American Boarding Schools: Expert Admissions Guidance for Families

Our unmatched expertise in U.S. boarding school admissions helps students stand out in the most holistic and competitive educational system in the world.  

Navigating the American Boarding School Admissions Process

American boarding schools offer an environment where character development and academic achievement go hand-in-hand. Known for their small class sizes and engaged learning styles, these schools provide individualized attention and cultivate critical thinking through a wide variety of instructional and assessment methods, including the Harkness Method, hands-on STEM research, and project-based learning. 

With a comprehensive residential curriculum that includes everything from academic support to personal supervision, students grow not only in the classroom but also as emerging adults. The beautiful campuses, often set on expansive grounds with green spaces, are designed to encourage both intellectual and physical development. Elite boarding schools in the U.S. also offer a wide variety of athletics and extracurriculars, providing students the chance to explore their passions outside of the classroom. From specialized signature programs to impressive university outcomes, these schools prepare students for success, making them a strong option for those seeking an all-around education that blends academics, character, and personal growth. 

While the process of applying to boarding schools in the USA for international students can be complex, we provide structure, guidance, and peace of mind at every step, ensuring you receive the maximum benefits from your experience.

McMillan Education’s Personalized Admissions Strategy for U.S. Boarding Schools

Expert guidance through the competitive and varied admissions landscape of American boarding schools, powered by the W.I.S.E. Method™.

With over 150 boarding schools across the U.S., the admissions process can feel complex and daunting. However, at McMillan Education, we leverage our W.I.S.E. Method™—a structured, personalized approach that has been honed over 70 years of guiding students through every stage of the process. As the most experienced and respected educational consultancy in the country, we’ve placed thousands of students in the worlds most varied and prestigious educational system. Our deep knowledge of the boarding school landscape allows us to provide tailored guidance at every step. 

Moreover, our relationships with USA boarding school admissions offices are unrivaled in the field and allow us to advocate for students in the search process. From application preparation and interview coaching to standardized testing guidance and strategic use of signature programs, we ensure that every student is prepared. Whether considering a school in New England or elsewhere across the U.S., our offices in New England, France, Italy, and the U.K. allow us to offer global insights with local expertise, bridging cultural or educational gaps for overseas families.

The W.I.S.E. Method™ ensures that students follow a clear path from start to finish, maximizing their chances of success at top U.S. boarding schools.

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Key Benefits of U.S. Boarding School Life

U.S. boarding schools offer innovative and rich academic opportunities that foster student development and equip students for success in higher education and future careers. At McMillan Education, we work closely with families to ensure the best placement results and a smooth transition to an educational journey that supports growth and creativity.

Flexible Academic Pathways & Innovation

International boarding schools in the USA offer the most open curricular options in the world, including AP and IB academic programs, extensive electives designed to promote students’ academic interests and passions and to fit the unique skill levels of different learners. This flexible education model encourages students to take ownership of their learning, helping them optimize their academic potential for excellent college outcomes while building career focus and opportunities.

Strong University Outcomes

Whether interested in remaining in the US for college or pursuing a university degree in another country, graduates of American boarding schools are universally recognized as being among the strongest candidates for the most competitive universities internationally. Excellent academic records, combined with unrivaled extracurricular profiles, ensure access to top universities worldwide, where US boarding school graduates are well-prepared to excel academically and personally.

Supportive Campus Environments

Boarding schools in the USA prioritize student well-being through dedicated residential staff and advising programs. Whether it’s a student’s first time abroad or they already have extensive experience being away from home, our personalized support and full-service guidance ensure they find the school where they will thrive in a safe and nurturing environment.

Global Reputation & Alumni Networks

Students who attend U.S. boarding schools earn credentials that are highly respected around the world. U.S. boarding schools have some of the most powerful alumni networks in the world, creating lifelong connections that provide supportive international communities and open doors to global opportunities.

U.S. Boarding School Placement Results

Over the past 70 years, McMillan Education has successfully placed students at some of the most prestigious U.S. boarding schools.

Here is a sample of some of the schools where our students have matriculated:

Success Stories: Personalized Guidance for American Boarding Schools

Ambitious students who work with McMillan Education study at the top international boarding schools in the USA, where they thrive in diverse communities and prepare for success at leading universities. From higher learning opportunities to creating powerful alumni networks and moving on to top universities, our educational consultants help students achieve outstanding results.

Start Your U.S. Boarding School Journey Today

Your child’s future begins here. With our guidance, you’ll gain a clear understanding of the best boarding school in the USA for your child and the most effective strategy for acceptance.

Contact us to schedule your free consultation and learn more about our student-centered results approach to educational planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does boarding school cost in the US?

On average, boarding schools in the USA charge between $70,000 and $90,000+ per academic year for full boarding. 

U.S. boarding schools offer international students a combination of rich academic opportunities, dynamic student communities, and great extracurricular programs not found elsewhere. These unique qualities of a US boarding school education are highly respected around the world. Parents understand that a U.S. boarding school diploma creates unparalleled pathways to top universities and career opportunities around the world for international students. 

Yes, American boarding schools are committed to creating multicultural student bodies, where students have the opportunity to learn from different cultures, broaden their perspectives, and build lifelong global connections. U.S. boarding schools actively work to identify a representative percentage of international students that meet their admission criteria from around the world. 

U.S. boarding school applications typically involve an official school visit in person or virtually and an online application that includes student essays, teacher recommendations, and interviews. Some schools require standardized or educational testing. McMillan Education provides personalized admissions guidance to ensure optimal school placement depending on the family’s educational goals and the prospective schools’ admission requirements. 

We advise and support families through complex application processes, offering everything from school list development and application guidance to interview preparation and standardized testing guidance. We use our signature program W.I.S.E. Method™ to facilitate a seamless process that helps families manage tasks and deadlines. We then lean on our decades-long relationships with schools to advocate for the student during the admissions decision phase. Finally, we help families make informed, confident decisions about which school their child should attend.