What are Boarding Schools?
- Community
- Current Aramco Employees
Author: Southwestern Academy
Released 1 May 2003
Boarding schools are schools that not only provide excellent academic programs but also provide housing for students and faculty. The boarding school community offers an environment for students that is safe, academically challenging, diverse, active and fun.
Small class size, a curriculum that is interesting and varied, individual attention from teachers and counselors are just some of the ingredients that help students acquire the skills to help them succeed in college and in life.
Boarding schools become extended families where students and faculty live and learn together and where every aspect of academic, athletic, and social life is directed toward educating the next generation of young men and women.
There are many types of boarding school, each with unique missions and programs. In considering the option of attending a Boarding school, there are a number of factors to consider:
- Types of schools: (Small, Large, Military, Co-ed, single-sex, junior, Pre-Professional Arts, 5-Day Boarding)
- Location of Schools: (Rural, Suburban, Urban)
- Mission of school: (As varied as each school)
- Academic Program: (College Prep, Rigorous, Challenging, Supportive, Remedial, Providing support for students with Learning Differences)
- Facilities: (State of the Art, Challenging Lifestyle Environment, Extensive Performing Arts facilities, Wilderness Program).
- Extra Curricular Programs: (Clubs, Associations, Equestrian Programs, Visual and Performing Arts Programs, Athletics).
Once the decision to attend a boarding school has been made and the choices have been narrowed down the next step is to research the schools.
The initial contact should be to an admission officer who will be happy to answer questions about their school and programs.
Check with each school regarding deadlines and requirements. Do not assume that all schools deadlines and requirements are the same – check with each school before submitting an application.
Although much information is available in view books, websites and videos or DVD’s, there is no substitute for a campus visit. Boarding schools often encourage or require a student to visit the campus and often have overnight stays. During a school visit a tour of the campus will be given. Tour guides are often current students who can be an excellent source of information. This is the perfect time to enquire about things that are not covered in the school’s printed or website materials. Class visits are usually scheduled in advance so if a student wishes to visit a particular class then it is best to contact the school in advance to make a request.
The interview is an opportunity for the school to find out more about a student and just as importantly, for the student to find out more about the school. A student should be able to express why he or she is interested in attending a particular school and avoid asking questions about information that is already available in the school‘s materials.
Most schools have a notification date in early spring. Once a letter of acceptance has been received then the student must decide whether or not to accept. To accept an offer of admission the parent or guardian must sign an enrollment contract and provide a non- refundable tuition deposit. If a student declines then the school should be notified so that they can offer the place to a student on their waiting list.
Many schools offer rolling admission, which means they will accept applications on a space available basis throughout the year or after published deadlines. This program is ideal for parents who decide to look into boarding schools as an option later in the year or even during summer.