20 Best Boarding Schools in North Carolina NC | Ranking

2023 Best Boarding Schools in North Carolina | Top 10

The number of parents and students who read and learn about these best boarding schools in North Carolina makes it clear that it holds the key to academics and other result-driven excellence that parents can offer their kids.

America is a land for high-quality education and these boarding schools in North Carolina stand best when it comes to making sure that students tap into excellence in academics, arts, athletics and other areas of early childhood education.

Not only do the schools in NC provide quality all-around education, but they also provide financial aid. The National Association of Boarding Schools states that nearly 37% of boarding school students get yearly aid.

Aside from the quality of education, some of these boarding schools listed here offer scholarships and some financial aid that almost help students study for free.

However, these opportunities make the list of factors that help us categorize the best boarding schools – and this is almost what many students and parents need to know.

See this related Post: Best Boarding Schools in the United States (Tuitin Review)

What Makes the Best Boarding Schools?

Putting down this list of best boarding schools in North Carolina, we are looking at what makes life easier for parents and students as well. In the same vain, we are considering the best schools that can refine and bring out the best in its students

These factors that help determine the best boarding schools include:

Merit-based Scholarships

Even though competitive, a number of schools offer merit-based scholarships with which students can offset their tuition or even have to study for free.

While putting down this list of best boarding schools, we looked at a number of schools that offer scholarships that could help you or your student get funded at a much earlier age.

Financial Aids

Over the years, most schools in and outside America do offer some form of financial aid with which students can study totally free or have to pay lesser tuition.

Tuition Payment Plan

From each of the boarding schools listed here, you could learn more about their payment plans. Some of these schools offer a more robust payment plan that enables lower-income families to pay gradually to keep their wards in schools without having to mandatorily follow the regular upfront payment plans

International Student Consideration

Not all the best boarding schools in North Carolina or even in America at large place international students first. If they do not then at what cost and conditions? These are some of the factors that you probably need to learn to make a more informed decision if you are applying offshore.

The Schools Acceptance Rate

What the acceptance rate means for these boarding schools in NC implies is the ratio of students who gain admission against the total number of applicants. This critical factor is put into consideration as it suggests your likelihood of being accepted or rejected from anywhere you are applying.

School Accreditation

To consider a school (whether boarding or day) the best option, one needs to ascertain if the school is authorized to function or not. The status of each of the boarding schools listed here must be Accredited in North Carolina and the United States as a whole.

The Student-to-Teacher Ratio

Last but not least is the student-to-teacher ratio which stands for the number of students assigned to a teacher in each school. Reliable studies have proven that the smaller the size of the class will enhance the quality of learning and you can agree for reasons like overcrowding and teacher effectiveness

Best Boarding schools in North Carolina

Having exhausted what makes this list important, let us proceed with these best NC best boarding schools for pupils and students:

1. Asheville School 

Asheville School is a private coed school in Asheville, North Carolina. It does more than just equip kids for that next step into college.

It really challenges and qualifies them to be members of their communities and seek out adventures and increase opportunities that will equip them to succeed in whatever roles they choose.

With 295 students from 18 countries and 16 states, Asheville School accepts students of any race, colour, or national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally granted or made accessible to students at the school. 

The academic school year last 185 calendar days and each day students spend 9 hours in class. In 2011, 100% of the graduating senior class went on to 4-year colleges.

36.8 full-time equivalent teachers are on staff to educate the student body of 275 students in grades 9-12. That’s a student-teacher ratio of 5:1.

Related Post: Best UK Boarding Schools with Entry Requirements (Full List)

2. Christ School

Situated in the mountains of beautiful western North Carolina, Christ School is a private school that grants opportunities for boys in the classroom and on our 500-acre wooded campus complete with streams, a lake, and trails for hiking or mountain biking.

Our curriculum is intended to challenge and inspire all students to improve their skills in thinking, writing, and problem-solving.

Each student is inspired to seek the most accurate course of study suitable for him, including opportunities for study further in all disciplines.

The academic school year last 175 calendar days and each day students contribute 6 hours in class. In 2011, 99% of the graduating senior class went on to 4-year colleges.

36.6 full-time equivalent teachers are on staff to educate the student body of 246 students in grades 8-12. The school has a 75% acceptance rate, 6.1 student-teacher ratios, and a 100% graduation rate.

3. St. Mary’s School 

Situated in Raleigh, North Carolina, St. Mary’s School is an independent, college preparatory school that is committed to helping girls reach their full potential.

They do this by exposing them to unceasing opportunities and providing a community they can thrive in.

With a mix of academics and extracurricular activities, every student is challenged to conquer their fears and seize every opportunity that comes their way.

This, in turn, will help students build a strong academic and personal foundation. Some programs offered include school activities, community service projects, athletics, performance opportunities, and weekend outings.

Furthermore, Saint Mary’s School NC engages girls in a dynamic learning environment offering both hands-on classroom learning and opportunities for real-world experiences.

Therefore, if you are interested in applying to St. Mary’s School please do so as early as possible. The school has a 100% graduation rate, 84% acceptance rate, and 8:1 student-teacher ratio.

4. Salem Academy

With a 100% graduation rate, Salem Academy has helped girls build the skills and confidence to achieve independently and together.

Ranked among the best private high schools in North Carolina, Salem offers inspiring academics, holistic leadership development, and comprehensive college preparation.

Furthermore, at Salem Academy, girls discover their voices and explore where they can lead them.

With small class sizes, girls receive more individualized attention, more personalized academic experiences, and more leadership opportunities.

Furthermore, they receive high standards in both written and oral communication, preparing them for college and careers.

4. Salem Academy

With a 100% graduation rate, Salem Academy has helped girls build the skills and confidence to achieve independently and together.

Ranked among the best private high schools in North Carolina, Salem offers inspiring academics, holistic leadership development, and comprehensive college preparation.

Furthermore, at Salem Academy, girls discover their voices and explore where they can lead them. With small class sizes, girls receive more individualized attention, more personalized academic experiences, and more leadership opportunities.

Furthermore, they receive high standards in both written and oral communication, preparing them for college and careers.

5. Wolf Creek Academy

Wolf Creek is a therapeutic boarding school and Christian boarding school in North Carolina NC that assists adolescents (ages 14-17) who are encountering behavioural complexities, anger, depression, academic failure, or attachment disorders. It is situated in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina.

Furthermore, it grants an accredited school program, including college preparatory education.

With a focus to turn lives around for struggling teens and their families, WCA’s therapy is intended for teenage boys and girls with a history of behaviour challenges, strained family relationships, or other emotional problems.

Wolf Creek Academy concentrates on Academics, Anger Management, Social Development, and working with difficult teens or those fighting with Depression, Drug Abuse, ODD, ADD, and ADHD.

They also work with students who are on designated medication under the direction of their physicians.

6. The Academy at Soar

The Academy at SOAR is a Grade 7–12 adventure-based boarding school for grades 7–12 that provides a rare mix of academics and life skills learning to prepare students for adulthood academically, socially, and emotionally.

Their student-centred model fosters active learning through Academic instruction, Self-Advocacy, Independent Living Skills, Project Based Learning, Field Studies, Community, and Empowerment.

The Academy at SOAR runs on a 4-week cycle: two weeks on campus and two weeks on expedition field study.

This unique blend affords an alternative learning environment that helps to engage students in the learning experience.

Additionally, students that go on the expedition will participate in high adventure activities such as canoeing the Florida Everglades, hiking the Grand Canyon area, rock climbing in Seneca Rocks of West Virginia and snorkelling among the tropical reefs of Belize.

The Academy at SOAR is an accredited boarding school in North Carolina located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

7. Emerson Waldorf School

Emerson Waldorf Boarding School presents a balanced, challenging curriculum grounded in the classics and interested in the modern world.

Their students go on to become active learners and creative, flexible thinkers with the confidence to face the complex challenges of our interconnected world. 

Children come to first grade full of curiosity and meet teachers who foster the skills required to learn, work, and play in an atmosphere of warmth and reverence.

Emerson Waldorf School is a highly rated, private, boarding school situated in Chapel Hill, NC.

It has 250 students in grades PK, and K-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 8 to 1. After graduation, 95% of students from this school go on to attend a 4-year college.

8. Mount Pisgah Academy

Mount Pisgah Academy is a Seventh-day Adventist boarding high school located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

It boasts five varsity sports teams who play local area teams from other private schools.

In addition, they have a STEM program where students study the growing fields of science, technology, engineering, and math through 3-D printing, robotics, and coding.

Furthermore, they offer an excellent academic program that combines the latest technology, using hands-on teaching with 9:1 student-teacher ratios.

Students can choose from three diploma tracks to satisfy graduation requirements.

MPA is accredited by the Seventh-day Adventist Schools, Colleges and Universities, MSA CESS (Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools), and the National Council for Private Schools.

Conclusion

Boarding schools in North Carolina offer excellent academics combined with compulsory athletics and a wide range of extracurricular activities.

More so, boarding schools take your child’s safety and well-being very seriously. While your child is at school, 24/7 guidance is what you can expect to find at a boarding school in NC.

What Others Are Asking

Based on what people seek regarding the best boarding schools in North Carolina, we are putting their questions and answers to help you get what you are looking for.

Is Boarding School Good For A Child?

Ideally, boarding schools provide children with a secure environment in which to exercise greater control and freedom over their life and activities.

This is because the idea of leaving home early is to help the child develop a sense of independence, create new friendships, and concentrate more on all-around learning.

What are the Benefits Of Attending A Boarding School?

Boarding schools offer excellent academics combined with compulsory athletics and a wide range of extracurricular activities. Moreso, boarding schools take your child’s safety and well-being very seriously.

While your child is at school, 24/7 guidance is what you can expect to find at a boarding school in NC.

During the holidays, the school safely brings your child back home to you. Here are strong reasons why a boarding school in NC is good for your child

  1. Closer supervision and support
  2. Full participation in the school’s activities
  3. It encourages cohabitation and tolerance
  4. It is highly accommodating and flexible
  5. Have Fun And Make New Friends
  6. It helps develop a child’s character and self-reliance

What is the perfect age to enter boarding school in North Carolina?

Boarding schools in NC provide children with their first taste of boarding life. In the United States, boarding schools for students below the age of 13 are called junior boarding schools and are relatively rare.

Other boarding schools are intended for high school-age students, usually ages 14–18. 

What is the average cost of boarding school in NC?

The average private school tuition in North Carolina is approximately $9,736 per year (2020). The private elementary school average is $8,454 per year and the private high school average is $10,304 per year. The private boarding school in NC with the highest tuition is Asheville School, with a tuition of $57,650.

Do Boarding Schools In North Carolina Offer Students Financial Aid Opportunities?

Boarding school education provides an excellent advantage for young students. Yet, the decision to attend a boarding school in NC comes with a cost.

There are several established avenues through which families can finance a private boarding school education. For some, the yearly cost may sound like too much of a roadblock to even consider a boarding school in the first place.

After all, with an average cost of $48,050 a year, a boarding school education is wearing the look of a college. So how do other families make it work? The National Association of Boarding Schools states that nearly 37% of boarding school students get yearly aid.

With support from the school’s financial aid packages, along with merit-based and foundation scholarships, the determined student almost always has options for diminishing the actual cost.

References

www.boardingschoolreview – Boarding School Review

www.jobreaders.org – Best Boaring Schools in USA

www.niche.com – Best Boarding School Review

www.kiiky.com – Best Boarding Schools in North Caronila

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