School Life

I applied to teach at a private school in The Bahamas some years ago. During my interview, the head of school noted that I had a degree in Latin and Greek from McGill University. She exclaimed that she had always wanted her students to learn Latin. I looked at her, somewhat puzzled, and asked why she wanted Latin as part of her school's curriculum; she opined that it would help their SAT scores. I remember being skeptical about this claim, but I was more concerned about what the parents would think about having their children study a dead language. So, the head of the school called a meeting of the parents to discuss her proposed addition of Latin to the curriculum. Many parents expressed their concerns, but the head of the school was compelling in her arguments. As a result, I began teaching Latin to students in Grades 5 through 9.

Selecting a Curriculum

My next challenge, of course, was to select a Latin curriculum. Several courses were available, but I chose the Cambridge Latin Course. It enjoyed a good reputation. It was also very well laid out and organized. I made these choices in the 90s, so we were looking at the first or second edition of that particular curriculum. That was back when there was no such thing as a digital edition. Nowadays, the Cambridge Latin Course has a digital edition and a host of resources available on their website.

In the vast and evolving educational landscape, boarding schools have stood as beacons of tradition, discipline, and academic rigor. These institutions not only provide quality education but also foster personal development, independence, and resilience in students. However, boarding schools are currently navigating a complex maze of challenges. The obstacles are multifaceted, from marketing difficulties and rising insurance costs to facility maintenance and recruitment of competent trustees and teachers. This article aims to delve into these challenges and suggest potential solutions.

Marketing Challenges

Historically, boarding schools thrived on word-of-mouth marketing and their reputations for producing well-rounded, academically accomplished students. However, shifting societal norms, increased competition and the rise of digital media have disrupted these traditional strategies. Boarding schools now face the challenge of attracting a diverse student body, both domestically and internationally, while also addressing concerns about the value of the boarding school experience.

To overcome these challenges, schools need to adopt personalized admissions processes that highlight the unique benefits of their institution. Furthermore, leveraging digital marketing strategies, such as social media and content marketing, can extend their reach to prospective students and parents. Crucially, boarding schools must work to create unique selling propositions that distinguish them from their competition and resonate with today's discerning families.

This video offers suggestions for marketing your school.

Rising Costs of Liability and Property Insurance

The increasing liability and property insurance costs pose significant challenges for boarding schools. Factors such

Handling a crisis at a boarding school requires effective communication and strategic public relations to safeguard the institution's reputation and maintain trust within the community. This article will explore best practices for engaging with the community, parents, and the media during a crisis. Additionally, we will examine examples of successful and unsatisfactory crisis responses and emphasize the perils of stonewalling.

Engaging with the Community

During a crisis, it is crucial to establish open and transparent lines of communication with the community. You can achieve this through proactive measures such as holding town hall meetings, organizing information sessions, and leveraging digital platforms. These efforts demonstrate the school's commitment to addressing concerns and ensuring the well-being of students. In addition, timely updates, clear information, and empathetic messaging are essential to foster trust and maintain a positive image.

Example of a Positive Response

Consider the example of a boarding school that faced allegations of bullying within its student body. The school immediately initiated a comprehensive anti-bullying campaign involving the students, faculty, and parents. They organized awareness programs and workshops and implemented a reporting system to address concerns promptly. By openly acknowledging the issue and taking swift action, the school demonstrated its commitment to student welfare and rebuilt community trust.

This video explains crisis management.

Interacting with Parents

Parents play a vital role in a boarding school community, and effective communication during a crisis is crucial. Inform parents promptly

For dance students with dreams of pursuing their art form professionally, the high school years are a crucial time of preparation. Whether they go to dance camps over the summer or attend competitive dance high schools, many students use this time to take important steps to prepare for higher levels of dance. You may be wondering if you’ve outgrown your local dance studio, or whether you want to continue juggling a hectic schedule that requires you to commute back and forth between your school and your studio. If you’re looking for other options, here are five reasons why you should consider attending a boarding school for dance.

Professional training

The top reason to join a dance boarding high school is the rigor of training you’ll receive. The best dance boarding schools have programs specially designed for students who are interested in dancing in college and/or professionally. The boarding school difference is evident in the caliber of the material you learn, the faculty who work with you, and the fellow students who become your peers.

“My local company was somewhat intense, but I definitely felt that I could be pushed more and I could be challenged more,” says Maxwell Pfluger, a junior at Interlochen Arts Academy majoring in Dance. “I wanted to go to a place that could meet my needs.”

Lindy Sloan, a freshman studying dance at Interlochen, explains another major difference: the opportunity to work

Every year there are reports of high school students taking their own lives. Suicide casts a terrible pall over any school community. It just seems so pointless, so senseless. Yet, had members of the community acted on the signals the young person was most likely sending, that suicide could have been prevented.

The academic work in boarding school is heavy. The pressures to succeed, get into the best college, and not let parents and others down, combined with the reality of adolescent uncertainties, can create a climate for depression. Depression can lead to suicide. However, suicide is preventable.

Suicide is preventable.

Suicide is the 3rd largest killer of young adults between the ages of 15-24. But teen suicide is preventable. Know the warning signs.

The following information from Kids Health tells you what to look for.

"Suicide among teens often happens after a stressful life event, such as problems at school, a breakup with a boyfriend or girlfriend, the death of a loved one, a divorce, or a major family conflict.

Teens who are thinking about suicide might:

• talk about suicide or death in general
• give hints that they might not be around anymore
• talk about feeling hopeless or feeling guilty
• pull away from friends or family
• write songs, poems, or letters about death, separation, and loss
• start giving away treasured possessions to siblings or friends
• lose the desire to take part in favorite things or activities
• have trouble concentrating or thinking clearly
• experience changes in eating or sleeping