4 US boarding schools preparing children to thrive in the 21st century

If you are looking for a school that prepares children with the knowledge needed for college and beyond, then look no further. US boarding schools are the answer. 

In recent years, boarding schools have been growing in popularity, especially in the US, with over 300 boarding schools. This increase is due to these schools’ stimulating and holistic environment, which is essential to development. 

According to The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS), such supportive, agile and innovative education has resulted in 87% of boarding students being well prepared for college academically and 78% feeling socially prepared for university life. 

Ensuring optimum preparedness, these schools offer challenging academics and extracurricular activities, preparing them with skills outside the classroom that brace them for the challenges faced in the future.

For parents looking for a boarding school that focuses on developing their child as a whole and preparing them for life in college and beyond, here are four in the US worth considering: 

Buffalo Seminary

Situated in beautiful Western New York is an independent day and boarding school focused on preparing young girls for college and beyond.

Buffalo Seminary (SEM) has more to offer than just its wonderful location. The excellent academic programme at SEM develops intellect and independence in each of its students while providing them with the support needed for a successful career. The Class of 2022 have joined top universities such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Northeastern University, Wellesley College, and more.

At SEM, students have the opportunity to explore their interests, be it in research, service, leadership, arts or sports. Girls are encouraged to pursue their passions through SEM’s athletic teams, student-run clubs, theatre and arts programmes and AP classes.

What makes SEM unique, however, is its music programme which includes school concerts and performances by their acapella group, the SEMachords, the Glee Club, and an award-winning ensemble. It is also one of the a few K-12 schools in the US to be a Committed Steinway Select School, giving students the opportunity to make music with the highest class instruments.

“There are a variety of courses offered in music at SEM, that is one of the strengths of the school,” said Dr. Madeline Harts, SEM’s music teacher. “This gives students the opportunity to explore all aspects of a subject and themselves. Students can explore their own creativity and ability to create art.”

SEM boasts 11 pianos on campus available for students throughout the day, an internationally known music teacher and a competitive scholarship for freshmen interested in becoming musicians. The SEM Steinway Scholarship is awarded to one incoming student who demonstrates extraordinary ability in music. To learn more about SEM, click here.

Choate Rosemary Hall

Located in the scenic town of Wallingford, Connecticut, Choate Rosemary Hall is a co-educational boarding and day school for students grades nine to postgraduate.

Students are prepared to take on college and life with the school’s support, programmes and expertise. Academic exploration is encouraged here, with diverse perspectives, cultures, and student experiences valued. Choate is just the right size, with an authentic community and unparalleled facilities to make this possible.

In short, Choate is a school where students are undefinable. With a vast array of opportunities, studies and activities, combined with support and guidance from campus adults, there is no need for students to be constrained by one thing — be it sport, passion, or identity.

Signature Programmes let students build upon their interests and talents further. From Advanced Robotics to Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies (AMES), each option is completely immersive. There is also the Capstone Programme, where students use their creativity and curiosity to chart a concentrated course of study that culminates in a final project during the spring term of the sixth form year. Past concentrations have included China-US Relations, The Art of Dissent, and Preventable Exploitation in the Developing World.

Choate is an intellectually inquisitive community where students can widen their worlds and explore many different passions. They have the full support of faculty members ready to guide them in stretching their discoveries and passion in any area. If you seek an education that brings big changes and impressive transformations, learn more about Choate Rosemary Hall here.

Concord Academy

Scholars with creative and wide-ranging aspirations in mind will settle in nicely at Concord Academy –– an independent, co-educational boarding and day school in Concord, Massachusetts. A total of 400 students in grades nine through 12 are already here and enjoying a curriculum as wide as can be.

Over 200 academic courses are available to satisfy all kinds of curiosity. For schools of this size, a curriculum this broad is a rarity. Here, each student is paired with an advisor –– a faculty member or administrator who is equal parts mentor and advocate to help them unlock their potential. To parents, they serve as vital links between home and school. 

At Concord Academy, intellectual possibilities are endless. Students pursue their passions through semester-based electives –– whether it be learning topics in engineering such as computer-aided design and manufacturing or directing a theatre mainstage production. They often spend their time nurturing their creative and extracurricular talents as well. While participating in a rigorous academic programme, many are still incredibly active in the arts, athletics, and various clubs or organisations. 

Concord Academy’s location makes it the perfect setting for further self-discovery. Concord, Massachusetts, is a safe and small New England town that is a tourist destination and historic treasure. The beautiful campus is also just 30 minutes away from the bustling city of Boston, where countless world-class colleges and universities are based.

Church Farm School

Located in Exton, Pennsylvania, 30 miles west of Philadelphia, Church Farm School is a private college preparatory boarding and day school for boys in grades nine to 12. Here, the values of respect, responsibility, integrity and brotherhood permeate — continuing its founding mission of ensuring bright young men of good character have access to a world-class education. And they do — 100% of graduates go on to attend leading universities every year.

Young men of all faiths, ethnicities and socioeconomic statuses are welcomed to this school often found on the “top” of many schools’ lists, including Most Beautiful Private School in Pennsylvania (Architectural Digest 2018), top 10 Chester County High Schools (Main Line Today 2021) and Top 10 Boarding Schools in PA (Niche 2022).

Here, young men can pursue a rigorous and engaging academic programme at an unusually accessible cost. Boarding and day rates here are well lower than competitors while offering the same rigour and facilities. Students of all incomes, including some middle- and upper-income families, can also apply for financial aid options.

Recently, the school completed its campus modernisation project. Many CFS spaces are revitalised and modernised, creating a more collegiate feel and including a state-of-the-art Centre for the Arts. To unlock your child’s potential at CFS, click here.

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International