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Home » Under Secretary for Management » Bureau of Human Resources » Family Liaison Office (FLO) » Education and Youth » Education Options for Foreign Service Children (K-12) » Boarding School Options

There are a variety of boarding schools available to Foreign Service youth. If boarding school is in your child's future, then please contact our office at FLOAskEducation@state.gov. We can provide resources and information on boarding schools as well as the away-from-post education allowance. 

First Steps for Sending Your Child to Boarding School

• Start Early – The earlier the better. If you can, begin your research a year out. But if circumstances don’t allow you to start that early, please e-mail us at FLOAskEducation@state.gov and we’ll help you with the process.
• Check your Away from Post Allowance.
• Research schools – you know your child’s needs best!
• Gather the necessary documents your child needs to apply to boarding school (school transcripts, Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT), teacher recommendation letters, etc.).
• Contact the school to speak with someone in the Admissions Office. Confirm that there is a slot open for your child.
• Help your child apply to school.
• Confirm your allowances situation with the Office of Allowances. E-mail AllowancesO@state.gov.
• Register/enroll your child.
• Fill in the SF-1190, and present it when you arrive at post.
• Visit our Parent Advocacy page and see what suggestions we have about talking with school personnel.

Important Note: The Department of State requests that children of U.S. Foreign Service employees who attend a boarding school outside of the United States register with the American Embassy/Consulate in that country. 

Where Do I Begin My Research?

• The American Foreign Service Association's Schools at a Glance
• The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS)
• The Association of Small Boarding Schools
• Boarding School Review
• Vincent Curtis Guide to Private Schools and Summer Programs
• Petersons Private Schools Search
• Junior Boarding Schools Association (children grades 1 - 9)
• Western Boarding Schools Association
• Midwest Boarding Schools Online
• Southeastern Association of Boarding Schools
• Catholic Boarding Schools Association
• United Kingdom Boarding Schools
• National Association of Private Special Education Centers
• Boarding School Wizard
• Teen Boarding Schools
• Great Schools- Ratings, Reviews & Parent Community

 Admissions Testing May Be Necessary – Be Sure to Check with Your School

The Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) – Offered by the Educational Testing Service. It consists of two parts: a brief essay, and a multiple-choice aptitude test which measures a student's ability to solve mathematics problems, to use language, and to comprehend what is read. The SSAT is frequently required for admission to boarding and other independent schools. 

Department of State Offices

• Family Liaison Office – contact the Education and Youth Team FLOAskEducation@state.gov.
• Employee Consultation Service – for information about appropriate special needs facilities and approval for additional funding to meet the educational needs of children with special needs, e-mail MedECS@state.gov.
• Office of Allowances – for information on the "away from post" education allowance.

 FLO Web links for Education Options for Foreign Service Children (K-12)

Education Options Main Page   
Education Allowances 
Homeschooling and Online Education 
Homework Help Online    
Choices for High School: IB and AP  
Public Schools in the Washington, DC Area 
Private Schools in the Washington, DC Area 
Summer Camp Resources

Information provided by the Family Liaison Office
Contact the Family Liaison Office