Boarding School Costs in 2026: What Rising Inflation Means for Families

Why You Won’t Find Meaningful Rankings for Boarding Schools

If you’ve landed on this page, chances are you’ve asked (or heard someone ask): “Where can I find rankings for boarding schools?” It’s a fair question. But as of 2025, you won’t find any truly reliable, meaningful boarding school rankings — and that’s by design. Here’s why.

1. Each Boarding School Is Inherently Unique

One fundamental reason there’s no universal ranking system is that boarding schools differ wildly from one another. Whether you’re looking at a Jesuit institution like Georgetown Prep or a progressive arts-oriented school such as Putney, each school has its own philosophy, curriculum, size, and community values.

While many schools offer standard courses in English, math, and science, how they teach them—and what additional programs they provide—can’t be captured in a simple leaderboard. Boarding school experience isn't just about academics; it's shaped by community, values, extracurriculars, and culture.

To determine the right fit, reflect on your priorities:

• Does your child need a small, intimate campus (e.g., 200–300 students) or a larger one with extensive course offerings?

• Is religious affiliation or diversity important?

• Are you interested in a traditional college-prep track, or would a progressive or IB-based school be more suitable?

• How critical is financial aid, and what kinds of support services (e.g., learning differences, wellness) are needed?

Safety, Emergency Protocols, and Security in Boarding Schools: What Parents Ask and What Schools Should Disclose

Parents choosing a residential environment for their child want assurance that safety, emergency protocols, and security in boarding schools are comprehensive, current, and consistently applied. The expectations placed on today’s campuses have expanded significantly, and families in 2025 ask more detailed questions than ever before.

This guide explains how safety, emergency protocols, and security in boarding schools work, what parents routinely ask during the admissions process, and what schools should proactively disclose. It includes practical examples, recent updates, and guidance on how to evaluate a school’s preparedness with confidence.

Why Safety, Emergency Protocols, and Security in Boarding Schools Matter More in 2025

Boarding schools today operate in a complex environment. Schools must protect students living on campus 24 hours a day, manage evolving health and behavioral needs, and ensure readiness for natural disasters, cyber threats, and community risks.

Parents expect that safety, emergency protocols, and security in boarding schools are supported by professional training, modern technology, and clear communication. These expectations often shape enrollment decisions.

For background on how boarding schools operate and care for students, families can review foundational overviews such as the Benefits of Boarding School on BoardingSchoolReview.

What Parents Commonly Ask Schools About Safety, Emergency Protocols, and Security

Parents frequently ask detailed questions about residential life, supervision, emergency readiness, and communication. While concerns vary, several categories consistently

Types of Boarding Schools in 2025: Therapeutic, Arts & Hybrid

In 2025, boarding school options are more varied than ever. Beyond traditional college-prep institutions, parents and students now choose from therapeutic, arts, and hybrid boarding schools — each serving a distinct need. Understanding these types can help families make informed decisions about fit, cost, and risk.

1. Therapeutic Boarding Schools

What They Are

Therapeutic boarding schools (sometimes referred to as “residential treatment programs”) combine schooling with structured mental health support. These are geared toward students facing behavioral challenges, emotional issues, or underlying mental health needs. The “troubled-teen industry” has long encompassed such schools.

Key Developments in 2025

• As of December 2024, the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act became law.

• This law mandates a federal workgroup under the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services to study youth residential programs and recommend safety and oversight improvements. ylc.org

• The American Bar Association passed Resolution 605, calling for stronger regulation of youth residential facilities due to abuse concerns.

• Advocates like the Justice Law Collaborative warn that many therapeutic schools remain underregulated and potentially dangerous, particularly for marginalized youth.

Risks and Concerns

Because federal oversight is just beginning, many therapeutic programs have historically operated with limited transparency. Reports cite misuse of restraint, lack

Choosing between a boarding school and a private day school is one of the most consequential decisions families face. In 2025, as educational models evolve and costs shift, the distinctions between these two options are more important than ever. This article updates the comparison with the latest data, policies, and expert insights to assist parents, students, and educators in making an informed choice.

1. Cost & tuition: understanding the financial commitment

One of the clearest differences between a boarding school and a private day school is cost. For many families, budget is a decisive factor.

• According to recent analysis, average tuition at independent private day schools in the United States is about US $30,692 per year in 2025.

• For boarding schools, the premium is substantial. The same source shows 5-day boarding averages about US $55,425, and 7-day boarding about US $69,150 annually.

• One premier U.S. boarding institution lists boarding tuition for 2024-25 at US $69,537 and day tuition at US $54,312.

• For an individual school example: one U.S. school for grades 6-8 lists day tuition at about US $19,320 and boarding tuition at US $72,659 for 2025-26.

Implications for families:
Because boarding includes room, board, supervision and on-campus life 24/7, it commands a substantially higher fee. Private day schools, by contrast, eliminate lodging and meals, often making them more financially accessible.
Families