Top 10 Boarding Schools In St. Louis And Fees (2026)

Choosing the right boarding school in St. Louis, Missouri, is one of the most important decisions parents and students can make. St. Louis is home to some of the Midwest’s best boarding and preparatory schools, known for academic excellence, vibrant extracurricular programs, and nurturing environments that prepare students for college and life beyond.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top boarding schools in St. Louis, their unique academic offerings, campus facilities, admissions process, and tuition fees. Whether you’re seeking a traditional college-prep academy or a faith-based institution, you’ll find the right fit here.

Top Boarding Schools In St. Louis And Fees

1. Principia School

Location: 13201 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO
Grades: Pre-K through 12
Tuition (Boarding): Around $42,000 – $48,000 per year

Overview:
Principia School is one of the most prestigious boarding schools in the St. Louis area. Founded in 1898, this coeducational, college-preparatory institution combines academic excellence with moral and spiritual growth rooted in Christian Science principles. Principia’s campus spans over 360 acres of scenic grounds in the heart of Town and Country, providing a peaceful and inspiring environment for study and reflection.

Students at Principia benefit from small class sizes, an individualized learning approach, and access to advanced placement (AP) and honors courses. The school emphasizes creativity and leadership through programs in science, fine arts, and athletics. The boarding program fosters independence, responsibility, and a sense of community, preparing students for top universities worldwide.

Why Choose Principia School:

Exceptional academic and character development programs
Beautiful and secure boarding environment
Strong alumni network and college placement record

2. Thomas Jefferson School

Location: 4100 South Lindbergh Blvd, St. Louis, MO
Grades: 7–12
Tuition (Boarding): Approximately $56,000 – $60,000 per year

Overview:
Thomas Jefferson School (TJS) is one of the most academically rigorous boarding schools in Missouri and ranks among the best small college-prep institutions in the Midwest. With a low student-to-teacher ratio (about 5:1), TJS offers a challenging curriculum emphasizing classical education, critical thinking, and intellectual curiosity.

Boarding students enjoy a supportive environment where they learn time management, self-discipline, and leadership. The school’s curriculum includes Latin, philosophy, and advanced STEM programs—ensuring a well-rounded education.

TJS graduates consistently matriculate to top-tier universities, including Harvard, Stanford, and the University of Chicago.

Why Choose Thomas Jefferson School:

Highly academic environment with a classical focus
Small, personalized learning community
Proven college placement success

3. Whitfield School

Location: 175 South Mason Road, Creve Coeur, MO
Grades: 6–12
Tuition (Day): Around $32,000 per year
Boarding Option: Available via affiliated homestay programs or nearby residence arrangements

Overview:
Whitfield School is a top independent preparatory school offering a personalized learning approach in a close-knit environment. While primarily a day school, Whitfield provides boarding options through local homestay programs, making it ideal for international or out-of-state students seeking a strong St. Louis education without a full residential campus.

The school emphasizes project-based learning, collaboration, and innovation. Students can explore leadership opportunities, STEM projects, performing arts, and athletics. Whitfield is known for fostering integrity, respect, and a growth mindset among its learners.

Why Choose Whitfield School:

Modern teaching techniques and small classes
Culturally diverse and inclusive community
College counseling and leadership development programs

4. John Burroughs School

Location: 755 South Price Road, St. Louis, MO
Grades: 7–12
Tuition (Day): About $35,000 per year
Boarding Option: Private boarding partnerships and family host programs

Overview:
John Burroughs School is one of the most respected preparatory schools in St. Louis, consistently ranked among the top private schools in the Midwest. Although it primarily serves as a day school, many families arrange boarding through trusted host family networks for international and out-of-state students.

Academically, John Burroughs is known for its strong liberal arts foundation, advanced STEM facilities, and arts integration. Students are encouraged to engage in extracurriculars like debate, robotics, music, and social entrepreneurship. The school also promotes community service and character education as part of its holistic mission.

Why Choose John Burroughs School:

Elite academic reputation
Extensive extracurricular opportunities
Strong community service culture

5. Lutheran High School South

Location: 9515 Tesson Ferry Road, St. Louis, MO
Grades: 9–12
Tuition (Boarding via Partner Housing): Around $28,000 – $32,000 annually

Overview:
Lutheran High School South (LHSS) provides a faith-based, values-driven education with an emphasis on moral integrity and academic excellence. The school welcomes international and domestic boarding students through partnerships with local host families.

LHSS offers a balanced curriculum that integrates Christian teachings with advanced academics in science, math, and the arts. The school also promotes athletics, community outreach, and music programs. Students enjoy individualized attention and a caring environment where teachers double as mentors.

Why Choose Lutheran High School South:

Strong Christian values and supportive environment
Affordable tuition and flexible housing options
Robust college preparatory focus

6. Saint Louis Priory School

Location: 500 South Mason Road, St. Louis, MO
Grades: 7–12 (All-boys)
Tuition (Boarding): Approximately $45,000 – $50,000 per year

Overview:
Saint Louis Priory School, operated by Benedictine monks, is one of the premier Catholic boarding and day schools for boys in Missouri. It provides a rigorous academic program rooted in faith, discipline, and intellectual development.

The school’s curriculum combines classical studies with modern innovation, offering AP courses, Latin, theology, and advanced sciences. Students also benefit from a wide array of extracurricular activities, including sports, debate, and community service initiatives.

Boarding life at Priory encourages brotherhood, spiritual growth, and leadership. Graduates are well-prepared for competitive universities and life’s challenges.

Why Choose Saint Louis Priory School:

Outstanding Catholic education
Strong moral and academic foundation
Excellent college admissions outcomes

7. Chaminade College Preparatory School

Location: 425 South Lindbergh Blvd, St. Louis, MO
Grades: 6–12 (All-boys)
Tuition (Boarding): About $52,000 – $57,000 per year

Overview:
Founded in 1910, Chaminade College Preparatory School is a Marianist institution that offers both day and boarding programs for young men. Known for its holistic education model, Chaminade develops students intellectually, socially, and spiritually.

The school’s boarding program draws students from over 15 countries, providing a global learning environment. With small class sizes, leadership opportunities, and modern facilities, Chaminade offers one of the best boarding experiences in the region. Students participate in over 50 clubs, competitive sports, and service-learning projects.

Why Choose Chaminade College Prep:

Excellent international student program
Character education rooted in Marianist values
Comprehensive college prep and leadership training

8. Visitation Academy of St. Louis

Location: 3020 North Ballas Road, St. Louis, MO
Grades: K–12 (All-girls)
Tuition (Day): $30,000 – $33,000 per year
Boarding Option: Available through affiliate housing for international students

Overview:
Visitation Academy (often called “Viz”) is one of the oldest Catholic girls’ schools west of the Mississippi River, founded in 1833. The school offers a top-tier college-preparatory education grounded in Catholic values and the Visitation tradition of intellectual curiosity, humility, and service.

Although primarily a day school, Visitation provides residential options through homestay programs for international students. It features a strong emphasis on leadership, global awareness, and STEM programs, along with exceptional performing arts and athletics facilities.

Why Choose Visitation Academy:

Distinguished girls’ preparatory education
Focus on confidence, compassion, and leadership
Rich history and modern learning environment

9. MICDS (Mary Institute and Saint Louis Country Day School)

Location: 101 North Warson Road, St. Louis, MO
Grades: JK–12
Tuition (Day): $35,000 – $38,000 per year
Boarding Option: Available for international students through partner programs

Overview:
MICDS is an independent, coeducational college-prep school renowned for academic rigor, world-class facilities, and an inclusive community. While primarily a day school, it accommodates international and out-of-state students through established boarding partnerships.

The school offers advanced programs in STEM, humanities, and the arts, with state-of-the-art science labs, athletic complexes, and global learning initiatives. Students are encouraged to pursue their passions through research, innovation, and leadership.

Why Choose MICDS:

Nationally recognized academic excellence
Diverse community with international connections
College preparatory focus with global engagement

10. Christian Brothers College High School (CBC)

Location: 1850 De La Salle Drive, St. Louis, MO
Grades: 9–12 (All-boys)
Tuition (Boarding via Homestay): Approximately $28,000 – $35,000 per year

Overview:
Christian Brothers College High School (CBC) is a Lasallian Catholic institution known for its emphasis on faith, service, and scholarship. The school offers both rigorous academics and extensive extracurricular activities in athletics, fine arts, and leadership.

Through partnerships with homestay networks, CBC accommodates both local and international boarding students. The school focuses on personalized education, spiritual growth, and character formation, preparing students to become “Men for Tomorrow.”

Why Choose CBC High School:

Faith-centered and academically balanced
Affordable boarding options
Strong sports and leadership programs

How to Choose the Right Boarding School in St. Louis

When choosing a boarding school in St. Louis, consider these factors:

Academic Philosophy: Classical, religious, or modern STEM-focused?
Boarding Environment: Full campus residence vs. homestay partnerships
Tuition and Financial Aid: Many schools offer scholarships or need-based aid
Extracurriculars: Look for programs that match your child’s interests
College Placement: Check each school’s university admission record

Visiting each school, speaking with admission officers, and reviewing student testimonials can also help you make an informed decision.

Conclusion

St. Louis is home to a diverse range of boarding and preparatory schools that cater to various educational needs, faiths, and learning styles. Whether you’re seeking a faith-based environment like Saint Louis Priory or Chaminade, a classical academic approach like Thomas Jefferson School, or a progressive institution like MICDS or Whitfield, there’s an ideal fit for every student.

Each of these schools provides not only top-quality academics but also the life skills, confidence, and leadership training essential for success in today’s competitive world.

By investing in a boarding school education in St. Louis, families can give their children the advantage of a supportive, challenging, and enriching environment that sets them up for lifelong achievement.