International Boarding Schools

Boarding schools provide a rigorous academic environment, specialized programs, and high-quality education that will prepare students for university and their future careers. The schools also offer a wide range of extracurricular activities that allow students to explore and develop their interests beyond the academic curriculum.

Each EF Academy campus boasts distinct opportunities. Our Pasadena campus in the US offers sunshine, beach volleyball, snow-capped mountains, a laid-back California atmosphere, and convenient access to the vibrant cultural scene of Greater Los Angeles. Our New York campus experiences all four seasons and is close to the bustling energy of New York City. Our Oxford campus in the UK, places you at the heart of England’s historic university city, granting access to exceptional academic resources and a richly diverse international student community.

The academic philosophy at all of our international EF Academy boarding schools follows our proven EF Academy Approach, developed over nearly 60 years as a pioneer of immersion learning. It all starts with building a personalized pathway that’s right for your unique learning journey. The focus is on Mastery of Skills, that you gain through real-life learning, not just memorization of facts. All the while, you’re immersed in our Global Community of co-learners from 60+ countries. The result? You build both the academic knowledge and interpersonal skills you need to build a successful and happy life.

Our Pasadena and New York campuses happily accept day students from the local area to join our global community of learners. We have limited spots in each grade for the coming year, so contact our admissions offices as soon as possible about fees and enrollment deadlines. We also offer a weekly boarding option where students stay on campus during the week and spend the weekends at home.

At EF Academy boarding schools in Pasadena and New York, completing coursework earns students a high school diploma with AP course options. In New York, students may choose to pursue the IB Diploma; IB courses are available regardless of the chosen diploma. Pasadena offers our unique Innovation and Impact Program. In Oxford, students can pursue the IB Diploma or A-Levels.

Our welcoming campus community empowers you to come as you are and become who you want to be. Together, we create an inclusive environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging. Sharing everyday life—studying, eating, rooming, exploring, hanging out—is a priceless life-preparing experience. Student life continues long after classes are over for the day. Students can join a rich co-curricular program of after-school activities. These include clubs, intramural sports, excursions, and events organized by our activities team. Exploring a mutual interest is the easiest way to make friends quickly.

All teaching at EF Academy is done in English, with the exception of the IB Diploma Language A courses. Studying at our international high schools strongly promotes total fluency in English because you not only speak this global language in class, but you also use it during social activities. Immersing yourself in the language and the culture that goes with it will help you score higher on English proficiency exams like the IELTS or TOEFL.

We do not expect you to be completely fluent in English, but we do require you to have enough of an understanding to keep up with studying in English. As EF is one of the world leaders in teaching English, we offer many ways for you to accelerate your English proficiency before starting at one of our boarding schools. We offer the EF Academy Preparation Program for students who want to strengthen their academic English skills before starting at our boarding schools. Our Enrollment Advisors can provide information on the program for you to take in the months or year leading up to you joining EF Academy. Just get in touch and they will be happy to help!

EF Academy offers merit-based scholarships designed for students who are outstanding academically, exceptionally creative, and/or especially engaged in their communities. Learn more here.