Top Boarding Schools in Major U.S. Cities for Global Students
As part of our ongoing series of highlighting boarding schools in the United States, below you will find a list of schools located directly in cities - some of the most distinctive boarding schools in the US. While many schools are in close proximity to a major US city, fewer than you might expect are actually in a US city. From their proximity to airports and universities to access to museums and food from around the world, these schools fully embrace their surroundings. Please note that this is only a partial list of schools located in a city and they are not listed in a set order. All information was submitted by the respective schools and formatted by the FindingSchool team.
Asheville School - Asheville, North Carolina
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School Site: https://www.ashevilleschool.org/
Admission Contact: admission@ashevilleschool.org
Asheville School is a private, coeducational college-preparatory boarding and day school located in Asheville, North Carolina. Serving students in grades 9-12 (with a post-graduate year), the school offers a rigorous liberal arts curriculum in a close-knit residential setting. Its mountaintop campus fosters independence, leadership, and a strong sense of community.
Cultural Engagement & Weekend Experiences: Students benefit from Asheville's vibrant arts and music scene, farm-to-table dining, and outdoor festivals, providing meaningful opportunities to explore local culture and community beyond campus.
Internships & Real-World Learning: The school's proximity to Asheville enables partnerships with local businesses, healthcare organizations, nonprofits, and universities, supporting internships, service learning, and hands-on professional experiences.
Balanced Urban & Outdoor Lifestyle: Asheville's setting offers a rare blend of city amenities and immediate access to the Blue Ridge Mountains, allowing students to enjoy year-round outdoor recreation alongside urban life.
Asheville, located in western North Carolina, where the Blue Ridge Mountains meet the Great Smoky Mountains, is renowned for its beautiful mountain scenery, arts scene, and historic architecture. With a population of approximately 90,000, it is a major cultural and tourism center in the Blue Ridge region. Asheville is known for the Biltmore Estate, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and its vibrant downtown arts district.
Wisconsin Lutheran High School - Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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School Site: https://www.wlhs.org/
Admission Contact: international@wlhs.org
Wisconsin Lutheran High School is a private, coeducational Christian college-preparatory school located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Serving students in grades 9-12, the school integrates rigorous academics with faith-based education grounded in Lutheran values. Wisconsin Lutheran emphasizes character development, leadership, and preparation for college and life.
Convenient Urban Access & Student Support: Located in Milwaukee, the school offers easy access to major airports, public transportation, diverse dining options, ethnic grocery stores, and top-tier medical facilities, ensuring comfort, safety, and connectivity for students and families.
Higher Education & Career Pathways: Proximity to leading universities in Milwaukee, Madison, and Chicago provides opportunities for campus visits, dual enrollment, and exposure to multinational companies and Fortune 500 organizations through shadowing and field trips.
Diverse Cultural & Enrichment Experiences: Students benefit from nearby museums, theaters, art galleries, parks, beaches, and sports venues, while learning in a culturally diverse environment that reflects Milwaukee's urban and suburban communities and prepares them for global citizenship.
Milwaukee, located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, is known for its rich brewing history. The Harley-Davidson Museum showcases iconic motorcycles, including one belonging to Elvis Presley. Along the Menomonee River, the Milwaukee Public Museum offers exhibits like a recreated European Village and a historical look at old Milwaukee, making the city a fascinating blend of culture, history, and craftsmanship.
'Iolani School - Honolulu, Hawai'i
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School Site: http://www.iolani.org/
Admission Contact: Boarding@iolani.org
ʻIolani School is an independent, coeducational college-preparatory day school located in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. Serving students from kindergarten through grade 12, ʻIolani is widely recognized for its academic excellence, strong STEM programs, and global outlook. The school blends innovation with a deep respect for Hawaiian culture and community values.
Global Access & City Amenities: Honolulu serves as a major international gateway with direct flights to Asia and the U.S. mainland, offering a vibrant restaurant scene, frequent festivals, reliable public transportation, and access to major hospitals within a short drive.
Rich Student Life & Weekend Programming: A dedicated residential life team plans a wide variety of weekend activities, allowing students to explore the city's cultural, recreational, and social offerings.
Island Environment & Academic Partnerships: Located on the island of O'ahu, the school provides easy access to beaches, mountains, and outdoor activities year-round, while maintaining strong partnerships with institutions such as the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, cultural organizations, and research centers for enrichment beyond campus.
Honolulu, the capital of Hawai'i, is located on the south shore of Oahu. It serves as the gateway to the U.S. Pacific islands. The city's iconic Waikiki neighborhood is a hub for dining, shopping, and nightlife, with its famous crescent-shaped beach bordered by palm trees and high-rise hotels. The towering Diamond Head crater provides a striking backdrop. Honolulu also features historical sites, including the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, commemorating the events of World War II. Honolulu is a vibrant and welcoming destination with a blend of cultural landmarks, beautiful beaches, and modern amenities.
The Newman School - Boston, Massachusetts
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School Site: https://www.newmanboston.org/
Admission Contact: admissions@newmanboston.org
The Newman School is a private, coeducational college-preparatory day and boarding school located in Boston, Massachusetts. Serving students in grades 7-12, Newman is known for its rigorous academics, small class sizes, and emphasis on intellectual curiosity. Its urban campus offers students unique access to cultural, academic, and professional opportunities in the heart of the city.
City as a Learning Environment: Students regularly learn beyond campus through Boston's leading institutions, including the Museum of Fine Arts, the Boston Public Library, and hands-on science experiences with organizations such as Novartis.
Arts, Athletics & Institutional Partnerships: Through partnerships with the New England Conservatory, The TRACK at New Balance, Boston University, and Emerson College, students access conservatory-level arts instruction and train and compete at premier athletic facilities across the city.
Service, Extracurriculars & Civic Engagement: Guided by the International Baccalaureate curriculum, students participate in service projects throughout Boston while pursuing advanced extracurricular opportunities, including performances at the Boston Center for the Arts, Model UN conferences at nearby universities, and citywide robotics competitions.
Boston, the capital and largest city of Massachusetts, is the cultural and financial heart of New England. With a rich history dating back to the American Revolution, it is home to iconic landmarks such as the Freedom Trail, the Boston Common, and the Massachusetts State House. The city boasts prestigious universities like Harvard and MIT and is known for its vibrant arts scene, diverse neighborhoods, and thriving economy. Boston's blend of historical significance and modern innovation makes it one of the most influential cities in the U.S.
The Webb Schools - Los Angeles, California
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School Site: http://www.webb.org
Admission Contact: admission@webb.org
The Webb Schools is a coeducational college-preparatory boarding and day school located in Claremont, California. Serving students in grades 9-12, Webb is known for its rigorous academics, close faculty mentorship, and nationally recognized programs in science, research, and the arts. The school emphasizes intellectual curiosity, character, and leadership in a collaborative learning environment.
Cultural & Academic Partnerships: Students extend classroom learning through field studies with leading Los Angeles institutions such as NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the Getty, the La Brea Tar Pits, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and the Huntington Library and Gardens, connecting academics with hands-on cultural and scientific experiences.
Innovation, Industry & Global Exposure: Proximity to Los Angeles's tech, film, and science hubs provides access to internships, Silicon Beach startups, and academic partnerships including a Computer Science program with Harvey Mudd College and a Biotechnology program with UC Riverside, while diverse neighborhoods such as Koreatown, Chinatown, Little Tokyo, and Olvera Street offer authentic global perspectives.
Weekend Exploration & Outdoor Adventure: Students take advantage of Los Angeles's recreational opportunities, from Santa Monica and Malibu beaches to Lakers and Dodgers games, concerts at the Hollywood Bowl, and easy access to mountains, desert landscapes, and attractions such as Disneyland.
Los Angeles, commonly known as L.A., is the largest city in California and the second most populous in the U.S. It serves as the commercial, financial, and cultural hub of Southern California. L.A. is famous for its Mediterranean climate, diverse population, and as the epicenter of the entertainment industry, particularly Hollywood.
McCallie School - Chattanooga, Tennessee
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School Site: https://www.mccallie.org/
Admission Contact: admission@mccallie.org
McCallie School is a private, all-boys college-preparatory boarding and day school located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Serving students in grades 6-12, McCallie combines challenging academics with a strong emphasis on character, leadership, and personal responsibility. The school's traditions and residential program create a supportive environment focused on developing young men of integrity.
Industry Partnerships & Experiential Learning: Through partnerships across a wide range of industries, McCallie School provides students with meaningful internship and work opportunities that support career exploration and real-world skill development.
Cultural, Athletic & Outdoor Access: Located in the growing city of Chattanooga, students enjoy easy access to sporting events, arts festivals, restaurants, shopping centers, and outdoor recreation that enrich cultural awareness and student life.
Convenient Urban Transportation: The city setting allows students to take advantage of public transportation and carpools, making it easy to plan weekend activities and explore Chattanooga independently and safely.
Chattanooga, located in southeastern Tennessee along the Tennessee River, is surrounded by scenic mountains and is often called the "Scenic City." Known for its natural beauty, rich history, and diverse industries, Chattanooga played a strategic role in the Civil War and has since grown into a hub for transportation, manufacturing, and tourism. Popular attractions include Lookout Mountain, Ruby Falls, and the Tennessee Aquarium. In recent years, Chattanooga has embraced innovation and technology, earning the nickname "Gig City" for its pioneering high-speed internet, making it a vibrant destination for businesses and talent alike.
The Northwest School - Seattle, Washington
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School Site: https://www.northwestschool.org/
Admission Contact: admissions@northwestschool.org
The Northwest School is an independent, coeducational college-preparatory day school located in Seattle, Washington. Serving students in grades 6-12, the school is known for its interdisciplinary curriculum, emphasis on global citizenship, and strong arts and humanities programs. With a diverse and inclusive community, The Northwest School prepares students for thoughtful engagement in college and the wider world.
Academic Excellence & Faculty Expertise: Located in Seattle, The Northwest School attracts highly accomplished educators-many with Ph.D. degrees and active research backgrounds-who design rigorous, research-based college preparatory courses modeled on university-level instruction.
Arts, Urban Learning & Community Partnerships: The school offers a top-ranked arts program taught by practicing Seattle-based artists and uses the city as a living classroom through partnerships with local nonprofits and organizations such as Union Gospel Mission, Habitat for Humanity, and Beacon Food Forest, as well as access to museums, studios, and cultural institutions.
University Access, Global Connectivity & Student Support: Seattle's proximity to leading institutions and companies including the University of Washington, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Microsoft, Amazon, and Boeing provides students with university recruitment opportunities, guest lectures, convenient access to SAT, ACT, and TOEFL testing, international travel via major airports, and nearby medical care at Virginia Mason Medical Center, Swedish Medical Center, and Harborview Medical Center.
Seattle, a major seaport city on the West Coast, is the largest in Washington and the Pacific Northwest region. It is known for its vibrant tech industry, including companies like Amazon and Microsoft. The city boasts iconic landmarks such as the Space Needle and Pike Place Market. Seattle is a hub for innovation, culture, and coffee, offering a unique blend of urban development and natural beauty, with stunning views of the Puget Sound and surrounding mountains.
Fountain Valley School - Colorado Springs, Colorado
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School Site: https://www.fvs.edu/
Admission Contact: admission@fvs.edu
Fountain Valley School of Colorado is an independent, coeducational college-preparatory boarding and day school located in Colorado Springs. Serving students in grades 9-12, the school offers a strong liberal arts curriculum complemented by outdoor education and global learning opportunities. Its scenic campus at the base of the Rocky Mountains fosters independence, resilience, and a close-knit community.
9th Grade Western Curriculum: Rooted in the history and culture of the American West, our 9th-grade program focuses on Fountain Valley's location and connection to the west. Students study indigenous and Western authors, explore Colorado's rivers, prairies, and mountains through Outdoor Ecology and Environmental Science, and examine how the Western landscape has shaped people, culture, and sustainability across history, art, and math.
Experiential & Outdoor Learning Programs: All ninth graders begin the year at the Mountain Campus through the Western Immersion Program (WIP), which combines outdoor exploration, Western history, and team-building, with each class returning annually for continued bonding and outdoor education.
Global & Domestic Immersion Experiences: Through the Interim Expeditions program, students participate in a weeklong experiential learning experience each spring, with ninth graders exploring Colorado, tenth graders studying abroad, and upperclassmen selecting from domestic and international destinations.
Athletics, Outdoor Pursuits & City Partnerships: Students participate in traditional athletics and mountain sports such as mountain biking, western riding, and rock climbing on the school's 1,100-acre campus, while also engaging in academic, cultural, and service-learning partnerships in nearby Colorado Springs, including the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center and local nonprofits.
Colorado Springs, located at an elevation of 6,035 feet, sits at the eastern base of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. The city is known for its proximity to Pikes Peak, a towering 14,114-foot peak in Pike National Forest, which offers hiking trails and a scenic cog railway to the summit. Colorado Springs is also home to the stunning Garden of the Gods park, famous for its striking red sandstone formations and breathtaking mountain views. The city's outdoor recreation and natural beauty make it a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Oregon Episcopal School - Portland, Oregon
Oregon Episcopal School is an independent, coeducational day and boarding school located in Portland, Oregon. Serving students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12, OES combines strong academics with a focus on global citizenship, sustainability, and experiential learning. The school is known for its inclusive community and innovative approach to preparing students for a rapidly changing world.
Urban Access & Outdoor Exploration: OES's 59-acre campus in Southwest Portland places students minutes from the city while offering easy access to Mount Hood, Forest Park, rivers, and the Oregon coast, allowing outdoor adventures to become a natural extension of school life.
Culinary Culture & City Engagement: Portland's renowned food scene, known for fresh local ingredients and global flavors, provides students with authentic cultural experiences, with the city's food culture even serving as the foundation for select OES courses.
Experiential & Community-Based Learning: Through immersive courses, Winterim programs, and service-learning partnerships with local nonprofits, students use Portland as a living classroom, engaging in hands-on, place-based learning that extends well beyond traditional academics.
Portland, the largest city in Oregon, is located at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers in the Pacific Northwest. Known for its vibrant culture, green spaces, and eco-conscious lifestyle, Portland is a hub for creativity and outdoor activities.
The Bolles School - Jacksonville, Florida
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School Site: https://www.bolles.org/
Admission Contact: Admission@Bolles.org
The Bolles School is a leading independent college-preparatory day and boarding school located in Jacksonville, Florida. Serving students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12, Bolles is known for its rigorous academics, exceptional athletics, and commitment to character development. With a long tradition of excellence, the school prepares students to succeed at top universities and to lead with integrity beyond the classroom.
Riverfront Campus & Environmental Learning: Located along the St. Johns River, the campus provides direct access to Jacksonville's waterways, allowing students to observe marine life such as manatees and dolphins while integrating environmental studies into daily academic and extracurricular experiences.
Outdoor Academics & Athletics: Northeast Florida's mild, sunny climate supports outdoor classes, dining, and year-round athletic training across pools, tracks, and fields, enhancing collaboration, wellness, and student engagement.
Active, Outdoor-Focused Campus Culture: Proximity to Jacksonville's natural resources encourages water-based activities and hands-on learning, fostering a campus culture that embraces outdoor exploration, creativity, and an active lifestyle throughout the year.
Jacksonville is a major city on the Atlantic coast in northeastern Florida, known as the state's most populous city and the largest by area in the contiguous United States. Jacksonville boasts a vibrant arts scene, scenic beaches, and a rich history, including attractions like the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens and the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. Its thriving economy is anchored in finance, logistics, and military sectors.
John Bapst Memorial High School - Bangor, Maine
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School Site: https://www.findingschool.com/john-bapst-school
Admission Contact: admission@johnbapst.org
John Bapst Memorial High School is an independent, coeducational college-preparatory day school located in Bangor, Maine. Serving students in grades 9-12, the school is known for its challenging academics, small class sizes, and strong faculty-student relationships. John Bapst emphasizes critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and preparation for selective colleges.
Walkable City Access & Cultural Engagement: Located in the heart of Bangor, John Bapst provides students with easy walking access to downtown amenities and cultural institutions, including the Cross Insurance Center, Bangor Youth Symphony Orchestra, local theaters, libraries, museums, and community events that immerse students in everyday American life.
Academic, Athletic & Community Partnerships: Students benefit from partnerships with nearby institutions such as the University of Maine at Orono and Husson University, gaining access to advanced athletic facilities, performance venues, and academic resources, along with recreational options including indoor ice rinks, ski areas like Hermon Mountain, and other local attractions.
Convenient Transportation & Access to Nature: With proximity to Bangor International Airport, coach bus routes, hospitals, and public transportation, students enjoy convenient travel and healthcare access, while nearby destinations such as Acadia National Park, Kenduskeag Stream, and regional state parks provide regular opportunities for outdoor exploration.
Bangor, Maine is a small, welcoming city that blends New England charm with everyday convenience and easy access to nature. Located along the Penobscot River, Bangor serves as a regional hub with walkable downtown streets, diverse dining options, cultural venues, and year-round community events. The city offers a safe, relaxed environment while still providing essential amenities such as hospitals, shopping, entertainment, and an international airport. Just an hour from Acadia National Park and Maine's rugged coastline, Bangor allows residents and students to enjoy both city life and outdoor adventure.
Buffalo Seminary - Buffalo, New York
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School Site: https://www.buffaloseminary.org/
Admission Contact: info@buffaloseminary.org
Buffalo Seminary is a private, all-girls, college-preparatory day school located in Buffalo, New York. Serving students in grades 9-12, the school emphasizes academic excellence, leadership development, and empowerment of young women. With a close-knit community and a tradition of achievement, Buffalo Seminary prepares students for success at competitive colleges and beyond.
STEM & Professional Learning Access: Students benefit from hands-on learning and internship opportunities with leading institutions such as the University at Buffalo's Jacob's School of Medicine, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, and global engineering company Moog.
Arts Excellence & Creative Mentorship: Located steps from the AKG Art Museum, students participate in programs such as Art Alive-earning first prize in 2023-and learn from practicing artists, including award-winning director and theater teacher Susan Drozd, who connects students to Buffalo's professional theater scene.
Community Life & Regional Exploration: Students engage fully in Buffalo life through seasonal outdoor activities at Delaware Park, visits to Lake Erie and Niagara Falls, support of local teams like the Bills, Bisons, Sabres, and Bandits, and active community involvement in the Elmwood Village neighborhood.
Buffalo, located in western New York at the eastern end of Lake Erie, is the state's second-largest city. Once a booming industrial and shipping hub in the Great Lakes region, Buffalo today is known for its diverse economy, cultural institutions, and strong educational presence. Just a short drive from Niagara Falls, the city serves as a gateway for millions of visitors each year. Highlights include the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, the Buffalo Zoo, and historic architectural landmarks. Buffalo is also famously the birthplace of the Buffalo chicken wing.
Urban boarding schools offer a powerful blend of academic rigor, cultural immersion, and real-world opportunity that is difficult to replicate elsewhere. As highlighted throughout this list, boarding schools located directly in major U.S. cities give students daily access to universities, internships, museums, healthcare, transportation hubs, and diverse communities-while still providing the structure, safety, and close-knit environment families expect from a boarding experience. Whether in Boston, Los Angeles, Seattle, Honolulu, or smaller but vibrant cities like Asheville and Bangor, these schools use their urban settings as extensions of the classroom, preparing students for college, careers, and global citizenship. This curated selection represents just a portion of the outstanding city-based boarding schools in the United States, each uniquely leveraging its location to deliver an education that is both deeply rooted and globally connected. To find more information about these schools and many more, please visits us at FindingSchool.com.
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