What Is Boarding School? Its Meaning, Purpose & Advantages

Popular media like the Harry Potter series and Dead Poets Society love to set their plots against the backdrop of boarding schools. But if fictional depictions and vague Victorian notions of sending the children away form your perceptions of what boarding school means in today’s world, you probably realize that the picture in your head doesn’t reflect reality.

Why do parents still send their children to boarding school these days? What does it look like? Most importantly: Would this be a good option for your kids? Let’s break it down.

What Is Modern Boarding School Like?

There are certain important similarities and differences between boarding school reality and the fictional or historical concept. 

Boarding school remains a private school where students live on campus. But any picture of a cold, authoritarian setting that keeps kids completely isolated from their parents belongs securely in the past. 

Modern boarding schools:

• May be co-ed.

• Focus on the holistic needs of the students, including academics and emotional well-being.

• Encourage family support and involvement.

• May focus on specific disciplines, from STEM to performing arts.

• Focus on community and a sense of belonging.

• Tend to feature a mix of American and international students.

• May offer flexible schedules, instead of always keeping children for the entire term.

• Embrace modern teaching techniques.

Why Do Parents Send Their Kids to Boarding School?

Boarding schools rank among the best educational institutions in the country. This is the primary consideration for many parents. They want their children to receive one of the best educations available to them with an eye toward future success; boarding school may be able to help with that. 

In addition to academics, many parents value the independence and camaraderie that boarding schools encourage. International families may choose U.S. boarding schools as a way to expose their children to other cultures and prepare them for life in a globalized world.

How Old Do You Have to Be to Go to Boarding School?

Most boarding schools start in middle or high school, so entry points of 6th–10th grade are the most common. So you might have students as young as 11 or as old as 16 in the youngest grade, depending on the admission requirements. 

Ultimately, you have the best grasp on what’s best for your child. Take into account elements like emotional maturity, independence, and academic readiness as you make the decision. After all, you want them to succeed—and choosing the right time to start boarding school is a huge factor in their ability to excel.

Do Boarding Schools Help with College Admissions?

Yes, potentially, but the answer is a bit more nuanced than that. Prestigious boarding schools may have a well-established relationship with certain Ivy League universities, and this can put your student in a great position to get their college application seriously considered. But this is far from a guarantee.

Many universities value student demographics from a variety of backgrounds, so even among impressive boarding school candidates, they may be primarily interested in students who distinguish themselves in their respective environments. 

If you have your eyes set on a specific college for your child, consider an admissions consulting service that can help you determine the best preparatory experience to meet your goals.

What Does Boarding School Life Look Like?

Class structure probably looks similar to any other private school experience. At most boarding schools, students will have classes in the morning, break for lunch, and then resume classes in the afternoon. They may have extracurricular activities woven in, and there will likely be evening and weekend opportunities for other experiences like sports, clubs, and performing arts. 

Students stay in dormitories at most boarding schools. They’ll be supervised but will also have a fair amount of independence. The degree of freedom versus structure may vary depending on the boarding school.

One of the benefits of a boarding school is that students have regular access to a mentor or advisor. With students living on campus, it’s often easier to arrange extra academic support, counseling, or enrichment activities as needed.

How Much Does Boarding School Cost?

Boarding schools can have a wide range of costs. The idea that they’re exclusively for the ultra-wealthy isn’t true. Of course, adding room and board to tuition means more overhead, but there may be scholarships and grants available for lower-income families. Some boarding schools are elite and expensive; some strive to be more affordable, with financing options and payment plans. It simply depends on the school.

How Can Parents Get Started?

InAmerica International is the expert when it comes to childhood education, making the right choices for your child and family, and helping open doors to prestigious academic institutions—including boarding schools. Our results speak for themselves.

Our K–12 consulting specialists will answer your questions and guide you through a customized process designed to help your child get into the best place for their future. Discover how we can help them get into premium boarding schools by reaching out today.