International boarding schools for Polish students

	School ( = Featured )	Grades	Type	Languages / Type
3	EF Academy Cotuit Hall, Pullens Lane, Headington, Oxford, OX3 0DA	Gr. 8 to Gr. 12	A levels American Curriculum Diploma programme English National Curriculum GCSE / iGCSE International Baccalaureate PSAT Exams SAT I Exams	English A levels American Curriculum Diploma programme English National Curriculum GCSE / iGCSE International Baccalaureate PSAT Exams SAT I Exams
2	Columbia International College 1003 Main Street West, Hamilton, L8S 4P3	Gr. 7 to Gr. 12		English
1	Robert Land Academy 6727 S Chippawa Road, Wellandport, L0R 2J0	Gr. 5 to Gr. 12		English
1	Houghton Academy 9790 Thayer, Houghton, 14744	Gr. 6 to Gr. 12	A levels American Curriculum	English, Spanish A levels American Curriculum
1	Rothesay Netherwood School 40 College Hill Road, Rothesay, E2E 5H1	Gr. 6 to Gr. 12	Diploma programme International Baccalaureate	English Diploma programme International Baccalaureate
1	Trinity College School 55 Deblaquire Street North, Port Hope, L1A 4K7	Gr. 5 to Gr. 12		English
1	St. Stephen's School, Rome Via Aventina 3, Rome, 00153	Gr. 9 to Gr. 12	American Curriculum Diploma programme International Baccalaureate	English American Curriculum Diploma programme International Baccalaureate
1	Niagara Christian Collegiate 2619 Niagara Pkwy, Fort Erie, L2A 5M4	Gr. 6 to Gr. 12		English
0	Branksome Hall 10 Elm Ave, Toronto, M4W 1N4
0	Upper Canada College 220 Lonsdale Road, Toronto, M4V 2X8
0	Pickering College 16945 Bayview Ave, Newmarket, ON, L3Y 4X2

On this page:

List of schools
Facts about international boarding schools
Benefits of studying abroad
What to consider when choosing a boarding school?
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Facts about international boarding schools

International boarding schools have many things in common, but they differ significantly—each has its own specific character, community, and culture. Among them are schools that prefer the traditional teaching model or, on the contrary, are more progressive. Some are religious-affiliated, while others have an arts or sports focus. Make sure you contact schools directly to learn exactly what they offer.

• Age: Most boarding schools are high schools. This means they’re intended for students aged 13-18.

• Cost: Tuition fees at boarding schools vary widely. For example, in schools in Canada, annual tuition covering accommodation and meals ranges from $25 to $100,000 (PLN 70,535 to 282,075). Normally, there aren’t many additional costs.

• Admissions system: Each boarding school has its own requirements. Most often, the admissions process is based on an interview, entrance exams, and essays, as well as grades. Schools set their own deadlines for receipt of materials.

• Curriculum: Boarding schools have very different programs—international, mainstream, alternative, and more. Some have a special focus. For example, they may offer programs for students with special needs, or may focus on sports, the arts, or military training.

• Language of instruction: In most boarding schools in Canada, the language of instruction is English. However, many other schools teach in other languages, including French, Spanish, German, Italian, or Japanese. Some schools offer bilingual education.

• Students: Many boarding schools also have day programs. Thus they have diverse student bodies, coming from Canada, the US, Europe, and many other parts of the world.

Benefits of studying abroad

International boarding schools have many advantages. They’re a good option for students from Poland and other European countries, as well as from the US and Canada.

• High level of education: private boarding schools usually provide very high-quality education. They offer a wide range of programs and courses at the high school level. Schools normally follow the country's core curriculum, but often go beyond it.

• Advanced programs: some boarding schools offer special programs for high-performing students. For example, these could be dedicated programs for gifted learners. Sometimes schools offer other options to enrich learning, both in the classroom and outside, such as individualized curricula, independent programs, and mentoring.

• International programs: Many boarding schools offer international programs, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB). IB is a rigorous international curriculum. Some schools also offer Advanced Placement courses, which are internationally recognized university-level courses.

• Learning English: an international boarding school is a great option for students from Poland who want to learn or improve a foreign language. When studying in Canada or the United States, your child will take all (or almost all) their subjects in English, and they’ll learn and interact with English-speaking peers. Students can also learn other languages such as French and Spanish.

While studying in Canada or the US, your child will be completely immersed in the English language—learning all subjects in this language and using it during conversations with peers, teachers, and educators.

• World-class reputation: Many private boarding schools, for example in the UK, Canada, and the US, have an international reputation. Worldwide, they’re recognized as providing a high level of education. Graduating from such a school increases your child's chances of getting into a top rate university in Canada, the US, or Western Europe.

These schools very often have a long tradition, whose graduates throughout their lives feel proud, and keep in touch with each other and their alma mater. Sometimes they make generous donations to the school later in life.

• Support systems: boarding schools support students in a variety of ways, e.g., through personal counseling, individualized learning, mentoring, peer tutoring, and other programs. This is especially important for students from other countries, such as Poland. Thanks to this strong support, students can excel academically, improve their social skills, as well as take full advantage of living and learning in another country.

• Broadening horizons: one of the main motives for educating a child abroad is the desire to broaden their horizons. Your child will study with peers from around the world. They’ll also live in another country, learn new customs, learn about other languages and cultures, and have the opportunity to travel.

What to consider when choosing a boarding school?

Reputation: What do current and former students think about school? Do they think highly of it? Is it worth the money?

Science: What topics is your child interested in—is it art, biology, engineering, math, or language, for example? Does the school specialize in the discipline? Does it offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses or International Baccalaureate programs?

School philosophy: What is the school's approach to education? What is its mission? What are its main goals? Are these a good fit with your child?

School size: Is the school big or small? What’s the average number of students in a class and what’s the student-to-teacher ratio?

Extracurriculars: What activities and programs does the school offer outside of class? Will they find something that interests them?

Cost: How much is tuition? What does it include and not include? Does the school provide flexible payment terms? Does it offer scholarships or other forms of financial support?

Before registering your child for a boarding school abroad, make a list of "for" and "against" arguments. Examine this list carefully with your child and other people involved in the decision, and highlight the most important points. And of course, learn as much as possible about the schools you’re considering.

Our Kids recommends

Our Kids offers detailed coverage of foreign boarding schools in Best boarding schools, as well as a thorough discussion of their advantages in Boarding school benefits.

Some foreign boarding schools are coed, but there are also boys- and girls-only schools. For information about these types of schools and profiles of specific schools, read: All-boys schools in the USA and Europe and Girls' schools.

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