Though Guam is relatively small compared to mainland U.S. states, it does offer excellent private institutions, some of which provide boarding facilities or partner housing arrangements for international and local students who prefer a residential setting. Below, we’ve compiled a detailed list of the Top 10 Boarding Schools in Guam and Their Fees, including their unique offerings, fee structures, and what sets them apart.

Top 10 Boarding Schools In Guam And Fees

1. St. John’s School

St. John’s School, located in Tumon, Guam, is one of the most reputable private schools on the island. Known for its strong academic standards, it offers a college-preparatory curriculum that prepares students for global universities. The school follows a U.S.-style education system, with programs that encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.

The school provides boarding facilities for international and regional students, ensuring they have a comfortable stay while pursuing their education. Extracurricular activities such as athletics, debate, performing arts, and service clubs are also an integral part of life at St. John’s. The student-teacher ratio remains small, allowing for personalized attention and mentorship.

Fees: Tuition at St. John’s School ranges between $12,000 – $15,000 per year, depending on grade level. Boarding and housing fees are approximately $7,000 – $9,000 per year, which covers meals, accommodation, and supervision.

2. Father Dueñas Memorial School

Father Dueñas Memorial School (FDMS) is a Catholic all-boys high school located in Mangilao. Managed by the Archdiocese of Agana, the school places emphasis on faith-based education, discipline, and leadership development. FDMS is known for producing graduates who excel both in academics and in leadership roles in Guam’s society.

Though primarily a day school, FDMS collaborates with residential facilities for students who need boarding options, especially international students. The school offers a strong curriculum that includes advanced placement (AP) courses, athletics, and student government opportunities. Its mission is not only to educate but also to instill Catholic values of integrity and service.

Fees: Tuition is approximately $8,500 – $10,000 per year. Boarding facilities add an additional $6,000 – $8,000 per year, depending on the housing arrangement.

3. Academy of Our Lady of Guam

The Academy of Our Lady of Guam is an all-girls Catholic school established in 1949. It is recognized as the island’s only all-female Catholic high school, focusing on nurturing future leaders through a strong liberal arts curriculum, values formation, and extracurricular opportunities.

The school fosters a safe and empowering environment where young women are encouraged to excel academically while also participating in sports, student organizations, and service projects. For students from outside Guam, the Academy partners with approved host families or boarding arrangements to provide secure housing.

Fees: Annual tuition fees range between $8,000 – $9,500, while boarding costs are typically $6,000 – $8,000 per year, depending on the package.

4. Notre Dame High School

Located in Talofofo, Notre Dame High School is another Catholic institution with a reputation for academic excellence and student development. The co-educational school offers a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for higher education, while also promoting Catholic traditions and values.

Notre Dame provides opportunities for students to engage in sports, clubs, and leadership programs. Its commitment to holistic education ensures that students leave with not only academic knowledge but also life skills and moral grounding. For international students, Notre Dame partners with local residential arrangements to provide a boarding school experience.

Fees: Tuition fees fall in the range of $7,500 – $9,000 annually. Boarding arrangements cost around $6,000 – $7,500 per year.

5. Harvest Christian Academy

Harvest Christian Academy, located in Barrigada, is a private Christian school known for its biblical-based teaching approach and college-preparatory programs. The academy emphasizes not only intellectual development but also character formation based on Christian values.

The school offers a wide range of extracurricular programs, including athletics, performing arts, and academic clubs. International and regional students who require housing can access dormitory-style boarding provided by affiliated organizations, ensuring a structured and supportive environment.

Fees: Tuition fees range between $9,000 – $11,000 per year, with additional boarding fees of approximately $7,000 – $9,000 annually.

6. St. Paul Christian School

St. Paul Christian School, located in Dededo, is a private K-12 Christian institution that emphasizes holistic education rooted in Christian teachings. The school is well-known for its small class sizes and individualized attention, allowing students to thrive academically and spiritually.

The school offers advanced placement classes, extracurricular activities, and community service programs. Boarding options are available through affiliated housing facilities, making it a great choice for students from outside Guam who wish to experience a Christian-centered education.

Fees: Annual tuition fees average $8,500 – $10,500, with boarding options costing an additional $6,000 – $8,000 per year.

7. Bishop Baumgartner Memorial Catholic School

Bishop Baumgartner Memorial Catholic School (BBMCS), located in Sinajana, is one of Guam’s prominent Catholic schools. It offers an integrated academic curriculum that combines strong academics with Catholic faith formation and community involvement.

The school provides a family-like environment where students are encouraged to participate in academic contests, athletics, and cultural activities. While it is traditionally a day school, it collaborates with host families and boarding facilities to accommodate international students.

Fees: Tuition is approximately $7,500 – $9,000 per year, with boarding arrangements costing around $6,000 – $7,500 annually.

8. Guam Adventist Academy

Guam Adventist Academy, located in Yona, is a Seventh-day Adventist institution that provides Christian education from elementary through high school. Known for its emphasis on spiritual, academic, and physical growth, the academy promotes a healthy lifestyle and Christian-centered learning.

The academy encourages student involvement in music, athletics, and service projects. For students from outside the island, Guam Adventist Academy offers dormitory-style boarding facilities, ensuring a safe and nurturing residential environment.

Fees: Tuition ranges from $8,000 – $9,500 annually, while dormitory and boarding costs are around $6,500 – $8,500 per year.

9. St. Anthony Catholic School

St. Anthony Catholic School, based in Tamuning, is another well-respected Catholic institution on the island. It offers a balanced curriculum that integrates academics, values education, and extracurricular engagement.

The school focuses on forming students who are academically competent and socially responsible. International students are welcomed, with boarding accommodations arranged through school partnerships. The supportive environment makes it an excellent choice for parents seeking a faith-based education in Guam.

Fees: Tuition costs around $7,500 – $8,500 annually, with boarding and residential services costing $6,000 – $7,000 per year.

10. St. Francis Catholic School

St. Francis Catholic School, located in Yona, provides a faith-based, family-oriented educational environment. The school is dedicated to fostering academic excellence while instilling Catholic values of service, integrity, and leadership.

Students participate in a wide range of academic and extracurricular programs, including athletics, music, and service clubs. While primarily a day school, St. Francis offers boarding options through approved local facilities for students from outside Guam.

Fees: Tuition is approximately $7,000 – $8,000 annually, with additional boarding fees of around $6,000 – $7,000 per year.

Why Choose a Boarding School in Guam?

Boarding schools in Guam provide a unique blend of U.S.-based education with the cultural richness of the Pacific. Students not only gain academic knowledge but also develop independence, life skills, and global perspectives. Many schools emphasize Christian or Catholic values, creating an environment where both academics and character development thrive.

Tips for Parents Choosing a Boarding School in Guam

1. Consider Academic Reputation – Look at test scores, college acceptance rates, and curriculum options.

2. Check Boarding Facilities – Ensure accommodations are safe, clean, and supportive.

3. Evaluate Extracurricular Options – Sports, arts, and clubs play an important role in development.

4. Understand the Fee Structure – Compare tuition and boarding costs against your budget.

5. Explore Faith-Based vs. Non-Faith-Based – Choose based on your family’s values and preferences.

Conclusion

Guam offers a selection of high-quality boarding schools that balance academics, extracurricular activities, and values-based education. From prestigious institutions like St. John’s School to faith-based schools such as Harvest Christian Academy and Notre Dame High School, parents can find the right fit for their child’s educational journey.

When considering boarding schools, always factor in tuition, boarding fees, and the overall environment. The investment may be significant, but the long-term benefits of a structured, supportive, and holistic education are immeasurable