What You Should Know About Private Boarding School
What do you know about private boarding schools? Is this a schooling option that your family has been discussing? Are you feeling a little lost on what to look for and what you should know about this type of schooling? Do not worry, because you are not alone.
Most parents start worrying about sending their teen away to school without really diving into the benefits that it has to offer their family.
Fully researching your options will allow you to make the most informed decision on whether or not this unique schooling option is best for your teen.
5 Things To Know About Private Boarding Schools
Parents face many challenging decisions when it comes to their children’s education, upbringing, and environment. Be sure that you do all your research ahead of time before discussing boarding school options with your teen.
1. Readiness and Willingness
All children mature at different rates. It highly depends on the independence they have been given at home and how they handle that independence. You need to be honest with your teen and have open conversations about boarding school.
Allow them to ask questions and gauge their willingness towards attending this type of school. If your teen is not ready, they may need more time. On the other hand, boarding school can be a safe and supportive environment where students can develop greater independence before attending college.
Many students who initially feel hesitant about attending a private boarding school discover that the structured yet nurturing atmosphere helps them build confidence and maturity at their own pace.
2. Private Boarding School’s Reputation and Track Record
Nothing replaces an in-person (or virtual) campus visit. Walk the grounds, sit in on classes when possible, and speak directly with current students and their parents. Schools develop their own personalities over time – something you can only sense by being there. If you can, connect with alumni. Discover how their experiences shaped their college and career paths.
Read online reviews and see what other parents and students have to say about their time spent at the school. This approach will give you an inside look at what to expect for your teen.
3. Check Safety and Welfare
There are many questions a parent may have about the boarding school’s safety and welfare policies:
- Is there a healthcare facility on campus?
- How does the school handle bullying and harassment?
- Does the school offer counseling and emotional support?
- What is the surrounding environment like, and how does the location contribute to campus safety?
- What supervision is provided in dormitories?
- Are people allowed to enter the facility, or must they have clearance from security first?
- Are teachers well-trained for school emergencies?
Understanding all the school’s policies will help ensure that you choose a school that can safely board your teen while gaining a higher-quality education.
4. Academics and Extracurricular Activities
A private boarding school education should offer both academic excellence and opportunities for personal growth. Weekends and afternoons matter just as much to your teen’s development. During visits, ask specific questions about activities available outside class hours. Do students have access to music, arts, sports, or special interest clubs?
At our private school in Ohio, our transdisciplinary approach means students work on our organic farm while learning vital math skills, participate in community service, and engage in creative pursuits, building well-rounded skills for college and life.
5. Tuition Transparency
Private boarding school is a significant investment in your teen’s future. Before committing, understand exactly what tuition covers— and what it does not. Does it include books, activity fees, trips, and special programs?
Some schools have separate charges for things you might assume are included. Ask for a comprehensive breakdown of expenses beyond the base tuition to avoid surprises later.
More Private Boarding School Considerations
Some other things to consider may include:
- Develop a plan at home to help your teen gain more independence. This will help the transition go smoothly.
- Find out from the school whether they offer emotional support to children. Your teen may experience “big feelings” that they may need additional support from you and from the school.
- Talk about potential challenges with your teen to see how they feel about them.
- Be sure that your teen understands the benefits that a boarding school education has to offer them.
- Consider the school’s location and see how often you can make visits to the school. If the school is in close proximity to your home or other relatives, this may help make your decision a little easier.
Exploring Private Boarding Schools
Finding the right private boarding school for your teen takes time and thoughtful consideration. At Olney Friends School, we understand this is one of the biggest decisions your family will make for your teen’s education, which will help determine their trajectory.
We invite you to visit our historic campus in Ohio, meet our faculty (who maintain a remarkable 3:1 student-teacher ratio), and experience our community firsthand. Schedule a personal tour today to discover if our approach to education aligns with your family’s values and your teen’s needs.
