Boarding schools provide transformative opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. This article highlights the key considerations families should reflect on before starting the application journey.
Boarding school can be a wonderful experience, but it isn’t the right fit for every child. Living away from home can present students with major challenges, from schedule management to knowing where to turn for support. On top of this, many boarding schools expect high academic performance and strong English language skills. Families should carefully consider their child’s maturity level, academic preparedness, and ability to adapt socially to an English-speaking setting. It’s also important to involve your child in the decision-making process and make sure they feel comfortable and prepared.
Rather than building an application list based solely on rankings and prestige, it’s important to understand where your child will be happiest and best supported. By taking time to reflect on their extracurricular interests and goals, as well as thoroughly researching each potential school, applicants can understand which options best suit their needs, ensuring that every school on their list is the best fit for them!
Location is a crucial element to consider when choosing a boarding school. It can affect convenience, comfort, and even extracurricular opportunities, all of which can influence your child’s overall performance and experience at school. Accessible airports and reliable transportation will help reduce your child’s stress during trips home over school breaks. Additionally, regional differences ーsuch as those between the East and West Coastsーmay better support specific interests like gold, sailing, skiing or the arts.
Many boarding schools offer financial aid to make the cost of attendance more affordable for families. Around 46% of students at boarding school receive financial aid either in the form of merit-based scholarships or need-based aid. If you’re looking for some extra support, make sure to connect with each school on your list to understand its aid policies and apply early as financial aid deadlines are earlier than regular application deadlines.
The application process can be overwhelming, especially when applying to multiple schools, as each school has its own set of requirements and deadlines. Start your research and plan early, and remember that boarding school applications involve not only your child but also parental support through school visits, interviews, and parent essays. Begin preparing the year before you apply to ensure that both you and your child have plenty of time to fully commit to the process.
Boarding school isn’t just about academics or preparing students for college; it’s about providing an environment where students can become capable, curious, and confident through intellectual, social, and emotional growth. Students will gain skills that will help them succeed far beyond the classroom and will follow them for life.
Need guidance? We’ve helped hundreds of families navigate this journey. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your options and find the right fit for your child.
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