Top 4 Boarding Schools In Louisiana And Fees (2025)

Louisiana is well known for its unique cultural blend of French, Spanish, and Southern traditions, but it is also home to some excellent educational institutions, including a handful of top-quality boarding schools. While the state does not have as many boarding schools as states like Massachusetts or New York, the few that exist offer strong academic foundations, personalized attention, and opportunities for both personal and professional growth.

In this guide, we’ll explore the top 4 boarding schools in Louisiana, their unique offerings, tuition fees, and why they stand out as premier educational options for families.

Top Boarding Schools In Louisiana And Fees

1. Episcopal School of Acadiana (ESA)

Location: Cade and Lafayette, Louisiana
Grades: 3–12
Annual Tuition (Boarding): Around $25,000–$35,000

Episcopal School of Acadiana (ESA) is widely recognized as one of the top independent schools in Louisiana. Although it primarily functions as a day school, ESA also provides limited boarding options for students who require a residential environment. Established in 1979, the school has built a reputation for blending rigorous academics with a supportive and nurturing community.

At ESA, the emphasis is placed on cultivating curiosity and independence in students. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention, while the curriculum is designed to prepare students for the challenges of higher education. Subjects range from traditional core academics like mathematics, science, and English to advanced courses, arts, and athletics. ESA is also known for its strong extracurricular activities, including debate, fine arts, and competitive sports teams.

The boarding aspect of ESA provides students with a safe and structured environment. Faculty members serve as mentors, guiding boarders through both academic and personal development. For international students or those coming from different parts of Louisiana, this boarding setup allows them to immerse themselves fully in the ESA experience.

Parents choose ESA not only for its strong academics but also because of the focus on character development, leadership, and service. With tuition fees ranging between $25,000 and $35,000 annually for boarders, ESA remains one of the most reputable boarding options in Louisiana.

2. Episcopal High School of Baton Rouge

Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Grades: 6–12
Annual Tuition (Boarding): Around $20,000–$30,000

Episcopal High School of Baton Rouge is another premier independent institution in Louisiana offering an excellent education in a faith-based environment. Known for its commitment to academic excellence, Episcopal High provides both day and limited boarding facilities for students seeking a holistic learning experience.

Founded in 1965, the school has a long-standing tradition of nurturing students academically, spiritually, and socially. Its curriculum is challenging, offering college-preparatory courses that prepare students for universities across the United States and abroad. Episcopal High is also renowned for its AP (Advanced Placement) programs, which allow students to earn college credit while still in high school.

Boarding at Episcopal High is designed to give students a home-like atmosphere where they feel safe and supported. The boarding staff works closely with students, helping them manage their academic responsibilities while encouraging independence and self-discipline. Beyond academics, students enjoy a variety of activities, from athletics to theater, music, and student leadership initiatives.

The school’s values are rooted in the Episcopal tradition, emphasizing service, moral responsibility, and integrity. Tuition fees for boarders are typically between $20,000 and $30,000 annually, depending on grade level and additional services. Parents and students seeking an academically rigorous, faith-centered environment often consider Episcopal High of Baton Rouge as one of the best boarding options in Louisiana.

3. Academy of the Sacred Heart (Grand Coteau)

Location: Grand Coteau, Louisiana
Grades: Pre-K–12 (Boarding available for grades 7–12)
Annual Tuition (Boarding): Around $30,000–$40,000

The Academy of the Sacred Heart in Grand Coteau is one of the oldest and most prestigious private schools in Louisiana, founded in 1821. This all-girls Catholic school provides a nurturing, faith-based environment for students while maintaining a strong reputation for academic excellence. The Academy is part of the international Sacred Heart network of schools, giving students global exposure and opportunities.

Boarding at the Academy is offered for girls in grades 7–12, making it an excellent choice for families looking for a well-rounded educational and residential experience. The boarding program fosters community, independence, and leadership while giving students access to top-tier academics and extracurricular activities.

The curriculum is rigorous, preparing students for competitive colleges and universities. In addition to core academics, students engage in fine arts, music, athletics, and service-learning programs. The school’s Catholic identity emphasizes faith formation, service to others, and spiritual growth, which parents highly value when choosing this institution.

The Academy of the Sacred Heart also places a strong focus on technology and innovation, equipping students with skills relevant to the modern world. Boarding students live in a structured, supportive environment with faculty mentors who serve as role models and guides.

Tuition fees for boarders typically fall between $30,000 and $40,000 per year, making it one of the more premium boarding schools in Louisiana. Its rich history, Catholic tradition, and high academic standards make it a standout choice for families seeking an all-girls boarding school.

4. Saint Joseph’s Academy (Baton Rouge)

Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Grades: 9–12 (Boarding options available)
Annual Tuition (Boarding): Around $25,000–$35,000

Founded in 1868, Saint Joseph’s Academy is another all-girls Catholic institution that has built a strong reputation for academic excellence and character formation. It offers a limited boarding program for students seeking a residential education experience in Baton Rouge.

Saint Joseph’s Academy emphasizes the development of young women into confident leaders prepared to face the challenges of the future. The school provides a comprehensive curriculum that includes honors and AP courses, giving students the opportunity to excel academically and prepare for higher education.

The boarding experience at Saint Joseph’s is supportive and community-oriented. Students live in a structured environment that encourages both academic success and personal growth. Faculty and residential staff are committed to providing guidance, mentorship, and supervision, ensuring that students feel both safe and empowered.

Extracurricular opportunities abound, with athletics, student clubs, arts, and community service forming an essential part of the student experience. The school’s Catholic tradition emphasizes values such as compassion, service, and moral responsibility.

Boarding tuition typically ranges between $25,000 and $35,000 annually, depending on services and grade level. Saint Joseph’s Academy stands out for its strong focus on empowering young women, academic rigor, and vibrant faith-based community.

Why Choose a Boarding School in Louisiana?

While Louisiana is not home to as many boarding schools as states like Connecticut or New Jersey, the options available are high-quality and diverse. Boarding schools in the state often combine rigorous academics with strong traditions of faith, character development, and leadership. Families choose boarding schools in Louisiana for the following reasons:

Strong Academic Programs: Most boarding schools in Louisiana are college-preparatory, ensuring students are ready for higher education.
Faith-Based Education: Several institutions emphasize Catholic or Episcopal traditions, instilling moral values alongside academics.
Personal Growth: Boarding schools foster independence, discipline, and leadership skills.
Community and Extracurriculars: Students enjoy sports, arts, and service programs that build well-rounded personalities.

Conclusion

The top 4 boarding schools in Louisiana—Episcopal School of Acadiana, Episcopal High School of Baton Rouge, Academy of the Sacred Heart, and Saint Joseph’s Academy—each provide unique opportunities for students to thrive academically, socially, and personally. With tuition fees ranging from $20,000 to $40,000 annually, these institutions offer excellent educational environments combined with nurturing communities.

Choosing a boarding school in Louisiana means giving your child access to a supportive, academically challenging, and character-building environment that prepares them for future success.

If you are exploring options for your child, consider visiting each school’s campus, speaking with admission officers, and assessing which environment best aligns with your child’s learning style, values, and long-term goals.