Do Boarding School Graduates Achieve Better College Outcomes?

In The Pandemic: Parents' Concerns About Boarding School (Updated 2025)

Sending children to boarding school has always involved a mixture of excitement and worry. Parents naturally wonder about safety, homesickness, and tuition. But since the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped education beginning in 2020, boarding schools have had to adapt in ways that continue to influence policy and parental concerns in 2025.

Today, parents’ questions extend beyond virus protocols to include long-term health preparedness, affordability, student well-being, and the value of in-person education in a digital-first world. Let’s address some of the most common concerns families still raise when considering boarding school in 2025.

Will my child be safe at boarding school?

In 2025, safety at boarding schools means more than protection from illness. While the acute phase of the pandemic has passed, schools have kept many of the practices introduced in 2020. Routine health monitoring, improved ventilation, and upgraded campus medical centers are now standard. According to the U.S. Department of Education, over 80% of private schools implemented permanent improvements to air filtration and sanitation systems by 2023, and those investments remain in place (source).

Most boarding schools now employ full-time health directors, some with backgrounds in public health. Regular mental health screenings have become just as common as physical checkups. Parents can expect robust counseling services, expanded wellness programs, and partnerships with local hospitals for rapid response care.

Will my child need health screenings?

While mandatory COVID-19 testing is no longer required, most

10 Top Reasons to Go to Boarding School (Updated 2025)

Why choose a boarding school for your child in 2025? While private day schools provide excellent education, boarding schools offer something unique: an immersive environment that shapes students academically, socially, and personally. With updated tuition data, program innovations, and insights from recent studies, here are the 10 top reasons to go to boarding school today.

10. Exceptional Teachers Who Inspire

Boarding schools continue to attract highly qualified faculty. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, over 70% of private secondary school teachers now hold advanced degrees. Small classes and motivated students mean teachers can focus on instruction—not classroom management.

“Boarding school students thrive because teachers are mentors as well as educators,” says Dr. Emily Warren, Head of Academics at Phillips Exeter. “The passion for subject mastery is contagious.”

9. World-Class Athletics and Facilities

From Olympic-sized pools to equestrian centers, boarding schools provide athletic opportunities that rival professional clubs. Many schools now integrate wellness programs, nutrition counseling, and mental health support into athletics.

Varsity teams often compete internationally, with rowing crews traveling to regattas such as Henley Royal Regatta in the UK. For students, sports are not just extracurricular—they’re pathways to discipline, resilience, and teamwork.

8. Thriving Arts and Creative Programs

Whether it’s digital media labs, music conservatories, or black box theaters, boarding schools in 2025 have expanded their arts offerings. Many programs now

Emerging Challenges for Boarding Schools (2025 Update)

In the evolving educational landscape, boarding schools remain symbols of tradition, academic rigor, and personal growth. They prepare students for college and life by fostering independence, resilience, and community values. Yet in 2025, boarding schools face a set of challenges more complex than ever—spanning finance, marketing, facilities, governance, and staffing.

This article explores the emerging challenges for boarding schools in 2025 and offers practical strategies for administrators, educators, and families.

Marketing Challenges in a Digital Era

Boarding schools once relied on reputation and word-of-mouth. Today, families expect transparency, personalization, and proof of value. According to the National Association of Independent Schools, parents increasingly compare tuition against outcomes such as college placement, career readiness, and mental health support.

Digital marketing is now essential. Schools must leverage search engine optimization, style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:12pt;margin-bottom:12pt;">For example, Phillips Exeter Academy recently expanded its virtual admissions outreach, hosting multilingual webinars to engage international families unable to visit campus. This blend of tradition with digital tools is becoming a new norm.

Rising Costs of Insurance and Security

The cost of liability and property insurance has surged. Natural disasters, cyberattacks, and litigation risks drive premiums higher each year. A 2024 Forbes report found that independent schools face average insurance cost increases of 18–25% annually. Boarding schools, with round-the-clock operations, are particularly vulnerable.

Cybersecurity is now a critical concern. In the past two years, several boarding schools have reported

Boarding School Costs 101: Hidden Fees, Travel, Dorm Upgrades & What to Budget For

When families weigh the cost of sending a child to boarding school, much of the focus naturally falls on tuition, room, and board. But the true cost often extends well beyond those headline numbers. Hidden fees, travel, dorm upgrades, and everyday expenses can add thousands of dollars more. In 2025 especially, with inflation and evolving student expectations, it’s more important than ever to budget comprehensively.

This guide breaks down what to expect and how to plan, so prospective boarding families can avoid nasty surprises.

Why “Sticker Price” Often Falls Short

Boarding school brochures typically list a base cost that includes classes, meals, lodging, and basic services. But that figure rarely includes:

• Technology or computer fees

• Activity or club dues

• Travel to and from school during breaks

• Optional dorm upgrades

• Personal expenses (laundry, snacks, etc.)

According to higher education and student budgeting experts, these “indirect” or “hidden” costs can add $2,000 to $5,000 (or more) annually on top of base charges. (College Money Tips) While much of the literature references colleges, many of the same cost categories and budgeting principles apply to boarding schools as well.

Below is a breakdown of key cost categories and typical ranges.