Choosing the right school for your child is a crucial decision for parents as there are many factors that need consideration such as the quality of education, the cost, the location, and the environment. A key choice to make is between sending your child to a boarding schools and day schools.
Introduction
Boarding students live at school during term-time. Their days involve classes, homework, meals, and activities with peers and teachers. Day students attend classes but return home daily for homework, meals, and free-time activities with family and friends.
This article argues boarding school offers several advantages over day school. It explores how boarding provides a superior academic setting, fosters independence and responsibility, diverse extracurricular opportunities, preparation for college and beyond, and personal growth. Evidence supports these claims.
Academic Environment
A key boarding school benefit is an enhanced academic environment compared to day schools. Two aspects – academic focus and reduced distractions – contribute to this.
Focus on academics
Pupils at boarding institutions have more scheduled study periods than day school attendees. Their routine incorporates classes, assignments, and review sessions. Furthermore, they enjoy unrestricted access to academic resources like libraries, laboratories, and tutors at any hour. If needed, they can consult teachers beyond formal instruction time, residing on the same grounds. This setup facilitates deepening subject comprehension and boosting academic performance.
Case in point: Research conducted by the the Association of Boarding Schools (TABS) unveiled that boarding students dedicated more time to homework, reading, and writing compared to their day school counterparts. They also exhibited heightened levels of academic motivation, engagement, and intellectual stimulation.
Elimination of distractions
Boarding scholars face fewer disruptions than their day school peers. Their exposure to potentially distracting technology like phones, televisions, and video games remains restricted, preventing interference with concentration and learning. Moreover, they encounter fewer social diversions like parties, dating, and family issues that could affect their mood and hamper performance. Consequently, they can channel their focus solely onto studies, unbothered by external enticements or interruptions.
Illustrating this, a survey by the Independent Schools Council revealed boarding pupils were less inclined toward using social media, watching TV, or playing video games in contrast to day students. Additionally, they reported lower stress, anxiety, and depression levels.
Being Autonomous and Accountable
Boarding schools nurture independence and responsibility within students – these invaluable traits develop here. Responsibility arises from making personal choices, independence stems from self-reliance.
Cultivating Self-Sufficiency
From an early age, boarders learn to manage their own schedules and lives without relying on parents. They wake up, dress, attend classes, study, and sleep independently. They maintain their possessions: garments, books, toiletries. Living away from home, they overcome self-sufficiency’s challenges.
For instance, Sutton Trust research revealed boarders display greater confidence, maturity, and self-reliance than day students. Their self-esteem, self-control, and self-regulation levels surpassed day pupils.
Facing Decisions’ Consequences
Boarders are responsible for their choices, uninfluenced by parents. What to eat, wear, do, who to befriend – these decisions are theirs. They experience both positive and negative outcomes, learning from mistakes. Respecting school rules and others’ rights is paramount. Their behavior and attitude hold them accountable.
Studies show boarding school pupils tend to display pro-social traits like cooperation, altruism and empathy more than day students. They also exhibit lower anti-social behaviors such as aggression, delinquency and substance abuse compared to day school peers.
Extracurricular Opportunities
A key benefit of boarding school is the diverse extracurricular activities available to students, fostering both skill development and a strong sense of community.
Diverse activities
Boarding students can explore myriad interests from music and drama to chess and robotics. They discover new passions, hone talents, foster creativity and innovation. Competing and collaborating build skills further. For instance, the Good Schools Guide found boarders participate in and derive greater satisfaction from extracurriculars versus day students.
Strong sense of community
Through shared experiences, boarders forge lifelong bonds with peers and faculty. This supportive, inclusive environment nurtures mutual respect, trust and appreciation for diversity. Encouraged academically and personally, students feel valued and accepted.
A study discovered boarding school students boast increased social capital: connections, norms, trust. They’re more civically engaged, like volunteering, voting, donating. Surprisingly, day school students lag behind.
Preparing for College, Life Ahead
Boarding schools ready kids two-fold for college, adult life. First is college prep, second is essential life skills.
College Readiness Soars
Boarding students are primed for collegiate demands, tackling AP, IB classes stretching them academically. Dorm living eases university transition. They grasp expectations like workload management, deadline adherence, independent study. Confidence, motivation propel scholarly ambitions, performance.
Data illustrates the edge. A report by NAIS showed boarders likelier to attend, finish college versus day students. Across satisfaction, engagement, academic performance, boarders excelled.
Gaining Important Life Skills
At boarding schools, students develop crucial abilities for future success. They practice managing time, organizing tasks – key for productivity, efficiency. Adapting to change builds flexibility, resilience. Communicating, collaborating hones interpersonal, teamwork talents. Critical, creative thinking fosters problem-solving, innovation prowess. Leading and following cultivate leadership, followership capacities.
An International Baccalaureate Organization survey found boarding pupils more likely than day students to embody IB learner profile traits: knowledgeable, inquiring, thinking, communicating, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-taking, balanced, reflective. They reported higher employability, entrepreneurship, citizenship levels too.
Personal Growth, Development Nurtured
Boarding schools promote students’ personal growth, development through two aspects: exposure to diversity, character building.
Diversity Exposure Broadens Perspectives
Boarding pupils interact with diverse backgrounds, cultures, religions, nationalities – learning different perspectives, beliefs, values. They develop cultural awareness, sensitivity, tolerance, respect. Appreciating world richness, complexity alongside their identity, role.
Researchers from Harvard’s Graduate School of Education discovered boarding students formed friendships across different backgrounds. They gained abilities to effectively interact with diverse cultures and developed a global perspective. In comparison to day students, boarding pupils showed heightened curiosity about other societies and openness to learn from them.
Building of character
Through boarding, students face difficulties like homesickness, loneliness, and setbacks, allowing personal growth. They develop important traits like self-confidence, self-respect, and self-motivation. Overcoming such challenges builds strong character within these young individuals.
Top 50 Reasons Why Boarding School Beats Day School
There are many advantages to studying and living at a boarding school rather than just attending during the day. We’ll explore the top 50 advantages.
- High Academic Standard: School comes first because boarding schools emphasize studies more than day schools. High academic standards prevail.
- Immersive Learning Environment: Students are immersed in their education all day without household distractions.
- Independence: Living away, students become independent – managing schedules and responsibilities alone.
- Time Management: With classes, activities, and personal time, boarders learn to prioritize tasks effectively.
- Global Perspective: A diverse student body from worldwide exposes pupils to fresh perspectives.
- 24/7 Access to Teachers: Teachers are accessible 24/7, providing continuous academic support beyond class hours.
- Extracurricular Opportunities: Varied extracurriculars allow pursuing new talents and hobbies.
- Community Bonds: Close-knit dorm life fosters lifelong bonds between students.
- Personal Growth: Personal growth comes easy at boarding school. It allows self-discovery. Students face challenges on their own. They overcome obstacles.
- Many boarding schools prepare students well for college life. Their curriculum is rigorous. It makes the transition smoother.
- Boarding schools provide a structured, disciplined environment. This boosts academic and personal growth.
- Leadership Skill: Leadership opportunities abound in boarding schools. Students develop important leadership skills here.
- Access to Mentorship: Students have access to adult mentors and role models. These individuals provide guidance and support.
- Cultural enrichment programs expose students to global art, music, literature. This happens at boarding schools.
- Students build strong peer and mentor networks here. These connections prove valuable for future careers.
- Career counseling and internships are offered. Students explore career paths through these programs.
- Boarding schools ensure a safe, secure environment. Students live and learn peacefully here.
- Healthy lifestyles are promoted at boarding schools. Students eat nutritious meals. They exercise regularly. Sports facilities are available.
- Character development gets big focus at boarding schools. They teach values like integrity, being responsible, feeling empathy. Important qualities get instilled.
- Boarding schools promote being a global citizen. They encourage students becoming active, engaged citizens of the world, taking social responsibility.
- Smaller class sizes mean personalized attention. Teachers and mentors can focus more on individual students.
- Dedicated college placement services exist. They help navigate applying to college, finding best future education fit.
- Career counseling and guidance gets offered. Students explore interests, talents to find suitable career path.
- Strong Alumni Network: Alumni networks are strong. Valuable support, connections get provided as students enter workforce.
- Research, independent study projects allow deeper academic interest exploration. Students get these opportunities.
- Critical thinking, problem-solving skills get emphasized. Prepares for navigating complex academic, professional challenges.
- Creativity, innovation gets fostered. Outside-the-box thinking, exploring new ideas gets encouraged.
- Students gain emotional intellect – skills benefiting personal and professional realms – through boarding schools’ interpersonal opportunities.
- Community service, social duty ethics are ingrained; students give back, schools foster this mindset.
- Environmental stewardship, sustainability are emphasized – students learn to safeguard our planet responsibly.
- Stellar communication abilities, written and verbal, are nurtured – essential academic and professional assets.
- Living independently fosters resilience, adaptability as boarders navigate challenges autonomously.
- Cultural competence develops alongside diverse perspectives – students gain worldly understandings.
- Financial literacy programs prepare pupils for monetary independence through money management teachings.
- Global outlooks are promoted via coursework, activities highlighting cultures, histories, worldwide issues.
- Schools with boarding options promote wellness through programs for physical, mental, emotional health.
- Internships, job shadowing, career workshops at boarding schools provide professional skills development.
- At boarding institutions, students receive academic assistance like tutoring and study group access to boost success.
- These school environments integrate cutting-edge technology tools and resources into learning.
- Comprehensive arts and humanities curricula at boarding schools nurture creativity and personal interests.
- State-of-the-art facilities enable exploration of science and tech passions at boarding academies.
- Students can study new languages and cultural traditions through offered programs.
- Competitive sports teams develop fitness, teamwork, sportsmanship in boarding school settings.
- Outdoor education adventures connect pupils with nature, teaching survival abilities.
- Schools focused on character often target honesty, respect, being kind. Teaching values shapes pupils.
- Boarding schools seek varied students, promote accepting differences. Learning about cultures enriches all.
- Global skills get developed, like communicating across groups, solving issues worldwide.
- Getting involved locally, globally is encouraged. Students become active, engaged citizens.
- Multiple subjects intersect, connections drawn. Applying knowledge to real situations allows deeper understanding.
- Curiosity, love of learning gets sparked. Commitment to education becomes lifelong.
Conclusion
Boarding school surpasses day school. Academic environment fosters success. Independence, responsibility skills develop. Extracurriculars abound. College prep and personal growth occur. Living, learning among peers and mentors creates unique, enriching experiences. Skills, knowledge, and values prepare students for future endeavors. Exploring boarding options can unlock immense benefits.
FAQs
Here are responses to commonly asked questions regarding boarding schools:
Q: What is a boarding school?
- A: Boarding schools are educational institutions where pupils reside on-campus during academic terms. Students attend classes, study, dine, and partake in extracurricular pursuits alongside peers and instructors. This distinctive arrangement fosters an enriching educational journey extending beyond classroom walls.
Q: Why choose a boarding school?
- A: Attending a boarding school confers myriad advantages:
- Exceptional academic environments boasting small classes, dedicated educators, and rigorous curricula.
- Diverse, supportive communities comprising pupils from varied backgrounds, cultures, and nations.
- Abundant extracurricular offerings, granting access to an array of sports, clubs, and activities.
- Nurturing independence and responsibility, imparting skills and values crucial for collegiate success and beyond.
- Personal growth stemming from exposure to novel perspectives, challenges, and passions.
Q: How much does boarding school cost?
- A: Boarding school tuition varies contingent upon institution, locale, and program. Nevertheless, most schools proffer financial aid and scholarships for qualified applicants demonstrating fiscal need or academic merit. Some establishments additionally provide payment plans, enabling families to distribute tuition across several months. Further cost and aid details are obtainable from the School and Student Service for Financial Aid¹ or the admission office of your preferred school.
Q: How do I apply to boarding school?
- A: Applying for boarding school needs several things. First, look into various schools. Check out their sites, take tours if able. Decide which fits your goals. Next, complete the online application form. Provide personal details, academic records, test results, essays, and recommendations. Most require you take the SSAT or ISEE exam – these test verbal, math, and reading skills. After that comes the interview. Be ready to discuss interests, personality, and aspirations with the admissions officer. If all goes well, you’ll receive their decision around March or April.
- Research boarding schools thoroughly – websites, visits, etc. Find your ideal match.
- Fill out the application with all required info like grades, essays, etc.
- Take entrance exams like SSAT or ISEE to assess academic abilities.
- Interview with an admissions rep – showcase yourself.
- Await their decision, usually announced springtime.
Q: What is boarding school life like?
- A: Boarding life balances academics with social growth. There’s a daily routine: classes, homework, meals, sports, free time. Campus offers facilities (libraries, labs, rec areas). Students room together, forming close friendships. They also explore local culture and travel for trips or projects. It’s a fun, enriching experience developing character and preparing for the future.