California, known for its stunning landscapes, cultural diversity, and thriving industries, is also home to some of the finest boarding schools in the United States. These institutions offer a unique blend of academic excellence, personal growth, and a strong sense of community.
Whether you’re seeking a boarding school with a focus on rigorous academics, outdoor adventures, or creative arts, California provides an array of options to cater to various interests and educational goals.
In this article, we will explore the best boarding schools in California, each contributing to the state’s reputation for fostering well-rounded individuals ready to make a difference in the world.
Top 6 Boarding Schools in California
The following are some of the best California boarding schools. This list includes both junior boarding schools and boarding high schools.
1. Athenian School
The Athenian School, nestled in Danville, California, stands out as a premier boarding school in the state. This institution’s philosophy, encapsulated in the motto “Life is an adventure of intellectual exploration and meaningful contribution,” embodies its commitment to holistic education.
Situated on a picturesque 75-acre campus at the base of Mt. Diablo in Northern California’s San Francisco Bay Area, Athenian serves students in grades 6 to 12. Its student body comprises roughly 170 middle school students (grades 6-8) and 360 high school students (grades 9-12), known as the upper school.
The school maintains an intimate educational environment, boasting around 60 full-time students and 18 full-time teachers, typically with 16 students per class. In 2020, Niche recognized Athenian School as the top private high school in Contra Costa County and ranked it 106th among the nation’s best schools. Additionally,
Athenian secured its position as one of the top 28 U.S. boarding schools and is celebrated globally for its academic prowess. According to Boarding School Review, Athenian is the eighth-highest-ranked American boarding school in terms of SAT scores, boasting an average of 1385 out of 1600, and 31 for the ACT.
2. Besant Hill School
Besant Hill School, once known as the Happy Valley School, is a renowned coeducational private institution in Ojai, California, and ranks among the state’s top boarding schools. It maintains a small enrollment of approximately 100 students, supported by about 35 nearby faculty and staff.
This fosters an intimate learning environment, with an average class size of 10 and a student-to-faculty ratio of 4:1. Offering a diverse curriculum with 62 courses, including AP electives, the school provides a comprehensive education.
In the 2017-2018 school year, it welcomed students from 13 states and 22 countries, reflecting its global appeal. Known for its picturesque setting, strong community, rigorous academics, and robust arts program, the school also emphasizes environmental science, featuring a working garden and farm on campus.
3. Dunn School
Dunn School, situated in Los Olivos, California, is a private boarding and day school catering to students from 6th to 12th grade. Established by Tony Dunn in 1957, initially known as “The Valley School,” it boasts a rich history, eventually adopting the name Dunn School. The 55-acre campus hosts both middle and high school students and features cottage and ranch-style buildings.
Students actively engage in community service initiatives like the Day of Caring and the 24-Hour Relay for Life. The curriculum includes a week of wilderness exploration for grades six through 12, international trips (with three annual offerings), and opportunities to learn entrepreneurial skills through an innovation elective, student club, or the on-campus Earwig Cafe run by students.
Classes maintain a seminar format with approximately 11 students per class and each semester, five academic courses are offered. Dunn School is part of the Condor League, an independent secondary school conference, and maintains an impressive student-to-teacher ratio of 4:1, securing its position among the top 6 boarding schools in California.
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4. Cate School
Located in Carpinteria, California, eleven miles from Santa Barbara, the Cate School is a selective, coed independent school for 9th through 12th grades. International students are welcome at the school, with 270 enrolled students from 31 states and 18 countries.
Among the nation’s best private high schools, Niche ranks Cate School 26th on the 2019 list. The school is also ranked as the 9th best boarding school in the United States.
Besides athletics, drama, music, dance, and community service, students can enjoy various outdoor activities, including surfing, kayaking, rock climbing, backpacking, mountain biking, and rafting.
Soccer, cross-country, volleyball, water polo, football, basketball, lacrosse, squash, tennis, track, baseball, and softball are sports in which interscholastic athletes compete.
Many intramural sports include surfing, ultimate frisbee, weight training, Tae Kwan Do, dance, and others. There are many outdoor activities offered by the Cate School, such as hiking, sea kayaking, etc.
The Student-Faculty Senate is an integral part of the boarding school, i.e., the students live on the campus, and the same goes for the faculty members. In addition to having elected senators and appointed officials, the Student-Faculty Senate takes care of legislation concerning every aspect of the university community.
As part of the community service program, students plan and participate in projects. Tutoring children, visiting with the elderly and disabled, and completing local environmental projects are some activities students do. It’s among those emotional growth schools which help the students to grow emotionally.
All these make it one of the best boarding schools in California.
The list of California boarding schools would be lacking a significant entry without the inclusion of the Army and Navy Academy. This distinguished private military boarding school, situated in California, stands as one of the preeminent boarding institutions in the state. The Academy operates under the guidance of a dedicated Board of Trustees, comprising alumni, parents, former parents, and local business enthusiasts.
At present, the Academy is under the capable leadership of Mark Desjardins. The school’s administration collaborates with a team of retired US Marine Corps personnel, including Captain Slaughter, who serves alongside the USMC Retired staff. This team includes Chief of Staff Colonel Russ Hanthorn and Commandant of Cadets Colonel Wayne Ward (USMC Retired).
The educational facet of the institution is overseen by Dean of Academics Ethan Segovia, who plays a pivotal role in shaping the academic landscape of the school. His responsibilities closely intertwine with those of Amy Coe, who serves as the Associate Dean of Academics.
6. Ojai Valley School
The Ojai Valley School is an independent co-educational boarding school located in the Ojai Valley in California. Prekindergarten through 12th grade are offered at the school, founded in 1911.
Integer Vitae is the school’s motto. In English, it means that life is whole, harmonious, and symmetrical.
English as a Second Language (ESL) programs for all ability levels were established at Ojai Valley School, one of the first boarding schools in the Western United States.
Ojai Valley was a small private school that was opened in the early 20th century by an Eastern couple. He had written several articles in the Atlantic Monthly about the need for educational reform. Yeomans, a Chicagoan who attended Phillips Academy and Princeton University, avidly advocated for educational reform.
Several wealthy business people, including Frank Frost, became interested in Yeomans’ articles, and Frost convinced him to move to Ojai and form a school that would embody his new ideas.
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Conclusion
California boasts a selection of exceptional boarding schools that offer diverse academic programs, beautiful campuses, and character-building opportunities. Whether it’s Athenian School’s commitment to intellectual exploration or Cate School’s emphasis on outdoor adventures, each institution on this list contributes to the rich tapestry of educational experiences available in the Golden State.
With small class sizes, dedicated educators, and a focus on holistic development, these boarding schools nurture students not only academically but also as responsible, compassionate individuals ready to make a difference in the world.
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