Why Boarding School

10 Top Reasons to Go to Boarding School

Why should you consider sending your child to boarding school? Wouldn't she do just as well at day school?

• This is a common question for parents to ponder as they review their private school options.
• You have made the decision to send him to a private school in principle.
• Now it is just a matter of working out the details.

There are many reasons to go to boarding school. Academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities are just a few of the considerations. But there's more. Much more.

Here are the 10 top reasons why you should go to boarding school.

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10. You will get great teachers who love to teach.

• Boarding schools traditionally hire teachers with degrees in their subjects.
• A large number of these experienced teachers also have advanced degrees in their field.
• Typically, all are passionate about their subject and love to teach it to young people.

Because discipline is rarely a problem in boarding schools, these talented teachers get to teach without having to be traffic cops or paper pushers like their public school counterparts.

9. You will have great sports and sports facilities.

• Most boarding schools have amazing sports facilities.
• The range of sports and teams is mind-boggling.
• You will find everything from squash to crew, hockey to basketball. Natatoria are common. So are

Military schools seem to go in and out of favor with the general public. Perhaps that has to do with some rather common misconceptions about what military schools are and how they operate. The truth is that America's military prep schools carry on a proud tradition of academic and personal excellence, which has withstood the assaults of negative media attention and changing education trends. Let's debunk five common misconceptions about military schools.

1. They are retirement outposts for retired officers.

Hollywood loves to portray military schools as retirement outposts for disgruntled officers with enormous grudges against just about everything and egos to match. (Think Taps with Timothy Hutton and George C. Scott.) The truth is that most military schools have a headmaster who is styled a commandant or superintendent according to military nomenclature. Becoming an administrator in a military school is a logical next career step for an officer who has retired from active service, usually in his '40s or '50s. Their egos? Most of them are pretty average. Their job is to run the school, hire the best faculty they can find, and manage the finances. That's what any headmaster does.

Running any private school these days requires immense amounts of administrative savvy combined with a deft touch for fund-raising and the diplomatic skills of a career diplomat. Being ahead of school is a multi-faceted job. Being the head of a military school requires all these skills, together with military experience and background.

2. All military schools

Boarding schools offer many benefits, but the decision to send your child to one can still be difficult. What if you know that a public school is no longer for you (or your child), but you’re not sure about sending him or her away to a boarding school? A summer program at a boarding school may serve a number of good purposes to help you with this decision. It can give you and your child a feel for the boarding school experience, as well as for a specific school itself.

Living away from home

For many parents and children, boarding school represents a major shift in their relationship, and it indicates a growing maturity in the child. For the first time, the child may be living away from home when he or she enrolls in a boarding school. By enrolling in a boarding school with a summer program, you and your child have an opportunity to see whether living away from home is an environment he or she can handle.

A summer program allows everyone to see if the child is mature enough for this transition. Many boarding schools recommend enrolling in a summer program for exactly this reason. For example, Episcopal High School in Virginia strongly encourages prospective students to visit over the summer not only to become familiar with the facility but to determine if they are ready

With over 250 schools in the United States, American boarding schools appeal to international families for a variety of reasons. According to The Association Of Boarding Schools (TABS), international students make up about 15% of the population of their member schools. We look at some of the reasons why an American boarding school is a popular option with international students around the world.

A world-class education

Almost all American boarding schools offer rigorous academics combined with compulsory athletics and a wide variety of extracurricular activities. Even more important to a parent who will probably remain at home while her child goes off to school in the United States is that boarding schools take the safety and well-being of your child very seriously. While your child is at school, 24/7 supervision is what you can expect to find at a boarding school in the United States. During vacations, the school will help you find a host for your child instead of flying him back home if that is not possible.

The academic programs at boarding schools exceed any federal, state, and local requirements. College preparatory schools usually offer Advanced Placement courses or the International Baccalaureate curriculum. Standards are high. The other advantage of an American boarding school is the small class size. Typically, the teacher-to-student ratio is 1:15 or even less.

What is an international student?

An international student is a student who holds a foreign or non-U.S. passport. He or she is

Embarking on the journey of finding the perfect boarding school for your child is an exciting yet daunting task. Boarding schools offer a unique educational experience, combining academic rigor with personal growth and independence. From traditional institutions steeped in history to specialized programs tailored to individual needs, the world of boarding schools is as diverse as it is enriching.

Boarding schools provide students an immersive learning environment where they excel academically, develop essential life skills, and form lifelong friendships. However, with many options available, parents must understand the different types of boarding schools to make an informed decision that aligns with their child's interests, aspirations, and unique learning styles.

Understanding the various types of boarding schools empowers parents to tailor their search and find the perfect fit for their child. Whether your student thrives in a traditional setting, seeks a college-preparatory curriculum, or requires specialized support, knowing the options available ensures that every child receives the education and support they need to succeed. So, let's embark on this exciting exploration of the diverse world of boarding schools, where endless opportunities await.

College-Preparatory Boarding Schools

College preparatory boarding schools' primary goal is to prepare students for the academic rigors of college life. If you're a generally well-motivated student seeking to excel and explore new opportunities, this is the type of boarding school you're looking for. All the schools listed in our boarding school directory are exclusively college-preparatory or junior boarding schools. Note that several college-prep