Featured: Published December 19, 2007
By Boarding Schools in the USA (http://www.boardingschoolsusa.com)
A guide for international students
Do you like large schools or small schools? Are you most comfortable in a city, small town or countryside? Are you interested in attending a school that has a religious or military orientation? Would you like to attend a school that is only for boys or girls? These are some questions you must ask yourself before you begin your search for the right U.S. boarding school for you.
Single-Sex Schools
Single-sex schools, those for boys only or girls only, are some of the oldest boarding schools in the U.S.A. As a student at one of these schools, you will have the chance to study in a less socially distracting atmosphere. For girls, single-sex schools can often provide greater opportunity to pursue leadership roles in both academic and extracurricular life.
Military Schools
Military secondary schools have the same advantages as other private schools but also instill the values and importance of teamwork, dedication and discipline. Uniforms and drilling are often required.
Military secondary schools have the same advantages as other private schools but also instill the values and importance of teamwork, dedication and discipline. Uniforms and drilling are often required.
Florida Air Academy, located near the Kennedy Space Center, uses modern airplanes and simulators as part of their flying programs, which begin as early as the seventh grade. Upon completion of flight training, students may obtain a private pilot’s license and are eligible for entry into professional training programs. Not surprisingly, many Florida Air graduates pursue careers in military and commercial aviation.
St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy in Delafield, Wisconsin, helps students overcome academic difficulties. Although the majority of students enter the academy as academic underachievers, for over a decade, 100% of the school’s graduates have been accepted to a college or university.
At Army and Navy Academy in Carlsbad, California, a military school with a California oceanfront property, cadets enjoy beautiful weather and ocean activities such as surfing, bodyboarding, SCUBA diving, sailing year round as well as 13 varsity sports, 32 clubs, and fine and performing arts.
Admiral Farragut Academy in Florida offers dual enrollment for university credit through St. Petersburg College and the state university system. Students have graduated from this program with one or even two years of university credit.
Admiral Farragut is located on the waterfront and has about 15 boats including prams, 420s, sunfish and lasers. Students must be able to sail. The school also has a marine biology program.
ESL “Bridge” Programs
“ Bridge” programs, running from April until June, provide students with intensive English training as preparation for the academic year beginning in September. These classes concentrate on reading, writing and speaking as well as U.S. culture and social expectations. It’s beneficial to attend one of these programs the April or summer before you plan to enter a boarding school.
“ Bridge” programs, running from April until June, provide students with intensive English training as preparation for the academic year beginning in September. These classes concentrate on reading, writing and speaking as well as U.S. culture and social expectations. It’s beneficial to attend one of these programs the April or summer before you plan to enter a boarding school.
Postgraduate Programs
Many schools offer a postgraduate program, a one-year course of study for students who have finished their high school program but are not ready to enter a university. The postgraduate curriculum usually concentrates on reading, writing and mathematical skills. Foreign students can especially benefit from this program since the course of study is flexible and you can structure it around your specific academic needs.
Many schools offer a postgraduate program, a one-year course of study for students who have finished their high school program but are not ready to enter a university. The postgraduate curriculum usually concentrates on reading, writing and mathematical skills. Foreign students can especially benefit from this program since the course of study is flexible and you can structure it around your specific academic needs.
Summer Schools & Camps
Students attend summer schools for academic credit and as a supplement to their regular academic program. Summer camps, on the other hand, specialize in outdoor recreational activities, sports, art, music and drama.
Students attend summer schools for academic credit and as a supplement to their regular academic program. Summer camps, on the other hand, specialize in outdoor recreational activities, sports, art, music and drama.
There are many summer schools and camps that offer ESL training as well as the opportunity to interact with English-speaking young people. Typically beginning at the end of June, these programs last anywhere from six to ten weeks and will provide you with a wonderful opportunity to spend your summer months learning English, making friends and experiencing U.S. culture.
Academy By The Sea has an oceanfront campus in Southern California, where students have the opportunity to surf, sail and enjoy other water activities. The school offers a five-week program that is a balance of academics and recreation. The students take supervised, weekend excursions to nearby California area attractions, such as Knott’s Berry Farm, Disneyland, and SeaWorld.
Religious Schools
Some schools have a strong tradition founded in religion and will frequently integrate religious services and classes into their regular curriculum. Most institutions, however, welcome children from all religious backgrounds and respect their differing philosophies.
Some schools have a strong tradition founded in religion and will frequently integrate religious services and classes into their regular curriculum. Most institutions, however, welcome children from all religious backgrounds and respect their differing philosophies.
Travel Programs
Washington Academy in Maine makes use of the local environment for field trips and longer excursions. Students take a week-long ski vacation to a condo at nearby Sugarloaf resort. The school also sponsors whale-watching and sailing trips on the coast of Maine and hiking, cycling and kayaking in Acadia National Park. There are also trips to Boston and New York City.
Washington Academy in Maine makes use of the local environment for field trips and longer excursions. Students take a week-long ski vacation to a condo at nearby Sugarloaf resort. The school also sponsors whale-watching and sailing trips on the coast of Maine and hiking, cycling and kayaking in Acadia National Park. There are also trips to Boston and New York City.
These trips are chaperoned by faculty members and are combined with educational and recreational experiences.
Schools with Homestays
Several schools offer a homestay option as an alternative to living in a dormitory. By living with a U.S. family you gain the comfort of a home-life and may have greater opportunity to participate in activities outside of school and within the community.
Several schools offer a homestay option as an alternative to living in a dormitory. By living with a U.S. family you gain the comfort of a home-life and may have greater opportunity to participate in activities outside of school and within the community.
For example, students who are comfortable with their English may participate in the Public School Program at Educational Consortium Institute (ECI) in California. They enroll for a semester or a year at a local public high school and live with a host family.
Residential Experience
At Darlington School in Georgia, life is centered on a English “house” system unique among U.S. boarding schools. Most teachers live on campus in residential Houses with their students. They form relationships with one another that last a lifetime. All teachers and boarding and day students in the Upper School are members of one of the six Houses.
At Darlington School in Georgia, life is centered on a English “house” system unique among U.S. boarding schools. Most teachers live on campus in residential Houses with their students. They form relationships with one another that last a lifetime. All teachers and boarding and day students in the Upper School are members of one of the six Houses.
The heads of each House also serve as the School’s admission officers. Students join Darlington by being admitted to one of the Houses. Student prefects manage the life in the Houses and also sit with the heads of house on the House Senate where they help to shape the rules by which everyone at the school lives.
Service Learning and Life Experience
At several boarding schools, students perform community service as part of all aspects of school life.
At several boarding schools, students perform community service as part of all aspects of school life.
Located on 1200 acres of woodlands between two national forests, Conserve School in Wisconsin is dedicated to environmental education, ethical leadership, and technological innovation.
Using tools including high speed digital video cameras, endoscopes for viewing inside nests and burrows, and global positioning satellite receivers, Conserve students study native plants and animals on and near campus. A three-week “Winterim” term in January provides time for trips to study ecosystems in different U.S. regions and other countries.
They practice recycling and conservation in their residences, classes, and activities. For example, a greenhouse on campus holds tanks for purifying campus wastewater using natural processes including plants and microorganisms.
At The White Mountain School in New Hampshire, students volunteer at varied nonprofit agencies, retirement centers, grade schools and recycling centers. Students run clothing and toiletry drives for several homeless shelters in the state, traveling to them to deliver items and volunteer. One of the greatest successes so far has been the revival of a local soup kitchen.
For one or two days each May the school moves off campus to maintain trails, stock streams, paint walls of buildings in the community, rake campsites and clean litter.
Community Service Odysseys are intense, week-long experiences. Students spend a week working for Habitat for Humanity in Mississippi, assisting with an art exchange program in Haiti, or building chicken coops and fixing up buildings through rural community development in Central America.
Community Service Odysseys are intense, week-long experiences. Students spend a week working for Habitat for Humanity in Mississippi, assisting with an art exchange program in Haiti, or building chicken coops and fixing up buildings through rural community development in Central America.
Outdoor service learning at Blue Ridge School in Virginia involves an outdoor service project such as a campus construction project or building a nature awareness trail on the nearby mountain. Students discuss leadership issues and relate them to examples involving such topics as genetic engineering. They also learn about the history of service (volunteerism), service organizations, and the benefits of service, as well as local outdoor service organizations such as the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club.
Special Needs / Learning Disabilities
Students who have difficulty reading or paying attention in class due to learning disabilities (dyslexia, attention deficit disorder, etc.) can find many U.S. boarding schools devoted to helping them learn how to study and prepare for university study and career achievement.
Students who have difficulty reading or paying attention in class due to learning disabilities (dyslexia, attention deficit disorder, etc.) can find many U.S. boarding schools devoted to helping them learn how to study and prepare for university study and career achievement.
Students with ability who have not yet reached their potential may benefit from programs like the one offered at Saint Thomas More School in Connecticut, which provides a structured environment designed to develop good study habits.
Small classes are a key aspect of the school’s program. With a typical class size of twelve students, every boy gets the attention he needs. Instructors teach not only subjects such as biology or math, but also study skills such as listening and note-taking, effective time management, concentration and memory techniques, and test-taking.
- Why Boarding School?
Is boarding school right for you? Boarding schools offer a wealth of experiences in both learning and living which will do you well in later life. - 10 Top Reasons to Go to Boarding School
There are many reasons to go to boarding school. The academics, the athletics and the extracurricular activities are just a few considerations. Here are the 10 top reasons why you should go to boarding school. - 10 Facts About Boarding Schools
Here are 10 facts about boarding schools which the schools want you to know. If you are considering sending your child to boarding school, this data and information will address some of your concerns. - Boarding School DO's and DON'TS
Here are some considerations to ponder whilst choosing schools and when your child is actually away at school. - The Boarding School Glossary
Boarding schools have their own jargon just like any activity or affinity group has. - Boarding School Myths
Read about common boarding school myths in case your perception of boarding school is driven largely by popular movies and urban legend. - Boarding School Pictures
What does boarding school life look like? View photos from a variety of boarding schools and see if you can also picture yourself there. - Dr. Hank Nuwer on Hazing
We asked Dr. Hank Nuwer,a nationally recognized authority on the subject of hazing, to weigh in with his views. - International Students: Boarding School Benefits
Boarding school is appealling to both U.S. and international students. Learn why boarding school is a popular option for international students around the world. - Summer Boarding School Programs
Learn several key reasons why a summer boarding school program can be beneficial for your child. - Types of Boarding School
Explore the different types of boarding school options in the US. Find which type of boarding school is most appropriate for you. - Understanding Financial Aid
Learn how financial aid works in boarding schools. - Understanding the Post-Graduate (PG) Year
Learn about the Post-Graduate(PG) Year, and how it can benefit certain students. - When Should I Go Off to Boarding School?
When should you go off to boarding school? It depends. Most students enter prep school in 10th grade. But you have choices. - Why Do a Gap or Post-Graduate (PG) Year?
Learn why more and more students are choosing to do a gap or post graduate (PG) year at boarding school. - Schools for Students with Learning Disabilities
How to deal with a child who has a learning disability. - 5 Common Myths About Military Schools
Military schools seem to go in and out of favor with the general public. Perhaps that has to do with some rather common misconceptions about what military schools are and how they operate. Let's take a look. - 5 Reasons to Choose a Boys' School
We have been hearing a lot about the benefits of single sex education recently. Here are five reasons why you should consider choosing a boys' school for your son. - 5 Reasons To Choose a Girls' School
There is a body of research which suggests that girls do learn differently from boys. So, if that is the case, maybe you should consider a girls' school for your daughter instead of sending her off to a coed school. Here are some points to ponder. - 5 Reasons to Choose a Junior Boarding School
A junior boarding school offers certain distinct advantages for the middle school aged student. Here are five reasons why you should consider choosing this option for your child. - 5 Steps for Choosing a Boarding School
Choosing a boarding school involves several steps. We guide you through the process and offer advice and help. - Benefits of a Small Boarding School
Learn about the benefits of a small boarding school. - Considering a U.S. Arts Program?
"If the arts are part of your interests and your passion, you should research each school’s available offerings. Spend time reading the school’s literature and visiting its website..." Brought to you by Boarding Schools in the USA - Girls' School Graduates Have an Edge
Exciting new research shows that a girls' boarding school can offer your daughter many advantages. - How to Apply to Boarding School
There are several ways to apply to boarding school. - I Can't Find Any Rankings!
This cry is heard throughout the land as parents try desperately to compare one boarding school against another. - Quaker Education: What’s Different about a Friends School?
Learn about the benefits of attending a Quaker boarding school. - Using an Educational Consultant
An education consultant knows schools. Like any professional he has vast experience in and knowledge of his chosen field. - What About Canadian Schools?
Canadian boarding schools have a lot going for them. Great value, location in a foreign but friendly neighboring country, English speaking, fine academics, all kinds of sporting activities besides hockey and skiing and much more. - Why a Progressive School?
Sending your son or daughter to a progressive school sounds like a real leap of faith. It is, that is, until you look more closely at the kind of education your child will receive. Then you will understand the idealism in action which progressive schools embody. - Teaching in a Boarding School
Teaching or working in a boarding school is quite unlike any job in a day school.
