A Glimpse into Boarding School Life at Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy

Academics: International Baccalaureate & Advanced Placement

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and Advanced Placement (AP) are two prestigious academic curricula found in boarding schools offering rigorous college-preparation academics. While both programs offer significant benefits and have similar aims, they differ substantially in structure, philosophy, and the way they present their subject material. In this article, we'll examine these differences in order to help you make informed decisions about which program works best for you.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is a comprehensive two-year curriculum designed for students aged 16-19. Established with a global perspective, the IBDP aims to develop students who excel not only intellectually but also physically, emotionally, and ethically.

Established in 1968, the International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) was the first programme offered by the IB and is taught to students aged 16-19. Source: IB.org

Teacher Training and Lesson Planning

One of the questions to ask when you are researching schools is what training, certifications, and experience their IB or AP teachers have.

Teacher Training International Baccalaureate (IB)

To teach IB courses, teachers typically need specialized training and certification.

• The International Baccalaureate Organization offers various levels of certification, including the IB Certificate in Teaching and Learning, which requires completing a recognized program of study.
• For higher-level certifications, such as the IB Advanced Certificate in Teaching and Learning Research, teachers must have at least three years of IB

Education Beyond the Classroom: The Role of Outdoor Adventure in Shaping Young Minds

By Betta Hanson, GOAT Co-Director & Residential Faculty at Annie Wright Schools

In a time when screens and schedules dominate our daily lives, outdoor education programs are redefining how students learn and grow.

• By blending academic learning with real-world outdoor experiences, these programs effectively foster resilience, leadership abilities, and a deeper connection to nature.
• The concept of outdoor education dates back to the early 20th century as educators sought ways to engage students beyond traditional methods.
• Early efforts initially focused on direct, experiential learning in nature but later evolved to incorporate academics, collaborative skills, and a focus on environmental responsibility.
• Outdoor education today equips students with critical life skills, preparing them for the world beyond the classroom.

This video offers an overview of Annie Wright Schools.

Why Outdoor Education Matters

Outdoor education provides benefits beyond the immediate thrill of adventure.

• Students develop important skills such as resilience, leadership, and environmental stewardship by participating in activities that push their physical, emotional, and intellectual limits.
• The impact of outdoor education goes far beyond the surface.
• It promotes curiosity and creativity, encouraging students to approach problems from various angles.

Outdoor education also builds a sense of community and collaboration.

• Whether summiting a peak together or navigating a kayak through uncharted waters, students learn to communicate effectively, trust one another, and work toward shared

As a church musician with a deep interest in education, I've spent years covering various aspects of private schools. Recently, I decided to explore America's Roman Catholic boarding schools. These schools are those bastions of faith-based education that have shaped generations of leaders.

What I discovered was fascinating: just nineteen schools across the country, each with its own unique character but all sharing a commitment to academic excellence and Catholic values. From the historic Georgetown Prep to the picturesque Santa Catalina School by the Pacific, these institutions tell a remarkable story of American Catholic education.

The snapshots of the schools use information that these schools have uploaded to Boarding School Review. I have added links to each school's social media and websites so that you can explore these schools as you search for a school that fits your needs and requirements.

Finally, when you click the school's link, it will take you to Boarding School Review where you can review a wealth of data about each school as well as a Quick Facts panel on the right side of the screen.

About the school:

• The Academy of the Holy Family (AHF), a Catholic high school for young

Boarding School Admissions: International Students

American boarding schools are an excellent option for families seeking a high-quality education for their children. Suppose you are a parent in Asia or Central and South America considering sending your son or daughter to a boarding school in the United States. In that case, this article will help you understand the steps involved so that you can make that happen. Many parents like you have done the same thing because they value American boarding schools' high academic standards. They also understood the return on such a significant investment in terms of developing a robust network of friends and associates throughout the global community. American schools offer excellent preparation for university-level studies.

International students make up about 15% of the student population in American boarding schools. Anyone who is not a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident of the United States is considered an international applicant by American boarding schools.

Attending a boarding school in the United States means that your child will join a school community with decades of experience educating international students. These schools have years of experience helping students from around the world adjust to their new lives in the United States, making that transition as smooth as possible.

We understand that sending your child far from home is a major decision. You will have many questions about the admissions process, visa requirements, and what life will be like at school. As a parent whose daughters attended American boarding schools,