Desmond AbahIn Kentucky—particularly around Lexington, KY—boarding school options are not as numerous as in states like New York or Massachusetts, but there are still excellent institutions worth considering. From Christian mission schools to elite STEM programs, families can find choices that fit their child’s needs and budget.
This guide explores the top 5 boarding schools in and near Lexington, Kentucky, their tuition fees, strengths, and trade-offs, so you can make an informed decision.
Top Boarding Schools In Lexington KY And Fees
1. Oneida Baptist Institute (OBI)
Location: Oneida, Clay County, Kentucky (several hours from Lexington)
Grades: 6–12
Oneida Baptist Institute is one of the best-known boarding schools in Kentucky, offering an affordable, value-driven education. Founded on strong Christian principles, OBI emphasizes discipline, academics, and character formation.
Fees
- Kentucky residents: approx. $9,900/year (includes tuition, room & board).
- Out-of-state U.S. residents: approx. $10,800/year.
- Additional fees: about $400 annually (covers supplies and boarding extras).
Why Choose OBI?
- Affordability: At under $11,000 per year, OBI is among the lowest-cost full boarding schools in the U.S.
- Values-based education: Strong emphasis on Christian ethics, service, and community.
- Supportive environment: Small community size allows for individualized attention.
Things to Consider
- Remote location may be a challenge for frequent family visits.
- Facilities are more modest compared to elite prep schools.
- Heavily faith-based, which may or may not fit every family’s preference.
Ideal for: Families seeking an affordable Christian boarding school with a strong emphasis on discipline and moral upbringing.
2. Oakdale Christian Academy
Location: Jackson, Kentucky (about 90 minutes from Lexington)
Grades: 7–12
Oakdale Christian Academy is another strong Christian boarding option in Kentucky. Known for its small class sizes and supportive environment, Oakdale blends faith, academics, and community service.
Fees
- Boarding tuition: approx. $20,000/year (includes tuition, housing, and meals).
- Day student tuition: lower, depending on grade level.
Why Choose Oakdale?
- Personalized learning: Low student-teacher ratios encourage close mentorship.
- Holistic development: Focuses on academics, faith, and extracurricular activities.
- Strong community: Emphasizes character development and leadership.
Things to Consider
- Higher tuition than other Christian boarding schools in the state.
- Distance from Lexington requires a longer commute.
- Smaller campus may offer fewer extracurriculars compared to larger institutions.
Ideal for: Families who want a Christian, close-knit boarding school with an emphasis on spiritual and academic growth.
3. Red Bird Christian School
Location: Beverly, Kentucky (in the Appalachian region)
Grades: Pre-K–12 (boarding available for high school students)
Red Bird Christian School combines traditional academics with mission-driven values. Situated in rural Kentucky, it provides a nurturing environment where students can focus on personal growth alongside their studies.
Fees
- Approx. $13,654/year for high school boarding students.
Why Choose Red Bird?
- Affordable tuition compared to national boarding averages.
- Mission-driven community rooted in service and values.
- Wide grade range: Families with multiple children can benefit from continuity.
Things to Consider
- Remote location may limit exposure to city resources.
- Smaller student body means fewer electives and extracurriculars.
- Facilities are more modest compared with large prep schools.
Ideal for: Families who value mission-based education in a supportive and affordable setting.
4. Lexington Catholic High School
Location: Lexington, KY
Grades: 9–12
Lexington Catholic High School is a highly respected private Catholic high school located right in Lexington. While primarily a day school, some sources list boarding or residential arrangements, making it worth considering for families seeking proximity to the city.
Fees
- Day tuition: approx. $12,412/year.
- Boarding: Must be confirmed directly with the school; boarding availability may be through partnerships rather than on-campus dormitories.
Why Choose Lexington Catholic?
- Convenient location: Right in Lexington, making family visits easier.
- Strong academics: Excellent reputation, AP classes, and college prep programs.
- Faith-based education: Emphasizes Catholic values and community service.
Things to Consider
- Limited or no on-campus boarding options.
- Boarding fees, if available, would be additional to tuition.
Ideal for: Families who want a high-quality Catholic education in Lexington, with the possibility of boarding arrangements.
5. Craft Academy for Excellence in Science & Mathematics
Location: Morehead State University, Morehead, KY (about 75 miles from Lexington)
Grades: 11–12 only (early college program)
The Craft Academy is a unique and elite boarding option. It serves only juniors and seniors, offering advanced STEM education and early college credits at Morehead State University.
Fees
- Free for admitted students: Tuition, room, board, and meals are fully covered by state funding.
Why Choose Craft Academy?
- Exceptional value: Full residential program at no cost.
- STEM focus: Rigorous academics with access to university facilities.
- College credits: Students graduate with both a high school diploma and transferable college credits.
Things to Consider
- Only available to juniors and seniors.
- Highly competitive admissions.
- Focus is mainly on STEM—less flexibility for students interested in arts or humanities.
Ideal for: High-achieving students interested in STEM and early college experience.
Quick Comparison Table
| School | Location | Grades | Boarding Fee (2025) | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oneida Baptist Institute | Oneida, KY | 6–12 | $9,900–$10,800 | Affordable Christian values |
| Oakdale Christian Academy | Jackson, KY | 7–12 | ~$20,000 | Small classes, holistic learning |
| Red Bird Christian School | Beverly, KY | 9–12 (boarding) | ~$13,654 | Mission-based, affordable |
| Lexington Catholic High School | Lexington, KY | 9–12 | ~$12,412 (day) + boarding TBD | Strong Catholic academics |
| Craft Academy | Morehead, KY | 11–12 | Free | Elite STEM, early college credits |
Boarding School Costs: Kentucky vs National Average
The national average for boarding schools in the U.S. is around $60,000–$70,000 per year, particularly at elite prep schools in the Northeast.
By contrast, Kentucky’s boarding schools are far more affordable, with most falling between $10,000–$25,000 per year. This makes Kentucky a strong option for families seeking value for money without sacrificing quality.
How to Choose the Right Boarding School Near Lexington
When narrowing down your options, consider:
- Budget: Decide how much you can afford annually.
- Academics: Does your child need a STEM-focused school, or a balanced curriculum?
- Faith & Values: Many Kentucky schools are Christian—does this align with your family?
- Proximity: Do you want your child close to Lexington for easier visits?
- Facilities & Programs: Sports, arts, or leadership opportunities matter for well-rounded growth.
- Future Path: College admissions support and early college credits can make a big difference.
Related
- Top 5 Boarding Schools In Minneapolis And Fees (2025)
- Top 5 Boarding Schools In Milwaukee And Fees (2025)
- Top 7 Boarding Schools In Midwest And Fees (2025)
Conclusion
While Kentucky doesn’t have as many boarding schools as some other states, the ones available near Lexington offer excellent opportunities.
- For affordable full boarding, Oneida Baptist Institute is hard to beat.
- For small, close-knit Christian communities, Oakdale Christian Academy and Red Bird Christian School shine.
- For families in Lexington wanting strong Catholic academics, Lexington Catholic High School is the obvious choice.
- For high-achieving STEM students, Craft Academy is a game-changer—especially since it’s tuition-free.
No matter your child’s needs, these schools demonstrate that boarding school in Kentucky can be both affordable and high-quality, with options ranging from values-driven environments to elite STEM preparation.