How Much Does Boarding School Cost in 2025? | Tuition, Fees & Financial Aid

Boarding School Scholarships and Financial Aid: A Parent’s Guide

For many families, the dream of sending a child to boarding school feels out of reach because of high tuition. The reality, however, is that financial aid and scholarships make boarding schools accessible to a wide range of students. In fact, nearly 40–45% of boarding school students receive some form of financial assistance.

This guide explains what types of aid are available, how to apply, and what families can realistically expect to pay in 2025.

Understanding Boarding School Costs

Before diving into scholarships, it helps to understand the full cost of attendance.

• Tuition:Covers academic instruction.

• Room and Board: Includes housing, meals, and student services.

• Additional Fees: Technology, health, activities, textbooks, and travel.

In 2025, the average boarding school tuition is between $60,000 and $80,000 per year, depending on the school and location. Five-day boarding options average around $55,000, while seven-day boarding averages about $69,000.

Types of Boarding School Financial Aid

1. Need-Based Aid

Most aid is need-based and calculated from a family’s income, assets, and household circumstances. Schools typically use third-party evaluators to determine eligibility.

2. Merit Scholarships

Some schools offer awards for academic excellence, artistic talent, athletic ability, or leadership. These scholarships are less common but can significantly reduce tuition.

3. Full-Ride Scholarships and Income Caps

Choosing a performing arts boarding school is a huge decision that can shape your entire
artistic future. These special schools combine serious arts training with strong academics, which
is very different from regular high schools. With so many options available, picking the right one
can feel overwhelming.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know to find the perfect school for your artistic
goals and personal needs.

1. Finding the Right Balance Between Arts and Academics

The best performing arts boarding schools don't make you choose between being a great artist
and a strong student. They offer challenging academic classes like AP courses and college prep
programs alongside intensive arts training.

What makes these schools special is how they connect learning across subjects. Your history
teacher might have you research fashion from different time periods if you're studying visual
arts. Your English class could focus on analyzing plays if you're into theater.

Look for schools that require students to meet graduation requirements and prepare them well
for college. Find out how many hours each day students spend on academics versus arts
training (some schools use a block schedule). Check the school's college acceptance rates to
see how well they prepare students for the next step.

2. Arts Programs That Match Your Passion

Not every performing arts school offers the same programs or quality of training. Some focus
mainly on music, others on dance or theater. Some schools offer many different art disciplines.
while others specialize in just one or two areas.

You'll want to dig

At Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy, students like Regina and Marta offer personal insight into what life on campus truly feels like. Their days are filled with meaningful classroom experiences, hands-on electives, outdoor adventures, and tight-knit dorm life—all set against the stunning backdrop of the Big Island. These firsthand reflections offer prospective families a window into the heart of the HPA experience: a balance of challenge, creativity, connection, and joy.

Regina’s Story: A Journey of Resilience

After leaving high school at 17 to care for her child and cope with the sudden loss of her father, Regina put education on hold. Years later, inspired by her daughter and a desire to grow, she returned to earn her GED and eventually, her college degree.

Her journey wasn’t easy. She balanced studies with work and parenting, often doubting if she’d finish. But with determination and the right support, she did.

At Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy, we celebrate stories like Regina’s. They reflect the Ka Makani spirit: strength in adversity, purpose through challenge, and the belief that it’s never too late to learn and thrive.

At Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy, we honor stories like Regina’s. They remind us that education is not just about where you start—it’s about who you become.

Marta’s Journey from Spain to Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy

Originally from Spain, Marta Arcones chose Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy for its unique mix of academic challenge, cultural richness, and natural beauty. Leaving behind the traditional Spanish school system, she was drawn to Hawai'i Preparatory

Academics: International Baccalaureate & Advanced Placement

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and Advanced Placement (AP) are two prestigious academic curricula found in boarding schools offering rigorous college-preparation academics. While both programs offer significant benefits and have similar aims, they differ substantially in structure, philosophy, and the way they present their subject material. In this article, we'll examine these differences in order to help you make informed decisions about which program works best for you.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is a comprehensive two-year curriculum designed for students aged 16-19. Established with a global perspective, the IBDP aims to develop students who excel not only intellectually but also physically, emotionally, and ethically.

Established in 1968, the International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) was the first programme offered by the IB and is taught to students aged 16-19. Source: IB.org

Teacher Training and Lesson Planning

One of the questions to ask when you are researching schools is what training, certifications, and experience their IB or AP teachers have.

Teacher Training International Baccalaureate (IB)

To teach IB courses, teachers typically need specialized training and certification.

• The International Baccalaureate Organization offers various levels of certification, including the IB Certificate in Teaching and Learning, which requires completing a recognized program of study.
• For higher-level certifications, such as the IB Advanced Certificate in Teaching and Learning Research, teachers must have at least three years of IB