BOARDING SCHOOLS

Boarding schools are residential private schools where students live on campus similar to universities where students live in dorms or residence halls, but they are primarily for middle school and high school students. Many parents choose to send their children to a boarding school so they can concentrate on their studies and be better prepared for college.

The best boarding schools boast a very rigorous and challenging curriculum. Their goal is for the students to achieve academic excellence and equip them with the knowledge and skills that are necessary to succeed in college. There are many opportunities for students to participate in extracurricular activities related to sports, music, and arts to hone and further develop their talents and develop self-discipline. Boarding school graduates end up getting into top-ranked colleges and universities because of the training and preparation they received while in high school.

Admission to boarding schools requires much more than grades and credentials. Admissions officers look for students who possess maturity and responsibility because attending a boarding school means living independently away from the comforts of home. It can be quite challenging, but at the same time, it can also be a fun and enjoyable experience.

What are the benefits of attending a boarding school?

Conducive Environment for Learning

Boarding schools have structured programs and schedules that allow students to focus and concentrate on their studies. Resources are readily available to supplement lectures and classes. Libraries and study halls are structurally and aesthetically designed to encourage students to spend time and study their lessons by themselves or with peer groups.

Small Class Sizes

The teacher-to-student ratio is low so teachers can give guidance and spend more time working with students to closely monitor their performance individually. Enrichment activities, as well as progressive lessons, are given as needed to help students achieve academic success.

Sports and Arts Programs

To keep students engaged, boarding schools offer a wide array of programs in sports and arts from which students can choose. It is a way to develop their talents and skills to eventually find ways to use them that will benefit society in general.

Character Development

Staying at a boarding school requires a lot of responsibility. Students fend for themselves and solve problems on their own. They learn to be hard-working, organized, and self-reliant.

What do boarding schools look for?

Grades. Admissions officers need to make sure that applicants will succeed while studying at a boarding school. Grades reflect the academic aptitude of the applicant and what to expect if he is accepted into the program.

Test scores. Because of the test-optional policy, most boarding schools do not require applicants to submit SSAT, ISEE, or HSPT test scores. However, submitting a solid score on the test confirms your ability to do well academically so it is better to go ahead and take the tests. Taking practice tests is an excellent way to prepare and ensure competitive scores.

Communication and Writing Skills. The interview, student essay, and writing sample are important parts of the admission process. These give admissions officers a chance to get to know you better, your passion, interests, goals, character, and personality while assessing your communication skills. The writing sample and essay on the other hand display your writing skills.

Why should parents consider boarding schools?

Parents choose to send their children to boarding schools because they want them to receive specialized programs that will eventually help them get admitted to the college of their dreams. Boarding schools provide transformative experiences that meet students’ individual needs that make them achieve a successful academic life.

Boarding schools provide a stable learning environment, where all after-school activities are included. Parents don’t have to worry about the logistics and their children are able to be more deeply immersed in these extracurricular activities.

Sometimes, family situations become unstable due to sickness or other circumstances, sending their child to a boarding school provides stability and lets him focus on his studies without the distractions of domestic life.

Choosing a boarding school for your child could be the best decision you will ever make. Be sure to do school visits first and check if your child is comfortable and excited about the prospect. If you find a school that’s a great fit, you’ll be assured that your child will receive an exceptional education and would be on the path to success.

Are boarding schools worth it?

Yes, they are!

For some families, attending a boarding school is a rite of passage and a tradition within the family. For the others, attending a boarding school might be out of necessity. It could be that the domestic situation is not conducive to learning or that the child needs to thrive in a more challenging environment to excel and reach his potential to the fullest.

If your child is determined to enter a highly selective college, attending a boarding school can be helpful. Boarding schools are known for being academically sound, which means that a certain level of quality is assured from their graduates. As they are private schools, they are freer to define their own learning and teaching philosophies which contribute to excellent academics.

Boarding schools give students opportunities to hone and polish their skills through access to more resources. This would help them shine and excel in a way that differentiates them from the applicant pool when they undergo college applications.

EXPLORE TOP PRIVATE SCHOOLS

BOARDING SCHOOLS

What are the benefits of attending a boarding school?

What do boarding schools look for?

Why should parents consider boarding schools?

Are boarding schools worth it?