Top 4 Boarding Schools In Miami And Fees (2025)

Choosing the right boarding school is one of the most important decisions parents can make for their children. For families in Florida—especially those living in or near Miami—boarding schools provide students with a structured, supportive, and academically challenging environment.

In this article, we’ll explore the top 4 boarding schools in or near Miami, Florida, along with their fees, boarding options, and unique strengths. Whether you’re seeking an affordable public charter option or a prestigious private institution, this guide will help you make an informed choice.

Top Boarding Schools In Miami And Fees

1. SEED Miami (The SEED School of Miami)

Location: Miami, Florida
Grades: 6–12
Boarding Model: Public charter boarding; students stay on campus dorms Sunday through Friday
Fees: Tuition-free

SEED Miami is South Florida’s only public boarding school, making it a unique choice for families who want the benefits of a boarding program without the hefty tuition fees. Established as part of the national SEED Foundation model, this school is dedicated to preparing students for college success through a structured, college-preparatory curriculum.

Students live on campus during the school week, receiving not only academic instruction but also social, emotional, and personal development support. By keeping class sizes small, SEED ensures that every student receives individual attention. The program is especially beneficial for students who may not have access to such resources at traditional public schools.

Because SEED Miami is tuition-free, it eliminates one of the biggest barriers to boarding education—cost. Families pay no tuition for instruction or boarding, making it an ideal solution for parents seeking affordability combined with academic quality.

Best For: Families seeking an affordable boarding experience with strong support and structure right in Miami.

2. Saint Andrew’s School, Boca Raton

Location: Boca Raton, Florida (approx. 35–40 miles north of Miami)
Grades: 9–12 boarding; PK–12 overall
Boarding Model: Traditional full boarding with weekend options
Fees: Approx. US$76,040 per year for boarding students

Saint Andrew’s School is one of the most prestigious private schools in South Florida. Just a short drive from Miami, this Episcopal, college-preparatory school has built a reputation for academic excellence, international diversity, and state-of-the-art facilities.

The school offers both International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Placement (AP) programs, giving students a strong academic foundation for college admission. With an impressive college placement record, graduates often attend top universities across the U.S. and globally.

In addition to academics, Saint Andrew’s offers extensive extracurricular opportunities, including arts, athletics, leadership programs, and cultural exchange. Its boarding program emphasizes independence while providing a strong support network of dorm parents, advisors, and mentors.

Though tuition is on the higher side, families who value prestige, global exposure, and rigorous academics often find Saint Andrew’s worth the investment.

Best For: Parents who want a top-tier, prestigious boarding school with international opportunities near Miami.

3. North Broward Preparatory School (NBPS), Coconut Creek

Location: Coconut Creek, Florida (part of Greater Fort Lauderdale area, ~45 minutes from Miami)
Grades: PK–12
Boarding Model: Full boarding, 5-day boarding, or hybrid boarding options
Fees: Around US$89,950 per year for full boarding (tuition + boarding + fees)

North Broward Preparatory School, part of the Nord Anglia Education group, is another strong option for Miami-area families. Known for its global perspective and innovative teaching methods, NBPS attracts students from more than 50 countries.

The boarding program offers flexibility, with options for 7-day full boarding or 5-day boarding for students who want to return home on weekends. Dormitories are well-equipped, and the school places a strong emphasis on community, wellness, and personal growth.

Academically, NBPS delivers a robust program with Advanced Placement (AP) courses and specialized tracks for arts, STEM, and athletics. Its affiliation with Nord Anglia also gives students access to unique collaborations, including partnerships with MIT and The Juilliard School.

Although its fees are among the highest in the region, families often choose NBPS for its excellent facilities, global reach, and outstanding support system for international students.

Best For: Students looking for flexibility, world-class resources, and an international environment within reach of Miami.

4. Montverde Academy

Location: Montverde, Central Florida (further from Miami, ~3.5 hours drive)
Grades: PreK–12
Boarding Model: Full boarding for middle and upper grades
Fees: Approx. US$57,380 per year for boarding students

Though Montverde Academy is located further from Miami, it earns a spot on this list due to its strong reputation in both academics and athletics. Known especially for its nationally ranked basketball program and competitive sports teams, Montverde is a popular choice for student-athletes who also want a solid academic foundation.

The school offers AP and honors courses, along with a variety of enrichment programs. Boarding students live in a supportive environment with structured supervision, extracurricular opportunities, and access to advanced training facilities.

With fees that are somewhat lower than other private boarding schools in Florida, Montverde offers a balance of affordability, academics, and athletics. While the distance from Miami is greater, many families consider it a worthwhile trade-off.

Best For: Students passionate about athletics, especially sports, who also want strong academics and boarding life.

Comparison Table: Boarding Schools in/near Miami

School	Location	Grades	Boarding Type	Fees (Annual, Boarding)	Best For
SEED Miami	Miami	6–12	Public boarding (Sun–Fri)	Free	Families seeking affordable, structured, tuition-free boarding
Saint Andrew’s School	Boca Raton	9–12 boarding	Full boarding	US$76,040	Prestige, rigorous academics, international opportunities
North Broward Prep	Coconut Creek	PK–12	Full or 5-day boarding	US$89,950	International focus, flexible boarding, premium facilities
Montverde Academy	Central Florida	PreK–12	Full boarding	US$57,380	Student-athletes, strong academics, more affordable

Why Boarding Schools Near Miami Are Attractive

Miami is known for its vibrant culture, diversity, and opportunities. However, the city itself does not have many traditional private boarding schools. Instead, families often look at a combination of local specialized boarding options—like SEED Miami—and nearby private academies within South Florida.

Some of the main reasons parents consider boarding schools include:

Academic rigor: Many offer IB or AP programs that prepare students for elite universities.
Structured environment: Boarding life provides discipline, guidance, and independence.
Diversity and networking: Students often interact with peers from across the U.S. and around the world.
Extracurriculars: From athletics to arts, boarding schools provide well-rounded development.

How to Choose the Right Boarding School Near Miami

When deciding on a boarding school, tuition is only part of the equation. Here are some key factors to weigh:

Location: Do you prefer a school right in Miami (SEED), nearby (Boca Raton or Coconut Creek), or further out (Montverde)?
Cost: Boarding school fees vary widely, from free (SEED) to nearly $90,000 a year. Consider financial aid or scholarships if available.
Curriculum: Some schools offer IB or AP programs—ideal for students aiming for competitive colleges.
Extracurriculars: Athletics, arts, leadership, and global exchange programs can shape the student’s overall experience.
Community: Boarding life should be supportive, safe, and enriching. Consider whether your child thrives better in smaller or larger communities.
International support: If you’re an international family, check whether the school has ESL programs, visa support, and cultural adjustment help.

Conclusion

Boarding schools near Miami offer a range of choices—from the tuition-free, supportive environment of SEED Miami to the prestigious and globally connected Saint Andrew’s School and North Broward Prep, to the athletics-strong Montverde Academy.

If affordability is your top priority, SEED Miami is the clear choice.
If you want prestige and academic rigor close to Miami, Saint Andrew’s School is a leading option.
For international exposure and state-of-the-art facilities, North Broward Prep excels.
For sports and a balanced fee structure, Montverde Academy stands out.

Ultimately, the right choice depends on your child’s personality, interests, and long-term goals. With the right fit, a boarding school experience can be transformative—offering not just education, but a foundation for lifelong success.