Over the years, I have received hundreds of questions about boarding schools. What I find fascinating is that most of the questions are variations on the same question, namely, "Which is the best school in...?" Readers understandably want to know which is the best school for their child. As they soon realize, there is no easy answer to their question. It is similar to finding an apartment or a house. You have to describe what it is that you are looking for. The second most common question asked is about scholarships. Paying for a boarding school education is a significant concern for most parents. They need to know their options. So, against that backdrop, let's look at some of these inquiries with my answers.
The question: "Hi there would u please suggest to me the best boarding school in Jakarta??"
My answer: "I am not familiar with private schools in Indonesia. I suggest that you ask the headteacher at a local school for guidance."
A quick Google search seemed to indicate that there are no Western-style boarding schools in Indonesia. In any case, I am not familiar with private schools in that part of the world. The other point I would have made if the reader had asked about schools in the U.S. or Canada is that the best school always fits your requirements best. That does not necessarily mean that your chosen school is better than any other. It just suits your needs and requirements better than any other school you have looked at.
Boarding schools offer so much more than academics, as seen in this video from The Taft School.
The question: "Hello, I'm from Bangladesh. I want to admit in a school in Canada at 12 grade. Which school will be great for me? By the way, I always achieved GPA 5.00 out of 5.00 in every exam? May I have any scholarship?"
Hopefully, the reader could attend a local event to meet admissions staff members from several overseas schools. Canadian and American schools often send teams overseas on recruiting trips in the fall. You can find details about those trips on the TABS and individual school sites. Also, schools where you express interest as an international student will alert you to local recruiting events.
Boarding schools deliver academics in a variety of ways. Here is an overview of the Northfield Mount Hermon College Model Academic Program (CMAP).
The question: "I'm looking for a boarding school that caters as from Grade 1 and for children with ADHD. Please assist."
My answer: "Most boarding schools in the United States and Canada offer high school, typically grades 9-12. There are about ten junior boarding schools that offer grades 4-5 through grade 9. Call the admissions offices of these schools and determine if some of them can provide the specialized teaching which your child requires. If you live in an urban area, you can probably find a school in your area which has teachers who specialize in teaching children with ADHD. That should cover the elementary school years. As one parent to another, I advise exploring your local options first." Use the Private School Review search engine to find schools in your area.
My response is that a professional should assess children with learning differences locally and a remediation course as soon as possible. The parent must devote much love, attention, and care to her child to achieve the good results the child deserves and needs.
The question: "Can you suggest me a good high school with a good golf team ??? Thanks."
My answer: "The search engine on Boarding School Review will produce a list of schools offering golf as a sport. You will have to do your own research and due diligence about the program and the staff who run it in order to determine whether the golf program at a particular school will meet your needs and requirements."
The search engines on both Boarding School Review and Private School Review have several filters that will allow you to find the kind of school you are looking for.
The question: "Hello, I was wondering if I could get some information on boarding schools and their scholarship."
My answer: "The first step is to identify schools that interest you. Use the search engine on Boarding School Review to look for schools. Then make a list of three to five schools which you feel meet your requirements. Finally, contact each school individually and ask about their financial aid programs. There are a couple of free boarding schools Take a look at these and see whether you qualify. Good luck!"
The question: "My name is Abdulhafiz Baker. I finished grade 10 last year with 4.0 grade from the Ethiopian national exam. I have also a good school transcript. I also participated in natural and HIV clubs. Please, if possible, help me to learn in your school or tell me if other schools could support me."
My answer: "Apply to schools which you can find using the search engine on Boarding School Review. You will need to take the TOEFL, as well as complete the other admissions requirements for each school to which you decide to apply. Begin your search eighteen months before the date of your proposed first class. You will need plenty of time to obtain a Student Visa in order to enter the United States."
Perhaps a single-sex school is the right solution. Take a look at what McCallie School offers.
If you are interested in attending a boarding school in the United States or Canada, explore individual school websites to find schools that you think might be ones that you would like to attend. Then, email each school's admissions office and ask for information. If you have specific questions about a school's program, don't hesitate to ask those questions. You will find boarding school admissions offices only too happy to help.
More questions? Contact me on Facebook. @boardingschoolreview
