English tests for U.S. boarding schools: TOEFL, TOEFL Junior, Duolingo or IELTS?
Why schools ask for an English test
A boarding school needs to know that a student can follow classes and live in a dorm in English. Each school sets the tests it accepts and the minimum score, so the first step is to read the school's international-student page.
The main options
TOEFL iBT (ETS). An English test for academic study that many boarding schools accept from international applicants. It has no fixed national dates: it is offered more than 170 times a year at test centers, and as a Home Edition. The fee depends on where you test. As of October 2026, ETS lists $280 in the United States, $232 in Korea, $283.17 in China and $249 in Canada. Express registration within 7 days of the test costs $49 more, and rescheduling costs $69. ETS advises booking a date 2 to 3 months before your earliest deadline. It suits older students.
TOEFL Junior (ETS). Designed for students aged 11 and up, and accepted by some boarding schools for younger applicants. The Standard test covers listening, language form and meaning, and reading in about 2 hours, and separate Speaking and Writing tests exist. It is offered through schools, programs and local representatives, so there are no public ETS test dates for individuals and the price is set by the provider. Ask the admission office first.
Duolingo English Test. An online test taken at home on a computer with a camera, in a quiet room, on demand with no test dates to book. The price shown on the official site is US$70. Check that your schools accept it.
IELTS Academic. An English test accepted by some U.S. schools in place of TOEFL. It is offered at more than 4,500 locations in over 160 countries, on computer or on paper at a center, and in some countries online from home. Fees and dates are set by each test center, for example USD 325 at a Washington, DC center, so you book directly with a center near you.
How to choose
- List your schools and the English tests each accepts, and the minimum score each wants. See boarding schools by region and grades.
- Pick the test that all of them accept and that you can take near home.
- Book early. Count backward from your deadlines using the application timeline, and remember that scores must reach the school before the deadline.
- Send your official scores to each school through the test provider, and keep your confirmation.
Compare dates and costs
Our test calendar shows the official pages and what we know about dates and fees. Prices and rules change, so confirm them on the official site before you pay, and read where our information comes from.
Questions
Which English test is best for a boarding school?
The one that every school on your list accepts. Schools publish their accepted tests and minimum scores, so check each school's international-student page or ask admissions before you book.
Is the Duolingo English Test accepted everywhere?
No. A growing number of boarding schools accept it, but not all. Check each school's list of accepted English tests.
Do I need an English test if I study in English?
Some schools waive the requirement for students who have studied in English for a set time, and others do not. Ask each school what it accepts as proof.
Related documents
Sources
- About the TOEFL iBT test — ETS
- Duolingo English Test — for test takers — Duolingo
- IELTS Academic test — IELTS
General information as of Oct 12, 2026, not legal, immigration or admissions advice. Each school, the U.S. Department of State and SEVP decide; check the school's own pages and official sources before you act.
