Florida’s boarding schools divide between academic institutions like Saint Andrew’s School in Boca Raton and Montverde Academy, and elite athletic academies led by IMG Academy in Bradenton. Costs span $45,000 to $100,000 per year in 2026 — the widest range of any state, driven by IMG’s professional-grade sports programs.
Key facts about Florida boarding schools
- IMG Academy is the best-known sports boarding school in the world, at $90,000–$100,000 per year.
- Unlike New England schools, Florida’s sports academies can offer direct athletic scholarships.
- Academic boarding schools charge $45,000–$65,000 per year for 2025–26.
- Montverde Academy’s basketball program recruits internationally and has produced NBA players.
- Several Florida schools enroll large international cohorts with established visa and ESL support.
Which are the boarding schools in Florida?
| School | Town | Type | Boarding cost | Known for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IMG Academy | Bradenton | Coed, 6–12, PG | ~$90,000–$100,000 | Elite multi-sport training |
| Montverde Academy | Montverde | Coed, PreK–12, PG | ~$62,000 | Basketball program; international enrollment |
| Saint Andrew’s School | Boca Raton | Coed, PreK–12 (Episcopal) | ~$65,000 | Academics; IB Diploma |
| Admiral Farragut Academy | St. Petersburg | Coed, PreK–12 | ~$55,000 | Naval tradition; aviation and marine programs |
| North Broward Preparatory School | Coconut Creek | Coed, PreK–12 | ~$60,000 | IB; large international cohort |
| Windermere Preparatory School | Windermere | Coed, PreK–12 | ~$58,000 | IB; near Orlando |
IMG Academy and the sports academy model
IMG Academy operates differently from traditional boarding schools: it is a professional training institution that also runs a school, with sports science, nutrition, mental performance staff, and year-round coaching in football, basketball, tennis, golf, soccer, baseball, and track. At $90,000–$100,000 per year it is roughly the cost of Swiss boarding.
Because IMG and similar academies sit outside associations like NEPSAC, they can offer direct athletic scholarships — impossible at most Northeastern schools, as explained in boarding school scholarships. For families weighing this, the decision is a professional-development calculation, not a conventional school choice; see is boarding school worth it.
The academic alternatives
Saint Andrew’s School in Boca Raton and Montverde Academy offer conventional college-preparatory boarding at roughly $62,000–$65,000, both with IB programs — useful for families targeting universities outside the US, as covered in international boarding schools.
One structural caution: most Florida boarding schools enroll large day populations, so ask what share of boarders stay on campus at weekends. All states: best boarding schools by state.
Florida boarding school FAQ
What is the best boarding school in Florida?
It depends on the goal. For academics, Saint Andrew's School in Boca Raton and Montverde Academy near Orlando lead. For elite athletics, IMG Academy in Bradenton is the best-known sports boarding school in the world, though at $90,000–$100,000 per year it is also among the most expensive.
How much does IMG Academy cost?
IMG Academy in Bradenton charges approximately $90,000–$100,000 per year for boarding students in 2025–26, varying by sport — among the highest in the United States. The cost reflects professional-level coaching, facilities, sports science, and year-round training alongside academics.
Do Florida boarding schools offer athletic scholarships?
Some do. Unlike NEPSAC schools in New England, which prohibit athletic scholarships, sports-focused academies like IMG Academy operate outside those associations and can offer athletic aid directly. Amounts and criteria vary by sport and are negotiated individually.
Are Florida boarding schools good for international students?
Yes — several enroll large international cohorts. Montverde Academy, IMG Academy, and Admiral Farragut Academy all draw heavily from Latin America, Europe, and Asia, and maintain established visa and ESL support. Montverde's basketball program in particular recruits internationally.
Sources
- IMG Academy, Montverde Academy, Saint Andrew’s School: published tuition and program data.
- Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS): state school directory.