Boarding schools are an excellent option for parents who want their children to have a better education than what’s offered in the public system. However, many people don’t know how to go about sending their children to boarding school. This article will cover six of the most important considerations before deciding if boarding school is right for your child and how to navigate the process.
Consideration #1: How much are you willing to pay?
The cost of boarding school varies widely by how many services the boarding school provides, how old your child is and how long they’ll be in boarding school. Many boarding schools provide financial aid options if tuition costs present a significant hardship for families. These additional fees could include application or registration fees, uniforms, books, transportation, and boarding costs.
Consideration #2: How will this affect my child’s social life?
One of the main concerns about how to send your child to boarding school is how it will affect their social lives. Boarding schools vary in how much social time they allow students. Some schools have a strict “lights out” policy at a certain time each night, while others encourage more socializing among students. It’s important to ask the school how much social interaction your child can expect and whether there are any planned events or trips that would allow them to get to know other students.
Consideration #3: What kind of academic program does the boarding school offer?
When looking at boarding, it’s important to consider how much time your child will spend in academic programs compared to how much time they’ll have free. Some boarding schools offer a wide range of extra-curricular activities, while others focus almost exclusively on academics. If your child struggles with school or has interests outside the classroom, it’s important that you choose a boarding school that offers opportunities for them to pursue those interests through clubs and sports teams.
It is also critical to consider how many students are enrolled at the boarding school as this can affect how available teachers are during non-classroom hours.
Consideration #4: How does the boarding facility work?
Different types of institutions require different levels of involvement from parents when sending their children there for an extended period of time. Ask about what level of involvement you can expect from the boarding school staff. Some schools allow students to stay in designated living areas during holiday breaks, while others require them to go home for their own safety and security or ask parents who are not accompanying their children how they will get there.
Consideration #5: What is the school’s disciplinary policy?
Most boarding schools have a disciplinary policy in place for students who break the rules. Ask about how severe the punishments are for things like cheating on exams, fights, or alcohol and drug use. Many schools also have a code of conduct that outlines what is expected of students while they’re attending the institution.
Consideration #6: How will my child adjust to living away from home?
This is one of the most important questions to ask before sending your child to boarding school. Boarding schools offer different types of programs that can help acclimate your child to live away from home. Some schools have orientation programs where new students spend time getting to know other boarders, their classmates, and staff members. Others offer a “buddy system,” where new students are matched up with older ones to help them get used to how the boarding school runs.
Writing this article has been great! I have learned so much from researching and writing about how important it is for parents who want their kids in boarding schools should consider these six critical factors before sending their child away from home. What other considerations would you add if any?