Choosing a School

You’ve decided boarding school may be the best option for your child’s education. Now it’s time to find a school that meets the needs of your family. Determine when your child is ready to attend boarding school, learn why students can benefit from a single-sex education, and get tips on finding data and comparing schools. Discover the benefits of education consultants, explore Quaker schools, and find get expert advice on making an informed decision.

View the most popular articles in Choosing a School:

Boarding School Admissions: International Students

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Boarding School Admissions: International Students
A comprehensive guide for international students and their families on navigating the admissions process for American boarding schools, covering benefits, application tips, visa requirements, and preparation for boarding school life.
iStock Photo/Edward Figueres

Boarding School Admissions: International Students

American boarding schools are an excellent option for families seeking a high-quality education for their children. Suppose you are a parent in Asia or Central and South America considering sending your son or daughter to a boarding school in the United States. In that case, this article will help you understand the steps involved so that you can make that happen. Many parents like you have done the same thing because they value American boarding schools' high academic standards. They also understood the return on such a significant investment in terms of developing a robust network of friends and associates throughout the global community. American schools offer excellent preparation for university-level studies.

International students make up about 15% of the student population in American boarding schools. Anyone who is not a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident of the United States is considered an international applicant by American boarding schools.

Attending a boarding school in the United States means that your child will join a school community with decades of experience educating international students. These schools have years of experience helping students from around the world adjust to their new lives in the United States, making that transition as smooth as possible.

We understand that sending your child far from home is a major decision. You will have many questions about the admissions process, visa requirements, and what life will be like at school. As a parent whose daughters attended American boarding schools,

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Nurturing Futures: A Journey through Boarding at Haut-Lac School in Switzerland

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Nurturing Futures: A Journey through Boarding at Haut-Lac School in Switzerland
Nestled in the hills overlooking Lake Geneva in the French-speaking part of Switzerland lies an educational gem that embodies a unique blend of academic excellence, cultural richness and a profound sense of community. Founded over 30 years ago, Haut-Lac International Bilingual Day and Boarding School is now home to both 600 day students and a maximum of 30 boarders from around the world.

Read on to find out more about the distinctive boutique boarding experience at this family-oriented school, from its calming surroundings to the warmth of its community and the excellence of its education.

An Enchanting Location

Forget the hustle and bustle of city centers. Haut-Lac's 5-star location at the heart of the Swiss Riviera treats staff and students to stunning views over Lake Geneva and the Alps beyond.

If you ever wondered why Charlie Chaplin and Henri Nestlé chose this scenic area as their base, just step out onto our secondary campus and boarding house terraces, and you’ll have your answer.

The school's proximity to the lake and mountains offers both an inspiring backdrop for learning and a unique opportunity for students to connect with the natural world. Outdoor lessons, Winter season ski outings, and paddle-boarding or hiking weekends with the boarders are a few of the many ways Haut-Lac uses the region's rich cultural heritage to create a stimulating environment that nurtures curiosity and a global perspective.

Nested in the heart of the Swiss Riviera

Nested in the heart of the Swiss Riviera

Studying at Haut-Lac

As an IB World School accredited by the Council of International Schools, Haut-Lac’s commitment to quality is second only to its passion for nurturing the potential in each student and fostering a lifelong love of learning.

It’s four secondary academic curricula, namely the IB Middle Years Programme (IBMYP), IB Diploma Programme (IBDP), IB Career-Related Programme

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Boarding School Commercials

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Boarding School Commercials
Discover the ideal boarding school for your child! From boys' schools to schools with a religious emphasis, we explore various types of boarding schools that cater to different needs. Unleash their potential, empower their dreams, and nurture their talents. Read more to find the perfect fit!

Boarding schools come in several different formats. There are single-sex schools for boys and for girls. There are military schools. Several schools offer specialized instruction for students with learning differences. Others have strong sports or arts programs. So, to help you choose the type of boarding school that meets your needs and requirements, here are some commercials for each kind of school. After reading these, I suggest you explore the types of schools that interest you using the powerful search tool we have built into the splash page of this site.

Boys' Schools

"Unleash Their Potential at Our Boys' Boarding School!"

Are you looking for a school that understands and caters to the unique needs and strengths of your son? Look no further! Our Boys' Boarding School offers an environment designed specifically for boys to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. Here's why you should consider sending your son to our school:

Tailored Education Our curriculum is designed with a focus on boys' learning styles, encouraging active engagement and hands-on experiences. We provide a challenging academic program that nurtures their intellectual growth and fosters critical thinking skills.

Positive Male Role Models Our dedicated faculty and staff create a supportive atmosphere where boys can develop healthy relationships with positive male role models. These mentors understand the specific needs of boys and provide guidance, encouragement, and mentorship throughout their educational journey.

Character Development We believe in instilling strong values and character traits in our students. Through leadership programs, character education, and

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The Gifted Student

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The Gifted Student
Your child is gifted. Congratulations! It's an awesome responsibility to parent a gifted child. So, what about high school? Check out boarding schools. They offer a rich array of resources and experience for teaching gifted children.

Oxford Languages defines gifted as "having exceptional talent or natural ability." You've been aware for a long time that your child is gifted. She reads several grade levels above her grade and is passionate about robotics. She socializes well, and is liked by her teachers and classmates. The problem is that your local public school doesn't have the resources to stretch her and allow her to achieve her full potential. So, you are looking at boarding schools as an option for expanding her intellectual horizons.

Signs of Giftedness in Children Include:

  • an extreme need for constant mental stimulation
  • an ability to learn and process complex information rapidly
  • a need to explore subjects in surprising depth
  • an insatiable curiosity, as demonstrated by endless questions and inquiries
  • ability to comprehend material several grade levels above their age peers
  • surprising emotional depth and sensitivity at a young age
  • enthusiastic about unique interests and topics
  • quirky or mature sense of humor
  • creative problem solving and imaginative expression
  • absorbs information quickly with few repetitions needed
  • self-aware, socially aware, and aware of global issues

Source: Davidson Institute

So, I can tell you as a parent of two gifted daughters, boarding school is an excellent option. We lived in rural Litchfield County, Connecticut. The local regional school system was very good but had limited resources. There was no internet in those days. So, we encouraged reading lots of books and added enrichment activities. But, again, we soon exhausted those scarce resources. Boarding school ended up being the most sensible

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What is Progressive Education?

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What is Progressive Education?
The promise of progressive education is as the students come to the solution, they’re active, they’re engaged, they’re motivated, and they’re learning. Most progressive schools encourage students to explore other areas of their development where young people find focus or uncover the contentment of stillness. It is about learning how to think, not what to think.

Picture your ideal classroom. What do you see? A line of desks, concentrated students diligently solving math problems? Or do you envision something different?

Perhaps you picture a classroom electric with energy. Small groups of students stand at whiteboards around the classroom, debating, arguing, and trying to figure out the best approach to a difficult math problem. A teacher circulates, asking questions and making observations. And suddenly, a flash of celebration, as the students come to the solution. They’re active; they’re engaged; they’re motivated. And they’re learning.

This is the promise of progressive education.

What is Progressive Education?

Arising out of the ideas of John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, the progressive educational movement focuses on the process of learning over the rote memorization of facts. Beginning in the 19th century, progressive educators such as John Dewey, Rudolf Steiner, and Maria Montessori began to develop a philosophy of education that became progressive education as we know it today.

A true definition of progressive education is admittedly difficult to pin down – the field is broad and contains many schools of thought. However, there are several values that are shared by the progressive education community.

Attending to the Whole Child

Progressive educators are concerned with the holistic development of the child. Intellectual and academic growth is but one part of the picture in progressive education – the social, emotional, moral, artistic, athletic, and even athletic evolution of the child are equally considered.

Progressive schools offer a

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Recent Articles

Boarding School Admissions: International Students
Boarding School Admissions: International Students
A comprehensive guide for international students and their families on navigating the admissions process for American boarding schools, covering benefits, application tips, visa requirements, and preparation for boarding school life.
Parents' Concerns about Sending Their Child to Boarding School
Parents' Concerns about Sending Their Child to Boarding School
Explore the comprehensive world of American boarding schools, from academic excellence to holistic development. This in-depth guide covers key concerns for parents, including financial considerations, safety, and specialized programs, providing essential insights for families considering this transformative educational experience.
Teaching in a Boarding School: A Comprehensive Guide for Educators
Teaching in a Boarding School: A Comprehensive Guide for Educators
We explore the unique aspects of teaching in a boarding school environment and offer provides valuable insights for educators considering this career path, covering the multifaceted nature of the job, qualifications required, and practical tips for securing a position. Whether you're a seasoned teacher looking for a change or a new graduate exploring career options, this guide offers a realistic view of life as a boarding school educator.

Featured Schools

Featured Schools

Choosing a School

GETTING STARTED
This section covers the basics of choosing a boarding school. Learn more about educational consultants, explore the dos and don’ts of making the right choice, and learn why you should trust your instincts. When is the right time to attend boarding school? What is a post-graduate year? How can an educational consultant help? Here you’ll find the answers to these questions and more.
NARROWING YOUR LIST
You’ll find helpful tools and resources to aid in narrowing your list down to the best schools that meet your requirements. Determine the benefits of Quaker education, learn how girls benefit from single sex education and get 5 reasons to start your search early.
EVALUATING SCHOOLS
Here we’ll provide you with information on evaluating boarding schools. From comparing schools to identifying language and sports programs, our articles will help you make an informed decision. Learn the best approach to compare schools, get tips on creating a spreadsheet, and determine where to find the data.