How to Choose the Best Boarding School

Understanding Boarding School Options

Families exploring the best boarding schools in the U.S. will find a wide range of school options, including the following:

• Traditional college-preparatory schools
• College-preparatory Military Academies
• Special interest-focused schools, such as those for art, music, dance, theater, and sports
• Faith-based schools – Denominational and non-denominational
• Single-gender schools – All-girls and all-boys boarding schools

Aligning School Type with Student Needs

To find the best boarding school for your teen, match the boarding school’s focus to your teenager’s academic strengths and needs, extracurricular interests, and social preferences.

Also, consider whether your teen will do well in a highly structured setting or needs a more flexible approach. If you feel your teen is too young to live away from home and you live locally, you might consider choosing the day option at your local boarding school.  Many boarding schools offer a “day student” option for those families who don’t want or need the boarding component.

Key Factors to Consider

• Academic Programs & Curriculum-Evaluate the boarding school’s academic curriculum.  Here is a course catalog for reference. Check for college admission tracks, AP, honors, and dual enrollment class offerings, and unique programming.
• Specialized Programs-While some boarding schools are focused on arts, music, or advanced science, others offer specialized electives or programs like aviation, equestrian, and robotics. If your child has a particular interest, look for dedicated facilities and expert faculty.
• College Counseling & Outcomes-Review college matriculation data and the availability of one-on-one counseling, college planning workshops, SAT and ACT test prep, and application support.
• Athletics & Fitness Opportunities-Look for JV and Varsity sports as well as team sports and fitness options. Also, check out the outdoor and athletic facilities that match your teenager’s interests (e.g., surfing, water polo, lacrosse, football, basketball).
• Clubs & Enrichment Activities-Check the variety of co-curricular offerings: clubs, organizations, educational activities, internships, and trips abroad.
• Campus Safety & Wellness-Understand safety and security measures, health services, counseling resources, dining services, transportation, and counseling programs that support both physical and mental health.
• Location & Accessibility-Consider climate, the physical setting (urban, suburban, or rural), and proximity to regional or international airports. This is especially important for international or out-of-state families.
• Student Life & Weekend Activities-Ask about dorm life, student leadership opportunities, weekend trips, and on-campus events that create a fun and well-rounded social life.
• Campus Facilities & Amenities-Tour classrooms, labs, performance spaces, recreation areas, and athletic complexes to gauge the quality of the learning and campus life environment.
• Tuition and Fees, Financial Aid & Scholarships-Ask the admission office to review the tuition, room and board, and fees. If needed, request details on need-based aid, merit scholarships, and payment plans.

Benefits of a Boarding School Education

Boarding schools provide unique benefits and advantages:

• 24/7 Learning Environment: Academic support extends well beyond the classroom with faculty and dorm staff mentorship and guidance.
• Structured Independence: Students develop time-management and life skills while receiving mentorship from faculty, staff, and peers.
• Global Community: Boarding schools in the U.S. draw students from around the world, promoting cultural understanding and building life-long friendships.
• Robust Extracurriculars: Athletics, arts, clubs, trips, and activities often outpace local private day school or public school offerings.
• College Readiness: Strong academics, counseling, and leadership opportunities prepare students for competitive admissions to top public and private colleges and universities as well as the service academies.

Spotlight: Army & Navy Academy

For middle and high school boys who thrive in a structured, leadership-focused environment, the Army & Navy Academy in Carlsbad, California, stands out among the best boarding schools in the U.S.

• Reputation: Ranked among the best boarding schools in California and the best boarding high schools in America.
• College-Prep Curriculum: Rigorous college prep academics and unique electives include: advanced placement and honors classes, STEM, and stellar leadership education training (JROTC).
• Specialized Classes and Programs: Language Learning Programs (ESL/ESOL), Learning Strategies (for mild to moderate learning differences), and the Warrior Aviation Program set this boarding school apart.
• Location & Campus Life: A stunning historic beachfront campus in San Diego County with direct ocean access, Army Navy Academy is ideal for U.S. citizens and international students who need access to international airports (LAX, SAN). Also, it is perfect for families who travel frequently, live abroad, or find themselves in need of support systems.
• Leadership Training: As a private military boarding school, it blends the best practices of leadership training, character development, time management, and communication skills into daily life.
• Athletics & Extracurricular Activities: JV and Varsity sports, surf team, a wide variety of clubs and organizations, and weekend excursions create a transformative and balanced experience.

Steps to Choose a Boarding School

1. Define Priorities: List your academic, extracurricular, and personal student needs. Consider preferences such as single-sex education, military boarding schools, or faith-based school environments.
2. Research & Shortlist: Use resources like Niche, Boarding School Review, regional associations like Western Boarding School Association (WBSA) and other reputable private school directories to explore and choose the best boarding schools in the U.S.
3. Visit & Ask Questions: Contact the office of admission based on your priorities and preferences. Develop your list of questions around the areas most important to you, such as academics, athletics, campus life,  college counseling, safety protocols, and student life. Tour campuses and discuss your questions.  Take lots of notes to reference later in case you have a follow-up question or need further clarification.
4. Compare Tuition Costs & Financial Aid: Check out the cost of boarding school. During your campus visit, review the tuition and all fees, as well as financial aid, with the admission staff. If you intend to apply for assistance, start the process early on and remember that most boarding schools do offer financial aid, payment plans, and awards.
5. Apply & Prepare: Track application deadlines, gather school records and required documents, and help your teen practice for the admission interview.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose a boarding school?

To choose the best boarding school, first identify your teenager’s academic strengths and weaknesses, personal interests, and social needs. Then research schools, visit campuses, and speak with current families to find the best fit.

What criteria should families use when selecting a boarding school?

Before applying, consider academic offerings, college planning services, social-emotional counseling success, extracurricular variety, campus safety, financial aid, and the overall boarding school mission, values, and culture.

Are boarding schools only for wealthy families?

No, many offer robust need-based financial aid, payment plans, and merit-based awards or scholarships.

Do students get enough downtime at boarding schools?

Yes, evenings and weekends feature rest and relaxation time, clubs, outings, and various social activities.

How do parents stay involved?

Most boarding schools provide parent portals, frequent newsletter communications, teacher and coach updates,  and on-campus special events during family weekends.

What about travel logistics for families living abroad or out of state?

Consider proximity to international airports and whether the boarding school has a transportation department to assist students with travel home or during the holidays and/or open weekends.

Can boarding schools accommodate special learning needs?

Only a few boarding schools like Army and Navy Academy, have dedicated learning support or specialists for students with mild to moderate learning differences (e.g. ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, auditory processing). Make sure you find a school with the proper systems in place.

How do boarding schools handle health and wellness?

Boarding schools typically have on-site health centers, counseling services, and wellness programs to support both mental and physical health. Learning to balance academics, athletics, and other co-curriculars is integral to the daily schedule.

What technology policies should families review?

Make sure you ask about device use in dorms and classes, Wi-Fi availability, and digital citizenship programs. Some boarding schools like Army and Navy Academy have very specific protocols for device usage that are strictly enforced.

Why do students go to a military boarding school?

Check out this article to learn more about why middle and high school students are choosing a military school education. Whether a student is planning to apply to a public or private university, Ivy League, or to the highly selective service academies, a private military school education can set applicants apart for college admission.

Exploring schools? Schedule a Boarding School Campus Tour 

At Army and Navy Academy, an all-boys boarding school in San Diego, California, the staff is dedicated to providing you with clear and supportive information every step of the way. Enjoy a personalized tour, hear from students and staff, and take in the stunning beachfront location on the Pacific Ocean.

Inquiry Form: Fill out our simple form to contact us, schedule a visit, or to request school information.

Phone: 888.762.2338

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