Why do you send your kids to boarding school?

panpacific
Sat, 28 Nov 2015 21:04:57 +0000

@JustOneDad As someone who sent two kids to boarding schools, I pointed out in another thread a while ago that for parents who are resourceful and willing to be more hands-on with their kids education, to well prepare them academically, attending BS is just one way out of a few. Making use of online resources, hiring good tutors and taking advantage of the enrichment programs in above average public schools are all potentially effective ways to supplement an otherwise mediocre local high school. That said, IMO, there are certain benefits prep schools provide and most public schools don’t. First, these schools don’t have to follow the beaten paths in getting students prepared for college. Students don’t need to pack up an all AP course schedule to be competitive for selective college admission. The classes they take are challenging and some of them are “post AP” but teachers are not teaching for tests. Students are not penalized for that. That’s not the case in public schools in my neck of the wood at least. Smart kids get good grades but are not learning to be prepared for college. Then if you try to supplement their school education, with the EC involvement, things could quickly get overwhelming (not to mention, it’s difficult to motivate the kids to do the “extra work” when their peers don’t have to.) Secondly, in selective prep schools the peers of high caliber coming from different background can be great resource for learning. Class discussions and EC’s are very enriching experience. Thirdly, for the right kids, it means a more active social life with the like minded and a great four year experience living in a community 24/7 (for “merely” 7 months a years taking out all the breaks). Students are treated more like adults as they are an integrated part of a boarding community. The extent and depth of iterations with adults can be beneficial to students’ development for the long run.

Just some of the benefits of attending a boarding school I can think of. Obviously, not every BS kid can get all out of a boarding school education. And I am sure some students are developing into very well adjusted young adults and adequately prepared for college from public schools (I know some actually). There are more than one way to skin a cat.