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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

• The Boarding School Option

The wide range of schooling opportunities that exist for Foreign Service students seeking a private boarding school education is exciting and inspiring. It is vital that the school be the right fit for the student and the student's needs. Fortunately, there is a school for everyone! If boarding school is in your child's future, then please contact our office at FLOAskEducation@state.gov. We can help with everything from developing a list of possible schools to helping see the student through the admission application.

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, 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.
• 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.

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.

Not Sure If Boarding School Is Right for Your Child?

• The Boarding School Option – A paper reviewing Department of State resources, making the boarding school decision, factors to consider when choosing a school, the application process, and an explanation (FAQs) of the "away from post" education allowance.
• Educaton Options for Foreign Service Families: Chapter 8 - Boarding Schools: Making the Choice – Advantages of a Boarding School Education, Disadvantages of a Boarding School Education, At Home or Abroad?, Advantages of Boarding schools Abroad, Advantages of Boarding Schools in the United States, Choosing a Boarding School, Matching the Boarding School to the Child, Special Logistical Support.
• Boarding School for Children with Special Needs

• Suggested Questions for Parents to Ask When Doing a Boarding School Search
• Boarding School: The Right Choice for Me – An essay written by a Foreign Service student on her experience in boarding school.
• Parent Advocacy: How Boarding Schools Can Assist Foreign Service Students
• Parent Advocacy: Talking to Boarding School Personnel

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
• Boarding schools in the United Kingdom
• United Kingdom Boarding Schools
• National Association of Private Special Education Centers

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

• The Secondary School Admission Test – 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.

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