Desmond AbahWhen parents begin looking for boarding schools in Las Vegas, one of the first things they discover is that the city has very few traditional, residential boarding schools. Instead, Las Vegas offers excellent private day schools, while most families seeking a full boarding experience look just beyond Nevada’s borders to Utah or Arizona.
This guide provides a detailed look at the top 5 boarding schools in and around Las Vegas. Some are traditional boarding schools with full dorm life and college-prep academics, while others are therapeutic residential programs that provide specialized support for teens.
Top Boarding Schools In Las Vegas And Fees
1. Wasatch Academy — The Closest Traditional Boarding School Near Las Vegas
Location: Mt. Pleasant, Utah (about a 4–6 hour drive from Las Vegas)
Grades: 8–12, plus post-graduate year
School Type: Traditional college-prep boarding school
Wasatch Academy is one of the oldest and most respected college-preparatory boarding schools in the Western United States. Founded in 1875, it offers a true residential life experience that many families in Las Vegas seek. Students live on campus in dormitories, take part in a wide range of sports and arts programs, and prepare for competitive college admissions.
The school is known for its personalized learning approach, with small class sizes, individual mentoring, and an emphasis on both academics and extracurricular engagement. The international student body also adds cultural diversity, which is valuable for students preparing to enter a globalized world.
Tuition and Fees
- 7-Day Boarding: approx. $73,500/year
- 5-Day Boarding: approx. $59,000/year
- International Boarding: approx. $76,500/year
- Day Student: approx. $39,350/year
The fees include tuition, room, and board. Families should budget extra for travel, uniforms, technology, and extracurricular trips. Financial aid and merit scholarships are available.
Who it’s best for: Families who want a classic U.S. boarding school experience without traveling across the country. Students benefit from rigorous academics, strong college counseling, and a supportive community.
2. Eagle Ranch Academy — A Therapeutic Residential School
Location: St. George, Utah (2 hours from Las Vegas)
Grades: Middle and high school students (ages 12–18)
School Type: Therapeutic residential program
Not all families look for boarding schools strictly for academics. Some need a residential therapeutic program to help their teenager address behavioral, emotional, or mental health challenges. For such cases, Eagle Ranch Academy is a well-known choice in southern Utah.
The program combines individual therapy, group therapy, and academic instruction, creating a structured environment where students can grow emotionally and academically. Residential staff and therapists guide students through routines that build responsibility, self-control, and life skills.
Tuition and Fees:
Unlike traditional boarding schools with yearly tuition, therapeutic programs like Eagle Ranch typically charge monthly or daily rates. Reported figures suggest fees are in the thousands per month, with additional costs for therapy, health care, and intake processes. Because pricing can vary based on individual student needs, families must contact the school directly for the latest costs.
Who it’s best for: Teens who need a structured residential treatment environment rather than a purely academic boarding experience. Parents often turn to Eagle Ranch when a local private school or public option cannot meet their child’s therapeutic needs.
3. Red Hawk Academy — Residential Program for Girls
Location: Arizona region (serving families across the Southwest)
Grades: Girls, ages 12–18
School Type: Therapeutic boarding program (girls only)
Red Hawk Academy is another option families in Las Vegas consider when searching for residential schools. Unlike Wasatch Academy, it is not a traditional boarding school — it is a therapeutic boarding program designed for girls. Its mission is to provide academic education alongside clinical therapy, helping young women overcome challenges related to behavior, trauma, or emotional difficulties.
The academy emphasizes empowerment, academic growth, and therapeutic healing, offering small class sizes and a highly structured daily schedule. Students also engage in outdoor activities, leadership opportunities, and personal development workshops.
Tuition and Fees:
Red Hawk Academy is typically priced at $8,000–$10,000 per month, depending on length of stay and services required. This can amount to $90,000–$120,000 per year if a student is enrolled long-term. Families should request a cost breakdown to understand what is included (housing, therapy sessions, academics, etc.).
Who it’s best for: Families of teenage girls who require intensive therapeutic support in a safe, structured, and empowering environment.
4. The Meadows School — Las Vegas’s Top Private Day School
Location: Summerlin, Las Vegas, Nevada
Grades: Pre-K through 12
School Type: Private day school (not boarding)
Though it is not a boarding school, The Meadows School deserves a place on this list because it is the top private day school in Las Vegas. Many families exploring boarding options ultimately choose The Meadows to keep their children closer to home while still benefiting from elite academic preparation.
The school is known for its college-preparatory curriculum, award-winning faculty, advanced placement courses, and robust arts and athletics programs. Its campus in Summerlin offers a full student experience, with clubs, leadership programs, and community engagement.
Tuition and Fees:
Upper school tuition at The Meadows is reported to be around $34,000–$35,000 per year. While this does not include boarding, it is competitive with elite day schools across the U.S. Financial aid opportunities exist for qualified families.
Who it’s best for: Families who want the highest academic standards in Las Vegas but prefer not to send their children away to boarding school.
5. The Alexander Dawson School at Rainbow Mountain
Location: Summerlin, Las Vegas, Nevada
Grades: Early Childhood – Grade 8
School Type: Private day school (independent, non-sectarian)
Another top private school in Las Vegas is The Alexander Dawson School at Rainbow Mountain. While it does not offer boarding, Dawson is highly respected for its progressive teaching methods, strong faculty, and emphasis on creativity and critical thinking.
The school offers state-of-the-art facilities, outdoor education, and a curriculum designed to prepare students for advanced high school programs. For families with younger children, it is a strong alternative to boarding until students are old enough for traditional boarding schools elsewhere.
Tuition and Fees:
Tuition for the upper grades at Dawson is approximately $31,000 per year. The cost includes academics, extracurricular activities, and a wide range of enrichment programs.
Who it’s best for: Parents of younger students who want a strong educational foundation in Las Vegas before considering boarding for high school.
How to Choose the Right Option
When deciding between boarding schools, therapeutic programs, or local private day schools, consider the following factors:
- Educational Goals – If the priority is college preparation and independence, a traditional boarding school like Wasatch Academy is ideal.
- Therapeutic Needs – If a student requires therapy or behavioral support, a residential therapeutic program (Eagle Ranch, Red Hawk) may be more appropriate.
- Location Preference – Some families prefer to keep children close. In such cases, The Meadows or Dawson provide outstanding academics without the distance.
- Cost Structure – Traditional boarding schools charge annual tuition; therapeutic programs charge monthly and can be more expensive overall. Day schools are less expensive but require families to live locally.
- Student Fit – The most important factor is the child’s personality, needs, and future goals.
Comparison Table
| School/Program | Type | Tuition/Fees | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wasatch Academy (UT) | Boarding (Grades 8–12) | $59,000–$76,500/year | College-prep boarding |
| Eagle Ranch Academy (UT) | Therapeutic residential | Monthly/daily rates (varies) | Teens needing therapy + academics |
| Red Hawk Academy (AZ) | Therapeutic residential (girls) | $8,000–$10,000/month | Girls requiring structured care |
| The Meadows School (Las Vegas) | Private day (Pre-K–12) | ~$34,000/year | Elite private day schooling |
| Alexander Dawson (Las Vegas) | Private day (EC–8) | ~$31,000/year | Younger students, prep for high school |
Related
- Top 5 Boarding Schools In Minneapolis And Fees (2025)
- Top 5 Boarding Schools In Milwaukee And Fees (2025)
Conclusion
While Las Vegas itself has limited traditional boarding school options, families in the area are far from underserved. Between Wasatch Academy in Utah and therapeutic residential programs like Eagle Ranch Academy and Red Hawk Academy, families can find full boarding options within a reasonable distance. For those who prefer to stay local, The Meadows School and The Alexander Dawson School stand out as premier private day schools with strong reputations.
The key is to match the student’s needs, personality, and goals with the right type of program. Boarding schools build independence and prepare students for top universities. Therapeutic programs provide structured environments for personal growth. Day schools in Las Vegas deliver excellent education without leaving home.
By weighing tuition, program structure, and student fit, families can confidently choose the best educational path in and around Las Vegas.