When you think of boarding schools, it’s likely you have an image of ivy-covered walls and stuffy professors in a very traditional environment. Modern boarding high schools can be quite different from this stereotype, however. Some boarding high schools are dedicated to specific fields of interest, such as science and technology or the creative arts. Far from being musty preserves of antiques, state-of-the-art computer equipment and up-to-date textbooks are usually on display at these institutions.
How can you decide which boarding high school is right for your child? No one set of criteria will determine whether your child will do best at a specific school, but there are certain guidelines that may help you make the right decision.
Single sex or coeducational
Will your child do better in an environment with only those of the same gender, or would you prefer a coeducational school? There are benefits and drawbacks to each. In single-sex schools, students tend to be more focused toward academic and extracurricular achievement, without the distractions that the opposite sex often engenders. Social interaction is achieved through special events designed to bring students together, usually at a dance or other formal social encounter. Coeducational boarding high schools tend to emphasize diversity and respect for those of the opposite sex, while deemphasizing the importance of gender differences. This can lead to improved social skills and allows students to interact naturally together.
Specialized or general academic
Does your child have a special talent or aptitude? Specialized high school boarding schools may be the right choice to hone your child’s unique gifts. Surrounded by others who share his or her interests, your child will develop talents and make friends that will most likely last a lifetime. If you are looking for an environment where your child will gain experience and knowledge in a generalized academic setting, then one of the more traditional high school boarding high school may have the curriculum your child needs.
Admissions requirements
Make sure you know the requirements before setting your heart on a specific school. Nothing is more disappointing for you and your child than to decide on a school and then find your child can’t meet the requirements. If private boarding high schools use a standardized test to determine eligibility, they might be worthwhile to invest in tutoring or a course in taking such tests to ensure your child’s scores are the best possible. Higher scores may make the difference in receiving a scholarship offer, so paying a little extra to prepare your child can make good financial sense.
Whichever boarding high school you decide on, make sure you and your child schedule a visit to experience the campus atmosphere and environment. If your child is comfortable and feels accepted in his or her chosen school, then he or she is more likely to do well academically and socially. Boarding high schools are more than simple educational institutions; they will be a home for your child. Choose carefully, and the rewards will last a lifetime.
