Kentucky, a state celebrated for its rich history and scenic beauty, is increasingly a destination for international students seeking a unique boarding school experience. In 2022, the U.S. hosted 27,897 secondary school students on F-1 visas, with Kentucky’s boarding schools contributing to this growing trend (U.S. ICE, 2023). Top boarding schools in Kentucky for International students like Oneida Baptist Institute enroll over 300 students, with 15% hailing from abroad (OBI, 2024).
Oakdale Christian Academy, another gem, maintains a 2:1 student-to-staff ratio, fostering personalized education for its 150 students, including internationals (Oakdale, 2023). The National Center for Education Statistics (2023) notes that private boarding schools nationwide average $38,850 in tuition, yet Kentucky offers competitive rates starting at $20,000.
With a 91% high school graduation rate statewide (NCES, 2018-2019), these schools blend affordability with academic rigor. This article delves into Kentucky’s top boarding schools for international students.
Best Boarding Schools in Kentucky for local and international students
- Oakdale Christian Academy
- Turning Winds Academic Institute (TWAI)
- Oneida Baptist Institute
- Amerigo Lexington, Lexington Catholic High School
- Wolf Creek Academy
- Shepherd’s Hill Academy
- West End School
- Sundance Canyon Academy
- Havenwood Academy
#1. Oakdale Christian Academy
Oakdale Christian Academy, located in Jackson, Kentucky, 90 minutes southeast of Lexington, is a co-educational, Christ-centered college preparatory boarding school for students in Grades 7–12.
Students seeking challenges, change, and personal growth will find a distinctively Christian education at Oakdale Christian Academy.
The incredible student-to-staff ratio of 2:1 immediately strikes students and family members. Individual attention, discipleship, academic support, long-term relationships, and life-changing experiences result from this.
#2. Turning Winds Academic Institute
Turning Winds Academic Institute (TWAI), located in northwestern Montana, is an accredited, family-run therapeutic boarding school for troubled teens (boys and girls) ages 13–18 from Kentucky and across the United States.
We combine the benefits of a therapeutic boarding school, a wilderness program, and a residential treatment center in a beautiful, peaceful, and safe setting.
They offer extremely high-quality therapeutic treatment to their students, including assistance with the following presenting issues: poor academic performance, behavioral problems, addictions, low self-worth, spectrum disorders, ADD/ADHD, and attachment disorders, among others.
#3. Oneida Baptist Institute
Located in a small rural village in Clay County, southeastern Kentucky, it is a co-educational Southern Baptist boarding school with residential programs for students in Grades 6-12.
Oneida is a school that welcomes students from all over the United States and the world and introduces them to a new way of life, a Christ-centered life. The school has rules in place to teach discipline and promote responsibility.
Students at Oneida Baptist will meet people from all over the country and the world. They will also have daily chores and responsibilities, interact with Christian adults, attend daily chapel services, receive individual attention in class, and have the opportunity to participate in sports or other extracurricular activities.
#4. Amerigo Lexington, Lexington Catholic High School
Amerigo Lexington provides students with exciting opportunities to gain real-world experience in a variety of fields. Students in the Exemplar Scholar program have access to accelerated math and science courses as well as invaluable career mentorships.
Through a challenging curriculum that includes experiences both inside and outside the classroom, each student is encouraged to discover his or her own potential. Preparing students for responsible civic participation and community service is part of the school’s mission.
#5. Wolf Creek Academy
While looking for a residential program in Kentucky or other states, we invite you to consider Wolf Creek Academy. Despite the fact that it is not located in Kentucky, Wolf Creek Academy focuses on family restoration and getting teenagers back on track for a bright future.
Wolf Creek Academy, located in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina, serves teenage boys and girls on various parts of its campus who have ongoing behavioral issues, damaged family relationships, or other emotional problems.
They are a faith-based program that promotes character, integrity, and personal responsibility. Each of the teens in their program has the potential to become productive members of society if they are guided and given the opportunity to do so.
#6. Shepherd’s Hill Academy
When looking for boarding schools in Kentucky, why not consider an acclaimed therapeutic program in a state other than Kentucky for a better option? Shepherd’s Hill Academy in Georgia offers all of the best therapeutic options as well as a commitment to developing character in young people so that they can impact the culture for the glory of God.
Shepherd’s Hill Academy in northeast Georgia is a hybrid of a therapeutic wilderness program and a boarding school with counselling.
Despite the distance, some, parents believe it is beneficial for their teenagers to grow in a new environment away from their local peer group.
#7. West End School
The West End School is a free boarding school for boys in grades Pre-K through 8 in Louisville, Kentucky. Robert Blair and his wife Debbie founded the school in 2005. The school’s mission is to assist “at-risk” boys from Louisville’s West End neighbourhoods.
It accepts incoming sixth-graders who are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch and are capable of doing grade-level work. The school does not accept students who require therapeutic counselling or who have severe learning disabilities.
#8. Sundance Canyon Academy
Sundance Canyon Academy is an amazing addition to Kentucky boarding schools for boys because it has all of the components in place to assist troubled teens in overcoming their challenges, regardless of the cause.
They are committed to providing the most supportive and well-rounded therapeutic experience for the students. Their primary goal is to assist them in gaining the skills necessary to overcome their issues and be better prepared to live an emotionally and physically healthy life.
#9. Havenwood Academy
Havenwood Academy has a variety of activities that will help teen girls develop self-esteem and give them a better idea of what they want their future to look like. The school has already assisted hundreds of teens and family members, so they can undoubtedly assist Kentucky girls as well.
The school has the reputation and success stories to establish itself as one of the country’s top residential schools. Parents in Kentucky who do their homework will discover that enrolling their child in such a program may be the best way to instill long-term changes.
Why attend a boarding school in Kentucky
- Quality of life
- Safety
- Environment
- Proximity
- Cost
Quality of life
Kentucky consistently ranks among the top countries in the world in terms of political freedom, economic stability, quality of life, and education.
Safety
Parents and students can be confident in choosing a Kentucky institution for their child’s or own international educational experience because of Kentucky’s reputation for safety.
Environment
Kentucky is a unique and appealing option for international families due to its high levels of development, modern infrastructure, beautiful topography, clean environment, and changing seasons.
Proximity
Kentucky is a popular study location. The availability of direct flights to and from major global cities is an added benefit.
Cost
Given the current global economic climate, the cost of education in Kentucky relative to many other countries allows Kentucky schools to remain strong competitors in the international boarding school market.
How Many Boarding Schools are there in Kentucky?
The Kentucky Board of Education is in charge of developing, coordinating, and implementing K–12 education in the state’s 174 school districts and 1,477 schools, which include public, private, and boarding schools.
In Kentucky, education consists of elementary school, middle school, high school, and postsecondary institutions. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) accredits the majority of Kentucky’s schools and colleges.
The Kentucky Academic Standards (KAS) Grades Primary–12 assist in ensuring that all public, private, and boarding school students across the Commonwealth focus on a common set of standards and have opportunities to learn at a high level. This website provides administrators, teachers, parents, and other stakeholders in local school districts with a foundation for developing curricula.
Conclusion
In Kentucky, there are numerous boarding schools that offer a variety of classes and activities for children of various ages and academic levels. So, if you want to provide the best education and a solid educational foundation for your child, enrol him or her in one of the best boarding schools in Kentucky mentioned in this article.
FAQs about Top Boarding Schools in Kentucky for International Students
Are there any prestigious boarding schools in Kentucky?
Yes, Kentucky is home to the majority of the best schools where children can receive a good education. Furthermore, Kentucky provides a diverse range of classes and activities for children of various ages and academic levels.
List of Best Boarding Schools in Kentucky
- Oakdale Christian Academy
- Turning Winds Academic Institute (TWAI)
- Oneida Baptist Institute
- Amerigo Lexington, Lexington Catholic High School
- Wolf Creek Academy
- Shepherd’s Hill Academy
- West End School
- Sundance Canyon Academy
- Havenwood Academy
What Is It Like to Attend a Kentucky Boarding School?
Boarding schools in Kentucky provide international students a wide range of curricula taught by highly qualified and exceptionally motivated teachers in small classes that encourage meaningful interaction with students.
In addition, most boarding schools provide a welcoming, caring, and encouraging environment conducive to learning.
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