What it’s like to go to a boarding school in the US

Attending a boarding school in the US can greatly benefit international students for several reasons.

For The Village School’s Head of School, Katherine Brewer, there are three reasons why every parent should consider sending their child to a boarding school in the US.

Students stand to gain a global perspective, cultural appreciation and the flexibility that US boarding schools grant globally mobile families.

“Boarding students have a unique opportunity to unlock their full potential. With more time to pursue their interests, a boarding school environment encourages discovery and growth, as students become self-reliant and empowered to make decisions.

“For international students, the choice to attend boarding school may seem a bit daunting. But, the best part of boarding schools is that they offer much more than an education, they provide a second home for student,” says Brewer.

It serves as a source of academic consistency too, especially if the student is part of a family that moves around much.

How does a boarding school experience in the US exceed expectations? Source: Shutterstock

US university links

By attending a boarding school in the US, this will ease the transition from high school to college in one of the most respected and popular higher education systems in the world.

Recent data from the Institute of International Education (IIE) show that the number of international students pursuing higher education in the US achieved an all-time high in the 2018/19 academic year.

There were 1,095,299 international students in US colleges and universities, a 0.05 percent increase from the previous year.

Another benefit is the connection boarding school teachers and counsellors have with top colleges, which will help students in the college admissions process.

Individualised support

Boarding schools typically provide individualised support systems for students, where they’re guided by teaching staff, campus counsellors and dorm parents.

In response to a parent’s letter, international college admissions consultant Gerald Bradshaw noted in the Chicago Tribune that boarding schools also have smaller class sizes, allowing students more access to their teacher and vice versa.

“Every student has weaknesses and because of the small class size and student/counsellor ratios, top boarding schools are uniquely qualified to help students find those weaknesses (be they social or academic) and master them,” he wrote.

Liked this? Then you’ll love…

Boarding schools in Asia where students flourish

These are some of the most expensive boarding schools in Switzerland