Top 10 Boarding Schools In Kentucky And Fees (2025)

Kentucky, known for its rolling hills and rich cultural traditions, is also home to some of the most unique boarding schools in the United States. Families considering boarding education in Kentucky will find options ranging from elite academic institutions, to Christian faith-based schools, to therapeutic boarding programs designed to meet special needs. The costs vary widely, with some schools offering free tuition and boarding, while others charge between $10,000 and $20,000 per year depending on grade level and services provided.

This guide covers the Top 10 Boarding Schools in Kentucky along with their fee structures, strengths, and what makes each one stand out. If you’re searching for the right school for your child, this list provides a clear starting point.

Top 10 Boarding Schools In Kentucky And Fees

1. Craft Academy for Excellence in Science and Mathematics

The Craft Academy, located at Morehead State University, is one of Kentucky’s most prestigious residential programs for high-achieving students. This public early-college boarding school serves juniors and seniors in high school who demonstrate exceptional academic ability, especially in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Students live on campus and simultaneously earn both high school and college credits.

What makes Craft Academy remarkable is that it is completely free for accepted students. Tuition, room, board, and meals are covered, making it one of the most affordable elite boarding options in the U.S. The program provides an intensive curriculum with small class sizes, research opportunities, and access to Morehead State’s facilities. Graduates leave with up to two years of college credit already completed, giving them a significant head start.

For ambitious students seeking a rigorous STEM education without the financial burden, Craft Academy is easily one of the top boarding schools in Kentucky.

Fees: Free for accepted students (tuition, boarding, and meals fully funded).

2. Oneida Baptist Institute (OBI)

Founded in 1899, Oneida Baptist Institute (OBI) is a Christian coeducational boarding school located in Clay County, Kentucky. It serves grades 6–12 and is well-known for its combination of academic excellence and spiritual guidance. Students come from across the U.S. and abroad, creating a diverse community.

OBI emphasizes character development alongside academics. It offers a full high school curriculum, Advanced Placement courses, athletics, and extracurricular activities. A hallmark of OBI is its Christian environment, which encourages students to grow spiritually while preparing for college or vocational paths.

The school is also affordable compared to many boarding institutions. Kentucky residents pay around $9,900 per year, while out-of-state boarding students pay about $10,800 annually, plus small additional fees. Scholarships and financial aid are available for families in need.

Parents looking for a safe, structured, and faith-driven boarding school often find OBI a perfect balance of affordability and mission-driven education.

Fees: $9,900 (Kentucky residents); $10,800 (out-of-state) per year.

3. Red Bird Christian School

Red Bird Christian School, located in Beverly, Kentucky, offers a boarding program that extends its mission of providing affordable, Christ-centered education to Appalachian families. This school serves students from preschool through 12th grade, with boarding available primarily for high school students.

The school emphasizes academics, spiritual formation, and community service. Students benefit from small class sizes, individualized attention, and extracurricular programs that include athletics, music, and leadership development. Boarding students live in dormitories under staff supervision, ensuring a safe and supportive environment.

Red Bird is also committed to keeping tuition accessible. The cost of tuition and boarding for high school students is about $13,654 per year, though a sliding scale and financial aid programs are available. Many families end up paying significantly less, depending on income and eligibility.

This combination of affordability, mission-driven education, and boarding opportunities makes Red Bird Christian School one of the top boarding schools in Kentucky for families seeking both structure and values-based education.

Fees: Approx. $13,654 per year (with financial aid available).

4. Oakdale Christian Academy

Oakdale Christian Academy, located in Jackson, Kentucky, is a United Methodist boarding and day school that has been serving students since 1921. The school accommodates grades 7–12 and focuses on providing a well-rounded education rooted in Christian principles.

Academically, Oakdale offers a college-preparatory curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, small class sizes, and individualized mentoring. The spiritual component is central to the Oakdale experience, with regular chapel services, Bible studies, and a supportive faith-based community. Boarding students enjoy structured dorm life with staff who emphasize both discipline and personal growth.

Oakdale’s tuition for boarding students averages around $20,000 per year, though scholarships and work-study programs are available to help reduce costs. Families appreciate the balance of rigorous academics, spiritual development, and personalized attention that Oakdale provides.

For families seeking a strong Christian education in a boarding environment, Oakdale Christian Academy remains one of Kentucky’s best-known schools.

Fees: Approx. $20,000 per year (boarding).

5. Lexington Catholic High School

Lexington Catholic High School is a private Catholic institution located in Lexington, Kentucky. While it primarily functions as a day school, it is often listed among Kentucky’s boarding options due to housing arrangements made available for certain students. Serving grades 9–12, it is widely respected for its strong academics, faith-based environment, and extracurricular opportunities.

The school offers a challenging curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, honors classes, and college preparatory programs. Extracurriculars include competitive athletics, fine arts, student leadership, and community service. With a strong Catholic identity, Lexington Catholic emphasizes moral values, discipline, and spiritual growth.

Tuition for high school students is approximately $11,246 per year, though additional costs apply for room and board if boarding arrangements are made. Financial aid and scholarships are available for families who qualify.

For families looking for a Catholic education with the possibility of boarding, Lexington Catholic High School remains one of the most reputable options in Kentucky.

Fees: $11,246 per year (day tuition; boarding costs additional).

6. West End School

Located in Louisville, Kentucky, West End School is a tuition-free boarding school designed specifically for boys from underserved communities. It offers education from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade, with an emphasis on providing structure, opportunity, and a strong academic foundation.

The school’s mission is to transform the lives of young men through rigorous academics, mentorship, and character development. Students benefit from small class sizes, after-school programs, athletics, and summer enrichment. Boarding students live in a safe, structured environment where they receive support from staff mentors and supervisors.

One of the unique aspects of West End School is its free tuition and boarding model. Families do not pay for their children to attend, making it one of the most accessible boarding schools in Kentucky. The school specifically targets boys from low-income households, aiming to break cycles of poverty and create brighter futures.

Fees: Free for qualifying students.

7. Heartland Boys Academy

Heartland Boys Academy is a faith-based, therapeutic boarding school located in Kentucky, catering specifically to boys aged 12–17 who struggle with behavioral, emotional, or academic challenges. Unlike traditional boarding schools, Heartland is designed to provide structure, therapy, and a supportive environment for young men needing redirection.

The school combines academics with counseling, life skills training, and recreational activities. Students live in dormitories with close staff supervision and participate in programs that help them develop responsibility, discipline, and leadership. The Christian foundation of Heartland Boys Academy also ensures spiritual guidance and character-building.

Tuition at Heartland Boys Academy is relatively affordable, with some sources citing annual costs around $3,750 per year. This is much lower than most boarding programs, though additional fees may apply for counseling services, materials, and extracurricular activities.

Families seeking an affordable therapeutic boarding school for boys often consider Heartland Boys Academy a strong option.

Fees: Approx. $3,750 per year.

8. Turning Winds Academic Institute (TWAI)

Turning Winds Academic Institute (TWAI) serves Kentucky families and students nationwide as a therapeutic boarding program for adolescents aged 13–18. While it is not located directly within Kentucky, it is frequently included in Kentucky boarding school searches because of the number of families from the state who enroll.

TWAI combines accredited academics with therapeutic counseling, outdoor activities, and individualized treatment plans. Students receive one-on-one mentoring, group therapy, and academic instruction tailored to their needs. The structured environment helps teens struggling with behavioral, emotional, or academic difficulties find stability and success.

The annual tuition for Turning Winds is estimated at around $20,000 per year, though costs vary depending on the level of therapeutic services required. This places it on the higher end of Kentucky’s boarding school options but reflects the intensive support students receive.

Fees: Approx. $20,000 per year.

9. Piarist School

The Piarist School is a private Catholic mission school located in Eastern Kentucky. Though primarily known as a day school, it has been listed among boarding institutions due to its mission-driven residential programs for certain students.

Academically, the Piarist School offers a well-rounded curriculum with a focus on college preparation, critical thinking, and moral development. Students benefit from small class sizes, close mentorship, and extracurricular activities. The Catholic foundation emphasizes discipline, service, and character development.

One of the defining features of the Piarist School is its affordability. Some sources note that tuition is offered at little to no cost, thanks to mission support and community funding. Boarding, when available, is heavily subsidized or free for qualifying students.

For families seeking a Catholic mission-based education in Kentucky, Piarist School is a unique and affordable choice.

Fees: Free or low-cost (mission-funded; varies by student eligibility).

10. Saint Xavier High School (Louisville, KY)

Saint Xavier High School, located in Louisville, Kentucky, is a prestigious Catholic school serving grades 9–12. While primarily a day school, it has limited boarding opportunities through partnerships with local housing programs. Known for its rigorous academics and strong athletic tradition, Saint Xavier is one of the top Catholic schools in the region.

The school offers Advanced Placement courses, honors tracks, and a wide range of extracurricular activities, from athletics to fine arts and community service. Its emphasis on faith-based education ensures that students grow not only academically but also spiritually and socially.

Tuition at Saint Xavier is generally in the range of $10,000–$15,000 per year for day students. Boarding costs, if available, are additional and must be arranged through the school. Scholarships and financial aid are also offered to support families in need.

Fees: $10,00

Conclusion

Kentucky offers a range of boarding and residential school options, from free public early-college programs to Christian mission schools, to more expensive therapeutic institutions. For many families, schools like Craft Academy, Oneida Baptist Institute, Red Bird Christian School, and Oakdale Christian Academy offer excellent combinations of value and mission