15 Most Expensive Boarding Schools in the World in 2017-2018

After checking out the most expensive boarding schools in the world in 2017-2018, you’ll wish more than ever you could go back to your high school days!

I know I did! But perhaps the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend one of the most elite boarding schools in the world could be passed on to the next best thing—our kids. If only you can get them as excited about school as you will be after reading a little more about the best boarding schools in the world. Who knows! After checking out what they all have to offer, maybe they will be!

And spoiler alert!—nearly all of the most expensive boarding schools in the world in 2017-2018 are located in the same country. You’re gonna start putting two and two together at some point, so I may as well bring that up now so that I can prepare you for the Swiss boarding school costs, as they are, well—you guessed it—some of the most expensive schools in the world in 2017-2018. That being said, I WON’T spoil the most expensive school in the UK for you, nor will I give away the most expensive high school in the world as all of these boarding schools also offer regular day students. I’m sure you’ll be glad to hear that many offer financial aid, as well, because even if you don’t have the kind of money it takes to send your child(ren) to any number of these schools—let’s face it—you’re still going to want to get them in even if you have to sell your soul to make it happen.

I’m not going to talk up these schools much longer—I promise. Before I get on with the show, I first have to share with you how I went about finding the most expensive boarding schools in the world. Forbes was a good start, although only focused on European schools. Remember, I am looking for the most expensive schools in the WORLD! So, I meshed together a number of different lists of the most expensive boarding schools in the world, including the American and European edition Business Insider’s most prestigious schools, and I gotta tell ya—I would find it very difficult to believe that schools could get any more expensive than these!

And although a lot of them offer financial aid for those who qualify, it’s never a guarantee. I may never be fortunate enough to send any of my kids to the most expensive boarding schools in the world in 2017-2018, but that doesn’t mean that I can’t send them to one of the 12 Best Boarding Schools in the World in 2017.

So, let’s start with our list, shall we?

15. St. Albans School

Where are we going to start the bidding at with the most expensive boarding schools in the world in 2017-2018? Shall we say, $50,000? Guess again! While there is a completely different school with the same name of this one located in Switzerland, it’s mere $24,850 a year is nothing compared to the $62,228 it costs to attend St. Albans School in Washington DC, making it the most expensive boarding school in the US. But the doors aren’t open to everyone! This school boards boys between grades 4-12 and is known for its balance between academic, moral and spiritual education. What’s also neat about St. Albans is that while it is an “all boys” school, they team up with the “all girls” school across the street to give the students coeducational opportunities in both academic and extracurricular activities.

14. The Lawrenceville School

Located in New Jersey sits a school that costs $64,430 a year to go to! When dealing with the best quality education money can buy, often schools tend to adopt unique learning methods to set them apart from the rest. At Lawrenceville School, boys and girls apply “Harkness” teaching and learning, a method developed by Edward Harkness that takes on a collaborative group problem-solving and analysis approach. Students gather in small classrooms of typically 12 or less around an oval table and expand and discuss ideas in a very conversational tone. The school also values a cultured education and offers different programs and opportunities for students to study abroad.

13. Appleby College

It’s no wonder why Appleby College is among the most expensive boarding schools in the world in 2017-2018. With tuition ranging between $59,375 and $72,875 per year, this lakeside Canadian boarding school values the experience outside of the classroom just as much as the outstanding academic curriculum they provide their students with. For over 100 years Appleby has strived to shape young men and women into becoming the difference we want to see in our future—giving them the knowledge and understanding to mold them into the positive change we want to see, not just in our communities, but in our planet; and teaching them leadership and a strong sense of morals and value along the way.

12. St. Michaels University School

St. Michaels University—outstanding preparation for higher learning and for life. And just how do they live up to their motto?  Aside from just offering a top-notch education, SMUS not only recognizes the unique learning styles each student has, but adapts to their student’s educational needs and understands the importance of empowering young minds to learn who they are as individuals and carry on to live up to their full potential. The total cost to attend is anywhere from $50,520 to $77,490 a year.

11. Think Global School

If I were to be sending my kid off to one of the most expensive boarding schools in the world in 2017-2018, it’d be this one—hands down! That is if money weren’t an issue since tuition is $79,000 a year. At THINK Global, students are instilled with core values from different cultures and actually travel to a different country each semester all while getting an enhanced and truly one-of-a-kind education along the way. I mean, to be able to study in different countries and experience these cultures first-hand, sounds like a priceless experience.

10. Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz

A lot of the most expensive boarding schools in the world in 2017-2018 are surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Luceum Alpinim Zuoz happens to be located right near St. Moritz, a world-famous alpine resort in Switzerland. We’re talkin’ mountains for days! Talk about a view that’ll cost ya somewhere between $75,908 and $81,593 a year! I think given a choice between the resort and the school… I’d take the school! I mean, mountain biking, horseback riding, SKIING! All while getting a top-notch education? Yeah, the school actually sounds better than some lame, world-famous resort.

9. The American School in Switzerland (TASIS)

Imagine living in a little 17th-century village nestled between Italy and Switzerland. Sounds like a dream come true, doesn’t it? Oh, but YOU can’t live this dream! No… Your kids can, though. Yeah, for a hefty $88,331 a year! But TASIS hasn’t become one of the most expensive boarding schools in the world in 2017-2018 based on its dreamland living status alone. Aside from being located in the 7^th most peaceful nation in the world (according to the Global Peace Index), TASIS offers the opportunity for students to travel to different countries for the benefit of their studies and is made up of a teachers who not only genuinely care about the success of their students, but many of which (over 70%) hold advanced degrees.

8. Institut Auf Dem Rosenberg

For the most part, all of the most expensive boarding schools in the world in 2017-2018 offer a unique learning experience that caters to their student’s learning needs as individuals. This Swiss International boarding school gives students the option to choose between the Swiss, German, Italian, US or UK national academic systems to find which program best suits the way they learn as individuals. “Individual education” is, like a big thing at Institut auf dem Rosenberg. Another big thing would be the cost of tuition, which is $88,437 per year.

7. Leysin American School in Switzerland (LAS)

Not just one of the most expensive boarding schools in the world in 2017-2018, but perhaps one of the most expensive summer camps you could get your kid involved in. Okay, so it’s technically not a summer camp… Summer school would be more like it. While its annual tuition is $89,490 Leysin American School (or LAS) has been offering summer programs longer than their year-round academic programs beginning at $5,201 for the basic two-week course, all the way up to $13,397 for the full 6 weeks (3 2 week sessions). It’s like a mini, more personalized LAS school-year in “vacation to the Swiss Alps” form.

6. Brillantmont International School

You may have already caught onto the fact that a lot of the most expensive boarding schools in the world in 2017-2018 are located in Switzerland. Not only is it a beautiful, peaceful, and overall safe place to be, but Swiss education has a reputation for being one of the best in the world! However, just because a school is located in Switzerland doesn’t mean it stays true to these above-average standards. Brillantmont is Swiss-owned and operated, ensuring this boarding school lives up to their level of quality. A lot of these schools also boast about their family-oriented environment. BM has been owned by the same family for over 135 years, which gives them the edge they need to compete with the other most expensive boarding schools in the world in 2017-2018. That and the fact that their location in Lausanne, Switzerland is home to the International Olympic Committee, which makes BM very serious about their sports teams justifies their tuition to be anywhere from $76,856 to $90,543 a year.

5. Collège du Léman International School

There are endless amounts of awesome things about the most expensive boarding schools in the world in 2017-2018. What’s cool about Collège du Léman is for one, the fact that the starting age at which they offer such a high-quality education to is 2-years-old. Most of these schools do not offer such an opportunity to preschoolers, let alone elementary aged children. The cost for just day students, however, is nothing compared to the $94,649 tuition they are asking for boarding students. Although, they do offer a nice discount if you choose to enroll multiple children. Another sweet deal they got goin’ on is their charity program. High school students get to run these events and even get to travel to Africa to see how they, personally, are making a difference in the lives of children who are less fortunate than them. Pretty cool!

4. St. George’s International School Switzerland

If you thought the last school mentioned on the list of most expensive boarding schools in the world in 2017-2018 started young, then you’ll be even more surprised that St. George’s early learning programs are offered to children as young as 18 months of age! Of course, the cost doesn’t compare to the somewhere between $82,415 and $104,966 they charge for boarding students, but it’s still one of the most expensive preschools you could ever dream to send your little one. I guess they are just preparing tiny minds for the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, which is THE best youth achievement award in the world. There are 3 levels to this prestigious award, and students can earn this award as young as 14. I’m not gonna lie; I’m a bit jealous that I’m too old to qualify for such an award.

3. Collège Alpin International Beau Soleil

At Beau Soleil, they believe “it’s what you do that counts.” And what students do there is nothing short of extraordinary. For $105,229 a year, students better be doing all they can to live up to their full potential! But who wouldn’t—especially, if they are lucky enough to be enrolled in one of the most expensive boarding schools in the world. The success rate of students here is something many parents can only dream for their children. With a 90% pass rate in their French Baccalaureate and an impressive 100% pass rate in their International Baccalaureate, nearly half of their graduates receive offers from the absolute best universities in the world upon graduation.

2. Aiglon College

It’s no secret that the most expensive boarding schools in the world in 2017-2018 all offer the highest level of education your child could possibly experience. Aiglon included, they all meet the required accreditation standards for international schools. These accreditations include the International Baccalaureate, Council of International Schools, and many even the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. But unlike Aiglon, not all are also affiliated with or members of the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference, the Independent Association of Prep Schools, Council of British International Schools, Boarding Schools’ Association, Council for Advancement and Support Education, Independent Schools’ Bursars Association, AND Swiss Learning. The icing on the cake? They also participate in the Duke of Edinburgh International award. And if THAT weren’t enough, they are a founding member of Round Square. But all that awesomeness comes with a price. Anywhere from $72,434 to $111,809 a year to be exact.

1. Institut Le Rosey

While there are some minor differences between the most expensive boarding schools in the world, they are all much so alike in many ways. Most of them are located in Switzerland; they all offer the best education money can buy with high academic standards; are accredited, affiliated with and members of the highest levels of academic associations and groups—some of which including offer very prestigious awards  for students with outstanding scholastic achievements; they all offer very family oriented environments that focus on the learning needs of students as individuals; they all have an array of different types of camps and programs; and they are all pricey. So, what have I missed? Oh, yeah—famous alumni! And Le Rosey has quite the impressive list of them! From King Albert II, King Farouk of Egypt, Prince Rainier of Monaco, the Shah of Iran, Aga Khan IV, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi of Persia… I mean, the list goes on and on (and on and on)! So, if you can afford the $121,601 tuition, I’d say Le Rosey is the way to go. Aside from offering everything the other most expensive boarding schools in the world have to offer, it’s the school fit for a king—literally!

And there you have it, the 15 most expensive boarding schools in the world in 2017-2018. I shared with you my personal fave. What’s yours?