Most Expensive Private Schools in the World

A handful of elite private schools charge tuitions that eclipse even top universities, delivering ultraluxe boarding experiences and renowned academics for families who can afford it. From Switzerland’s alpine “Château” campuses to innovative traveling high schools and exclusive California prep academies, these institutions offer personalized instruction, lavish facilities, and global exposure—often with total annual costs exceeding $100,000. Below we rank 20 most expensive private schools worldwide, highlighting their distinctive curricula, campus perks, and the eye-watering fees that define each.

20. Phillips Academy Andover – Andover, Massachusetts, USA‍

• Tuition & Costs: Annual Boarding Tuition (2024–25): $73,780; Total Estimated Cost: $74k‍

Founded in 1778, Andover (often called “Phillips Academy”) is a coeducational boarding high school and is ranked #1 or #2 in the U.S. academically alongside its rival Exeter. It offers 300+ courses (no AP designation, as it has its own advanced coursework) and an array of electives and research opportunities; students can even do supervised independent research at MIT. With an endowment over $1 billion, Andover commits to “Need-Blind” admissions. Notable alumni include U.S. Presidents (George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush), foreign heads of state, tech CEOs, and Nobel laureates.

Andover’s 500-acre campus features collegiate-level resources: a world-class observatory, the Addison Gallery of American Art, a professional music conservatory, and expansive athletics facilities. Signature programs include the Andover Summer Session and the Outreach programs that share these resources with underserved communities. Student life is enriched by traditions like All-School Meeting in Cochran Chapel, and the rivalry with Exeter (like the annual Andover/Exeter sports games dating to 1878). Although its sticker price ($74k) is slightly lower than some newer schools on this list, Andover’s combination of history, prestige, and resources arguably offers one of the best (and most exclusive) secondary educations in the world. It remains a benchmark for excellence, justifying its place among the most expensive high schools anywhere.

19. Harrow School – London (Harrow-on-the-Hill), England, UK

• Tuition & Costs: Annual Boarding Tuition (2024–25): £61,584 (~$75,000); Total Estimated Cost: ~$75k‍

Established in 1572, Harrow is one of England’s venerable all-boys boarding schools, known for its rigorous GCSE and A-Level curriculum and a tradition of producing influential alumni (eight UK Prime Ministers, including Winston Churchill, and numerous heads of state). Harrow’s academic standards and university placements rival the very best, and it’s particularly known for strengths in STEM and the arts.

Harrow students are instantly recognizable by their iconic straw boater hats, morning suits, and school tie. The school’s 300-acre campus sits atop a hill in Greater London, featuring centuries-old buildings, an observatory, golf course, and even a farm. Harrow has a rich musical tradition—the boys sing school songs known as “Harrow Songs,” and the school’s marching band and orchestras are renowned. Each of the 12 boarding houses has its own distinct culture and regatta teams, fostering fierce but friendly rivalries. Unusual offerings include Speech Room (public speaking training) and an annual Songs Festival competition. At around $75k a year, Harrow is on par with Eton in cost, and together they represent the pinnacle of British boarding education, blending deep tradition with top-notch facilities (Harrow’s new science center and robotics labs are cutting-edge).

18. Eton College – Windsor, England, UK

• Tuition & Costs: Annual Boarding Tuition (2024–25): £52,740 ($66,000) rising to £63,000 ($77,000) with new VAT; Total Estimated Cost: ~$77k‍

Arguably the most famous private school in the world, Eton is a 584-year-old boys’ boarding school founded by King Henry VI. It follows the British GCSE and A-Levels curriculum, with a staggering record of academic excellence—sending graduates to Oxbridge and the Ivy League routinely. Eton has educated 20 British Prime Ministers and generations of royalty (including Princes William and Harry), epitomizing the elite British public school tradition.

Eton’s traditions are legendary: students wear black tailcoat suits and wing collars daily; they belong to one of 25 historic boarding houses; and they compete in unique sports like the wall game. The campus along the Thames includes antique libraries, a theater, numerous playing fields, and even a chapel built in 1441. Beyond tradition, Eton is modern in resources—a $50 million innovation centre opened recently and it offers courses like coding and entrepreneurship alongside Latin and economics. Personal development is central: every boy has a tutor and there are dozens of clubs (from debate to robotics). At roughly $70k+ and set to increase, Eton’s fees are among the UK’s highest. For that price, students receive an education (and networking) in an environment often compared to an “Oxbridge training ground,” steeped in history and privilege.

17. The Lawrenceville School – Lawrenceville, New Jersey, USA

• Tuition & Costs: Annual Boarding Tuition (2024–25): $79,500; Total Estimated Cost: $79.5k+‍

Established in 1810, Lawrenceville is one of the most prestigious prep schools in the United States, often ranked just below Exeter and Andover. It offers a classic college preparatory curriculum with 30+ AP and advanced courses, and is renowned for its Harkness table teaching method in humanities. Lawrenceville has produced a U.S. president, numerous CEOs, and Rhodes Scholars, reflecting its long-standing reputation.

The school’s 700-acre campus, designed by the landscape architect of New York’s Central Park, feels like a collegiate enclave—complete with traditional House system dormitories where students compete in intramurals (a nod to British boarding tradition) and a landmark oval Circle at the campus center. Facilities include the state-of-the-art Gruss Center for Art and Design and a new athletics center. Lawrenceville’s student body (~830) is larger than many peers, enabling broad offerings from artificial intelligence classes to a 5,000-volume opera library. Campus life is rich with traditions like House Olympics and an annual Spring Dance concert. At $79.5k, Lawrenceville’s tuition is among the highest in the U.S., but its combination of history, resources, and Ivy League matriculation rate make it a top choice for those who can afford it.

16. Cate School – Carpinteria, California, USA

• Tuition & Costs: Annual Boarding Tuition (2024–25): $79,980; Total Estimated Cost: $80k‍

Founded in 1910, Cate is a small, highly selective boarding school on Southern California’s coast. It offers a challenging college-prep curriculum with over 20 AP courses and is known for excellent writing, science, and global studies programs. Cate is often ranked in the top 10 of U.S. boarding schools for its academics and intimate community (around 300 students).

The 150-acre campus sits on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean—students can literally see the Channel Islands from their classrooms. This spectacular setting enables outdoor education as a pillar: all students must complete the Athenian Wilderness Experience (AWE)—a month-long Outward Bound-style backpacking trip in the California Sierras—as a graduation requirement, building resilience and leadership. The school has an honor system and traditions like the Senior “Peccary” Trip (a desert expedition) and the honor code signing. With its combination of academic might and one-of-a-kind programs (like paleontology and leadership seminars), Cate commands an ~$80k annual price tag, reinforcing its status as an elite West Coast institution.

15. The Webb Schools – Claremont, California, USA

• Tuition & Costs: Annual Boarding Tuition (2024–25): $80,835; Total Estimated Cost: ~$80.8k‍

The Webb Schools consist of two affiliated single-sex boarding schools (Webb School of California for boys and Vivian Webb School for girls) founded in 1922. Webb is known for strong STEM and humanities programs, offering a full slate of AP courses and a noted college counseling program. It’s ranked among the top boarding schools in the U.S., renowned for its leadership education and honor code.

The 150-acre campus in Claremont features Spanish Mission-style architecture and the Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology—the only accredited museum on a high school campus in the nation. Students can work on real dinosaur fossils and go on fossil-hunting expeditions. With a relatively small student body (~400), Webb fosters a close-knit community, annual desert expeditions, and robust college counseling. Traditions like the Senior “Peccary” Trip (a desert expedition) reflect the school’s unique tie to paleontology. At ~$81k, Webb’s tuition places it among the priciest in the world, reflecting its specialized programs and a near-perfect blend of STEM, liberal arts, and real-world exploration.

14. San Domenico School – San Anselmo, California, USA

• Tuition & Costs: Annual Boarding Tuition (2024–25): $81,000; Total Estimated Cost: ~$81k‍

Founded in 1850, San Domenico is California’s oldest independent school. It began as a girls’ school but is now co-ed (upper school) and offers a rigorous college-prep curriculum with AP courses across disciplines. It’s particularly acclaimed for its music conservatory program and values-based education grounded in its Dominican tradition. San Domenico consistently ranks among the top private schools in California for its academics and emphasis on social-emotional learning.

The 515-acre campus in Marin County features organic gardens, a solar-powered campus center, and even an on-site equestrian center. Sustainability and ethics are woven into school life—students help run the garden and learn about ecology first-hand, and the school has won awards as a Green Ribbon School. A hallmark offering is the Virtuoso Program, a pre-professional music program that attracts talented young musicians worldwide. Boarding students (grades 9–12) enjoy weekend outings to San Francisco and Northern California’s natural parks. San Domenico’s blend of historic tradition, cutting-edge sustainability, and performing arts excellence justifies its $81k price tag—placing it among the costliest high schools globally.

13. The Village School – Houston, Texas, USA

• Tuition & Costs: Annual Boarding Tuition (2024–25): $85,550; Total Estimated Cost: $85.5k‍

Part of the Nord Anglia Education network, The Village School is a pre-K–12 day/boarding school known for its strong IB Diploma Programme and STEM focus (it’s a designated MIT collaborative school). Located in Houston’s Energy Corridor, it has a reputation for innovative programs (like entrepreneurship and internships with local companies) and draws both local and international students (over 75 nationalities).

As an IB World School with an American twist, Village offers international immersion in the heart of Texas. Its state-of-the-art facilities include a finance lab, engineering makerspace, and competitive athletics center. Boarding students (grades 7–12) reside in modern dormitories and experience a structured program that takes advantage of Houston’s resources—think visits to NASA’s Johnson Space Center and local industries. The school offers unique electives like Oil & Gas Exploration, has winning robotics and math teams, and leverages Nord Anglia’s global campus for international collaboration. At $85k+, it is one of the most expensive boarding options in the U.S., reflecting its premium facilities and global opportunities.

12. The Athenian School – Danville, California, USA

• Tuition & Costs: Annual Boarding Tuition (2024–25): $87,760 (domestic) / ~$89,750 (international); Total Estimated Cost: $88–$90k‍

Athenian is a progressive independent day/boarding school (grades 6–12) founded in 1965, known for its emphasis on experiential learning. The college-prep curriculum includes Advanced Placement offerings and project-based learning, and the school is recognized for a strong focus on STEM and global studies. It’s considered one of the top private schools on the U.S. West Coast, sending graduates to elite universities.

True to its name, The Athenian School infuses classical ideals of a sound mind and body. All students must complete the Athenian Wilderness Experience (AWE)—a month-long Outward Bound-style backpacking trip in the California Sierras—as a graduation requirement, building resilience and leadership. The 75-acre campus in suburban Danville features an on-site flight simulator (for aviation classes), design thinking lab, and organic farm. Boarding students (~60) enjoy weekend excursions around Northern California, from museums in San Francisco to hiking in redwood forests. Athenian’s ethos of developing globally conscious citizens is reflected in its Round Square membership and robust exchange programs. The roughly $88k tuition underscores its status as one of the priciest schools in the U.S., commensurate with the immersive education it provides.

11. Woodside Priory School – Portola Valley, California, USA

• Tuition & Costs: Annual Boarding Tuition (2024–25): $89,915; Total Estimated Cost: ~$89.9k‍

A coeducational Benedictine Catholic school (grades 6–12) founded in 1957, Woodside Priory offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with a mix of AP and honors courses. Though not as internationally known as East Coast prep schools, “the Priory” has a strong reputation in Silicon Valley for its intimate class sizes and high university placement, leveraging its proximity to Stanford and the Bay Area tech community.

With only ~430 students, Woodside Priory provides an intimate environment—average class size is 13, and all students participate in a “co-curricular” activities period each day ranging from robotics to equestrian club. The 50-acre campus in Portola Valley offers California redwood groves, a working garden, and even farm animals, creating a tranquil retreat in the middle of tech hub Silicon Valley. As a Catholic Benedictine school, it emphasizes values of community and balance (e.g., an all-school retreat and mindfulness practices). Its boarding program (about 60 students, largely international) enjoys weekend trips to explore California. With a nearly $90k price tag, Woodside Priory is currently the most expensive boarding school in the U.S. by tuition, reflecting the high cost of living and premium education in the Bay Area.

10. THINK Global School – Mobile (Worldwide)

• Tuition & Costs: Annual Tuition (2024–25): $94,050; Total Estimated Cost: $94k (fully inclusive, minus travel to host country)

Billed as the world’s first “traveling high school,” TGS is an accredited four-year high school where students live and learn in four different countries per year (a changing roster of global locations). It offers a project-based curriculum leading to the IB Diploma, emphasizing experiential learning and global citizenship. Admission is highly competitive for this unique boutique school (only ~60 students total) despite the steep price.

TGS has no fixed campus—instead, students and faculty caravan to a new country each term, turning the world into their classroom. Academic subjects are integrated with local cultural immersion and fieldwork (e.g., studying ecology in the Amazon or history in Athens). The tuition covers instruction, lodging, meals, excursions, and necessary tech gear for the year. Students still get a typical diploma (and college counseling) but with unparalleled life experiences across 12 countries before graduation. This nomadic model and personalized, hands-on pedagogy have put TGS at the forefront of educational innovation—albeit at one of the highest price tags in secondary education.

9. TASIS The American School in Switzerland – Montagnola (Lugano), Switzerland

• Tuition & Costs: Annual Boarding Tuition (2024–25): ~$112,000 (CHF 100,500); Total Estimated Cost: $112k‍

Founded in 1956, TASIS is the first American boarding school in Europe and offers a US college-prep curriculum with a wide selection of AP courses, as well as the option to pursue the IB Diploma. It is accredited both in the US and Europe. Known for its ornate villa campus and strong arts programs, TASIS has a reputation for sending graduates to elite universities worldwide.

Overlooking Lake Lugano, TASIS’s campus features Renaissance-era villas alongside modern facilities. Its program leverages the European setting—students embark on regular travel Academic Trips across Europe. The school emphasizes global citizenship; the student body (grades 7–12) represents 60+ nations. English is the primary language, but an Italian immersion program and multilingual environment reflect its Ticino location. Notable is the fine arts emphasis, with a performing arts center and intensive visual arts. The picturesque setting in Southern Switzerland, plus a blend of American/European traditions, commands a premium cost.

8. Brillantmont International School – Lausanne, Switzerland

• Tuition & Costs: Annual Boarding Tuition (2024–25): ~$114,000 (CHF 103,500); Total Estimated Cost: $114k‍

A family-owned boarding school founded in 1882, Brillantmont offers a British-style curriculum (IGCSE and A-Levels) as well as an American High School Diploma with optional AP courses. It’s known for a supportive, nurturing environment and strong college placements, leveraging its small size (~150 students) to provide individualized attention.

Located in the heart of Lausanne, the school provides an intimate urban campus experience—students can walk to Lake Geneva or city venues under supervision. Despite its city locale, Brillantmont offers robust sports (ski trips to Alpine resorts, team competitions) and has modernized historic buildings with high-tech classrooms and makerspaces. The average student-to-teacher ratio is ~5:1. As one of the oldest boarding schools in Switzerland still run by its founding family, Brillantmont blends tradition with personal warmth (like weekly formal dinners and an annual Winter Ball), charging a premium for this boutique Swiss offering.

7. Collège du Léman – Versoix (Geneva), Switzerland

• Tuition & Costs: Annual Boarding Tuition (2024–25): CHF 109,900 ($120,000); Total Estimated Cost: $120k

A large international day and boarding school (founded 1960) offering IB Diploma, AP, Swiss Maturité, and French Baccalaureate—mirroring cosmopolitan Geneva. Now part of Nord Anglia Education, Collège du Léman (CDL) is known for academic breadth, allowing students to tailor curricula (bilingual French/English options).

The spacious campus by Lake Geneva features amenities like an Olympic-sized pool and high-tech labs. With 100+ nationalities represented and close connections to international organizations in Geneva, CDL offers a truly global environment. Boarding students take weekend ski trips to the Alps, and the school’s size/resources enable a wide array of courses and extracurriculars—from multiple languages to a full performing arts center—making it a top pick for families wanting a “world in one school.”

6. Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz – Zuoz (St. Moritz), Switzerland

• Tuition & Costs: Annual Boarding Tuition (2024–25): ~$118,000–$122,000; Total Estimated Cost: $122k‍

A prestigious Swiss boarding school founded in 1904, offering Swiss Matura, German & bilingual programs, International GCSE and IB Diploma. The Lyceum is known for academic excellence, bilingual instruction, and a strong honor code.

Located near St. Moritz, Zuoz combines Swiss traditions with international flair—students can even play cricket (a nod to British influence) and compete in Swiss inter-school ski races. The campus features historic buildings and modern art/design facilities. Students partake in skiing, golf, or mountain expeditions on weekends. Alumni include European aristocracy and top business figures. Emphasizing fair play and leadership, the “Spirit of Zuoz” fosters a close-knit yet global community.

5. Leysin American School (LAS) – Leysin, Switzerland

• Tuition & Costs: Annual Boarding Tuition (2024–25): ~$133,000 (CHF 120,000); Total Estimated Cost: $133k‍

An American-curriculum international school offering AP courses and the IB Diploma, LAS (founded 1960) has ~60 nationalities enrolled and merges U.S. educational style with Swiss academic rigor. Students earn a U.S. high school diploma, with many also pursuing the IB.

High in the Alps at 1,200m, LAS leverages its surroundings—students ski/snowboard for PE and enjoy mountain vistas from modern facilities. The Mountain Institute lets them explore alpine ecology and leadership. Class sizes average around 12, and the community is close-knit (~300 students). Graduates cite the family feel, multi-cultural campus, and emphasis on global citizenship as highlights.

4. Collège Alpin Beau Soleil – Villars-sur-Ollon, Switzerland

• Tuition & Costs: Annual Boarding Tuition (2024–25): ~$140,000; Total Estimated Cost: ~$175,000‍

A co-ed boarding school (founded 1910) offering the IB Diploma and French Baccalaureate, part of Nord Anglia Education. Known for academic rigor, bilingual instruction, and consistent ranking among Switzerland’s top international schools.

Located on a sunny alpine plateau at 1,300m, Beau Soleil integrates expeditions and challenges—students have scaled Kilimanjaro and visited Antarctica. The campus offers a private ski lodge, riding stables, and mountain views. Small class sizes (avg ~8) and a 1:4 staff-student ratio ensure personalized attention. The motto “Challenge Yourself” reflects a strong focus on character and resilience, with a famously tough winter expedition each year.

3. Institut Le Rosey – Rolle & Gstaad, Switzerland

• Tuition & Costs: Annual Boarding Tuition (2024–25): ~$135,000–$155,000; Total Estimated Cost: ~$167,000‍

Bilingual French/English program with both IB and the French Baccalauréat. Founded in 1880, nicknamed the “School of Kings” for its royal and VIP alumni, Le Rosey is regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious schools.

Operating two campuses—a Château by Lake Geneva for summer/fall and a winter campus in Gstaad—Le Rosey lets students ski daily in winter. The 28-acre site has an equestrian center, sailing center, and a $50M concert hall. Traditional formal dinners, blazers, and ties meet modern STEM labs and a large performing arts facility. Alumni span European monarchs, business tycoons, and celebrities, underscoring Le Rosey’s global elite status.

2. Aiglon College – Chesières-Villars, Switzerland

• Tuition & Costs: Annual Boarding Tuition (2024–25): ~$150,000–$165,000; Total Estimated Cost: ~$170k

A British-style international school offering IGCSE and IB Diploma, built on a holistic ethos of developing mind, body, and spirit. A not-for-profit, Aiglon is known for academic rigor and a global alumni network.

Situated in the Alpine village of Chesières, Aiglon integrates outdoor adventure—students ski and trek as part of the curriculum. The day starts with a distinctive morning meditation, reflecting its Quaker-founded ideals. With about 400 students, world-class ski slopes nearby, and a close-knit boarding community, Aiglon provides challenging academics in a stunning environment.

1. Institut auf dem Rosenberg – St. Gallen, Switzerland

• Tuition & Costs: Annual Boarding Tuition (2024–25): ~$176,000; Total Estimated Cost: $150k+

Offers a breadth of curricula—IGCSEs, A-Levels, AP, IB Diploma, plus the in-house Rosenberg Diploma. Rosenberg is frequently cited as one of the priciest and most exclusive schools globally, with a ~4:1 student-teacher ratio and state-of-the-art facilities.

Called the “Elite School of the Future,” Rosenberg boasts ultra-modern amenities (AI labs, innovation center, private stables), 1:1 mentorship, and a strong entrepreneurship/tech focus. Luxury services (e.g. specialized golf or equestrian instruction) and a hyper-personalized approach cater to children of high-net-worth families worldwide.

From Swiss alpine châteaux to exclusive West Coast prep academies, these schools redefine what a premium education means—merging academic rigor with breathtaking campuses, world-class extracurriculars, and global networking opportunities. While each institution’s price tag can soar well above $100,000 a year, for families seeking unrivaled facilities, personalized attention, and a route into top-tier universities, these most expensive private schools continue to attract those who prioritize a once-in-a-lifetime educational experience.

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