What Is a Boarding School? 9 Fun Facts You Never Knew About Boarding Schools

Shape up or ship out. It’s the threat that parents have been using for ages. But boarding schools are much more than a landing place for troubled teens. 

In fact, students from boarding schools are more prepared for college and are more likely to earn advanced degrees than their peers who attended public school.

Have you wondered ‘what is a boarding school?’ Keep reading to learn the answer and many more facts about boarding schools you didn’t know. 

1. Boarding Schools Started in England

This should be no surprise: we all know Harry Potter went to a boarding school in England, right?

The oldest boarding school in the world is in Kent, England. The King’s School, Canterbury has been around in 1567 and still provides a complete education to this day. 

The King’s School, Canterbury only takes 800 students at a time. Parents usually need to register 2 years early in order for their children to get in. Fun fact: Orlando Bloom was a pupil at this prestigious boarding school. 

2. Smaller Class Sizes

One of the biggest benefits of attending a boarding school is the small class sizes. With our public schools becoming more and more crowded, this is a big advantage for boarding schools.

In a boarding school, class sizes tend to be around 10 to 20 kids per class. This allows kids to have more one-on-one interaction with their teachers. This means students are more likely to work on their individual level instead of getting lost in the crowd. 

Along with more teacher interactions, more supplies are available to the students, as well as fewer distractions.  

3. Much More Rigorous Curriculum

Because boarding schools are not public schools, they can choose their own curriculum. However, almost 100% of the time, boarding school exceeds the minimum requirements. 

The great thing about having flexibility in the curriculum is you can pick the boarding school that best fits your needs. Need discipline and leadership? No problem, there are boarding schools that focus on becoming the best leader you can be. 

Interested in rigorous classes that will prepare you for an ivy league school? How about for a child that is gifted but has a different learning style? No matter what you are looking for, you are sure to find it in one of the 350 boarding schools in the United States. All of which have their own unique curriculum meant to push their students. 

4. Extra Curricular Activites Are Encouraged

Contrary to what most believe, boarding school is a great place to participate in athletics. In fact, in most cases, they are required. 

Of course, there is football, basketball, and baseball, but there is also lacrosse, badminton, and equestrian riding. When was the last time you got to ride a horse at your high school?

In addition to sports, the arts are also heavily encouraged — both the performing arts and the visual arts. There are also clubs, opportunities for community service, and special interest groups. 

We are seeing these types of programs being cut from public schools because of a lack of funding. But, these activities are alive and well at boarding schools. For example, Lake Mary Prep has a wide range of options available for their students. 

5. International Students Are Welcome

Forget your small town high school. International students are welcome at boarding schools where cultural diversity is wanted. 

International students want to attend American boarding schools to perfect their English and get a solid education. American students get a broader understanding of the different cultures in our World. 

6. You’ll Find All the Expert Teachers Here

Most boarding school teachers have advanced degrees in the subjects they are teaching. Because of the strict curriculum, boarding schools can have stricter standards on those they choose to hire. 

This means you will learn from the experts in any given field. These teachers have more experience and passion than what you will typically find the public school system. 

7. There Is a Zero Tolerance Policy

One of the most appealing reasons to send your child to boarding school is that they will not fall through the cracks. In a boarding school, they are not just a student ID number. 

The administration knows each student and boarding schools are often operated family style with the teachers acting as surrogate parents. They are very aware of the kids and what is going on. 

There is also zero tolerance for any of the following:

• Substance abuse
• Hazing
• Cheating
• Bullying

The consequences are much more severe at boarding schools. You can be assured that your child is in a safe environment. 

So instead of worrying about whether or not your teen will get arrested this weekend, let other adults take over. 

8. Boarding Schools Can Be Affordable

Traditionally, boarding schools were only for the elite. This started changing the 1970s and 1980s when more schools started offering financial aid.

Yes, boarding school can be expensive, but most schools offer families millions of dollars every year to be able to send their kids to boarding school. 

There is also the option of living and home and commuting to boarding school. This will save on room and board. 

Don’t let the cost keep you away from looking into boarding schools. Just don’t be afraid to ask about financial aid.

9. Advantages of Living Away From Home

Sending your teen to live away from home sounds like a bad idea. But, wouldn’t you rather have them get a few years of supervised experience? At boarding school, they can learn how to be independent and deal with the pressures of life while being guided by mentors who care about them.

In fact, 78% of boarding school students said they felt they were prepared for college, while only 23% of public school students felt prepared. 

Give your child a few years head start by allowing them to learn how to be independent a little sooner.

So What Is a Boarding School?

Now that you’ve read this, you can answer anyone who asks, “What is a boarding school?” It’s a place where kids can get the best education available, individual attention from the teacher, and excel in extra-curricular activities. 

By the time they are in the middle of their career, up to 90% of boarding school alumni say they would do it again. That’s a pretty high percentage of people who are happy with their boarding school experience.

So go ahead and start looking for your perfect boarding school adventure. And while you’re at it, check out these other interesting articles that will help you along your way. 

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