Southern Preparatory Academy Photo - Southern Prep's main school building, Tallapoosa Hall.

Best Alabama Boarding Schools (2026-27)

For the 2026-27 school year, there are 2 college-prep and junior boarding schools serving 263 students located throughout Alabama.

Historical Statistics Overview

This State (AL)
US
# Schools
2 Schools
271 Schools
# Students
261 Students
107,111 Students

Academics and Faculty

This State (AL)
US
Average Student-Teacher Ratio
9:1
8:1
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
75%
69%

Academic Programs

This State (AL)
US
Avg. AP Courses
8
22
Avg. IB Courses
n/a
28
Avg. Class Size
13
13

Academic Performance

This State (AL)
US
Avg. SAT Score
1290
1270
Avg. ACT Score
27
27
Avg. Acceptance Rate
80%
59%

Tuition and Finances

This State (AL)
US
Avg. Tuition (Boarding)
$34,500
$64,480
Avg. Tuition (Day)
$13,000
$38,054
Avg. Tuition (International)
$47,500
$62,481
Avg. Financial Aid Rate
70%
42%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
n/a
$26,973
Avg. Endowment
n/a
$83 MM

Student Diversity

This State (AL)
US
% Students of Color
15%
30%
% International Students
4%
27%
% Boarding Students
56%
59%

Top Alabama Boarding Schools (2026-27)

School
Location
Quick Facts
St. Bernard Preparatory School
St. Bernard Preparatory School Photo - Academic achievement is high on the list of St. Bernard Prep priorities, with students consistently ranking above national and state averages in ACT and National Merit Exams.
(Catholic)
1600 St. Bernard Drive, S.E.
Cullman, AL 35055
(256) 255-5890
Gr: 7-12 | 133 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Avg. class size: 20 students Acceptance rate: 80% Tuition listed
Southern Preparatory Academy
Southern Preparatory Academy Photo - As the leading college preparatory school in Camp Hill for girls and boys in grades 7-12, Southern Prep prepares students for success in college and in life. Within the framework of Christian example, our students are challenged to think, inspired to create, empowered to lead, motivated to win, and prepared to reach their God-given potential now and in the future.
(Non-denom. / Christian)
(3)
174 Ward Circle
Camp Hill, AL 36850
(256) 790-9202
Gr: 7-12 | 130 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Avg. class size: 12 students Acceptance rate: 92% Tuition listed

Frequently Asked Questions

How many boarding schools are located in Alabama?
There are 2 college-preparatory boarding schools located in Alabama.
What is the oldest boarding school in Alabama?
St. Bernard Preparatory School, founded in 1891, is the oldest boarding school in Alabama.

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