11 Most Elite Boarding Schools in the World in 2017

Somewhat surprisingly, when we talk about most elite boarding schools in the world in 2017 there is one country that takes precedence over the others. But, we are not going to tell you which country is that, at least for now. We will keep you in suspense a bit longer. What we can tell you is that some of the most expensive schools in the UK are also on the following list, but Great Britain falls far behind our mysterious country.

The importance of education is undeniable and continually stressed both at schools and at home. Provided one possesses the excellent knowledge, he or she can apply to the desired university, and later opt for the aspiring career and reach success. And there is no better institution to train you for that than boarding schools. These schools are usually meant for high flyers. The student body normally consists of ambitious, hard-working, and, actually, extremely lucky boys and girls. Though sending the children away from home may seem like a daunting prospect to some parents, the truth is that boarding schools provide them with lots of opportunities. First, there is the feeling of independence which inevitably leads to maturity. Secondly, boarding schools have an excellent student-teacher ratio that could never be achieved at a regular school, and thus maximizes the learning process. Next, not only do these schools stretch their students academically, but they also offer amazing sports facilities. Who wouldn’t like to go to a school that offers such a huge variety of physical activities, from horse riding to skiing? In order to have all those sports courts and fields, most of the schools are located in beautiful places surrounded by nature, far away from the smog and daily hustle and bustle. Moreover, did you know that students who attend elite boarding schools visit locations that most of their peers only dream about? Last but not the least, students often make life-long friendships here.

Having already dealt with the 6 best boarding schools in the world list, we stepped up our game in bringing you eleven top boarding schools. Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “elite” as “a group of persons who by virtue of position or education exercise much power or influence”. The institutions listed are all famous for being exclusive, high-priced and difficult to get into. Most families that send their children to these schools possess great finances as well as political influence. Having great funds is basically a must since the scholarship fees are extremely high. In addition to that, some boarding schools take pride in the fact that they have educated world renowned leaders, politicians, along with members of the royal families. In our attempt to construct the list of most prestigious high schools in the world, we compared the suggestions of Business Insider, the Daily Mail and MSN on this particular topic. When their recommendations coincided, we took it as a sign to put them in the higher rank. As for those schools that our sources weren’t unanimous about, we ranked them according to their annual fees and elite students who are currently there or have attended it. Admittedly, we considered royals and the wealthiest to be of a higher social status and therefore more “elite” than, let’s say, renowned artists or performers who are more widely known. Also, this is a list for the year 2017, so the latest news about the appalling abuse scandals in the Choate-Rosemary Hall School swiftly removed it from our list just before publishing this article.

Now, if you’re wondering which boarding high school to opt for, here are the 11 most elite boarding schools in the world in 2017.

11. Eton

Location: the UK

Price: $47,200

Now while currently, the whole world is exclaiming deep sighs of adoration because little Prince George has started going to one of the most expensive prep schools in the UK, we’re going to remind ourselves of the times when his father, Prince William, attended Eton. This is a male only school which was founded in 1440. Nothing says prestige as going to the same school with British royalties, right?

10.Harrow School

Location: the UK

Price: $49,500

We are continuing our list of the most elite boarding schools in the world in 2017 with the school whose most famous alumni was the 2nd World War British Premier, Winston Churchill. For those generations that the name Churchill doesn’t ring a bell, we must say this school was attended by Sherlock Holmes, i.e. Benedict Cumberbatch. This is a school for boys, who you can discern by their outfit – a boater hat, morning suit, and cane. Harrow School is located in northwest London and it was founded in 1572 under a Royal Charter granted by Queen Elizabeth. Not this one, of course. We’re talking about Queen Elizabeth I.

9. St. Albans School

Location: the USA

Price: $62,228

It’s among the most elite boarding schools in the world in 2017, the most expensive boarding school in America, and therefore the most desired, too. St. Albans School is an all boys school which has about 13 students per class and also gives financial aid rewards to around 25% of its alumni. It started educating the youth in 1909 and the average number of graduates per year is 80. By the way, they are an Episcopal school.

8. Brillantmont International School

Location: Switzerland

Price: $75,520

Brillantmont International School was set up in the 19th century and has continued its world domination when it comes to education. The Telegraph says almost every weekend is dedicated to skiing trips once the season starts. Is it good enough to be on our list of most elite boarding schools in the world in 2017? As for the dormitories, imagine waking up in a room that has the view of the Swiss Alps or lake Geneva.  Now, who wouldn’t feel like studying there?

7. The American School (TASIS)

Location: Switzerland

Price: $86,260

It is situated near Lugano and founded in 1956. The beauty of the place lies in the fact that it is also only an hour away from Milan. The average number of students per class is only 16, and the student/teacher ratio is 6/1. TASIS is an American school, which means that its founders wanted to apply the independent American school system in Europe.

6. Leysin American School

Location: Switzerland

Price: $88,339

If we tell you that the members of Rockefeller families chose this school as the best in the world, that should speak volumes. It is located in the Swiss Alps, only two hours from Geneva, and one could hardly wish for a better view through the dormitory windows. Leysin American School is attended by 50 different nationalities and their spring break trips include destinations such as Tanzania, Egypt, and Thailand.

5. Institut Auf Dem Rosenberg

Location: Switzerland

Price: $88,775

Another on our list of most elite boarding schools in the world in 2017 is in St. Gallen and it is one of the oldest private schools in the country. Rosenberg probably sounds familiar because of its annual Rosenberg ball when the students show off their skills. They can attend as many activities as you can think of, and as for curriculum, it is there to prepare them for Italian, German, Swiss, French, British or the US leaving exams.

4. Collège du Léman

Location: Switzerland

Price: $92,314

One of the reasons many parents send their children to Switzerland boarding school is the fact that they will have to speak three languages there. As for this College Du Leman, the instructions are given in French and English. The student-teacher ratio is very good and it depends on the age. Interestingly, they accept students aged between 2 and 18.

3. College Alpin International Beau Soleil

Location: Switzerland

Price: $103,877

At number 3 on the list of most elite boarding schools in the world in 2017 we have this amazing facility, situated in the beautiful village of Villars-sur-Ollon. The uniforms cost only $5,000. As for the activities on offer, we would separate climbing the Mound Kilimanjaro in Tanzania every year by a group of Alpin students. What is even more astonishing is the fact that College Alpin International Beau Soleil offers skydiving as one of its activities. It’s not all fun and games, though, since the curriculum is demanding. As most such schools, the college also has close cooperation with leading institutions and associations across the globe.

2. Le Rosey

Location: Switzerland

Price: $105,751

Le Rosey was founded in 1880. There are 120 teachers for 420 students and the school has become a synonym for elite and exclusive. The sports and artistic facilities are equally valued. Business Insider tells us it is called “School of Kings”, and for a good reason. Royalty members are no strangers in this institution, as well as the Rothschilds. Some of the aristocrats that walked its halls were King Albert II of Belgium, the Shah of Iran, Prince Rainier of Monaco, and King Farouk of Egypt.

1. Aiglon College

Location: Switzerland

Price: $110,372

European aristocracy has been choosing Aiglon College repeatedly for their offspring and with its highest annual fees, it definitely dominates our list of 11 most elite boarding schools in the world in 2017. The impressive number of different nationalities vouches for its worldwide quality and popularity. Currently, there are 60 nationalities present at school. Located high in the Swiss Alps, in the village of Chesières-Villars, it provides anything a student could wish for – great education, excursions across Europe, and challenging expeditions. To bring the sense of community and increase personal well-being, they even offer morning group meditations, three times a week.