Private schools provide a rigorous academic environment, specialized programs, and high-quality education that 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.

Over the past decade, EF Academy has sponsored more international students than any other U.S. high school. As part of EF Education First—the global leader in international education with over 60 years of experience—our campuses benefit from unmatched access to global resources, proven systems, and safety protocols designed to help international students succeed.  

With local offices all around the world, our Enrollment Advisors provide personalized guidance close to home, helping families with everything from visa applications to school enrollment. Once on campus, students are welcomed into a supportive community where our expert teachers, University & Academic Counselors, and caring faculty work together to help them feel at home and thrive personally and academically.

And, for students who need assistance strengthening their academic English skills or adjusting to an American-style classroom, our Academic English Preparation Program and English as an Additional Language (EAL) Program provide the skills they need to succeed on campus and beyond.  

EF Academy has three international day and boarding schools, each of which have their own distinct character, location advantages, and academic focus. While each has their own strengths, they all share a common goal: to help students reach their full potential and shape their future with confidence to lead happy and successful lives. 
 
EF Academy Pasadena 
Located in a peaceful, palm-fringed residential community, our California campus offers easy access to sandy beaches, snow-capped mountains, and the vibrant cultural scenes of Greater Los Angeles and Santa Monica. Here, all students pursue the U.S. high school diploma, working with their University & Academic Counselor to personalize their path based on their unique strengths and goals. They can choose to complete the full IB Diploma Programme* or enhance their education with individual IB or AP courses. Either way, they’ll graduate with a transcript of credits necessary for admission to most universities around the world. 
 
EF Academy New York 
Nestled on a 97-acre wooded campus just outside one of the most dynamic cities in the world, students learn in an environment that combines academic rigor with real-world applications. All students pursue the U.S. high school diploma, working with their University & Academic Counselor to personalize their path based on their unique strengths and goals. They can choose to complete the full IB Diploma Programme or enhance their education with individual IB or AP courses. Either way, they’ll graduate with a transcript of credits necessary for admission to most universities around the world. 
 
EF Academy Oxford 
Set in one of the world’s most historic academic cities, our Oxford campus offers a focused and academically rigorous environment rooted in tradition. Here, students are inspired by their surroundings, encouraged to attend lectures at Oxford University, and challenged through their choice of either the IB Diploma Program or A-Level Program—setting them up for acceptance at the world’s top universities.  

Each of our campuses offers a range of program options to personalized your pathway through the high school experience—all with the help of a dedicated University and Academic Counselor. 

U.S. high school diploma 
All graduates from our California and New York schools receive a U.S. High School Diploma. But first, you’ll work with your dedicated University and Academic Counselor to customize your pathway based on your goals. Choose to complete the full IB Diploma Programme or enhance your education with individual IB or AP courses. No matter your decision, you’ll graduate with a transcript of credits necessary for admission to most universities around the world. 

IB Diploma Programme 
The International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) curriculum develops critical thinking, active participation, and research and writing skills to prepare you for universities worldwide and a globally interconnected world beyond. You follow six subjects and three core requirements in languages, social studies, science, mathematics, and the arts.  
 
A-Level Program 
The A-Level Program is perfect for students who wish to prepare for university in Great Britain—and the qualifications you earn are also internationally recognized. Choose any combination of three or four subjects that align with your target university and career goals. Co-curricular activities, exam preparation, and university advising sessions help increase your chances of entering your dream university.  

AP courses 
Advanced Placement (AP) courses are recognized worldwide for their academic rigor and are often a requirement for admission to top colleges. They introduce high school students to first-year college content in a broad array of subjects. High performance on AP exams can frequently earn students college credits and some universities outside of the U.S. require a particular set of AP courses and exams as part of their admission requirements. 
 
 
The IB Preparation Program 
This program is designed for students who are considering the IB Diploma Programme. Alongside their regular coursework, they'll focus on strengthening their academic foundations, deepening subject-specific knowledge, and developing skills such as research, time management, and independent learning. The goal is to equip each student with the tools and confidence they need to thrive in the IB. 
 
Academic English Preparation Program 
Through our intensive Academic English Preparation Program and ongoing English as an Additional Language (EAL) support, students strengthen their academic writing, reading, speaking, and critical thinking skills. With expert teachers and personalized instruction, students gain the language fluency and confidence to succeed in high-level coursework and beyond. 

The academic philosophy at all of our EF Academy boarding school campuses 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 the 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 enroll day students from the local area, weekly boarders who stay on campus during the week and spend the weekend at home, and full 7-day boarders who join our global community of learners from both the U.S. and abroad. 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.

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.

At EF Academy, all classes are taught in English except for the IB Diploma Language A courses. Students are also immersed in the English language during their extracurricular activities, social events, and everyday conversations, helping them become fluent more quickly and naturally.  

Living and learning in English also means students are well-prepared for English proficiency tests like the IELTS and TOEFL, giving them a strong foundation for university and beyond. 

And, for students who want to increase their ability to learn in an English-language setting, we offer dedicated programs like the Academic English Preparation Program and English as an Additional Language (EAL). We also provide ample one-on-one guidance to help students adjust to American-style teaching and settle into life at boarding school. 

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.