Sacramento, the capital city of California, is known not only for its political significance and thriving economy but also for its commitment to high-quality education. The city and its surrounding areas offer several prestigious boarding schools that provide students with a combination of academic rigor, character development, and real-world skills.

In this post, we’ll explore the top boarding schools in Sacramento, California, along with their programs, facilities, and annual tuition fees.

Top Boarding Schools In Sacramento And Fees

1. Sacramento Country Day School

Location: 2636 Latham Drive, Sacramento, CA 95864
Estimated Annual Tuition: $30,000 – $35,000 (boarding arrangements available through partner housing programs)

Overview:
Sacramento Country Day School is one of the most prestigious college preparatory schools in the Sacramento region. Founded in 1964, it has established itself as a leader in individualized education, focusing on critical thinking, creativity, and leadership. Though primarily a day school, the institution partners with local host families and boarding facilities for international and domestic students who require full-time accommodation.

Programs Offered:
The school offers a challenging curriculum from kindergarten through grade 12, with advanced placement (AP) courses, honors programs, and college counseling. Students benefit from small class sizes and personalized instruction, ensuring every learner receives the attention they deserve. The school’s liberal arts focus also encourages involvement in arts, technology, and athletics.

Why It Stands Out:
Sacramento Country Day emphasizes holistic development — balancing academic excellence with character, ethics, and social responsibility. The supportive residential options make it a great fit for students from outside the city.

2. Jesuit High School

Location: 4660 Fair Oaks Blvd, Carmichael, CA 95608
Estimated Annual Tuition: $20,000 – $25,000 (additional $15,000 – $20,000 for boarding)

Overview:
Jesuit High School is an all-boys Catholic institution founded in 1963. It’s known for its rigorous academic environment rooted in Jesuit educational philosophy — forming “men for others.” While primarily a day school, Jesuit provides boarding opportunities through affiliated housing for students coming from outside Sacramento or international applicants.

Programs Offered:
The curriculum includes a full range of college preparatory subjects, AP classes, leadership development, and religious studies. Jesuit High also provides excellent STEM education and arts programs, fostering intellectual and moral growth.

Facilities and Extracurriculars:
The campus features state-of-the-art science labs, art studios, athletic facilities, and a 450-seat performing arts center. Students can join clubs in robotics, debate, athletics, drama, and volunteer service.

Why It Stands Out:
Jesuit High’s academic reputation, discipline, and faith-based values make it one of the most respected boarding school options in Sacramento.

3. Valley Christian Academy

Location: 301 W Whyte Avenue, Roseville, CA 95678
Estimated Annual Tuition: $15,000 – $22,000 (boarding available through homestay programs)

Overview:
Valley Christian Academy (VCA) offers a Christ-centered education for students in grades K–12. The school is known for combining a solid academic foundation with Christian character formation and leadership skills.

Programs Offered:
VCA’s curriculum emphasizes college preparation, with honors and AP courses available in English, Mathematics, and Science. Students can also participate in Bible studies, arts, music, and sports programs.

Boarding and International Program:
VCA provides homestay arrangements for international and out-of-state students, ensuring a family-oriented experience. Boarding students are encouraged to participate in cultural exchange activities that enrich their understanding of global perspectives.

Why It Stands Out:
Valley Christian Academy stands out for its nurturing environment, moral values, and affordability compared to other private schools in the area.

4. St. Francis High School

Location: 5900 Elvas Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95819
Estimated Annual Tuition: $19,000 – $23,000 (boarding via host families)

Overview:
St. Francis High School is a private, Catholic, all-girls college preparatory school serving grades 9–12. The school has earned a strong reputation for academic excellence, leadership training, and empowering young women to become agents of positive change.

Programs Offered:
St. Francis provides a rigorous curriculum with AP courses, fine arts, technology integration, and social justice programs. The institution is also known for its leadership development initiatives that help students gain confidence and prepare for university life.

Facilities and Activities:
The campus includes advanced science laboratories, athletic fields, art studios, and a chapel. Extracurriculars include athletics, drama, community outreach, and international trips.

Why It Stands Out:
St. Francis High School produces confident, articulate young women who excel academically and socially. Its combination of rigorous learning and moral education makes it one of Sacramento’s finest schools.

5. Fortune School

Location: 6829 Franklin Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95823
Estimated Annual Tuition: $12,000 – $18,000

Overview:
Fortune School is a charter institution that aims to close the academic achievement gap by offering high-quality education in a structured and nurturing environment. It partners with various organizations to provide full-time accommodation options for out-of-state or international students.

Programs Offered:
Fortune School follows a college-preparatory curriculum emphasizing literacy, numeracy, leadership, and community service. The school’s academic approach is designed to prepare students for admission into top universities across the country.

Why It Stands Out:
Its focus on leadership, discipline, and character development makes it an ideal choice for families seeking a balance between affordability and academic rigor.

6. Dunn School (Partner Boarding Option Near Sacramento)

Location: 2555 W. Highway 154, Los Olivos, CA (available to Sacramento residents)
Estimated Annual Tuition: $50,000 – $70,000 (includes boarding)

Overview:
Though located a few hours south of Sacramento, Dunn School is a popular boarding option for families in Northern California. It offers a dynamic college-preparatory experience emphasizing emotional intelligence, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Programs Offered:
Students have access to advanced placement courses, leadership programs, and experiential learning modules that encourage creativity and problem-solving. Dunn’s learning environment is inclusive and diverse, attracting students from over 20 countries.

Facilities:
The school features modern dormitories, research labs, athletic centers, art galleries, and entrepreneurship incubators.

Why It Stands Out:
Dunn’s “Whole Student Education” approach focuses on academic, social, and emotional growth — an ideal setting for Sacramento families seeking full boarding.

7. Sugarloaf Fine Arts Camp

Location: Near Pollock Pines, CA (accessible from Sacramento)
Estimated Annual Tuition: $3,000 – $5,000 (per term)

Overview:
Sugarloaf Fine Arts Camp offers short-term boarding programs for creative students passionate about visual arts, theater, music, and dance. It operates in partnership with the El Dorado County Office of Education and serves middle and high school students.

Programs Offered:
Students immerse themselves in fine arts, performing arts, and creative writing workshops under the mentorship of professional artists. The camp combines structured instruction with recreational activities like hiking and team-building exercises.

Why It Stands Out:
It’s an excellent choice for parents who want their children to experience creative expression in a supportive boarding-style setting.

8. Cristo Rey High School

Location: 8473 Jackson Road, Sacramento, CA 95826
Estimated Annual Tuition: $10,000 – $15,000 (financial aid available)

Overview:
Cristo Rey High School serves economically diverse students and provides an innovative education model that combines classroom instruction with real-world work experience. Students gain professional exposure by working part-time in local companies, helping them develop business and leadership skills.

Programs Offered:
The school’s academic program is college-focused, emphasizing STEM, humanities, and social sciences. Cristo Rey integrates practical training, making it ideal for ambitious students seeking both education and experience.

Why It Stands Out:
Cristo Rey’s work-study program and affordable tuition make it a unique and impactful educational option for families in Sacramento.

9. The Met Sacramento High School

Location: 810 V Street, Sacramento, CA 95818
Estimated Annual Tuition: Publicly funded (boarding via partnerships; approx. $8,000–$12,000 annually for accommodation)

Overview:
The Met Sacramento High School is part of the Big Picture Learning network, which focuses on project-based and personalized education. It’s a public charter school with flexible boarding options for students who live outside the Sacramento area.

Programs Offered:
Students design their learning experiences through internships, mentorships, and individualized study plans. The curriculum encourages entrepreneurship, creativity, and civic engagement.

Why It Stands Out:
Its innovative educational model and low cost make The Met one of the most forward-thinking boarding options in the region.

10. Pacific Preparatory School (Online + Hybrid Boarding Option)

Location: Based in California (serves Sacramento area students)
Estimated Annual Tuition: $20,000 – $40,000 (depending on program type)

Overview:
Pacific Preparatory offers flexible hybrid and online learning programs, perfect for boarding students seeking individualized academic plans. Students can combine online study with supervised residential living, creating a customized educational experience.

Programs Offered:
The curriculum includes one-on-one tutoring, AP classes, SAT prep, and college counseling. Students receive personalized mentoring to help them excel academically and socially.

Why It Stands Out:
It’s ideal for families looking for flexibility, personalized instruction, and high university placement rates.

How to Choose the Right Boarding School in Sacramento

When selecting the right boarding school in Sacramento, consider:

Academic Programs: Check for AP courses, honors classes, and college counseling.
Boarding Facilities: Review residential safety, student-to-staff ratio, and comfort.
Extracurricular Activities: Choose schools that align with your child’s interests in arts, sports, or leadership.
Values and Culture: Catholic, Christian, or secular — select based on your family’s beliefs.
Budget: Fees range from $10,000 to $70,000 per year; consider scholarships or financial aid.

Conclusion

Sacramento and its surrounding regions offer a rich variety of boarding school options, from academically intensive institutions like Jesuit High and St. Francis High to innovative models like Cristo Rey and The Met. Each school provides a unique blend of academic rigor, personal growth, and community engagement.

Whether you’re seeking a faith-based education, a creative arts focus, or a holistic academic environment, Sacramento’s boarding schools ensure your child receives the best possible preparation for college and beyond.

Top 10 Boarding Schools In Sacramento And Fees (2025)