Boarding Schools in a Minute

Back in the 80s, when our daughters applied to boarding schools, the process was entirely paper-driven. The schools sent us thick envelopes full of forms we had to complete. Then, we mailed the completed applications to the schools. Thirty-five years later, I am happy to report that most schools' application processes have gone digital. That makes things so much easier.

These days, there are essentially four ways to apply to boarding schools:

1. Complete the application forms which the school has on its website.
2. Complete the common application, which you can find on the SSAT website.
3. Complete the common application, which you can find on the TABS website.
4. Complete the paper application forms you downloaded or received from the school.

Applications on Individual School Websites

If you are applying to just one or two schools, then it might make the most sense to simply go to those schools' websites and complete the applications right there. Many schools allow you to complete the main application form online. You will still have to download teacher recommendation forms and requests for school transcripts, as well as address and put stamps on the envelopes required.

You can also pay the application fee online with your credit or debit card. But, if you choose to use the school's application forms, remember those are specific to that school. They cannot be used for applications to other schools. That's the fundamental difference between applying on a school website versus using one of the typical applications. After you complete a

It is fascinating to delve into the beginnings of a boarding school. It is when the school is so malleable and strongly influenced by its founder's zeal and lofty goals. The community is tiny compared to what it will morph into over the years, indeed over the centuries in some cases. The hardships and sacrifices that were endured are almost unimaginable in this day and age, when new schools often open with significant financial backing, modern facilities, and comprehensive strategic plans already in place.

I hope you will explore these five schools against the backdrop I have set out above. They are unique, as boarding schools always are. They have great personalities, character, and rich histories. Yet they share a common theme and purpose: to provide their students with the best well-rounded education so that their graduates can make a difference in today's world.

If you enjoy learning about the traditions and evolution of boarding schools, Boarding School Review's article, 5 Founders and Their Boarding Schools, provides additional historical context.

Annie Wright School, Tacoma, Washington

• Founded: 1884
• Enrollment: Approximately 800 students
• Grades: Preschool-Grade 12
• Boarding: Girls, Grades 9-12
• Religious Affiliation: Independent
• Setting: Urban

Overview: The school was established by Episcopal Bishop John Adams Paddock with the financial support of businessman Charles Barstow Wright. Bishop Paddock named the school in honor of Wright's daughter, Annie. The school operated as a girls' school for decades before expanding its educational offerings. Today, Annie Wright Schools include a coeducational Lower and Middle School and an Upper

This article has been updated to reflect 2026 data and recent developments.

Sending your child to boarding school is not as simple as dropping him off at school, giving him a teary hug and kiss, and then driving back home. Sending your child off to boarding school requires that you honor the contractual commitment that you signed when you decided to accept the school's offer of a place. Remember that binding, legal document called a contract? In it, you agreed to a partnership of three: the school, you, and your child. Let's look at what this arrangement involves.

That partnership remains central to boarding education in 2026. The Association of Boarding Schools describes boarding schools as supportive, immersive environments in which students develop independence while remaining connected to residential staff and their families. Boarding School Review's Parents' Biggest Worries About Boarding School also examines how schools address current parent concerns involving safety, academics, student life, mental health, and residential supervision.

The School's Obligation

The school spells out its obligations in great detail both on its website and in the various printed brochures and catalogs. The admissions staff will also discuss the school's various programs and school life with you when you visit and have your admissions interview. Most importantly, the school lists its obligations in the contract you and the school signed.

• The school will offer the academic instruction spelled out in its various materials. And it will ensure that the teaching is of

Small class sizes work. In fact, small class sizes are one of the main reasons why you send your child to boarding school. Here are some reasons why small class sizes are so important.

1. There's nowhere to hide in a small class.

Imagine your child is in a large high school class of 30-35 students. She's not good at math. Most of the students in her class don't understand math and could care less about it. So your daughter hangs out in the back of the class, keeps quiet and tries to pay attention. The distractions and cutting up going on around her mitigate against any meaningful learning. Your daughter falls further and further behind in math. Sadly, public school class sizes continue to increase in many districts as schools struggle with staffing shortages and budget pressures in 2026. Class sizes of 30-35 students remain common in many public high schools.

Contrast that learning environment with 12-14 students seated around a Harkness Table in a boarding school. A Harkness Table is an oval table. The teacher sits at the table with his students. Immediately students are placed in a situation where they have no choice but to engage and interact with each other and with their teacher. A Harkness table creates a climate for learning.

Implicit in the small teaching groups is a climate of tolerance. The views of each individual are expressed. Critical thinking skills are practiced and polished precisely because the small group allows time