What Are Boarding Schools?

Well known for academic excellence, with small class sizes, diverse curricula, and individual attention from teachers and advisors, the boarding school experience affords students numerous significant advantages. Boarding school students acquire the abilities that help ensure success in college and in life.

During the academic year, boarding schools become extended families where teachers and students live and learn together. The 24-hour community of this close-knit environment allows the faculty to seize every teachable moment, whether in the classroom, on the playing field or court, or in the dormitory.

There are many different types of boarding schools. If you decide boarding school is for you, the first step in choosing a school is to consider what type offers the best fit with your needs:

All Boarding
Entirely residential schools, where all students live on campus.

Boarding-Day Schools
The majority of students live on campus while some commute from local neighborhoods or towns.

Military Schools
Schools that follow a military structure and often require uniforms and drill practices.

5-Day Boarding Schools
Schools where students may elect to stay only during the week and go home on the weekends.

Junior Boarding Schools
Schools that accept students in grades 1-8, usually from 6-8.

Coeducational Schools
Schools that accept both boys and girls.

Boys Schools
Schools that accept only boys.

Girls Schools
Schools that accept only girls.

Pre-Professional Arts Schools
Schools that specialize in training musical, performing, and visual artists.

Religious Schools
Schools that are affiliated with a specific religion or denomination.

This article was reprinted with permission from The Association of Boarding Schools

© 2004 The Association of Boarding Schools, All Rights Reserved