Planning to send your child to a boarding school in Midwest USA, but confused about which one is best? Kiiky is here to help you out.
This post contains a compilation of the 10 Best Midwest Boarding Schools in the USA that offers quality and exceptional boarding school services.
Currently, the Midwest region houses over 44 boarding schools that admit both national and international students. These schools are of different types, some are private, military, and high school while some are therapeutic schools.
Another interesting aspect of these schools is that they offer financial aid in the form of scholarships and grants to excellent students. They even offer exceptional programs and activities which will help sharpen your child’s life.
So you can see, deciding to send your child to a boarding school in the Midwest region of the United States of America isn’t a bad idea at all.
Now, I will advise you to read this post carefully without skimming because in this post, we have put down a comprehensive compilation of all the boarding schools in the Midwest and the best Midwest boarding schools in the USA.
A quick glance at the table of contents below will give an overview of all the information found in this article and its sequential flow.
Table of contents
What is Boarding School?
A boarding school by definition is any school (usually private) that offers food and lodging to its students.
However, it’s also much more than that: A boarding school is a thriving community of scholars, athletes, and artists.
It’s common for faculty, staff, and their families to live right on campus and serve in coaching or advising capacities. All of this truly makes the boarding school a student’s home away from home.
Why Boarding Schools in Midwest?
Choosing to send your child to any of the midwest boarding schools can be one of the best decisions you can make once your child’s education is concerned.
You know why?
I will tell you
The Midwest also known as the Middle west of the United States is a large part of the country that consists of 12 states. The states include; Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
Each of the states houses different types of colleges, universities, high schools and even boarding schools that have unique qualities which make them exceptional from other schools.
Just like every other boarding school that aims at helping children keep their heads up on their studies, schools in midwest do the same and even go further to provide a conducive learning environment.
More so, apart from the educational; aspect, studying in this region can help your precious child balance the other area of his/her life. This is because the midwest has beautiful things and activities that can help spice up life.
Isn’t it amazing?
Well, that is not all. there are other advantages that your child will definitely enjoy aside from the above-mentioned ones.
First,
Self-Independent
Self-independent is one of the sure things that boarding schools in the midwest tend to achieve. Your child or children will be trained in such a way that they will learn to take responsibility as children like waking up when necessary, doing their assignments and classwork, and even handling some chores at home.
Moreso, they will learn how to manage both money, time, and resources that you and I know will help them become responsible children that can be reckoned on.
Minimizes Distractions
Next is distractions. Distractions have denied so many children the chance of them becoming the best they can be. Watching videos, playing games, chatting, parties, and even frequent visiting of friends are all distractions that sending your child or children to any of the best midwest boarding schools can help reduce drastically.
Get acquainted with different Cultural
Sending your children to a boarding school especially any of the best can help them learn cultural diversity.
This is because the schools are made up of students from different parts of the country, where a variety of cultures exists. Here, they are opportune to learn to appreciate and respect the differences in one another and live amicably.
Moreso, aside from the culture, they learn other languages which can make them become bilingual, meaning they can read, write and speak two languages.
Moral Advantage
This is very important. Imagine your child at a very young age, knows and understands the core values of life. Imagine your child becoming someone that other children try to emulate because of the exceptional character he/she portrays.
Students from any of the best boarding high schools in the midwest are known for exceptional character and demeanor which is one thing that the schools hammer on. These students learn how to respect, work hard, and be honest in all they do.
Finally….
Alternative Activities
Boarding school students are often exposed to a wider range of activities to broaden their learning. They may participate in common sports and activities, such as football and band, or less conventional ones, such as jiu-jitsu and flight training.
See Also; Best Massachusetts Boarding Schools for Students in USA | 2024
How Much Does Midwest Boarding Schools Cost?
According to Boarding School Review, the average boarding school tuition for a U.S. citizen is $56,875 per year (as of October 14, 2019). The tuition ranges are incredibly vast, from a mere $9,600 per year to more than $90,000 per year.
Now coming to boarding schools in Midwest their tuition varies based on the type and educational services they offer. For instance, boarding school students in Michigan Lutheran High School is known as one school with the least tuition paying $15,595 annually.
Meanwhile, Missouri Military Academy students $38,000, and North Cedar Academy students pay $48,000 which is higher.
You can see that the cost differs a lot. What you have to do is, ensure you check the tuition of any school you want to send your child to make sure that you can foot the bills.
Would you want your ward to attend a girl’s school? Here are the best boarding schools for girls in the World.
How Many Boarding Schools Are in Midwest USA?
Generally, there are up over 300 boarding schools in USA. These schools serve different grades of students ranging from prekindergarten to Kindergarten, then to high schools.
Specifically, In these 300 boarding schools, Midwest which is among the six regions in the United States houses 44 schools that are of different types.
While some are preparatory schools, some are military, high schools, and Therapeutic schools which are for problematic children.
Let’s see the list of these schools, maybe you might be familiar with some of them.
These schools are classified according to the states they are located.
Illinois
- Brehm Preparatory School
- Lake Forest Academy
- Saint Bede Academy (Peru)
- Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart
Indiana
- Caribbean Mountain Academy
- Culver Academies
- La Lumiere School
Iowa
- Scattergood Friends School
- Maharishi School of the Age of Enlightenment (Fairfield)
Kansas
- House of Hope
- Kansas City Girls Academy
- Maur Hill – Mount Academy
- Thomas More Prep – Marian
- St. John’s Military School (Salina)
- St. Mary’s College, Kansas (St. Marys)
Minnesota
- Cotter High School & Junior High School
- Shattuck St. Mary’s
- St. John’s Preparatory School
- St. Croix Lutheran High School (West St. Paul)
Missouri
- Agape Boarding School
- Chaminade College Prep School
- Future Men
- Master’s Ranch Christian Academy
- St. Paul Lutheran High
- Thomas Jefferson School
- Victory Boys Academy
- Wentworth Military Academy
- Whetstone Boys Ranch
- Wings of Faith Academy
Michigan
Ohio
- Andrews Osborne Academy
- Gilmour Academy
- Olney Friends School
- Western Reserve Academy
- Grand River Academy (Austinburg)
- Mount Vernon Academy (Mount Vernon)
Wisconsin
- Conserve School
- Wayland Academy
- Luther Preparatory School (Watertown)
- Oaklawn Academy (Edgerton)
- St. Lawrence Seminary High School (Mt. Calvary)
Nebraska
Mt. Michael Benedictine (suburban Omaha)
What are the Best Boarding Schools in Midwest?
The list below is a list of the top boarding schools in the Midwest in which you can enroll your children in 2024.
- Wayland Academy
- Missouri Military Academy (Mexico, MO)
- Culver Academies
- Cranbrook schools
- Thomas Jefferson Schools
- Lake Forest Academy
- Western Reserve Academy
- Maharishi School of the Age of Enlightenment (Fairfield)
- St. John’s Preparatory School
- Interlochen Arts Academy (Interlochen)
In ranking these schools, Kiiky put into consideration the cost of the Midwest Boarding schools, Total student enrollment, and grades.
Also, we considered the average class size and the acceptance rate of some of the schools.
This is among the basic factors that we considered in our ranking because of how important it is.
Though it is every parent’s dream to send their children to the best schools, affordability matters a lot.
In our ranking of the best boarding schools in the Midwest, the total student enrollment of each school is considered.
However, the enrollment rate of a school plays a big role in determining how conducive the learning environment will be.
This is another factor I see as very important. The grades a boarding school offers can determine the level of facility it’s operating with. Whether it has a low or high facility.
Mostly, the schools listed here offer 9-12 grades, and just a few offer preparatory classes.
Lets Explore!
#1. Wayland Academy
Address: 101 N University Ave, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin 53916
Tuition: $43,067
Enrollment: 240
Grades: 9-12
Type: Coed
Founded in 1855, Wayland Academy is a private, coeducational boarding school in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, serving students in grades 9-12.
This school is one of the best boarding schools in the Midwest USA that has a student-teacher ratio of 7:1. To enroll in this school, the student must have a 24.7 Average ACT Score Result which is required.
Basically, the school offers strong, traditional college-prep curriculum programs to both national and international students. These programs give its students the opportunity to also embark on an engineering and robotics initiative.
Additionally, most graduates from this prestigious school easily get admission into most of the Ivies colleges and universities in the country and even outside the country.
Currently, the school has a total number of 220 students and 26 competent teachers.
Above all, the school has notable alumni that are renowned for their exceptional deeds. people like George Edwin Taylor (an early African-American politician), Ric Flair (a professional wrestler), and Zona Gale (author).
For this reason, we are ranking Wayland Academy as #1. Best Boarding Schools in Midwest USA.
#2. Missouri Military Academy
Address: 204 Grand Street Mexico, MO 65265
Tuition: $38,000
Enrollment: 240
Grades: 7-12
Type: All Boy
Next is Missouri Military Academy.
Founded in 1889, Missouri Military Academy is an all-boys college preparatory boarding school in the midwest USA that has built men.
However, the school aims at providing unique programs that inspire boys to reach their potential through Academic Excellence, Character Development, Personal Motivation, Physical Development, and Leadership Training.
This boarding school in the midwest has a total student enrollment of 240 with an average class size of 10 and an acceptance rate of 98% which is very high.
Unlike some other schools, this school offers Primary, Secondary, and even Post Graduate programs. which is rare to find.
It is expedient to note that this school’s tuition is not too high when compared with another top school. for instance boarding students pay $38,000 for a full term while midterm enrollment is $19,000.
Interestingly, this school offers financial aid in form of scholarships and grants to help students who are financially challenged.
Note, some of the noteworthy alumni include Jesús Guzmán a famous standup comedian, Lawrence Walter an Army Infantry Officer Mark Ledford an accomplished trumpeter, vocalist, and guitarist, Burt Avedon a pilot, and Jack Fuson three-star general.
READ ALSO: 10 Best Boarding Schools In Maryland Boys & Girls | 2024 Rankings
#3. Culver Academies
Address: 1300 Academy Road Culver, IN 46511
Tuition: $52,500
Enrolls:842
Grades: 9-12
Type: Coed
Established in 1894, Culver Academies is a private and coeducational college-preparatory boarding school in Indiana USA.
This school provides its students with leadership, character-based education, and personal development interwoven with a rigorous academic regimen.
In contrast to other schools, this boarding school comprises of other 9 private schools. It has a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, an acceptance rate of 65%, and an average class size of 14 students.
Moreso, this boarding school has a total student enrollment of 842 with 98 competent teachers.
Due to its tuition and cost are high, the school provides distinguished Scholarship Programs to some excellent and brilliant students who want to excel. recognizes excellence and invites it to flourish with endless opportunities.
Note, some of this boarding school’s notable alumni that have continued to make tr impact in the world today include;
- Robert Baer: Former CIA operative and author of the memoir.
- Frank Batten: Communications entrepreneur, and founder of The Weather Channel.
- Evan Bayh: former two-term U.S. senator and two-term governor of Indiana.
For these reasons, we are ranking Culver Academies as #3. Best Boarding Schools in Midwest USA.
#4. Cranbrook schools
Address: Bloomfield Hills, MI USA
Tuition: $49,100
Enrollment: 1,650
Grades: 9-12
Type: Coed
Founded in 1922, Cranbrook Schools is a private Co-educational boarding school that aims at helping boys and girls develop intellectually, morally, and physically. And also it serves as a college preparatory school that helps students get into higher colleges.
Hence, it strives to instill in students a strong sense of social responsibility and to contribute to an increasingly complex world.
The coursework offered at different levels is in all academic subjects which include- in math, science, English, history, and foreign language. This prep school program allows each student to create a path that allows them to achieve their goals.
However, this Midwest boarding school has a total student enrollment of 1,650, an acceptance rate of 34, and an average class size of 16.
Furthermore, the school offers financial aid programs in the form of scholarships and grants to help students who are not financially buoyant.
Some of the noteworthy Alumni include
- Jay Adelson- Tech/Cybersecurity CEO of Simple GEO
- Aubrey Agee- Senior Program Administrator of the Blackstone LaunchPad
- Juan Alejos- Medicine Director of Pediatric Heart Transplant/UCLA
- Alice Aspen March- Radio/Television Host of the national radio show, Attention Matters
#5. Thomas Jefferson Schools
Address: 4100 South Lindbergh Blvd. Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
Tuition: $56,100
Enrollment: 91
Grades: 7-12
Type: Coed
Founded in 1946, Thomas Jefferson School is a private, nonsectarian coed, and College Preparatory boarding school in Saint Louis that offers offer a core classical curriculum to students.
The school has a total student enrollment of 91 and an average class size of 14 students with an acceptance rate of 63%.
The school student and teacher ratio is 8:1.
Graduates from this prestigious school easily enter into four-year colleges and universities across the nation and abroad.
- Hon. Thomas P. Griesa- Frmr US District Judge
- Mr. Bernat Rosner – Frmr General Counsel of Safeway; Author
- Mr. John H. Biggs- Director of Boeing Co.; Frmr CEO of TIAA-Cref
- Mr. Dan Little- Attorney
- Mr. Irv Williamson – US International Trade Commissioner
- Dr. Richard Levy- Pediatric Endocrinologist
#6. Lake Forest Academy
Address: 1500 West Kennedy Road Lake Forest, IL 60045
Tuition: $51,400
Enrollment: 440
Grades: 9-12
Type: Coed
Established in 1857, Lake Forest Academy is a highly selective, prestigious college preparatory boarding and day school for grades 9 through 12 located on the North Shore in Lake Forest, Illinois, United States.
This top boarding school in Illinois strives to embody in its practices and to cultivate in its student’s excellence of character, scholarship, citizenship, and responsibility.
Basically, this academy offers 22 Advanced Placement courses, 27 varsity sports, and a wide range of artistic options to both national and international students.
However, this is one of the best boarding high schools in the Midwest that has a total student enrollment of 440, an average class size of 12 students, and 83 competent teachers who are highly qualified.
Almost every student that graduates from this college preparatory boarding school make it to Ivie’s college or university.
Some of the noteworthy Alumni in this school include;
- Bill Schulz- Journalist and a comedian
- Kelly Perine- Comedian and Actor
- Bill Ayers- Activist, professor and Author
- Jay Chandrasekhar- Tevelvision Director and film producer
- John Agar- Actor
#7. Western Reserve Academy
Address: 115 College Street Hudson, OH 44236
Tuition: $63,275
Enrollment: 402
Grades: 9-12
Type: Coed
Established in 1826, Western Military Academy is a private, coed, high school boarding school located in Ohio.
The school is among the best boarding schools in Midwest because of its rigorous curriculum programs that is superior and exceptional to most schools in the USA.
This grade 9-12 boarding school offers is a dynamic, challenging, and supportive school that has committed to excellence, integrity, and compassion.
Thus, the school has a student enrollment of 402 students fully represented by 23 states and 15 countries and 60 competent teachers.
Also, this prestigious boarding school has an average class size of 12, a student-teacher ratio of 7:1, and a Boarding Tuition of $53,700.
Above all, 100% of graduates from this school enroll in top colleges or universities that are well known.
Some notable Alumni include;
- William B. Allison — U.S. senator from Iowa
- David R. Paige— U.S. Representative from Ohio
- Mark Hanna— U.S. senator from Ohio, campaign manager for President William McKinley, chairman of the Republican National Committee
- Louis P. Harve — 7th governor of Wisconsin
- William H. Upson— U.S. representative from Ohio, lawyer
- George Hoadly— 36th governor of Ohio
Check Out 10 Best Christian Boarding Schools | 2024 Ranking
#9. St. John’s Northwestern Academies
Address: 1101 Genesee Street Delafield, WI 53018
Tuition: $44,000
Enrollment: 240
Grades: 9-12
Type: Coed
Founded in 1884 as a private boarding school, St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy is a coed college preparatory and leadership development school in Midwest.
The school is a boarding school for boys and girls from 7th to 12th grade that offers several summer programs including an adventure camp, summer school, and an English as a Second Language course.
Moreso, this boarding school is among the boarding schools in the Midwest that makes available a distinctive educational experience for its cadets that focuses on academics, athletics, spiritual and character development, and military traditions.
Currently, this school has a total student enrollment of 174 students with an average class size of 11 and an acceptance rate of 84%.
Tuition at this boarding school varies depending on a student’s enrollment status, 7-day boarding students pay $39,000, 5-day boarding students pay $38,000, Day cadets students pay $14,000 while International students pay $44,000.
Interestingly, this school also offers various financial aid options and scholarships to its students.
Some of the notable Alumni include;
- Daniel Gerber – Founder and president of Gerber Baby Foods
- Howard Woodin- Member of Marquette University Hall of Fame and Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame for football
- Spencer Tracy- Actor; Academy Award winner; appeared in over 70 films
- Arthur Wermuth- Major, U.S. Army; World War II hero
- Edward Noble – Entrepreneur; developer; and manufacture
- C. Roosevelt Boettiger- Grandson of President Franklin D. Roosevelt
- William J. Janklow – Governor of South Dakota for four terms
Having put all these into consideration, Kiiky is ranking St. John’s Northwestern Academies as #9. Best Boarding Schools in Midwest USA.
#10. Interlochen Arts Academy (Interlochen)
Address: 4000 M 137 Hwy Interlochen, MI 49643
Tuition: $66,875
Enrollment: 508
Grades: 9-12
Type: Coed
Founded in 1961, Interlochen Arts Academy is among the best boarding high schools in the midwest that is specifically designed for grade 9-12 students who want to become artists.
It is a non-profit corporation, operating an arts education institution in northwest Michigan with a total number of 508 students enrolled.
Basically, this boarding school in the Midwest region prepares young artists for rewarding careers and fosters academic excellence. The school offers programs like; music, theatre, interdisciplinary arts, creative writing, film, new media, dance, and visual arts.
Tuition at this school for new and returning students in 9-12 grade is $66,875 while that of postgraduate students from 12th grade and above is $71,300.
Some of the noteworthy Alumni this school has produced include;
- Roger Thomas, Executive VP of Design, Wynn Design & Development
- Janet Eilber, artistic director, Martha Graham Dance Company
- Our Lady J, Emmy-winning writer, and producer, Pose, Transparent
- Norah Jones, Grammy-winning singer
- Josh Groban, Grammy-nominated singer
- Damian Kulash, lead singer, OK Go
Having put all these into consideration, Kiiky is ranking Interlochen Arts Academy as #10. Best Boarding Schools in Midwest USA.
References
- https://www.mma-tx.org/Why-MMA/Advantages-of-Boarding-School/
- https://usboardingschools.com/midwest/
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