There are over 128,000 K-12 schools in the United States, of which, approximately 98,000 are public schools and about 30,000 are private. Only 5% of U.S. school children attend boarding schools although boarding schools are known for offering rigorous academics, small class sizes, and strong college counseling.
Many U.S. boarding schools have a track record of graduates matriculating to highly selective universities and these school environments also help students develop independence, self-discipline, and life skills at a younger age. Parents see this as an advantage for students who need more structure, motivation, or responsibility.
Unlike day schools, boarding schools offer a 24/7 community where students live, learn, and build deep friendships on campus. At Army and Navy Academy, for instance, students mature and develop a sense of responsibility and accountability for their decisions and actions, elevate their grades, receive college planning services, and much more. Here are just some of the many benefits students gain from a boarding school experience in the U.S and, in particular, at Army and Navy Academy.
Academic & College Prep Advantages
- College Prep – College prep boarding schools have many advantages due to academic offerings such as: on-site testing, mandatory study time, academic support services, college counseling and other related programs to help students stand out in college admissions
- College Matriculation – Boarding schools in the U.S. often have a higher college matriculation rate to the best colleges and universities than day schools. In fact, many parents choose to send their teen to boarding schools to gain admission to the Ivy League, tuition-free military service academies or highly competitive colleges.
- Life Skills – Boarding schools encourage students to develop self-discipline, resilience, strong ethics, and leadership to succeed in college. They also may have opportunities to do unique community service projects, internships, trips abroad and gain specific life skills like leadership training.
Daily Life & Student Support
Students attend boarding schools, not only for the college prep education, but for the rigorous daily schedule and high level of student support.
- Structured Routines – Around the clock, boarding schools follow a daily schedule with specific timeframes for academics, athletics, co-curriculars, study time, meals, personal hygiene, rest and relaxation and dorm meetings.
- Holistic Development – The residential setting at boarding schools provides opportunities for holistic development, including social, emotional, and physical growth.
- Mentorship – Strong mentorship and 24/7 supervision, boarding school students receive adult and peer guidance during classes, after-school tutorials, counseling sessions, and during athletics and dorm life.
Mental Health & Wellness Programs
As anxiety and depression has risen in our youth, private schools, both day and boarding are committed to providing various resources to support the social and emotional needs of students.
- Dedicated Counselors – A dedicated Counseling Center at American boarding schools like Army and Navy Academy in Carlsbad offers social-emotional support, as well as academic scheduling, college counseling, one-on-one sessions, and tools like Tutor Doctor.
- Social and Emotional Support – Beyond individual counseling sessions with students, counselors also improve mental health through workshops, peer counseling, test prep and other activities to address stress management. For more information, check out this blog about ways boarding schools improve the mental health of teens.
- Monitor Tech Use: While most parents must monitor their teen at night if they attend public or private day schools, boarding schools often have specific timeframes and areas for device usage. They tend to take an active role in helping students create life balance and learn ways to avoid technology dependence.
Diversity & Social Life
- Diversity – While private schools tend to attract students from the local area, typically within a 30 mile radius of the school location, boarding schools can attract both domestic across the United States, as well as international students.
- International Students – Boarding school students come from around the globe, including: Canada, Mexico, China, Taiwan, Japan, Malaysia, Russia, Ukraine, Dominican Republic, and many other countries. Boarding schools, in particular, are ideally equipped to support these students through dormitories, cultural immersion activities, multicultural events, student visa guidance, college planning services and ESL classes. International students are sometimes offered holiday arrangements with school friends and benefit from various cultural immersion opportunities.
- Domestic Students – Boarding school students come from states across the U.S. with higher concentrations of boarding schools located on the East Coast, West Coast and New England states. U.S. citizens attending boarding schools benefit from the social interactions with teens from all over the globe. They get a chance to have a roommate who may even speak another language, visit international friends abroad and learn about other cultures.
- Strong Bonds – Lifelong friendships are often formed through shared living experiences, during classes, clubs, trips, and dorm life.
Extracurriculars, Transportation & Travel
- Transportation – Boarding schools provide transportation for medical/dental appointments, weekend activities, excursions, sports, and transport to and from campus. Some boarding schools are near major airports and rapid transit like the Army and Navy Academy near LAX, SNA, and SAN.
- Travel Opportunities – Boarding schools offer travel programs during breaks and some even offer summer travel programs. For instance, schools like Army and Navy Academy have a long history of trips to around the globe, as well as East Coast College Tours and other broadening experiences.
Resources:
- School Comparison Websites: Niche, Great Schools, Boarding School Review, Private School Review, AMCSUS (military schools) and regional sites like Western Boarding School Association.
Why Do Kids Go to Boarding Schools?
If you are considering a private school change for your teen, it is important to evaluate when a boarding school may be ideal:
- College and Career – Statistics point to more engagement in learning, grade improvement, lifelong friendships, and better college and career opportunities at boarding schools.
- Academic and Personal Needs – The student may need and benefit from more structure, academic support, or emotional growth than parents may be able to provide.
- Family Relocates – Relocation due to work changes, military service or diplomatic careers may prompt families to consider boarding schools.
- Difficult Circumstances – Divorce, separation, or death may require families to adjust and explore short or long-term boarding school options for middle and/or high school.
As you can see, there are many benefits to attending a boarding school during middle or high school, but the decision ultimately depends on a teenager’s personal goals, maturity level, and the family’s lifestyle. Hopefully, you now have a better handle on some of the many benefits of boarding schools
Army & Navy Academy Admission Office: Interested in scheduling a campus tour to explore an oceanfront campus in Carlsbad, California geared for boys entering grades 7-12? Feel free to reach out.
Phone: 888-762-2338