Boarding schools in North Carolina
North Carolina is one of the top study destinations for international students for study in boarding schools in the US. Every year, the state welcomes over 34,000 students from around the world. One-third of them are minors, who study at boarding schools in North Carolina. These educational institutions have excellent academic programs and extracurricular activities, which prepare international students for college admission. Boarding schools in North Carolina also provide students with safe and secure on-campus accommodations. Living away from home with peers from diverse backgrounds helps students develop independence, self-reliance, and problem-solving skills.
State Overview
Before discussing the top-ranked boarding schools in North Carolina, it is worth learning more about the state. North Carolina, also known as the Old North State, is a south-eastern state of the US. It borders Virginia, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee. The state also has access to the Atlantic Ocean. The total area of North Carolina is 139,930 km2, and the total population is 10,698,973 residents. Its capital is Raleigh, but Charlotte is the biggest city in the state.
The main ancestry groups are American, English, German, Irish, Scots-Irish, Italian, and Scottish. The most common languages other than English are Spanish, French, German, Chinese, and Vietnamese. The state also has different dialects of Appalachian English and Southern American English.
North Carolina is famous for its landscapes. From west to east, the state changes from the Piedmont and Atlantic coastal plain to the Appalachian Mountains. For tourists, mountains provide opportunities for hiking and biking during the warm months. In the winter, the mountains draw tourists who want to have a good time at North Carolina’s ski resorts.
Still, there are plenty of things to do in the state, no matter the season. Tourists can visit museums, theme parks, and outdoor activities. Among the most popular places are the Blue Ridge Parkway, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, the North Carolina Aquarium, the North Carolina Zoo, and Cape Hatteras. The state also has historic sites, from the expansive Biltmore Estate and the WWII-era Battleship North Carolina to the famous flying Wright Brothers. Hence, international students will have a chance to discover all these places during their studies at boarding schools in North Carolina.
The Best Boarding Schools in North Carolina
There is a variety of boarding schools in North Carolina, each offering a unique educational experience for students. Now, it is time to discuss the best schools in the state.
AHA International School, formerly known as American Hebrew Academy, is one of the high-ranked boarding schools in North Carolina. It is a private, coeducational college-preparatory day and boarding Grades 9-12 school in Greensboro. The school provides international students with a safe, supportive, and nurturing boarding environment that fosters a sense of community.
AHA International School offers a rigorous academic program with advanced courses, such as AP (Advanced Placement) classes, Honors courses, and dual enrollment programs, allowing students to earn college credits. The school also has an English for Speakers of Other Languages program to prepare international students for successful completion of AP courses and transition to the American university system.
As one of the top boarding schools in North Carolina, AHA International School offers a range of athletic programs, including basketball, volleyball, soccer, and cross country. The school also has a range of arts programs, including visual arts, music, and drama. AHA International School is proud of its state-of-the-art performance center and art studios, where international students can showcase their talents in school productions and exhibitions.
AHA International School provides students with a comprehensive college preparation program that includes individualized counseling, standardized test preparation, college visits, and guidance on the college admissions process. School graduates are often accepted to Harvard University, Yale University, Stanford University, and Duke University.
Asheville School is also among the top boarding schools in North Carolina. It is a private, coeducational college-preparatory day and boarding Grades 9-12 school in Asheville. The school has a rich history of providing international students with a challenging academic program, a supportive community, and a range of extracurricular opportunities. Every year, Asheville School welcomes over 297 students from 26 states and 13 countries.
One of the best boarding schools in North Carolina offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum that includes 22 Honors and 16 AP courses, as well as opportunities for independent study and research. Asheville School also has a strong athletic program. The school offers a mountaineering program that includes backpacking, rock climbing, snow skiing, whitewater kayaking, caving, and mountain biking activities. In addition, it offers a range of arts and extracurricular programs, such as music, drama, visual arts, and community service.
Overall, Asheville School provides international students with a well-rounded education and college counseling. The school’s graduates are admitted to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke University, Vanderbilt University, Davidson College, and Georgetown University, to name a few.
Saint Mary’s School is also one of the high-ranked boarding schools in North Carolina. It is a private, all-girls college-preparatory day and boarding Grades 9-12 school in Raleigh. It is home to above 300 students from around the world. The school offers a rigorous academic program and a supportive community for international students. Saint Mary’s School also provides a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, drama, and community service, to help students develop their interests and passions outside of the classroom. The school is known for its emphasis on leadership development and community service, helping young women to become responsible and engaged citizens of the world.
Among the top boarding schools in North Carolina is also Christ School. It is a private, all-boys college-preparatory day and boarding Grades 8-12 school in Arden. The school is famous for its rigorous academic program, strong athletics program, and emphasis on character development. Christ School offers a range of Honors and Advanced courses in the arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences, as well as a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, drama, and community service. The school’s mission is to develop young men of character, intellect, and athleticism who are prepared to succeed in life.
The Academy at SOAR is also one of the high-ranked boarding schools in North Carolina. It is a private, co-educational college-preparatory boarding Grades 7-12 school in Balsam. The school is designed for international students who learn best through experiential and outdoor education, offering a range of adventure-based programs and outdoor activities, including backpacking, rock climbing, and wilderness survival. The Academy at SOAR also provides a traditional academic program that focuses on college-preparatory coursework, with a range of courses in the arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences. The school’s mission is to help international students develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to succeed academically, personally, and socially, with a focus on fostering independence, resilience, and self-awareness.
Among the top boarding schools in North Carolina is Oak Ridge Military Academy. It is a private, co-educational day and boarding Grades 7-12 school in Oak Ridge. The school has a strong military tradition and focuses on developing leadership skills, discipline, and character in its students. Oak Ridge Military Academy offers a rigorous academic program with a range of courses in the arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences, as well as a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, drama, and community service. The school’s military program provides international students with a structured environment that emphasizes teamwork, self-discipline, and responsibility.
Average Tuition Fees for International Students in Boarding schools in North Carolina
The tuition fees in boarding schools in North Carolina range from $41,000 to $72,000 per year. For instance, the total cost of tuition and boarding at the Oak Ridge Military Academy is $41,000 per year. The total cost of tuition and boarding at the AHA International School is $49,475 per year. International boarding schools who study at Saint Mary’s School need to pay $62,850 per year. The tuition fee for boarding international students at Academy at SOAR is $64,000 per year. Those who want to study as boarding students at Christ School ought to pay $65,550 per year. The total cost of tuition and boarding at the Asheville School is $71,930 per year.
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