Desmond AbahMost of the private schools in Memphis are day schools. For real boarding (with students staying on campus), you often have to look further away in Tennessee (or neighboring states). In this article, we will see two of the top boarding schools fairly accessible from Memphis, plus their fees, features, and what to expect.
Top Boarding Schools In Memphis And Fees
1. St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School (SAS) — Sewanee, Tennessee
Distance/Location
- SAS is located in Sewanee, in southeastern Tennessee (on the Cumberland Plateau). This is not especially close to Memphis (expect many hours of travel), but it is one of the more prominent boarding+day schools in the state.
Type & Grades
- Private, coeducational, Episcopal tradition.
- Offers both day and boarding options.
- Grades 6-12 use boarding.
Boarding Options & Fees
- 7-Day Boarding (full week): ~$63,700 USD per year.
- 5-Day Boarding (students return home on weekends): ~$45,700 USD per year.
- There is also a “Mountain Boarding” rate ($56,300) for students from certain regions (Appalachian region states) to reduce the cost for them.
What You Get / Highlights
- Strong academic curriculum with college prep focus.
- Boarding includes meals, dorm housing, residential supervision, evening study, access to facilities.
- Additional services like on-campus nursing, chaplain, mental health support for boarders.
Pros vs Cons
| ✔ Pros | ✖ Cons |
|---|---|
| Top quality academics; well-rounded program (arts, sports, outdoors) | High cost; travel distance from Memphis is considerable |
| Boarding options flexible (5-day vs 7-day) | Being far means travel expenses and logistics add up |
| Financial aid / merit awards may help depending on need | Might be cultural adaptation if coming from urban Memphis to a more rural setting |
2. The Webb School — Bell Buckle, Tennessee
Distance/Location
- Webb School is in Bell Buckle, Tennessee, somewhat central, so geographically further from Memphis than SAS. It’s still in Tennessee.
Type & Grades
- Private, college preparatory, co-ed, with boarding for higher grades.
Boarding Options & Fees
- Boarding Students (Domestic): ~$57,100 USD/year including room and board.
- International Boarding: ~$68,600 USD/year.
What You Get / Highlights
- Excellent academics, strong reputation, rigorous curriculum.
- Full residential life with boarding students living on campus, with supervision, meals, study hours, extracurriculars.
- Financial aid is available.
Pros vs Cons
| ✔ Pros | ✖ Cons |
|---|---|
| Highly respected, good college prep, strong boarding infrastructure | Even farther from Memphis → more travel time/costs |
| International option (good for students from other states or countries) | Very pricey; costs beyond tuition (travel, books, gear) can add up |
| Strong community; immersive boarding life | Rural area; less access to big-city amenities than Memphis |
How Much Does Boarding School Cost in General
To give context, here are some average figures and norms:
- The national average for 5-day boarding schools is about US$55,000/year, while full 7-day boarding is approximately US$69,000/year.
- These costs typically cover tuition + room & board + many extracurriculars, but do not always include travel to/from school, uniforms, special fees, break housing, etc.
What to Check / Consider
When choosing a boarding school, especially far from where you live, think through:
- Travel & extra costs — flights, transportation home for holidays, gear/clothing, supplies.
- Cultural/environmental fit — rural vs urban, climate, student body (diversity, international vs local)
- Academic programs & curriculum — AP, IB, electives, arts/sports strengths.
- Boarding support — dorm supervision, mental health, medical care, weekend programs.
- Financial aid / scholarships — many schools have needs-based aid, merit awards, reduced rates for certain regions.
Related
- Top 13 Boarding Schools In Massachusetts And Fees (2025)
- Top 7 Boarding Schools In Maryland And Fees (2025)
- Top 2 Boarding Schools In Manhattan And Fees (2025)
Conclusion
If you are based in Memphis and wanting boarding, St. Andrew’s-Sewanee and Webb School are among the top closer options, though both will still require a fair amount of travel. Both are expensive, with costs in the range of US$45,000 to US$65,000+ per year for boarding.