BS experience vs. parental guidance

Periwinkle
Tue, 13 Mar 2012 14:42:08 +0000

The last I heard, Exeter and Lawrenceville are peer schools.

Which one is closer to your home? If you attend revisit days, and a clear favorite emerges from that day–send your son to that school. If your son likes both schools equally after revisiting, I would vote for the school closer to your home. It can make an enormous difference to parents be able to visit campus. Your son may never elect to come home on weekends, but it would be great if the option were open.

That doesn’t help with the BS/home question. Our two oldest children are boarders. They are close enough to come home for weekends, if they wish. They are both doing very well. We are happy. That doesn’t mean it’s the right answer for everyone.

Right now, you may be surrounded by people saying, “I could never send my child away.” Remember that high school students are (and have to be) much more independent of their parents than middle school students. You will not be able to make sure the homework is done. I think that’s a good thing. Many, many parents attempt to micromanage their children’s lives these days. Boarding schools have support systems to help students manage their academic commitments, extracurriculars, and social life. Yes, they will make mistakes. They will make choices their parents would not have made for them. They will learn from experience.

Good luck with your decision!