Boarding School Options
There are a variety of boarding schools available to Foreign Service youth. If boarding school is in a child’s future, parents can contact the Family Liaison Office (FLO) Education Team. FLO’s Education and Youth Team 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 email us 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.
- Register/enroll your child.
- Fill in the SF-1190, and present it when you arrive at post.
- Check out perspectives on applying to boarding school and single sex education in these Foreign Service Journal articles.
- Visit our transition 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) – Includes a list of junior boarding schools.
- Small Boarding Schools Association
- Boarding School Review
- Petersons Private Schools Search
- Western Boarding Schools Association
- Midwestern Boarding Schools
- Catholic Boarding Schools Association
- United Kingdom 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.