student community. The school has a strong reputation in athletics, particularly basketball and soccer, with graduates often advancing to professional sports and Ivy League universities. Its focus on leadership, innovation, and global citizenship makes it a top choice for families seeking a well-rounded education.

2. IMG Academy

Location: Bradenton, FL
Annual Tuition: $84,400 (boarding)

IMG Academy is world-renowned as a sports-focused boarding school. With state-of-the-art facilities, students here receive a combination of rigorous academics and professional-level athletic training. The school caters to elite student-athletes in tennis, soccer, football, golf, and other sports. Many graduates move on to NCAA programs and professional sports careers.

3. North Broward Preparatory School

Location: Coconut Creek, FL
Annual Tuition: $69,700 (boarding)

North Broward Preparatory School offers a globally focused education and is part of the Nord Anglia Education network. The school provides a strong International Baccalaureate (IB) program and emphasizes personalized learning. Boarding students benefit from a nurturing community, diverse extracurriculars, and opportunities to collaborate with peers worldwide.

4. The Bolles School

Location: Jacksonville, FL
Annual Tuition: $67,000 (boarding)

The Bolles School is one of the oldest and most respected boarding schools in Florida. Known for academic excellence and a rich tradition in athletics, Bolles prepares students for top universities worldwide. The school’s global community of students fosters cultural exchange, while its robust extracurricular programs encourage leadership and creativity.

5. Saint Andrew’s School

Location: Boca Raton, FL
Annual Tuition: $71,900 (boarding)

Saint Andrew’s School is an Episcopal boarding and day school offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. It is well-regarded for its commitment to academic rigor, arts, and athletics. The lush campus and supportive environment create a balanced experience for students. Graduates often attend top universities across the U.S. and abroad.

6. Florida Prep Academy

Location: Melbourne, FL
Annual Tuition: $49,900 (boarding)

Florida Prep Academy is a smaller, family-like boarding school with a strong college-preparatory program. Known for personalized attention, the school emphasizes leadership, character, and academic achievement. With its smaller student-to-teacher ratio, students receive individualized support, making it an excellent choice for families seeking a nurturing environment.

7. Montverde International Academy (Soccer Institute)

Location: Montverde, FL
Annual Tuition: $66,000+

This academy, part of Montverde, is specifically designed for aspiring soccer players. It combines rigorous academics with professional-level soccer training. Many of its students progress to Major League Soccer (MLS) teams or international clubs. It is particularly popular among international students aiming for athletic and academic success.

8. Windermere Preparatory School

Location: Windermere, FL
Annual Tuition: $66,700 (boarding)

Windermere Prep is a member of the Nord Anglia Education family and offers the IB Diploma Programme. Its boarding program provides a safe, enriching environment where students focus on academics, arts, and athletics. The school emphasizes innovation and critical thinking, preparing students for global citizenship.

9. Pine Crest School (with Boarding Partnerships)

Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Annual Tuition: $65,000–$70,000 (approx., boarding arrangements)

Though primarily a day school, Pine Crest partners with boarding facilities for international students. It is one of Florida’s most academically rigorous schools, with outstanding college matriculation rates. The school emphasizes STEM education, the arts, and leadership development.

10. Saint John’s Episcopal School (Specialized Boarding)

Location: Tampa, FL
Annual Tuition: $45,000–$55,000

Saint John’s offers boarding options for students who want faith-based education. The school provides a strong academic foundation while emphasizing spiritual growth, discipline, and service. Its smaller boarding program ensures a close-knit community and personalized guidance.

11. Donahue Academy of Ave Maria

Location: Ave Maria, FL
Annual Tuition: $40,000–$50,000

Donahue Academy is a Catholic boarding school emphasizing faith, academic excellence, and moral values. The curriculum integrates classical education with a focus on the humanities and sciences. Students are prepared for both higher education and spiritual growth.

12. St. Joseph Academy

Location: St. Augustine, FL
Annual Tuition: $40,000–$52,000

St. Joseph Academy is Florida’s oldest Catholic high school and offers selective boarding for students seeking a faith-based environment. The school emphasizes service, academics, and extracurricular engagement, making it a solid choice for holistic education.

13. American Collegiate Academy

Location: Clearwater, FL
Annual Tuition: $45,000–$55,000

American Collegiate Academy attracts international students with its strong ESL (English as a Second Language) support and college preparatory program. The school has a diverse student population and emphasizes global citizenship, academics, and extracurricular activities.

14. ES International School (at IMG Campus)

Location: Bradenton, FL
Annual Tuition: $60,000–$70,000

This unique boarding school integrates academics with IMG Academy’s athletic training. Students receive both rigorous college-prep education and specialized training in sports. The school is especially popular among student-athletes from around the globe.

15. Treasure Coast International School

Location: Port St. Lucie, FL
Annual Tuition: $40,000–$48,000

This school provides a global learning environment and focuses on preparing students for American universities. With strong support for international students, it blends academic excellence with cultural immersion.

16. Riviera Preparatory Boarding Program

Location: Miami, FL
Annual Tuition: $50,000–$60,000

Riviera Preparatory offers a college-preparatory program with selective boarding options. The school is known for its focus on STEM, arts, and leadership development. Its Miami location also makes it appealing for international families.

17. Admiral Farragut Academy

Location: St. Petersburg, FL
Annual Tuition: $58,000 (boarding)

Admiral Farragut Academy is a prestigious military and prep boarding school. Known for its naval science program and leadership training, the school prepares students for both military and civilian career paths. The structured environment fosters discipline, responsibility, and academic success.

18. NSU University School Boarding Program

Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Annual Tuition: $55,000–$65,000

Part of Nova Southeastern University, this school provides a college-preparatory education with selective boarding. Students benefit from access to university-level resources, including labs, libraries, and professors. It is ideal for academically ambitious students.

19. Everglades Preparatory Academy

Location: Homestead, FL
Annual Tuition: $40,000–$48,000

Everglades Prep is known for its supportive environment and focus on both academics and extracurriculars. The school attracts students seeking a balance of structure, cultural diversity, and a community-oriented atmosphere.

20. Miami Country Day School (Boarding Partnerships)

Location: Miami, FL
Annual Tuition: $65,000 (approx.)

Miami Country Day School is one of the top independent schools in Florida. Though primarily a day school, it offers boarding partnerships for international students. The school emphasizes arts, athletics, and college readiness, with graduates going on to top-tier universities.

Why Choose Boarding Schools in Florida?

Florida boarding schools offer more than just academics—they provide an environment where students gain independence, leadership skills, and lifelong friendships. With a warm climate, diverse cultural environment, and strong academic programs, Florida is an excellent choice for families seeking world-class boarding education.

Conclusion

Choosing the right boarding school is a major decision that impacts a student’s academic journey and personal development. The top 20 boarding schools in Florida outlined above showcase the state’s commitment to quality education, strong extracurricular programs, and global student engagement. Whether your child is an athlete, an aspiring scholar, or someone seeking a faith-based education, Florida offers outstanding boarding school options that cater to diverse needs