<p>debrockman: I think part of the reason you and people on this thread don’t “connect” is because we have different understanding of today’s boarding school environment. I am sure some schools (not just boarding schools but also other kinds of private schools) are for “rich kids” only whose parents can have their “board meetings” (or whatever) in the school parking lot or in the PTA meetings, but some of the best boarding schools in this country have changed dramatically over the past decades. Take Phillips Academy Andover and Phillips Exeter Academy as an example. Both schools are famous for their academic rigor more than anything else. They both have over 1000 students. Approaching 50% of the students are on some kind of financial aid (and many of those full pay students are from professional families vs. “rich and powerful”), and 35%+ are students of color. There is a true diversity (not just to make their “statistics look better”) in these schools. Students are from different background but most of them share one thing in common: very bright and highly academic. Many of them are first generation to go to a private school not to mention a boarding school. Parents don’t make the decision lightly. Often times, they have to compare all options available including public school and private day schools in their area, the balance of work/study and life for the kids, financial situations, etc. and make sometimes painful sacrifices so their kids can get the best education possible. While I understand where you are from, please try to open your mind and listen to others as well.</p>