Leaving home at a young age can be tough. The thought of being away from family, adapting to a new environment, or even learning in a new language can be overwhelming for children and their parents alike. It’s normal to ask: Is boarding school really worth it?
According to research by Jeffrey Robert Quebec, the answer is a strong yes. Boarding schools foster independence, create lifelong friendships, and offer a structured, supportive environment. With small class sizes and dedicated teachers, these schools help students reach their academic and personal potential.
To help you choose the right fit, here’s a closer look at four top-tier boarding schools around the world, each offering something unique for your child’s growth and future success.
Education Beyond Boundaries
School Name | Location | Age Range | Curriculum & Highlights | Official Website |
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Ashbury College | Ottawa, Canada | Grades 4–12 | IB World School, 100% university placement, global student body | ashbury.ca |
Glenalmond College | Perthshire, Scotland | Ages 12–18 | GCSE & A-Levels, strong academics, scenic rural setting | glenalmondcollege.co.uk |
Ecole d’Humanité | Canton of Bern, Switzerland | Various | Progressive education, bilingual (English & German), AP Path | ecole.ch |
St. Paul’s School | New Hampshire, USA | High School | 2,000-acre campus, 100% boarding, advanced curriculum | sps.edu |
Ashbury College – Canada
Academic Excellence and Global Recognition
Founded in 1891, Ashbury College is a top independent school located in Ottawa. It has over 40 years of experience as an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School and provides a rigorous academic journey designed to prepare students for top global universities. With a French-English bilingual diploma and small class sizes (average student-teacher ratio of 8:1), Ashbury ensures personalized learning for all.
University Success
Ashbury has a 100% university placement rate. Students have gone on to institutions such as:
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Harvard
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Oxford
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Cambridge
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McGill
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University of Toronto
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Cornell
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Dartmouth
Boarding Life
Ashbury’s boarding experience is enriched by modern residences like Heather Gillin, Matthews House, and Maple Residence, offering:
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En suite bathrooms
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Shared and single rooms
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High-speed internet
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Fitness and study spaces
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A diverse community with students from over 50 countries
Glenalmond College – Scotland
Academic Depth and Holistic Development
Established in 1847, Glenalmond College is a full-boarding and day school in the scenic Scottish countryside. About 80% of students are boarders, enjoying a rich educational experience that blends rigorous academics with extracurricular activities.
Curriculum
Students aged 12–18 pursue:
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GCSEs (English, Math, Sciences, Modern Languages, Arts, etc.)
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A-Levels (Business, Sciences, Art History, Religious Studies, and more)
University Preparation
Support continues beyond academics. Glenalmond provides in-depth university and career counseling, helping students earn spots at top UK institutions like:
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Oxford
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Cambridge
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St Andrews
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Bristol
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Exeter
Ecole d’Humanité – Switzerland
A Progressive, Nature-Infused Education
The Ecole d’Humanité, located in the Bernese Alps, is a bilingual Swiss boarding school that emphasizes a holistic, student-centered education. The campus is surrounded by nature, and the curriculum balances intellectual, artistic, and emotional growth.
Unique Features
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English and German instruction
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Outdoor Programme (hiking, skiing, etc.)
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Blacksmithing, dance, theatre, and hands-on learning
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Weekly family-style meals and community events
Advanced Academic Path
Ambitious students can opt into the Advanced Placement (AP) Path Programme—a rare offering in Switzerland—designed to challenge students with college-level work tailored to their interests and goals.
St. Paul’s School – USA
Community and Independence on a Historic Campus
St. Paul’s School (SPS) is one of the only U.S. high schools where 100% of students and faculty live on campus. Located on a 2,000-acre property in New Hampshire, SPS provides an immersive learning experience with a tight-knit academic community.
Academic Approach
SPS offers:
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A flexible, challenging curriculum across humanities, STEM, arts, and languages
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Over 100 courses to choose from
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Project-based and experiential learning opportunities
Post-Graduate Success
Graduates regularly attend elite universities, including:
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Yale
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Stanford
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Harvard
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Columbia
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UPenn
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Brown
Click here to know more.