When we started thinking about sending our eldest daughter to boarding school, we really had no idea what a boarding school was. Yes, we understood the concept, but we had never been to boarding school. We had no clue about curriculum, sports, extracurricular activities, dorm life, or anything else, for that matter. We knew boarding school was expensive, but we figured it was worth it.
Families researching boarding schools today have access to more information than ever before. Virtual tours, student panels, social media, and online admissions resources make it easier to compare schools before scheduling campus visits. Organizations such as The Association of Boarding Schools provide resources that help families better understand boarding school life, admissions, and financial aid.
In any case, the following articles distill our experiences with boarding school. The best advice I can give you is: "Don't be intimidated by boarding schools." Most of what you have heard, read, or seen about them in the media is probably a lot of "fake news."
Visit schools online and see what they offer. Spend time exploring the academics that most parents consider the most important part of high school anyway. Familiarize yourself with the athletics and extracurricular activities that boarding schools offer. Then, which is so important, visit schools that meet your needs and requirements. Yes, you really must set foot on the campuses to see if the school community is a good fit for your child. Resources from the National Association
