Best Junior Boarding Schools (2023-24)

For the 2023-24 school year, there are 125 junior boarding schools serving 48,232 students located throughout the United States and Canada.

Junior boarding schools offer boarding opportunities for students grades 8 or lower.

Note that some boarding schools focus exclusively on the junior boarding experience (and offer only junior boarding grades), while other schools offer both junior and college-prep boarding grades.

Learn more about the benefits of a junior boarding school.

Eagle Hill School Photo - The Andresen Library Commons located on the second floor of the PJM STEM Center serves as one of the most popular gathering places on campus.

Leysin American School in Switzerland (LAS) Photo

The Village School Photo - The Village School is located in the Energy Corridor of Houston, Texas, and hosts a vibrant international population which enriches the school community with a global perspective.

Tallulah Falls School Photo - AFFORDING TALLULAH FALLS SCHOOL Each year, Tallulah Falls School awards more than $4 million in need-based financial aid to 70 percent of our student body.

San Marcos Academy Photo - In the Academy Middle School, students in grades 6-8 are provided a rigorous curriculum, including fine arts, foreign language, physical education/athletics, Bible instruction, and technology.

Ridley College Photo - Students experience hands-on learning in the Biology, Chemistry and Physics labs. Extracting glowing DNA from a jellyfish, measuring lung capacity or building a working knee joint are all possibilities in Ridley College classrooms. Lab experiments prepare students for university.

Oldfields School Photo - Oldfields' campus is 140 acres located in Maryland's scenic horse country, close to the cultural centers of Washington, DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York City and within driving distance of natural resources like the Chesapeake Bay, Appalachian Mountains, and Atlantic beaches. In addition, the international airport BWI is only 30 minutes away.

French Camp Academy Photo - student orientation

Marine Military Academy Photo - Nearly all MMA graduates earn acceptance at the college level or appointment to the service academies. Many matriculate to top-tier universities throughout the United States and the world: Arizona State University; Auburn University; Babson College; Baylor University; Berklee College of Music; Boston College; California Maritime Academy; California Polytechnic State University; California State: Chico; California State: Fullerton; California State: Sacramento; Carnegie Mellon University; Chaminade University of Hawaii; Clemson University;College of the Ozarks ; Colorado School of Mines; Colorado State University; Cornell University; Daniel Webster College; DePauw University; Delta State University; Duquesne University; East Carolina University; Embry Riddle University ; Florida Atlantic University; Florida International University ; Florida State University; Great Lakes Maritime Academy; Hawaii Pacific University; Houston Baptist University; Johnson & Wales University; Incarnate Word University; Illinois Institute of Technology; Indiana University; Lehigh University; Louisiana State University; Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Massachusetts Maritime Academy; McMurray University; Michigan State University; Montana State University; Murray State University; New Mexico Institute of Technology; New Mexico State University; North Carolina State; North Georgia State College; Northern Arizona University; Northeastern University; Norwich University; Ohio State University; Oklahoma State University; Otterbein College; Penn State; Purdue University; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; Rice University; Rochester Institute of Technology; Sam Houston State University; San Diego State University; San Francisco State University; San Jose State University; Santa Clara University; Sarah Lawrence College; Sonoma State University; Southern Methodist University; Southern New Hampshire University ; Southwestern University; St. Edward’s University; St. Louis University; St. John’s University; St. Mary’s University; Stephen F. Austin University; Swarthmore; Texas A & M University; Texas A & M at Commerce; Texas A&M at Corpus Christi; Texas A & M at Galveston; Texas A & M at Kingsville; Texas Christian University; Texas Lutheran University; Texas State University; Texas Tech University; The Citadel; Trinity University; Tulane University; United States Air Force Academy; United States Merchant Marine Academy; United States Military Academy; United States Naval Academy; University of Alabama; University of Alaska: Anchorage; University of Arizona; University of California: Davis; University of California: Northridge; University of Central Florida; University of Chicago; University of Cincinnati; University of Colorado; University of Denver; University of Georgia; University of Houston; University of Louisiana at Lafayette; University of Massachusetts: Boston; University of Miami; University of Mississippi; University of Missouri: Rolla; University of Nebraska; University of Nevada: Las Vegas; University of North Carolina: Charlotte; University of North Dakota; University of North Texas; University of Oklahoma; University of Oregon; University of Puget Sound; University of Southern California; University of St. Thomas; University of The South (Sewanee); University of Texas at Austin; University of Texas at Arlington University of Texas at Dallas; University of Texas at San Antonio; University of Tulsa; University of Washington; University of Wyoming; Villanova University; Virginia Military Institute; Virginia Tech University; Wabash College; Webster University; West Virginia University; Westminster College; Yale University; London School of Economics (UK); University of Manchester (UK)…just to name a few!

Shawnigan Lake School Photo - The entire school gathers daily for sit-down meals in Marion Hall. This architecturally stunning facility allows for students and staff to share a family-style dining experience.

Wasatch Academy Photo - Wasatch Academy is located in Mount Pleasant, Utah, a quiet, mountain-valley town boasting a reputation for clean air, starry night skies, and safety. The campus is a 90-minute scenic drive from Salt Lake City International airport.

The Knox School Photo - Founded in 1904, The Knox School is Long Island's oldest established private school. Our inclusive environment serves grades 6-12 and Post-Graduate, providing students with a broad world perspective and a wide range of skills to prepare them for the next phase of their journeys.

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School Photo - Founded in 1903, Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School is nestled on 1,400 acres in the Appalachian Mountains, just two hours from Atlanta, GA, Greenville, SC, and Asheville, NC.

Hebron Academy Photo - Rooted in Maine, we cultivate trailblazers. At Hebron Academy, we believe that education is not limited to the four walls of a classroom. We take pride in fostering an exceptional educational experience that combines academic excellence with hands-on learning in a diverse and inclusive setting.

St. Andrew's-Sewanee School Photo - Founded in 1868, St. Andrew's-Sewanee and its students enjoy many long held traditions like the Morning Watch, ringing the Chapel Bells after a victory, Creative Expression Assemblies, Winterim, and the International Flag Ceremony. Recent additions include the Tri-Tree Competition, the pancake race, and the Blessing of the Animals.

Thornton Academy Photo - Thornton Academy has been preparing students for a changing world since 1811. A rigorous and broad-based program of academic, arts and athletic opportunities challenges students to reach their potential in readiness for lifelong learning and productive participation in our dynamic world.

Recent Articles

September 26, 2023

Nurturing Futures: A Journey through Boarding at Haut-Lac School in Switzerland

Nestled in the hills overlooking Lake Geneva in the French-speaking part of Switzerland lies an educational gem that embodies a unique blend of academic excellence, cultural richness and a profound sense of community. Founded over 30 years ago, Haut-Lac International Bilingual Day and Boarding School is now home to both 600 day students and a maximum of 30 boarders from around the world.

September 20, 2023

Navigating the Modern Maze: Emerging Challenges for Boarding Schools

Explore the pressing challenges facing boarding schools, from marketing difficulties and rising insurance costs to facility maintenance and recruitment of competent trustees and teachers. This article delves into these complex issues and proposes innovative strategies to overcome them.

August 31, 2023

What To Wear at Your Job Interview

Navigating job interviews can be stressful, but knowing what to wear shouldn't be. Our comprehensive guide covers the essential dress code tips for men and women interviewing at boarding schools. Make your first impression count with style and professionalism.