San Diego, California, is not just known for its beautiful beaches, sunny weather, and vibrant culture — it’s also home to some of the finest boarding schools in the western United States. Whether you’re a local family looking for an exceptional education close to home or an international student seeking a high-quality American learning experience, San Diego offers outstanding academic institutions that combine rigorous academics with character development, extracurricular excellence, and world-class facilities.

In this post, we’ll explore the top boarding schools in San Diego, their tuition fees, unique offerings, and what makes each one stand out.

Top Boarding Schools In San Diego And Fees

1. The Bishop’s School

Location: La Jolla, San Diego
Tuition and Boarding Fees: Around $62,000 per year (including tuition, room, and board)

The Bishop’s School in La Jolla is one of the most prestigious college-preparatory boarding and day schools in Southern California. Founded in 1909, it combines academic excellence with a strong sense of moral and social responsibility. Students benefit from small class sizes, personalized attention, and a curriculum that challenges them intellectually while preparing them for top-tier universities.

The school emphasizes a well-rounded education that includes arts, athletics, and community service. Bishop’s offers state-of-the-art science laboratories, performing arts centers, and advanced placement (AP) courses across multiple disciplines. Its location in La Jolla also provides access to cultural and environmental learning opportunities near the Pacific coast.

Why Choose The Bishop’s School?

Consistently ranked among California’s top private schools
Strong college acceptance rate to Ivy League and elite universities
Excellent student-teacher ratio and personalized mentorship

2. Army and Navy Academy

Location: Carlsbad (North San Diego County)
Tuition and Boarding Fees: Approximately $54,000–$58,000 per year

For families seeking a structured environment that emphasizes leadership, discipline, and academic excellence, the Army and Navy Academy in Carlsbad is an outstanding choice. This all-boys boarding and day school was founded in 1910 and blends college-preparatory academics with a military-style structure that builds confidence, responsibility, and self-discipline.

The academy offers a robust academic curriculum with advanced courses in STEM, leadership studies, and business. It also features leadership training, sports programs, and character-building activities that prepare students for life beyond high school.

Why Choose Army and Navy Academy?

Focus on leadership and discipline in a supportive environment
Accredited college-preparatory curriculum
Ideal for students who thrive with structure and mentorship

3. Francis Parker School

Location: Linda Vista, San Diego
Tuition and Boarding Fees: Around $60,000–$65,000 per year

Founded in 1912, Francis Parker School is one of San Diego’s oldest and most respected private schools, offering both day and boarding programs. Known for its innovative teaching approach, Parker encourages critical thinking, creativity, and leadership among its students. The school fosters an inclusive community with a focus on both academic and personal growth.

Students enjoy a wide range of extracurriculars including fine arts, debate, robotics, and athletics. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for competitive college admissions while also nurturing their social and emotional intelligence.

Why Choose Francis Parker School?

Innovative and student-centered curriculum
Excellent college counseling services
Diverse extracurricular and leadership opportunities

4. La Jolla Country Day School

Location: La Jolla, San Diego
Tuition and Boarding Fees: About $62,000–$66,000 per year

La Jolla Country Day School offers a dynamic learning experience rooted in intellectual curiosity and creativity. Although primarily a day school, it provides boarding options for international and out-of-state students. Founded in 1926, this institution is celebrated for its academic rigor, arts programs, and community involvement.

The school has a strong college-prep focus, offering AP and honors courses in addition to unique electives in entrepreneurship, performing arts, and science. Students are encouraged to discover their passions through personalized mentorship and modern learning experiences.

Why Choose La Jolla Country Day School?

Outstanding college preparatory record
Modern facilities and strong arts and athletics programs
Supportive environment for both domestic and international students

5. Cathedral Catholic High School

Location: Carmel Valley, San Diego
Tuition and Boarding Fees: Around $25,000–$30,000 per year (tuition); additional boarding arrangements available through homestay or partnerships

Cathedral Catholic High School is a private, coeducational institution that combines faith-based education with academic excellence. It offers international students access to boarding through host family arrangements or partnerships with local housing providers. The school is well-known for its holistic approach to education—balancing academics, faith, and service.

Cathedral Catholic emphasizes moral leadership, integrity, and intellectual growth. Students benefit from advanced coursework, AP programs, and extracurricular options ranging from sports to arts and community service.

Why Choose Cathedral Catholic High School?

Strong Catholic values integrated into the curriculum
Affordable tuition compared to other elite schools
Excellent balance of academics, faith, and service

6. The Grauer School

Location: Encinitas (North San Diego County)
Tuition and Boarding Fees: About $58,000–$62,000 per year (including boarding options for international students)

The Grauer School offers a highly personalized, small-school experience where students thrive academically and socially. With a student-teacher ratio of about 7:1, Grauer focuses on inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and community engagement. Founded in 1991, the school promotes balance—encouraging students to excel academically while developing a strong sense of self and purpose.

The school also emphasizes experiential learning, including global travel programs and outdoor education. Grauer’s small size ensures that every student is known, mentored, and supported on a personal level.

Why Choose The Grauer School?

Small classes and individualized learning
Unique experiential education programs
Supportive community and strong college counseling

7. Pacific Ridge School

Location: Carlsbad, San Diego County
Tuition and Boarding Fees: Approximately $60,000 per year (boarding available for international students)

Pacific Ridge School offers a progressive education model that focuses on global citizenship, creativity, and leadership. Founded in 2007, it’s one of the newer schools in the area but has quickly established itself as a leader in innovative education. The school offers an academically rigorous curriculum with strong programs in science, humanities, and the arts.

Students at Pacific Ridge benefit from service learning, travel experiences, and personalized academic guidance. The school also has a strong emphasis on collaboration, respect, and problem-solving skills—qualities that prepare students for a rapidly changing world.

Why Choose Pacific Ridge School?

Global learning experiences and travel programs
Excellent academic rigor and extracurricular diversity
Strong focus on innovation and collaboration

8. Julian Charter School (The Academy Program)

Location: Julian, East San Diego County
Tuition and Boarding Fees: Public charter—No tuition for California residents; boarding costs vary

While not a traditional private institution, Julian Charter School offers a unique academy-based program that includes residential options for students seeking a more independent learning environment. The school provides a blend of personalized instruction, flexible scheduling, and experiential learning.

The Academy Program emphasizes academic achievement, creativity, and leadership through project-based education. It’s a great option for families looking for an affordable boarding alternative within the San Diego area.

Why Choose Julian Charter School?

Tuition-free option for California residents
Individualized academic plans and flexible structure
Affordable boarding compared to private schools

9. Balboa School

Location: Escondido, San Diego County
Tuition and Boarding Fees: Around $50,000–$55,000 per year

Balboa School is an accredited private boarding and day school offering individualized college preparatory programs for both domestic and international students. Known for its supportive environment, Balboa focuses on small class sizes and tailored instruction to meet each student’s academic and personal goals.

The school offers diverse programs in business, STEM, and arts, along with college readiness and ESL support for international students. It’s particularly ideal for students seeking a personalized learning experience in a family-like setting.

Why Choose Balboa School?

Personalized attention and small classes
ESL and international student support
Holistic focus on academics, creativity, and personal growth

10. Horizon Prep Academy

Location: Rancho Santa Fe, San Diego
Tuition and Boarding Fees: Approximately $45,000–$50,000 per year (including boarding)

Horizon Prep Academy combines Christian values with strong academics, offering students a nurturing and structured environment for spiritual and intellectual growth. The curriculum integrates faith-based learning with a college-preparatory focus, encouraging students to excel in academics, leadership, and service.

The school’s facilities include modern classrooms, arts studios, athletic centers, and technology labs. Boarding options are available for both domestic and international students, making it a great choice for families who value a Christian-based education with high academic standards.

Why Choose Horizon Prep Academy?

Faith-driven education
Balanced academics and extracurriculars
Strong mentorship and community values

Choosing the Right Boarding School in San Diego

Selecting the best boarding school in San Diego depends on several factors — including your child’s academic strengths, personality, and career goals. Some schools, like the Army and Navy Academy, emphasize leadership and discipline, while others, such as Francis Parker and La Jolla Country Day, focus on creativity and innovation. Parents should also consider factors such as location, campus culture, extracurricular offerings, and college placement records.

Benefits of Attending Boarding School in San Diego

Diverse Learning Environment: Students learn alongside peers from different backgrounds and cultures.
Access to Leading Universities: Proximity to top institutions like UC San Diego and USD fosters academic collaboration.
Personal Growth: Boarding life teaches independence, self-discipline, and responsibility.
Mild Climate & Scenic Surroundings: San Diego’s weather and environment make it an ideal place for outdoor learning and recreation.

Conclusion

Boarding schools in San Diego offer far more than just academics—they cultivate lifelong learners, leaders, and compassionate individuals ready to succeed anywhere in the world. Whether your child thrives in a structured environment like Army and Navy Academy or prefers a creative and student-driven setting like The Grauer School, San Diego provides an exceptional range of options to meet every need.

Top 10 Boarding Schools In San Diego And Fees (2025)