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 boarding schools also accommodate students with learning differences (LD) or ADD/ADHD.
Within college-preparatory boarding schools, there are additional distinctions between schools:
- While there are fewer all-boys or all-girls boarding schools in the USA, there are several single-sex boarding schools. View a list of all-girls or all-boys boarding schools.
- Military schools - these boarding schools also prepare students for college life with the addition of military-type discipline and structure. View a list of military boarding schools.
- Pre-professional arts schools -specialize in helping students train and become artists in various fields, such as music, visual arts, theatre, ballet, and creative writing. Students are prepared for entrance into either traditional colleges or specialty schools like music conservatories (e.g., Juilliard). View a list of arts boarding schools.
- Religious boarding schools emphasize a particular religion and spiritual growth. View a list of Christian boarding schools.
Junior Boarding Schools
Junior boarding schools offer boarding opportunities for students in grades eight or lower. Some boarding schools focus exclusively on the junior boarding experience (and offer only junior boarding grades), while others provide both junior and college-prep boarding grades. View a list of junior boarding schools.
In this brief video, Kim Loughlin explains why a junior boarding school might be an excellent educational option for your child.
Therapeutic Boarding Schools
Therapeutic boarding schools are aimed at students with difficulty in a traditional school setting. While preparing students for college can also be a goal for these schools, these schools are also able to handle students who are facing challenges such as behavioral/emotional problems, substance abuse, or significant learning differences. Such students are sometimes referred to as "troubled teens" or "struggling teens;" hence, therapeutic boarding schools are sometimes called "boarding schools for troubled teens" or "boarding schools for struggling teens."
- Therapeutic schools vary in their operations and focus. An educational consultant can help you better understand this area and find appropriate schools. Boarding School Review does not currently list therapeutic boarding schools.
Sports Schools
Have you got an aspiring hockey player in your family? Be sure to check out private high schools. Your daughter or son will find excellent hockey teams and superb sports facilities. And, yes, the academics are first-rate too. Tennis, golf, swimming, and riding are other high-level sports at boarding schools.
Schools for the Arts
Schools for artistically gifted children are in short supply. If you have a daughter inclined to things like thespian or a son who sings, you ought to consider a school that makes the arts its raison d'etre, a place where the arts are not just a pleasant extracurricular activity.
These specialist private schools arrange their academic day around severe times for the arts. Plenty of rehearsal time is a must, and exciting recital and performance opportunities abound. Expert instruction is de rigeur. This short video explains why the arts are important.
Schools for Special Needs
Forget any stigma when it comes to choosing a school for special needs. These schools are excellent. They have spent years perfecting their learning strategies. They understand young people like your son. They know what needs to be done.
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