If you’re a parent searching for the best boarding schools in Fort Lauderdale and their fees, this guide provides a detailed breakdown of the top institutions, their unique features, tuition costs, and what makes each one stand out.

Top 10 Boarding Schools In Fort Lauderdale And Fees

1. Pine Crest School

Pine Crest School, located in Fort Lauderdale, is one of the most prestigious independent schools in Florida. Though primarily a day school, Pine Crest offers extended programs and residential options for international students through partnerships. Known for its rigorous college-preparatory curriculum, Pine Crest emphasizes STEM, arts, and athletics equally.

Students benefit from advanced placement (AP) courses, robotics programs, performing arts, and a strong athletics department. Pine Crest consistently ranks among the top private schools in the U.S., with graduates attending Ivy League universities and top-tier colleges.

Annual Fees: Tuition ranges from $34,000 to $38,000 per year, with additional boarding or housing arrangements costing extra depending on the program.

2. North Broward Preparatory School

Situated just a short drive from Fort Lauderdale in Coconut Creek, North Broward Preparatory is part of the Nord Anglia Education family, known for excellence worldwide. It is one of the few schools near Fort Lauderdale that offers a full boarding school experience, making it a top choice for both local and international families.

The school offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) program along with AP courses, giving students flexibility in pursuing challenging academic tracks. With over 60 nationalities represented, North Broward emphasizes global learning, cultural exchange, and leadership development. Students can also take advantage of strong programs in visual arts, drama, sports, and music.

Annual Fees: Tuition ranges from $32,000 to $36,000 per year, while boarding costs add approximately $15,000 to $20,000, depending on grade level and boarding options.

3. American Heritage School (Plantation Campus)

American Heritage is another top-tier institution located near Fort Lauderdale, with campuses in Plantation and Boca Delray. Known for academic excellence, it also emphasizes character development and leadership. The Plantation campus offers residential arrangements for students, particularly those coming from overseas.

The school offers a wide range of AP courses, STEM programs, and fine arts, while also excelling in athletics. American Heritage has a remarkable record in sending graduates to top universities like Stanford, MIT, and Harvard. With a strong pre-medical program, many students pursue careers in healthcare and engineering.

Annual Fees: Day school tuition ranges from $30,000 to $36,000, with boarding options costing an additional $12,000 to $18,000 per year.

4. Saint Andrew’s School (Boca Raton)

Located about 25 miles from Fort Lauderdale, Saint Andrew’s School in Boca Raton is a prestigious Episcopal boarding and day school that draws students from across the globe. It offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum, ensuring that students are academically challenged and supported.

The school places a strong emphasis on values, spirituality, and community service, which makes it unique compared to many other institutions. With extensive arts, athletics, and leadership programs, students are encouraged to develop holistically.

Annual Fees: Day tuition is about $33,000, while boarding tuition can reach up to $55,000 annually, covering room, board, and extracurricular expenses.

5. Florida Preparatory Academy (Melbourne, FL)

Though located a bit farther north from Fort Lauderdale, Florida Preparatory Academy is a well-known military-style preparatory boarding school in Florida. It attracts students from across the state and internationally due to its structured learning environment and personalized academic support.

The academy specializes in preparing students for college admissions while instilling discipline, leadership, and responsibility. Small class sizes ensure individualized attention, and international students receive strong ESL (English as a Second Language) support. Athletics and extracurriculars are also integrated into the daily schedule.

Annual Fees: Tuition with boarding typically ranges from $37,000 to $45,000 per year.

6. Admiral Farragut Academy (St. Petersburg, FL)

Located on the west coast of Florida but within reach for families in Fort Lauderdale, Admiral Farragut Academy is a college-preparatory military boarding school with a global reputation. It offers Naval Science, Aviation, and STEM-based programs, making it particularly appealing for students interested in aviation and leadership careers.

The school balances academics with hands-on learning and leadership training. Students also benefit from AP courses, athletics, and international exchange opportunities. Its alumni include astronauts, military leaders, and entrepreneurs.

Annual Fees: Boarding tuition ranges between $48,000 and $55,000 per year, depending on grade level.

7. Boca Prep International School

Part of the International Education Systems (IES) group, Boca Prep is located close to Fort Lauderdale and offers both day and boarding school opportunities. It follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, attracting students from multiple countries.

Boca Prep emphasizes holistic education, with students encouraged to balance academics, arts, and athletics. The school is particularly strong in tennis, soccer, and golf programs, catering to students who aspire to excel in sports alongside academics.

Annual Fees: Tuition is around $25,000 to $30,000, with boarding adding an additional $15,000 to $18,000 per year.

8. Montverde Academy (Montverde, FL)

Although located about 3 hours from Fort Lauderdale, Montverde Academy is one of the most respected boarding schools in Florida. Known for its exceptional academics and athletics, particularly basketball, Montverde has produced several professional athletes and scholars.

The school offers AP courses, honors classes, and a strong arts program. International students are welcomed and supported with ESL programs. Boarding facilities are modern, and the student body is highly diverse, fostering global citizenship.

Annual Fees: Boarding tuition averages $45,000 to $55,000 annually, inclusive of housing and meals.

9. Saint John Paul II Academy (Boca Raton)

Saint John Paul II Academy, though primarily a day school, collaborates with homestay programs and boarding options for international students. Located just outside Fort Lauderdale, it offers a Catholic, college-preparatory education rooted in faith, academics, and service.

The school provides AP courses, sports, and arts, alongside spiritual formation. Students are encouraged to develop both academically and morally, preparing for university as well as lifelong leadership.

Annual Fees: Tuition ranges from $18,000 to $25,000, with additional costs for residential housing programs.

10. Riviera Preparatory School (Miami, FL)

Located in Miami, about 30 miles from Fort Lauderdale, Riviera Preparatory is a high-performing private school offering strong academics and extracurriculars. Though primarily a day school, Riviera supports boarding arrangements through partnerships with residential housing programs.

Students enjoy a college-preparatory curriculum with AP courses, arts, and athletics. The school is particularly known for fostering a supportive environment that encourages creativity and leadership.

Annual Fees: Tuition is about $27,000 to $34,000, with boarding arrangements costing extra depending on housing partnerships.

Why Choose a Boarding School in Fort Lauderdale?

Boarding schools in and around Fort Lauderdale offer students more than just academics. They provide:

• A structured environment for academic success.

• Exposure to diverse cultures and international peers.

• Opportunities for leadership, arts, and athletics.

• College-preparatory programs with strong university placement records.

Parents seeking the best boarding schools in Fort Lauderdale and their fees should carefully consider location, curriculum, extracurricular activities, and boarding facilities to find the perfect fit.

Conclusion

Fort Lauderdale and its surrounding areas host some of the most prestigious private and boarding schools in Florida. From globally recognized institutions like North Broward Preparatory to faith-based schools such as Saint Andrew’s, families have a wide range of options that cater to different academic goals and personal values.

While fees may range anywhere from $25,000 to $55,000 per year, the investment often pays off with exceptional college placements, well-rounded development, and lifelong friendships. Whether you’re a local family or relocating from abroad, Fort Lauderdale’s boarding schools stand as excellent choices for your child’s educational journey