12 Best Boarding Schools in the World in 2017

Not the most expensive, not the most exclusive, but simply the best boarding schools in the world in 2017. Our ranking isn’t based only according to the tuition fee. That is actually a secondary matter in our research. But let’s start from the beginning.

Boarding schools aren’t that popular among parents for no reason. They are excellent preparatory institutions for college, they offer independence and great socializing, as well as securing future business connections. Also, boarding schools have several options regarding staying on campus. Some schools have day students, and there is an option of staying in school only during the work week.

12 Best Boarding Schools in the World in 2017

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It was a challenging task to choose the best boarding schools in the world in 2017. When it comes to boarding schools, the most respected ones, such as Le Rosey in Switzerland, usually have extremely high tuition, or so it seems to the average citizen. Therefore, we decided to look through the lists of the most elite boarding schools in the world at Business Insider and MSN. True, we mentioned that money isn’t the main criteria, but it was a starting point. When you have schools that offer excursions to other continents, as opposed to visiting the nearby city, it is clear that such trips cost and are definitely worth paying. Those are definitely the best excursions, aren’t they? However, we deem the best boarding schools offer the best possible education and what better way to get it than to attend small classes? Our list is compiled according to the teacher-student ratio, and you won’t find similar global lists anywhere. If we were talking about the most expensive private high schools in the US, such data would be easier to find, but here we are discussing the whole world. We collected teacher and student figures from the official schools’ websites, as well as from Study International, World-Schools, the Telegraph, MilitarySchools411Boarding School Review, etc. Why is student-teacher (or teacher-student) ratio so important? We believe time and attention a teacher devotes to a student is what can make the difference in students’ performance and knowledge.

Of course, sometimes two or more schools had the same student-teacher ratio. It seemed unfair to compare them according to excursions or campuses since all of them are situated in wonderful nature and offer the best possible conditions regarding boarding and sports facilities. Therefore, the school whose tuition was lower came higher in such cases. After all, isn’t it better to pay less for the same amount of teacher time?

Also, all the schools are co-ed, which means they are accepting of both boys and girls. We wished to incorporate only those educational institutions which don’t discriminate potential students in any way (based on their gender or religion). If you are interested in similar best boarding schools in the world lists, our articles on the 6 best boarding schools in the world, the 10 most expensive boarding schools in the world, and 11 most elite boarding schools in the world could come in handy.

Finally, let’s take a look which schools are on this list of best boarding schools in the world in 2017.

12. Leysin American School (LAS)

Location: Switzerland

Teacher-student ratio: 1:8

Tuition: $90,536

The graduates can choose which certificate they are taking with them: the International Baccalaureate or the US High School Diploma. These two options are apparently very much popular among the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, and members of the Saudi royal family since all of them have been/are the most famous alumni of the school.

12 Best Boarding Schools in the World in 2017

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11. Oundle School

Location: the UK

Student-teacher ratio: 8:1

Tuition: $47,532

This is one of the most prestigious schools in England. Oundle School may be near the bottom of our list of best boarding schools in the world in 2017, but it is definitely the oldest. 1556 is the year of its foundation, and no one can top that. However, it’s a bit crowded in comparison to the rest. Oundle School offers education to 1,100 students. As for famous alumni, there’s the lead singer of Iron Maiden as a person of interest for young learners.

12 Best Boarding Schools in the World in 2017

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10. Choate Rosemary Hall

Location: the USA

Student-teacher ratio: 7:1

Tuition: $54,450

This is an elite private boarding school in Connecticut, and one of the most expensive private high schools in the US, too. Choate means “being complete and superior to subsequent liens.” J.F Kennedy is perhaps one of the most famous ex-students, as well as president Trump’s daughter. Nevertheless, the school has been very prominent in the news due to abuse scandals that can be traced back to the 60s. The school officials stated that at least 12 teachers are guilty of sexual abuse. The victims were both male and female.

9. St. Martin’s Ampleforth

Location: the UK

Student-teacher ratio: 7:1

Tuition: $46,723

On the other hand, Ampleforth is one of the most expensive schools in the UK. Its nickname is Catholic Eton, and that should mean something. The institution is still conducted by the Benedictine monks and lay staff of Ampleforth Abbey. Ampleforth is the largest private Catholic boarding school in the UK. Naturally, one of the most frequent questions is whether you need to be one. The answer is no. The school is open to students of all confessions.

8. New York Military Academy

Location: the USA

Student-teacher ratio: 7:1

Tuition: $43,340

This one seems pretty affordable when compared to the rest of the best boarding schools in the world in 2017 list. After all, if it was good enough for the current President, it should be good enough for the rest. It is one of the oldest military schools in America. If your idea of the best boarding school is strict regime combined with excellent education, look no further. This is the only military school on our list.

12 Best Boarding Schools in the World in 2017

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7. The American School in Switzerland (TASIS)

Location: Switzerland

Student-teacher ratio:  6:1

Tuition: $84,571

There are several now, but this was the first US boarding school to be founded in Europe, in the Swiss mountains. Usually, there are 13 students per class. TASIS has over 700 day and boarding students. If the number seems very high, that’s because they have pre-kindergarten and postgraduate students, too. About 265 students are aged between 12-19 and they are living on the campus. Another impressive number is 60. That’s how many different nationalities are attending the school at the moment.

12 Best Boarding Schools in the World in 2017

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6. Le Rosey

Location: Switzerland

Student-teacher ratio: 5:1

Tuition: $116,067

Le Rosey is right in the middle of our list of best boarding schools in the world in 2017. It is world famous for being among the most expensive and the most prestigious and elite boarding schools. It usually comes first in similar lists, but the truth is that one teacher can tutor five students, which isn’t as impressive as our first place. There are 420 students, and some of the most notable ones were King Albert II of Belgium, the Shah of Iran, Prince Rainier of Monaco, and King Farouk of Egypt.

12 Best Boarding Schools in the World in 2017

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5. Aiglon College

Location: Switzerland

Student-teacher ratio: 5:1

Tuition: $109,266

One more school in the Swiss Alps, but it is actually inspired by a country which is only famous for its hills and valleys – the UK. And Oxford and Cambridge, of course. Its founder was British, but the regular practice includes something whose origins are far from the island. Students are enticed to gather and meditate for 20 minutes on three mornings each week.

12 Best Boarding Schools in the World in 2017

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4. Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz

Location: Switzerland

Student-teacher ratio:  5:1

Tuition: $87,875

We are continuing our list of best boarding schools in the world in 2017 with Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz that prepares students for numerous exams, such as German Abitur, International Baccalaureate, and Swiss Matura. Have you ever been to St Moritz? Of course, you have. Well, this famous resort is the place where the school is located.

12 Best Boarding Schools in the World in 2017

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3. Collège Alpin International Beau Soleil

Location: Switzerland

Student-teacher ratio: 4:1

Tuition: $104,940

With a 100,000 dollars yearly tuition, this school is definitely one of the most expensive boarding schools in the world. The high price is probably due to the fact this is one of the oldest schools in the country. It was founded in 1910 in the Swiss Alps. There are over 40 different nationalities studying and enjoying themselves on their grounds. The curriculum is taught in French and English. No wonder it’s on our list of best boarding schools in the world in 2017, right?

12 Best Boarding Schools in the World in 2017

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2. Brillantmont International School

Location: Switzerland

Student-teacher ratio: 4:1

Tuition: $80,920

This family-run traditional school has existed for 130 years. If you wish your bedroom view to be one of Lake Geneva, sign in immediately. Also, reportedly 100% of the students from this school enroll the desired colleges. In addition, Brillantmont offers options that students who live in the nearby can use. These include the day school and 5-day boarding option for those that have to do a bit of traveling.

12 Best Boarding Schools in the World in 2017

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1. Institut Auf Dem Rosenberg

Location: Switzerland

Student-teacher ratio: 3:1

Tuition: $89,480

The best option on our list of best boarding schools in the world in 2017 is Institut Auf Dem Rosenberg. There are only three students per one teacher so that the student can have the greatest attention. This is a school with a low number of students, compared to its competition. They have only 300 students, but they come from all over the world. Also, students can choose between five different academic systems: US, German, Italian, Swiss, and UK. This helps immensely with college preparations since the student can focus on what particular college demands. Finally, the average class size is merely eight students. What else could you ask for?

12 Best Boarding Schools in the World in 2017

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