Choosing the right boarding school is a major decision for families who want to provide their children with a strong academic foundation, diverse extracurricular opportunities, and a nurturing environment that promotes independence. Baltimore, Maryland, is home to some of the most respected boarding schools in the United States. Known for their rich history, rigorous academics, and holistic approach to education, these schools prepare students for top universities and successful careers.

In this article, we will explore the Top 15 Boarding Schools in Baltimore and their fees, along with what makes each school unique. Whether you’re a parent seeking elite academics, a well-rounded arts program, or robust athletic opportunities, this guide will help you find the best fit for your child.

Top 15 Boarding Schools In Baltimore And Their Fees

1. McDonogh School

Founded in 1873, McDonogh School is one of Baltimore’s most prestigious boarding and day schools. The school is situated on a sprawling 800-acre campus that offers students an ideal balance of academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities. McDonogh prides itself on preparing students for leadership roles and cultivating a spirit of service.

Academically, McDonogh is rigorous, offering Advanced Placement (AP) courses, honors programs, and personalized academic advising. Students are encouraged to pursue both STEM fields and liberal arts, ensuring a well-rounded education. The school also boasts strong arts and athletics programs, from competitive sports teams to award-winning theater and music groups.

As a boarding school, McDonogh provides a supportive residential life with experienced faculty members serving as dorm parents. Students build independence while still benefiting from a nurturing community.

Fees: Boarding tuition is approximately $69,000 per year, which includes room, board, and other essential services.

2. Garrison Forest School

Established in 1910, Garrison Forest School is an all-girls independent boarding and day school located just outside Baltimore. The school combines strong academics with a supportive environment designed to empower young women.

Academically, Garrison Forest offers a college-preparatory curriculum that integrates critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. Their Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) program, in partnership with Johns Hopkins University, allows students to work alongside professional researchers, giving them a head start in STEM careers.

Beyond academics, Garrison Forest emphasizes leadership, character development, and global awareness. Students participate in service-learning projects and leadership workshops that prepare them to thrive in a diverse and interconnected world.

The boarding experience is warm and inclusive, designed to feel like a second home. Faculty advisors play a key role in guiding students academically and socially.

Fees: Annual boarding tuition is around $66,000, including meals and housing.

3. Bryn Mawr School

Bryn Mawr School, founded in 1885, is another all-girls independent school in Baltimore known for its rigorous academics and dedication to developing confident leaders. With a student-centered approach, Bryn Mawr fosters intellectual curiosity, creativity, and resilience.

The academic program includes a wide range of AP and honors courses, as well as electives in arts, humanities, and sciences. Students are encouraged to explore independent research projects and internships, which enhance their real-world skills.

Bryn Mawr also has a strong focus on the arts and athletics. From dance and drama to competitive sports, students are encouraged to find their passion outside the classroom. Boarding students benefit from small class sizes and close faculty mentorship, ensuring personalized attention.

The school’s mission is to nurture young women to excel academically and lead with integrity. Many graduates continue to elite universities such as Harvard, Yale, and Johns Hopkins.

Fees: The cost of boarding is approximately $64,000 per year.

4. St. Timothy’s School

St. Timothy’s School, founded in 1882, is an all-girls boarding and day school with a strong global reputation. Located in Stevenson, just minutes from Baltimore, the school is notable for being one of the first in the U.S. to adopt the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum.

The IB program sets St. Timothy’s apart, offering students a globally recognized education that emphasizes inquiry-based learning, cultural awareness, and critical thinking. This academic rigor prepares students for success at top universities worldwide.

Beyond academics, St. Timothy’s encourages participation in athletics, equestrian programs, and the arts. Their horseback riding program is especially renowned, attracting students from across the globe.

Residential life at St. Timothy’s is designed to foster independence, responsibility, and close-knit friendships. The supportive faculty ensures students adapt smoothly to boarding life while thriving academically and socially.

Fees: Boarding tuition is about $65,500 annually, covering room, board, and academic resources.

5. Boys’ Latin School of Maryland

Founded in 1844, Boys’ Latin School is one of the oldest independent schools in Baltimore. It offers boarding options for boys in grades 9–12 and is well-regarded for its focus on character, leadership, and academic excellence.

The curriculum emphasizes a liberal arts education, with a strong foundation in writing, public speaking, and analytical thinking. Advanced courses and personalized academic advising help students prepare for college-level work.

Athletics play a big role at Boys’ Latin, with lacrosse being particularly strong due to Baltimore’s rich lacrosse tradition. Students also have access to arts programs, leadership initiatives, and service opportunities.

Boarding students benefit from living in a community that balances independence with responsibility. Faculty dorm parents provide support while allowing boys to grow into confident young men.

Fees: Annual boarding fees average $62,000, which covers tuition, housing, and meals.

6. Oldfields School

Oldfields School, founded in 1867, is a small all-girls boarding and day school located in Sparks Glencoe, a short drive from Baltimore. Known for its personalized education and supportive environment, Oldfields limits its student body to ensure every student receives individual attention.

The school offers a strong college-preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and a wide range of electives. Faculty members focus on cultivating confidence, resilience, and critical thinking in their students.

Oldfields is also known for its equestrian program, which attracts students worldwide. Other extracurricular activities include arts, athletics, and community service projects.

Boarding life is close-knit, with students and faculty forming strong bonds. Dormitories are designed to feel like home, and weekend activities provide fun opportunities for students to explore Baltimore and beyond.

Fees: Boarding tuition is approximately $63,000 per year.

7. Calvert Hall College High School

Calvert Hall College High School is a Catholic, college-preparatory institution for boys. Although traditionally a day school, it has expanded to offer limited boarding opportunities for international and out-of-state students seeking a rigorous education in Baltimore.

The school’s curriculum is faith-centered, emphasizing academics, spiritual development, and character formation. Students can choose from a variety of AP courses, honors classes, and dual-enrollment options with local universities.

Calvert Hall is especially strong in athletics, with championship-level teams in football, lacrosse, and basketball. Its extracurriculars include debate, robotics, and music programs.

Boarding students are integrated into a community that values respect, responsibility, and leadership. Dorm life is supervised by dedicated faculty, ensuring a safe and supportive environment.

Fees: Boarding tuition is around $61,000 annually.

8. Loyola Blakefield

Loyola Blakefield, a Jesuit college-preparatory school for boys, combines rigorous academics with spiritual and character development. Located just north of Baltimore, it is one of the region’s top Catholic boarding schools.

The curriculum includes AP and honors courses, with a strong emphasis on STEM and the humanities. Students are encouraged to embrace service and leadership opportunities in line with Jesuit values.

Extracurricular activities are abundant, with strong athletic programs, robotics clubs, and arts programs. Boarding students enjoy a balance of structured study and free time, ensuring both academic success and personal growth.

Fees: Annual boarding costs average $62,500, including tuition, room, and meals.

9. Friends School of Baltimore

Founded in 1784, Friends School is one of the oldest independent schools in Baltimore. Rooted in Quaker values, the school emphasizes simplicity, peace, integrity, and community.

Academically, Friends offers challenging college-preparatory courses with a strong emphasis on critical thinking and collaboration. Students also benefit from experiential learning opportunities, such as internships and community-based projects.

The school offers a range of arts and athletics programs, fostering creativity and teamwork. Boarding students live in a nurturing environment that supports academic and personal growth.

Fees: Boarding tuition is approximately $64,500 annually.

10. Park School of Baltimore

The Park School of Baltimore is an independent, coeducational school that offers limited boarding for high school students. Known for its progressive education model, Park School emphasizes inquiry-based learning and student-driven projects.

Academics are challenging yet flexible, allowing students to explore their interests deeply. The curriculum prepares students for college while fostering independence and problem-solving skills.

Park is also strong in the arts, theater, and music, along with competitive athletics. Boarding students enjoy a vibrant community where faculty and peers support their academic and personal journeys.

Fees: Boarding tuition is around $65,000 per year.

11. Roland Park Country School

Roland Park Country School is an all-girls independent school with strong academics and leadership development programs. While primarily a day school, it offers boarding options through partnerships with nearby institutions.

The curriculum is challenging, with AP courses and global learning opportunities. Students are encouraged to take leadership roles and participate in service-learning projects.

Athletics, arts, and extracurricular activities provide well-rounded experiences. Boarding students benefit from a nurturing environment where they gain independence while being supported by mentors.

Fees: Annual boarding costs are about $63,500.

12. The Bryn Athyn School of Baltimore

This independent boarding school emphasizes holistic education, blending rigorous academics with spiritual and moral development. The school provides a balanced approach to education, focusing on intellectual, emotional, and social growth.

Boarding life fosters independence and community. Students are engaged in a range of activities, from athletics to leadership programs.

Fees: Tuition and boarding fees average $61,500 per year.

13. Indian Creek School (Baltimore Campus)

Indian Creek School is a coeducational institution that offers a challenging curriculum in STEM, arts, and humanities. Its Baltimore campus provides limited boarding for students seeking a strong academic and extracurricular balance.

The school is especially known for its focus on personalized learning and innovation. Boarding students enjoy a safe and structured environment.

Fees: Approximately $62,000 annually.

14. St. Paul’s School for Girls

Located in Brooklandville, just outside Baltimore, St. Paul’s School for Girls is a college-preparatory boarding school with a focus on academics, arts, and leadership.

The curriculum includes AP courses, global exchange programs, and internships. Students thrive in athletics and arts programs as well. Boarding students are closely mentored, ensuring they adapt successfully to residential life.

Fees: Boarding tuition is around $63,000 per year.

15. Baltimore Collegiate Boarding Academy

Baltimore Collegiate Boarding Academy serves young men with a focus on leadership, academics, and character development. Designed to provide opportunities for underrepresented students, the academy emphasizes responsibility, discipline, and community.

The curriculum is rigorous, with a strong focus on literacy, STEM, and college preparation. Boarding life is structured yet supportive, giving students the environment they need to succeed.

Fees: Tuition varies, averaging around $59,000 annually.

Conclusion

Baltimore offers a wide range of boarding schools, each with unique strengths in academics, arts, athletics, and character development. Whether you’re interested in all-girls institutions, Jesuit schools, or coeducational campuses, the city has an option to fit nearly every student’s needs.

By reviewing the top 15 boarding schools in Baltimore and their fees, families can make informed choices based on academic goals, extracurricular interests, and financial considerations. These schools are not only places of learning but also communities where students grow into confident, independent, and capable leaders of tomorrow

Top 15 Boarding Schools In Baltimore And Fees (2026)