Schools are more than just classrooms and textbooks. Many institutions around the world occupy stunning locations and boast remarkable architecture, creating an inspiring atmosphere that goes beyond academics. Imagine learning surrounded by historical grandeur, amidst breathtaking natural landscapes, or in innovative, modern structures. This blog explores 20 of the most beautiful school campuses across the globe, highlighting their unique features and the ways they create an environment that fosters a love of learning.
Get ready to embark on a virtual journey through some of the most architecturally significant and scenically stunning schools on Earth. From historic castles to cutting-edge eco-friendly buildings nestled amidst nature, this list will showcase the remarkable diversity of educational environments found around the world. So, join us as we celebrate the beauty of learning in some truly awe-inspiring settings!
Best School Campuses in the World
Here is the list of best School Campuses in the World:
20. Institut Le Rosey—Rolle, Switzerland
Established in: 1880
Le Rosey School has two beautiful campuses in Switzerland. The main campus near Lake Geneva has a historic feel with big green spaces, lots of classrooms and facilities, and even places for theater and sports. The winter campus is located in a ski resort town and uses traditional chalets and local facilities for learning and fun.
19. Eton College—Berkshire, England
Established in: 1440
Eton College has beautiful buildings around a schoolyard. The yard was once a mess of gravel paths and mismatched repairs. Architects were brought in to redesign it using materials that matched the historic buildings and kept the yard’s informal feel. Even the statue of King Henry VI in the center of the yard was carefully restored.
18. Gymnasium Paulinum—Münster, Germany
Establishes In: 797
The Gymnasium Paulinum boasts a long history dating back to 797. Founded alongside a monastery, the school served for centuries as a place of learning for religious clergy. With its rich history, the school campus likely reflects a beautiful and traditional architectural style.
17. Phillips Exeter Academy—Exeter, New Hampshire
Established in: 1781
The Phillips Exeter Academy campus is set in a charming New Hampshire town. Buildings are close together, with dorms, classrooms, and a library all within walking distance. There’s even a theater, art gallery, and athletic fields nearby. Students can explore the town’s shops and restaurants, or take a walk along the riverside path.
16. President William McKinley High School—Honolulu, Hawai
Established in: 1865
The school was designed in a beautiful Spanish Colonial Revival style by architect Louis E. Davis. The buildings are laid out in a quadrangle, which is now a historic place.
15. Pacific Ridge High School—San Diego, California
Established in: 2007
The Pacific Ridge School campus is surrounded by nature in Carlsbad’s Bressi Ranch. Buildings are designed with open spaces and lots of light. The school is easy to get to, avoiding highways for most families.
14. The Doon School—Dehradun, India
Established in: 1935
The Doon School sits on a beautiful 72-acre campus. The buildings range from historical, like the Main Building with Renaissance architecture, to modern award-winning structures like the Arts and Media Centre. The school is surrounded by trees and gardens, making it a haven for wildlife.
13. Issaquah High School—Washington, USA
Established in: 1901
Issaquah High School has a beautiful campus that connects students to nature. A central courtyard opens to mountain views, and hallways offer glimpses of gardens. The classrooms are well-organized for learning, with spaces for teachers to collaborate, all connected by a light-filled common area.
12. Baltimore City College—Baltimore, Maryland (USA)
Established In: 1839
Baltimore City College has a beautiful campus with a Gothic-style main building nicknamed “The Castle on the Hill”. The 150-foot tower is a Baltimore landmark. The campus sits on a large hilltop with trees and a stadium.
11. California State University—Northridge, Valley Performing Arts Center
Established in: 2011
The Valley Performing Arts Center is a beautiful building with a curved glass, white plaster, and stone exterior. Inside, the lobby has a dramatic ceiling and the performance hall has wood panels designed to create a great sound for all types of performances.
10. Princeton University—Princeton, New Jersey
Established In: 1746
Princeton University has a beautiful campus with over 200 buildings on 600 acres. The buildings are a mix of styles, with Collegiate Gothic being the most prominent. There is also a lake and many sculptures scattered around the campus. The grounds were designed by famous landscape architect Beatrix Farrand.
9. Fitzroy High School—Melbourne, Australia
Established In: 2004
Fitzroy High School boasts a beautiful campus with a blend of classic and modern architecture. The school features a historic building from 1915, a renovated wing from the 1960s, and a recently built, award-winning building.
8. Mount Si High School—Washington, USA
Established In: 1944
Mount Si High School has a beautiful new campus built in 2019. The school is built on a platform to avoid flooding and offers stunning views of the mountains. The design includes a mix of indoor and outdoor learning spaces for students.
7. Lycee Henri IV—Paris, France
Established In: 1796
Lycée Henri-IV is in a beautiful, historic building that used to be an abbey. The school has parts that date back to the Middle Ages, like the chapel and cloister. There’s also a grand library with a decorated ceiling and a staircase with a statue of the Virgin Mary.
6. Chetham’s School of Music—Manchester, UK
Established In: 1969
Chetham’s School in Manchester has a beautiful campus with buildings from different eras. The oldest part is College House, a sandstone building dating back to the 15th century. It has a large courtyard, grand rooms, and interesting architectural details. In contrast, the New School Building is modern and houses music teaching rooms and performance halls. So, the campus offers a unique mix of historic charm and modern facilities.
5. Taft School—Watertown, Connecticut
Established In: 1890
The Taft School sits on a large, beautiful campus in Connecticut. The buildings are made of brick and have a classic design. In fact, Architectural Digest named it the most beautiful private high school campus in the state!
4. Stowe House—Stowe, Buckinghamshire, England
Established In: 1923
Stowe School has a beautiful campus that combines historic buildings with new academic facilities. The school was built around a 17th-century house and gardens, and the architecture reflects different styles from that period. The campus also includes landscaped gardens designed by famous landscape architects.
3. Subiaco Academy—Subiaco, Arkansas
Established In: 1928
This school has separate dorms for upper and underclassmen. Alumni Hall is a recently renovated building with high-tech classrooms and a maker space. Centenary Hall, built with local stone and wood, is the school’s performing arts center. The Fine Arts building has studios for all kinds of art projects. The main building has classrooms for social sciences, English, and foreign languages.
2. Harrow School—Greater London, England
Established In: 1572
The school has a beautiful campus with historic buildings. The oldest building, called the Old Schools, dates back to 1615. Many buildings were built in the Victorian era, including a chapel, library, and museum. The campus also has a war memorial honoring students lost in World War I.
1. Emma Willard School—Troy, New York
Established In: 1814
The Emma Willard School campus is beautiful and historic. It has buildings in a collegiate Gothic style, including a grand reading room and a chapel. The campus also has a modern art, music, and library complex. There are also athletic fields and a science center.
Conclusion
From historic universities nestled in ancient cities to modern marvels surrounded by stunning landscapes, school campuses around the world offer a unique blend of academic rigor and breathtaking beauty. This list has explored just a few of the countless educational institutions that have woven architectural wonders, natural wonders, and rich history into the fabric of their grounds.
