Free Boarding Schools For Low Income Families

Free Boarding Schools For Low Income Families – Are you looking for the best free boarding schools for low-income families to enroll your children? Then this guide will certainly help you make a well-informed decision. There is no doubt that American education comes with a huge price tag. But there are actually boarding schools in the USA that offer low-cost or free education to children. Most of the boarding schools in America are expensive for low-income families who have decided that a boarding school is the right place for their children’s growth and education. Fortunately, there are a handful of boarding schools with financial aid for low-income in America that benefit thousands of students and their families. In this guide, we will provide to you a brief overview of how to find a ‘free boarding school near me’.

What is the Average Cost of Boarding Schools In The US?

There are only a few hundred boarding schools in America, and most of them are located on the East Coast. The cost of private boarding schools in America is higher compared to public schools. The average cost of attending top boarding schools across the nation is $60,000 per year, as per Education data.org. The average annual tuition cost at a 5-day boarding school in America is $55,425, whereas the cost of a seven-day boarding school is $69,150. The cost of tuition fees, textbooks, room, and board adds up quickly.  This cost can be a barrier for many families, but fortunately there are options for those seeking free boarding schools for low-income families. Another way to reduce the financial burden of boarding schools is to apply for Colleges for low-income students

How To Afford A Boarding School Education For Low-Income Families?

Public Boarding Schools

Public boarding schools are funded by the government and offer tuition-free education to qualified students who struggle. They are generally affiliated with the local school district and follow a similar curriculum as that of traditional public schools.

Charter Boarding Schools

Charter schools, on the other hand, are independently operated public schools that get public funding but operate with flexibility in teaching methods and curriculum. There are many charter schools that provide boarding programs, including free accommodation and education to students.

Private Boarding Schools With Scholarships And Financial Aid

A few private boarding schools provide free tuition for families that meet the income criteria. The provision is similar to colleges that offer free tuition for low-income families for qualified students. You can seek free boarding school scholarships for low-income families. As per the National Association of Boarding Schools, 37% of boarding school students get financial aid to cover the cost.

Are There Any Free Boarding Schools For Low-Income Families Near Me?

Yes, there are a few free boarding schools for low-income families. However, most of them have very competitive admissions and strict eligibility criteria for applicants to fulfill. A few free residential schools for disadvantaged families help indigenous students or those belonging to low-income families get free boarding. With nearly 300 boarding schools throughout America, it can be challenging to find a free boarding school for low-income families, especially when it comes to taking the right decision for your dependent.

Do you want to apply for scholarships for low income students? Take a look at our next comprehensive guide to know more details.

How To Qualify For Free or Affordable Boarding Schools For Low-Income Families? 

Before continuing to the comprehensive list of free boarding schools in the US for low-income families, it is important to take a look at the eligibility criteria set by the school programs.

• Age: Most of the free boarding schools are designed for school age children up to 18 years.
• Legal Guardianship: A legal parent or guardian is required to enroll their children in free boarding school programs.
• Behavioral or Emotional Issues: In some cases, troubled children or teens who are exhibiting emotional behavior issues like academic struggles, substance abuse, or mental health challenges are given priority for free-boarding schools.
• Referral or Recommendations: Free or low-cost boarding school programs for low-income families require recommendation or referral from a therapist, counselor or professionals.
• Household Income: Low-cost Boarding schools require students’ families to meet the income threshold in order to decide their financial eligibility and provide them with free tuition.
• Proof of Documents: Parents applying for low-cost boarding schools are often required to provide supporting documents like bank statements, Social Security Card, citizenship and residency documents, tax returns or proof of household income to verify their eligibility.
• Financial Need: Boarding schools for low-income families often evaluate the financial situation of students’ families, including income, assets, and expenses, which help them decide the level of financial aid required.

Our next guide will help you know how to apply for government grants for education to make your college degree fully attainable.

Free Government Boarding Schools For Low Income Families

Research states that 78% of students enrolled in boarding schools feel more prepared for their college and university compared to 36% of private students and 23% of public students. In the below section of the guide, we have provided a list of free government boarding schools for low-income families.

Alabama School of Fine Arts

Alabama School of Fine Arts is a tuition-free  public science and art high school situated in Birmingham, AL. The school also offers college preparatory education for students in grades between 7 and 12. Apart from providing tuition education the school has received many interesting recognitions. It is the only tuition fees school for arts and science that is serving throughout Alabama. Being a government tuition-free boarding school it is highly competitive and the acceptance rate is only 35%. In other words the school accepts only 100 students every year who are residents of Alabama.

Location: Birmingham, Al

Grades: 7 to 12

Contact Details: 205-252-9241

Academy of Math And Science

One of the best free-tuition government boarding schools in Arizona that offers high quality education to residents for more than 20 years is the Academy of Math and Science. It is one of the boarding schools that takes the entire responsibility for students’ success. Moreover Greatschools.org has given the highest rated K-8 District in Phoenix to the school by number of 5-Star reviews.

Location: Tempe, Arizona

Grades: Kindergarten through 8th grade

Contact Details: (602) 584-6625.

Illinois Math and Science Academy

Illinois Math and Science Academy is a public residential magnet school that offers free-tuition and excellent education to their students. It is one of the best public high schools in Illinois and the third best public high school teachers in America. The boarding school is for students from 10th through 12th grade. They enroll 650 students throughout Illinois and offer 15 co-curricular activities including MU Alpha Theta, Maths competition, Scholastic Bowl, Robotics etc. The admissions process can be competitive, and students are expected to submit SAT scores, grades for review, essays, and teacher evaluations.

Location: Aurora, IL

Grades: 10 to 12

Contact Details: 630.907.5000.

Carver Military Academy

Carver Military is a four-year Public Military Boarding High School that is run by the Chicago Public School. It is accredited by the Northern Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Enrolled students undergo training in STEM subjects.

Location: Chicago, IL 60827.

Grades: 9 to 12

Contact: +1 773-535-5250.

Maine School of Science & Math

Maine School of Science & Math is a public secondary school that has a specialized STEM curriculum and courses. Students who are in grades 9 to 12 can enroll in their institution, while those in grades 5 to 9 can enroll in the summer program. It is a magnet residential high school with two board dormitories and a maximum capacity of 150 students. The school offers advanced degrees and has an average size of 12th students, 5 sports teams and 20 clubs. The students are not restricted to Maine residents only.

Location: Limestone, Maine

Grade 9 to 12

Contact Details: 1.207.325.3303.

Mississippi School of the Arts

If you’re looking for free boarding schools for low-income families for grades 11 to 12, you can enroll in this upper high school that offers specialized training in theater, visual arts, music, literary arts, etc. Even though this residential public high school has a curriculum focused on the humanities and arts, it also imparts special lessons in math and other core science subjects. High school students can apply during that sophomore year to take admission as juniors to this school. This free government boarding school provides tuition-free education to Mississippi students regardless of race, religion, social economic class etc.

Location: Brookhaven, Mississippi.

Grades: 11 to 12

Contact Details: 601.823.1300.

North Carolina School of the Arts

North Carolina School of the Arts is a public art high school established in 1963 as the first probably conservatory for arts in America. They have a university arm and provide undergraduate degree programs and graduate programs for students. There are 8 boarding halls in the school, which comprise 2 for high school students and 6 for college students.

Location: Winston Salem, Nc

Grades: 10 to 12

Contact Details: 336-770-3290.

Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities

Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities is a state-funded public residential high school that serves sophomores, seniors, and juniors across this state and helps them attain professional training in the fields of music, drama for the visual arts, dance, and creative writing. It provides a tuition-free nine-month program and helps students receive innovative and intense academic education while meeting the requirements needed to get a South Carolina high school diploma. It also offers summer programs for young students to develop their artistic passion.

Location: Greensville, South Carolina

Grades: 11 to 12

Contact Details: 864-282-3777.

Academy for Mathematics, Science, and Engineering

One of the most remarkable free boarding schools in New Jersey for students who develop an interest in engineering can enroll in the Academy for Mathematics, Science, and Engineering. This magnet public high school offers programs that are available to those who are in grades 9 to 12 and want to build a career in STEM fields. Students have to earn a minimum of 170 credits and 100 hours of internship in this field.

Location: Rockaway Morris County, New Jersey

Grades: 9 to 12

Contact Details: 629-136-3054.

The SEED School of Washington DC

The SEED School helps students attend the boarding school for free. If you want to get free tuition at college for low-income students, this is an excellent source for you. The SEED School of Washington DC is one of the first tuition-free public charter college preparatory boarding schools in America. Being a boarding school it enhances children’s learning after school through extra curricular activities like robotics, dance, theaters, structured study hall and homework centers.

Location: Washington D.C

Grades: 9-12

Contact Details: (202) 248-7773.

The SEED School of Maryland

The SEED school of Maryland is a magnet public high school that enrolls students from grades 9 to 12. This is a tuition free college preparatory school that comprises 2 separate building school domes for female and male students with two to three students per room. The institution also provides transportation facilities at designated places for students whose families live far from the school.

Location: Baltimore, Maryland.

Grades: 6-12

Contact Details: +1 410-843-9477.

Minnesota State Academies

Minnesota State Academies is a co-ed magnet public high school made of two separate schools: the Minnesota State Academy for the Blind and the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf. The schools are public boarding schools that are designed for Minnesota resident students who have disabilities and help them get special education.

Location: Faribault, Minnesota

Grades: Pk to 12

Contact Details: 507-400-6088.

Curious to know how to qualify for government grants for college? Head to our guide now.

Free & Low-Cost Private Boarding Schools For Low-Income Families 

Milton Hershey School

One of the best free boarding schools in Pennsylvania is Milton Hershey School. It is an independent boarding school that provides academic training and prepares students for college and career development. The educational programs are broken into three divisions: elementary division for prekindergarten to 4th grade, middle division for 5th to 8th grade, and senior division for 9th to 12th grade.

Location: Hershey, PA

Financial Assistance: 100% of the cost of fees and tuition.

Grade: Pk  to 12

Contact Details: +1 717-520-2000.

Eagle Rock School and Professional Development Center

Eagle Rock School is an excellent full-scholarship boarding school for students from low-income families. Admission occurs throughout the year when students access professional development activities apart from education. It is an initiative of the American Honda Motor Company that enrolls young people in age between 15 and 17 years.

Location: Colorado

Financial Assistance: 100% of the cost of fees and tuition.

Grades: 8 to 12

Contact Details: +1 970-586-0600.

Burr and Burton Academy

The Burr and Burton Academy is a low-cost independent boarding school that provides boarding facilities to indigenous and international students. International students can apply for admission into institutions but have to pay tuition fees. They also accept students from a few locations that are known as sending locations. The locations are towns that vote on a yearly basis and approve schools tuition and pay for it through the education funding.

Location: Manchester Vermont.

Financial Assistance: Tuition and financial aid to qualified students.

Grades: 9 to 12

Contact Details: +1 802-362-1775.

Chinquapin Preparatory School

The Chinquapin Preparatory School is a nonprofit private institution that is serving low-income students in grades 6 to 12. This free boarding school in Texas imparts education to low-income students living in the greater Houston area. Students get a 97% scholarship for tuition that helps them to cover their education costs. They have to take two and a half credit courses in finance as well as two annual community service projects.

Location: Highlands, Texas.

Financial Assistance: 97% scholarship for tuition.

Grades: 6 to 12

Contact Details: +1 281-426-5551.

Oakland Christian Academy

Oakland Christian Academy is a popular Christian college boarding school designed for 7 to 12 grade students. The school has enrolled 60 students at the campus in Jackson, KY. Around two-thirds of enrolled students from poor households get financial assistance from the institution.

Location Jackson, Kentucky

Financial Assistance: Scholarship aid for two-third of enrolled students.

Grades: 7 to 12

Contact Details: 1-606-693-4802.

Phillips Academy Andover

Phillips Academy Andover is a co-educational independent nonsectarian day and boarding school that serves students in grades 9 to 12. Located in Massachusetts, the school is known for offering a strong academic program with an emphasis on science, technology, and math. It provides financial aid up to 100% for low-income families who demonstrate an inability to pay the tuition fees but can showcase academic excellence, talent, and promise. To apply for financial assistance, you need to visit its application portal and create an account by paying an entry fee for $55.

Location Andover, Massachusetts

Grades: 9 to 12

Financial Assistance: 100% of the cost of fees and tuition.

Contact Details: Email to [email protected].

Phillips Exeter Academy

Phillips Exeter Academy is a co-educational independent boarding school located in Exeter, NH, and founded in 1781. The admissions process is quite rigorous and requires students to attend high schools and complete applications with good writing skills. The tuition is waived for families who are earning less than $75,000. To know how to apply for the financial aid program, you can visit its official website.

Location: Exeter, New Hampshire

Grades: 9 to 12

Financial Assistance: 50% of the cost of fees and tuition.

Contact Details: +1 603-772-4311.

Choate Rosemary Hall

Choate Rosemary Hall is a co-educational independent boarding school that is committed to offer financial support to families who demonstrate strong financial aid to make education accessible to low-income families.

The school meets the full demonstrated financial need of its students and users with grants, work study programs, and loans to help them cover the cost of tuition, room and board, and other costs. To apply, you must complete the Parents’ Financial Statement and support supporting documents. The financial aid committee of this school will review the application and determine the type of assistance that you will receive.

Location: Wallingford, Connecticut

Grades: 9 to 12

Financial Assistance: Financial aid to offset 79% of the tuition cost.

Contact Details: +1 203-697-2000.

Deerfield Academy

Deerfield Academy is a co-educational independent and non-sectarian school for boarding and day students in 9th and 12th grades. Established in 1797, Deerfield Academy is the oldest secondary school that is operating in America. Applicants need to complete Parents’ Financial Statements in support of relevant documents. The school’s financial aid committee will review the application and will decide the financial aid that you will get. To know if you are eligible for assistance, you can visit the school’s website, which has a handy estimator tool.

Location: Deerfield, Massachusetts

Grades: 9 to 12

Financial Assistance: Average boarding grant up to $54,875 and 80% of the cost of fees and tuition.

Contact Details: +1 413-772-0241.

Cate School

Kids who are in a preparatory boarding school for male and female genders are known to be the most affordable schools to attend. Borders have to pay tuition costs up to $50,600 per school year, whereas day students have to pay $40,350. The academic program of the boarding school is quite challenging and provides a wide array of topics like physics, math, humanities, arts, and languages. You can click here if you want to apply for assistance. Visit the official School & Student Services website and complete Parents’ Financial Statements.

Location: Carpinteria, Central Coast of California

Grades: 9 to 12

Financial Assistance: 25% of the cost of fees and tuition.

Contact Details: (805) 684-4127 or visit here

St. Paul’s School

St. Paul’s School offers low-cost boarding schools for boys and girls from middle school to high school graduation. It provides 100% in financial aid for qualified students who demonstrate a strong financial need. You need to complete your application and documentation through PFS.

Location: Concord, New Hampshire

Grades: 9 to 12

Financial Assistance: 100% of the cost of fees and tuition.

Contact Details: 603-229-4777.

Groton School

Founded in 1884, Groton School is one of the oldest boarding schools in the country. The objective of the school is to help students succeed while maintaining humility and improvement in their. It is committed to making education accessible and affordable for students from different socioeconomic backgrounds. To apply for financial aid at this school, you need to complete the school’s financial aid application and offer supporting documents.

Location: Groton, Massachusetts

Grades: 8 to 12

Financial Assistance: 42% of the cost of fees and tuition.

Contact Details: +1 978-448-3363.

Milton Academy

Milton Academy is a co-educational independent preparatory school that assists low-income families. Founded in 1894, the school is known for setting high academic standards and creating strong athletic and academic programs that contribute to offering 100% free tuition for poor families. Applicants need to submit Parent’s Financial Statements to the School and Student Services website by January 31, including relevant documents.

Location: Milton, Massachusetts

Financial Assistance: 100% of the cost of fees and tuition.

Grades: PK to 12

Contact Details: 098997 08012.

Lawrenceville School

Lawrence School is a co-educational independent college preparatory school for both boarding and day students who are in 9th through 12th grades. Parents can apply for scholarship aid by completing their Parents’ Financial Statements with the school and student services.

Location: Georgia, Atlanta

Grades: 9 to 12

Financial Assistance: Scholarship Aid granted to eligible students.

Contact Details: +1 609-896-0400.

The Thacher School

Founded in 1889, The Thacher School is a private preparatory boarding school that charges $479,50 for boarding students in tuition and $31750 for day students. Parents need to fill out their financial statements and submit them to School and Student Services along with relevant documents to get financial assistance.

Location: Ojai, California

Grades: 9 to 12

Financial Assistance: 30% of the cost of fees and tuition.

Contact Details: +1 805-640-3201.

The Hill School

Hill School is a private co-educational boarding school that was founded in 1851. It offers an average size of 12 students. The tuition ranges between $47,540 to $69,740 per year. It provides need-based financial aid to 40% of its student population who come from low-income families. Patients need to complete the application form by visiting School and Student Services by NAIS and submit relevant documents required.

Location: Pottstown, Pennsylvania

Grades: 9 to 12

Financial Assistance: 40% of the enrolled students receive financial aid.

Contact Details: 610-705-1122.

The Hotchkiss School

The Hotchkiss School is a private co-educational college preparatory boarding school that was founded in 1891 and is considered to be the oldest secondary school in America. Families who file taxes in America can apply for financial assistance online by visiting School and Student Services and completing the parents financial statement. The Hotchkiss School code is 4012. Students here receive 100% of financial aid.

Location: Lakeville, Connecticut

Grades: 9 to 12

Financial Assistance: 100% of the cost of fees and tuition.

Contact Details: +1 860-435-2591.

Episcopal High School

Founded in 1789, Episcopal High School is a co-educational school in America that has been educating students for more than 200 years. The school has an enrollment of thousands of students and professors and an academic program that consists of Advanced Placement courses and college preparatory course work. Low-income families who can prove financial need can receive an average grant size of $48,350 annually.

Location: Alexandria, Virginia

Grades: 9 to 12

Financial Assistance: 35% of the student population receives financial assistance.

Contact Details: 703-933-3000.

The Governor’s Academy

The Governor’s Academy is one of the oldest curricular private boarding schools in Massachusetts that offers advanced academic programs and extracurricular activities to students. The boarding tuition cost ranges between $58,025 and $72,900 for the academic year 2023-2024. The school offers 29% of financial assistance to parents who apply for assistance by visiting the School and Student Services (SSS) website.

Location: Massachusetts

Grades: 9 to 12

Financial Assistance: 29% of the cost of fees and tuition.

Contact Details: +1 978-465-1763.

George School

A well-known boarding school that has offered full-time academy activities ever since 1893 is George School. Boarding students have to pay tuition costs up to $69,600, whereas day students have to pay $46,100. Assistance up to 50% is available for parents who complete the application process at School and Student Services for financial assistance (SSS).

Location: Peninsylvania

Grades: 9 to 12

Financial Assistance: 50% of the cost of fees and tuition.

Contact Details: +1 215-579-6500.

The Taft School

The Taft School is a co-educational independent college preparatory school for students who are between 9 and 12 grades and provides an integrated curriculum. Your children can also pursue individual interests in an internship program.

Location: Watertown, Connecticut

Financial Assistance: Need-based fellowships for low-income students.

Grades: 9 to 12

Contact Details: +1 860-945-7777.

Blair Academy

The Blair Academy is another private educational preparatory school that was founded in 1848. It serves students in grades 9 to 12 and postgraduate year. The Academy is committed to offering financial aid to low-income families who demonstrate strong financial need.

Location: Blairstown, NJ

Financial Assistance: Need-based financial assistance to low-income families.

Grades: 9 to 12, including postgraduate years

Contact Details: +1 908-362-6121.

Loomis Chaffee School

The Loomis Chaffee School is an independent Co-educational college preparatory school that was founded in 1914 and accommodates students coming from 20 U.S. states and more than 20 countries. The school is known for its strong academic program and extracurricular activities.

Location: Windsor, Connecticut

Grades: 9 to 12

Financial Assistance: Need-based scholarships to students who demonstrate financial need and competency.

Contact Details: +1 860-687-6000.

Woodberry Forest School

Woodberry Forest is a private coeducational, nonsectarian college preparatory school that offers grants as a means of financial aid to low-income families. Founded in 1867, the school provides a challenging academic program that encompasses architecture, art history, theater production, and creative writing. You can apply for financial aid by visiting this website.

Location: Madison County, Virginia

Grades: 9 to 12

Financial Assistance: Grants range between $2200 and $63,450.

Contact Details: +1 540-672-3900.

St. Mark’s School

St. Mark’s School is one of the oldest private schools in Massachusetts that offers a welcoming atmosphere to all students. The annual tuition fees for day students is $53,830 and $67,590 for boarding students. The school is well known and competitive in the sports world. Parents need to file their financial statements online by visiting the SSS portal. They also need to submit relevant documents. To know about the guidelines on the school financial aid, click here.

Location: Massachusetts

Grades: 9 to 12

Financial Assistance: 30% of the cost of fees and tuition.

Contact Details: Email to  [email protected].

The Webb School

The Webb Schools are non-denominational, private co-educational college preparatory schools that educate both men and women through an academically challenging program based on Christian faith. Founded in 1922, the schools offer financial assistance to low-income families and have assisted up to $6 million in form of financial aid to 33% of students in the academic year 2022-2023. To apply for assistance, you need to contact a third-party service called Clarity and fill out the financial aid application and documentation process. You can go to the Financial Aid Application form to get started and create an account.

Location: Claremont, California

Grades: 9 to 12

Financial Assistance: Scholarship Aid to eligible students.

Contact Details: 909-626-3587.

How To Enroll Your Child In a Free or Low-Cost Boarding School?

Once you have decided on suitable low-income boarding schools with no tuition, it is time to navigate the application process by following the required steps.

• It is necessary to review the eligibility criteria of tuition-free boarding schools in America where you want to enroll your child. Different schools have different eligibility and admission criteria so you need to find out the qualification process and compare it to your kid’s qualification before visiting the official website of the boarding school.
• Collect all relevant documents like the medical history, academic records, proof of income, psychological evaluations, and other supporting documents that are requested by freeboarding schools.
• Fill out the application form provided by free boarding schools for low-income families and provide detailed information about the challenges, background, and special requirements of your child.
• A few free boarding schools for low-income families require recommendations, letters from therapists or teachers, or portfolios to decide the eligibility.
• Stay organized and keep track of the deadlines or follow-up requirements. It is important to note that every boarding school has its own criteria and deadlines. Once you complete this application process you can schedule a visit to learn the next step. Following these steps, you can boost your chance to find a suitable free boarding school for low-income families.

Are There Any Benefits To Boarding Schools?

Do you know how boarding school works in the US? It is important to take a look at the benefits of sending your child to boarding schools before making any decision.

• Personal Growth: The most compelling benefit of enrolling your child in boarding schools is to provide a nurturing and supportive environment for them to grow. Students learn time management skills and life skills.
• Academic Benefits: Boarding schools provide a structured learning environment and access to libraries, technology, advanced facilities including college counseling services to enable them pursue higher education.

• Extracurricular Activities: Besides laying an academic foundation, boarding schools also help children to take part in various clubs and activities, for instance, swimming, drama club, soccer team, and student council committee, to name a few.
• Diverse Community: Boarding schools provide access to diverse experiences for students that help them grow their interests, friendships, skills, and ideas by interacting with their peers who come from different backgrounds and values.

Read our next guide to know how to obtain government grants for schools.

Conclusion

To sum up, free boarding schools for low-income families is a critical resource for guardians who are determined that a boarding school is an ideal place for their child’s education, growth, and development. Boarding schools impart a nurturing and structured environment where they can get guidance, assistance and education to overcome all the challenges. You can enroll your child in any one of the aforementioned tuition-free boarding schools to further their education. We hope this guide has helped you to know the most frequent question about people, ‘Are Boarding Schools free in the US’ and has also shed light on the list of the top free boarding schools for low-income families in the USA.

Are you interested in learning more about assistance programs and grants that can help you improve your living situation? Then check out the rest of our blogs at GrantsBuddy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Minimum Age For Boarding School In The US?

Boarding schools start accepting students from the age of 11 or 12. These schools also provide programs for younger students. The best age to start boarding school is 8 to 13 years.

Are There Any Free Boarding Schools In California?

There are many free boarding schools in California. For instance, the SEED School of Los Angeles County is a 5-day a week boarding school that is completely free for students and is given to at-risk youth who are  LA residents.