Why Do Kids Go to Boarding School: Why Attend Boarding School

By Helen H. Waldron, M.Ed

As a boarding school lifer (29 years and counting), I’ve seen hundreds of students flourish in the rich culture of learning, friendship, arts, athletics and intellectual discourse. Why do kids go to boarding school? Because boarding schools are twenty-four hour, intentional communities created with the student’s growth and development at the center. With a college campus feel, this includes challenging academics, abundant arts and athletics offerings, and a supervised, structured student life experience.

Today’s boarding school students succeed at significantly higher rates than private day and public school students, especially in college and adult life, according to a recent study conducted by the Arts & Science Group of Baltimore for The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS). The study also found that students are more likely to earn an advanced degree and achieve faster career advancement.

Recently I asked students, teachers, and boarding school grads to share their views on the most important benefits of boarding school. The top response was living in a diverse, close-knit community. Small, challenging classes taught by teachers who care were next, followed by the opportunity for deep friendships with students from around the world.

The small class size, excellent teachers, and strong friendships she developed enabled her to succeed in college, go around the world on Semester At Sea, and work in Boston and NYC. She has remained best friends with one of her friends from boarding school who was her matron of honor at her wedding. They live on opposite sides of the U.S. but will always be BFFs. – Eileen, parent

Academic Experience: Why Do Kids Go to Boarding School for Academic Excellence

Most students and their parents initially choose a boarding school for more challenging academics. Faculty hold high expectations as they roll out college prep coursework and share their passion on a subject. Teachers live on campus and are available for extra help after the school day ends. Weekend study sessions are the norm. Faculty seize teachable moments in the classroom, on the playing field, and in the dorms. Courses that cultivate curiosity and stewardship are abundant at the best schools.

Learning Is Cool: Harnessing The Power Of Peers

Being smart is cool in boarding school. Students are stimulated intellectually in ways they never were before in their schools and tend to be more motivated when surrounded by success-oriented peers. The TABS study found that 78% of boarders reported they are motivated by peers compared to 49% of public school students. Living with students from diverse backgrounds informs the dialogue in the dorm, at dinner, and in the dining hall.

Small Classes Offer Individual Attention

A class size of 12 is the average at most boarding schools. Small classes allow teachers to provide individualized attention and the students have plenty of access to their teachers. The humanities classrooms are often set up in the Socratic method, with the teacher as facilitator and mentor. In these classes, students are provided with questions, not answers. Encouraged to think and share, students find their voices. They actively participate in their learning.

Programs, Coaches, And Facilities Are Awesome

There are countless options for athletics, the arts, and community service. Boarding school facilities are extensive and typically include performing arts spaces, visual arts studios, multiple playing fields, indoor courts for basketball and squash, an ice rink, a swimming pool, and a fitness room. More unique athletic offerings such as crew, golf, and equestrian training enable students to develop skills local high schools may not provide.

More Reason Why Do Kids Go to Boarding School

Boarding school options in Connecticut provides a unique chance to develop the skills needed for college. The TABS study found that 78% of boarding school grads felt well prepared for the non-academic aspects of college life, such as independence, social life, and time management, compared to 36% of private day and 23% of public school students.

Call an admissions office and set up a visit. Explore the campus. Talk to students to get a feel for today’s boarding experience. Or, for a deeper dive, talk to a specialist in boarding school placements. They will have insider knowledge to help you select the schools that best suit your interests.