Top 3 Boarding Schools In Indiana And Fees (2025)

Top 10 Boarding Schools In Indiana And Fees

1. Culver Academies (Culver, Indiana)

Overview

• Type: Co-educational boarding school (grades 9-12) with strong military-tradition elements (Culver Military Academy, Culver Girls Academy).

• Reputation: Widely regarded as Indiana’s premier boarding option. Known for excellent academics, leadership development, athletics, arts, and global student mix.

• Campus: Large, with many facilities, robust extracurriculars, small class sizes.

Academics & Student Life

• Offers college-preparatory curriculum, Advanced Placement courses, leadership programs, strong athletic tradition.

• Boarding students have full access to dormitories, meals, extracurricular & leadership opportunities.

• Emphasis on character, discipline, service, global awareness.

Fees / Cost

• For this school year, full tuition + room & board is around US$65,000.

• For the next, it’s similar or slightly higher (Culver publishes a figure of US$67,000 for tuition, room & board).

• Financial Aid: ~35-40% of families receive some need-based or merit-based aid.

Pros

• Strong academic standing and recognition (both in Indiana and nationally).

• Wide array of extracurriculars: sports, arts, leadership programs.

• Good support services, well-maintained facilities.

• Opportunities for merit and need-based scholarships help with affordability.

Cons

• High cost: the fee is among the highest for Indiana boarding/all‐boarding schools.

• Competitive admission.

• Some students may find the structured or military tradition aspects demanding (if not used to that style).

2. La Lumiere School (La Porte County, Indiana)

Overview

• Type: Co-educational college preparatory boarding & day school, grades 9-12. Catholic affiliation.

• Location: Rural, in LaPorte County, Indiana.

• Atmosphere: More intimate than large boarding schools; small student-body; focus on community, strong academics and faith as part of student life.

Academics & Student Life

• Offers rigorous academic curriculum, AP courses, as well as opportunities in arts, service, athletics.

• Boarding students have access to dorm life, chapel, campus activities, close teacher cooperation.

• Day students also part of robust program; but boarding offers immersive environment.

Fees / Cost

• For boarding students, tuition is about US$52,400 annually (for the current school profile).

• Day student tuition significantly lower (but still private school level).

• Note: costs may vary depending on meals, board, uniforms, extra-curricular fees, supplies, etc.

Pros

• More intimate, smaller student-teacher ratio → possibly more personalized attention.

• Strong sense of community and faith integration for families seeking Catholic environment.

• Lower cost than the top most expensive boarding schools like Culver.

Cons

• Fewer students → fewer course/club options than a large boarding academy.

• Boarding life maybe less elaborate than big boarding schools (smaller dorms, fewer facilities in some areas).

• Location: rural, which may mean less access to major city amenities.

3. Sacred Heart Apostolic School (Rolling Prairie, Indiana)

Overview

• Type: Private, all-male boarding school and seminary for students grades 8-12. Affiliated with the Legion of Christ; classical liberal arts model.

• Focus: For students considering vocation to priesthood, or desiring strong spiritual formation alongside academics. Also reasonably strong classical education, disciplined life.

Academics & Student Life

• The curriculum includes standard high school subjects plus strong emphasis on spiritual formation, moral character, religious life.

• Dormitories, library, labs, chapel; all rooms, board included in tuition.

Fees / Cost

• Annual tuition (including room & board) is about US$17,500.

• Additional costs: textbooks (~US$100), school supplies (~US$30), uniforms (~US$300), musical instrument supplies (~US$150).

• Financial aid is available for families in need.

Pros

• Much lower cost compared to full college-prep boarding schools like Culver & La Lumiere. Good value if the school’s mission aligns with student’s goals.

• Strong spiritual/community environment for families interested in Catholic faith & possible vocations.

• Smaller student body, more intimate atmosphere.

Cons

• All-male, seminary-oriented: may not be appropriate for students who want co-ed, secular, or broader boarding school experience.

• Fewer course or extracurricular options compared to larger schools.

• Less “prestige” in general academic rankings vs big boarding academies; may (depending on goals) have fewer outside recognition or resources.

Comparison Table

Other Notes & Considerations

• Closed Schools: Howe Military Academy, once a boarding option, is now closed due to financial and enrollment challenges. So it is no longer available.

• Room & Board vs Day Students: Boarding schools tend to have much higher fees because of room, meals, supervision, dorm facilities, etc. Day students pay only tuition ≈ 40-70% of boarding cost (varies widely).

• Additional Costs: Uniforms, travel, trips, supplies, instrument rental, sports fees, technology fees, etc., usually not fully included in the quoted tuition + room & board. Always ask for all-inclusive cost.

• Financial Aid & Scholarships: Key to affordability. For Culver, a large portion of students receive aid. For Sacred Heart Apostolic, aid is available. For others, merit scholarships may also be offered. If cost is a concern, investigate early.

• Reputation & College Placements: Larger schools like Culver often have higher visibility, alumni networks, resources that might help with college admissions, internships, etc. Smaller schools may have strong outcomes too, but due diligence advised.

What Makes a Great Boarding School in Indiana

Here are criteria parents & students should look for when selecting:

1. Academic Rigor and Accreditation
   Look for AP or IB offerings, accredited faculty, college matriculation rates.

2. Boarding Life & Support Services
   Dorm supervision, pastoral care (especially in religious schools), health services, counseling.

3. Activities Beyond Academics
   Athletics, arts, clubs, leadership, outdoor programs—all those help round out the student.

4. Student-Teacher Ratio & Class Size
   Smaller class sizes allow more individual attention.

5. Cost Transparency
   Clear breakdown: tuition; room & board; extra fees; supplies; uniform; travel. Hidden fees can add up.

6. Mission & Culture Fit
   Whether religious affiliation, military tradition, or classical liberal arts, fit matters for student satisfaction & success.

7. Location & Logistics
   Rural vs urban setting; travel distance; how students get home on breaks; climate. All affect boarding life quality.

Conclusion

Indiana may not have dozens of full boarding schools compared to some other states, but there are excellent options that span the spectrum of cost, mission, size, and culture.

• If you are aiming for maximum prestige, resources, and leadership opportunities, Culver Academies is top-tier.

• If you want strong academics and boarding in a more intimate or faith-based environment without paying the highest elite level fees, La Lumiere School is compelling.

• If offering a deeply spiritual, faith formation focus with lower boarding costs and smaller scale is important, Sacred Heart Apostolic School stands out.

In all cases, visiting the campus, meeting students & faculty, asking questions about exactly what is included in the fee, and considering financial aid are essential steps