Top 3 Boarding Schools In Nashville And Fees (2025)

Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions any parent can make. For families in Tennessee, especially those based in Nashville, the search often goes beyond day schools and into the world of boarding schools.

While Nashville itself has more private day schools than boarding schools, there are excellent boarding options within reach of the city. In this article, we will explore the top boarding schools in and around Nashville, their fee structures, what makes each school unique, and practical considerations for parents weighing boarding versus day schooling.

Top Boarding Schools In Nashville And Fees

1. The Webb School – Bell Buckle, Tennessee

Located just about an hour southeast of Nashville, The Webb School is one of the most respected boarding schools in Middle Tennessee. Founded in 1870, it carries a legacy of academic rigor, character development, and small-community values. With around 400 students, Webb offers a close-knit environment where every student is known and guided individually.

One of Webb’s most attractive features is its student-to-teacher ratio of 8:1, ensuring personal attention and tailored instruction. The school offers a strong college preparatory curriculum with honors and Advanced Placement courses, as well as extracurriculars ranging from athletics to arts. Webb is also known for its Honor Code, which emphasizes integrity and responsibility, shaping not just scholars but good citizens.

Fees and Costs:

• Domestic boarding students: around $57,100 per year
• International boarding students: around $68,600 per year
• Day students (grades 9–12): about $27,000 per year

Parents should note that additional costs such as uniforms, books, activities, and travel expenses may apply. Despite the price tag, Webb School is highly sought after for its blend of tradition, academics, and strong student support.

2. St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School – Sewanee, Tennessee

Nestled in the scenic Cumberland Plateau, about 90 minutes from Nashville, St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School (often called SAS) offers a distinctive educational experience that combines rigorous academics with spiritual and character development. Affiliated with the Episcopal Church, the school embraces inclusivity while fostering a strong sense of community.

SAS enrolls students in grades 6 through 12 and provides both 5-day and 7-day boarding options. Families appreciate the flexibility: 5-day boarders can return home on weekends, while 7-day boarders experience the full boarding lifestyle. The curriculum encourages exploration, with students engaging in the arts, athletics, outdoor education, and service learning. Small class sizes allow faculty to mentor students closely, preparing them for college and beyond.

The campus environment is another highlight. Located in Sewanee, students benefit from a safe, natural setting with hiking trails, forests, and a quiet community. This environment fosters both academic focus and personal reflection.

Fees and Costs:

• 5-Day Boarding: about $45,700 per year
• 7-Day Boarding: about $63,700 per year
• Additional fees: books, health insurance (for international students), activities, and personal expenses.

For families seeking a school that blends college preparatory academics with holistic personal growth in a beautiful setting, St. Andrew’s-Sewanee is a compelling option.

3. The King’s Academy – Seymour, Tennessee

Though located a bit further east of Nashville near Knoxville, The King’s Academy is worth considering for families open to options across Tennessee. This Christian boarding and day school serves students in grades 7 through 12 and is known for its emphasis on both academics and faith.

The King’s Academy provides multiple boarding options, making it attractive to families seeking flexibility. Students can enroll in 5-day boarding, returning home on weekends, or 7-day boarding, living on campus throughout the week. The school integrates a biblical worldview into its teaching, with the goal of developing leaders who are both academically prepared and spiritually grounded.

Boarding life at The King’s Academy emphasizes responsibility, structure, and community. Students live in supervised dorms, participate in sports, arts, and student organizations, and benefit from a diverse student body that includes both domestic and international students. Tuition is more affordable compared to other Tennessee boarding schools, making it a good fit for families with tighter budgets.

Fees and Costs:

• 5-Day Boarding: around $27,500 per year
• 7-Day Boarding: around $37,500 per year
• Day tuition: lower, depending on grade level.

With its Christian foundation, accessible tuition, and structured boarding environment, The King’s Academy appeals to families seeking strong academics coupled with spiritual guidance.

Boarding Options in Nashville Itself

Interestingly, Nashville does not have a large number of traditional full boarding schools. The city’s private school landscape is dominated by prestigious day schools such as Harpeth Hall, Montgomery Bell Academy, and St. Cecilia Academy. However, a few schools, such as Currey Ingram Academy in Brentwood, offer residential programs for students with learning differences.

Day school tuition in Nashville typically ranges from $20,000 to $35,000 per year, significantly less than full boarding programs but without the residential experience. Families in Nashville who seek boarding often look toward rural Tennessee or nearby states for suitable schools.

Comparing Boarding School Costs Near Nashville

It’s important to understand how boarding school tuition compares, as costs vary widely depending on the program and boarding type.

• The Webb School – $57,100 (domestic boarding), $68,600 (international boarding)
• St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School – $45,700 (5-day), $63,700 (7-day)
• The King’s Academy – $27,500 (5-day), $37,500 (7-day)

By contrast, Nashville day schools like Harpeth Hall cost around $34,590 per year, while Benton Hall Academy is about $20,400 per year. The gap highlights how boarding adds significantly to overall cost, not just for tuition but also for housing, meals, supervision, and extracurricular facilities.

Parents should also budget for:

• Uniforms and textbooks
• Health insurance (for international students)
• Weekend activities and trips
• Travel expenses during school breaks

Why Choose a Boarding School Near Nashville?

Boarding schools offer advantages that go beyond academics. For many Nashville families, the decision to choose boarding comes down to:

1. Independence and Maturity – Boarding fosters life skills, independence, and time management.
2. Personalized Education – Smaller classes and close faculty supervision.
3. Comprehensive Extracurriculars – Sports, arts, and leadership opportunities built into daily life.
4. Community – A sense of belonging with peers and mentors.
5. College Preparation – Boarding schools often provide excellent college counseling and placement records.

How to Choose the Right Boarding School in Tennessee

When selecting a boarding school, Nashville families should consider the following factors:

• Academic programs and college placement record
• Student-faculty ratio and class size
• Boarding model (5-day vs 7-day)
• Religious affiliation (if relevant to your family)
• Location and travel logistics
• Cost transparency, including hidden fees
• Availability of scholarships or financial aid

Visiting campuses, attending open houses, and speaking to current students and parents can provide valuable insights beyond brochures and websites.

Related

• Top 6 Boarding Schools In Montana And Fees (2025)
• Top 4 Boarding Schools In Missouri And Fees (2025)
• Top 4 Boarding Schools In Mississippi And Fees (2025)

Conclusion

Nashville may not have a large number of boarding schools within the city limits, but excellent options are available within driving distance. The Webb School in Bell Buckle offers a balance of tradition and rigorous academics, St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School combines college prep with a strong community ethos in a beautiful natural setting, and The King’s Academy provides a faith-based, affordable boarding option.

Each school differs in price, philosophy, and student experience, but all share a commitment to nurturing well-rounded, college-ready graduates. Families should weigh costs, values, and long-term goals before making a decision.

For parents in Nashville seeking a transformative educational experience for their children, these boarding schools stand out as some of the best options in Tennessee.