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Essay on Boarding School

Students are often asked to write an essay on Boarding School in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

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100 Words Essay on Boarding School

Introduction.

Boarding schools are educational institutions where students live on campus. They offer a unique learning environment.

Academic Excellence

Personal development.

Living away from home, students learn independence and responsibility. They grow personally and socially.

Extra-Curricular Activities

Boarding schools provide various extra-curricular activities. This nurtures talents and develops well-rounded individuals.

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250 Words Essay on Boarding School

Boarding schools, institutions where students reside within the school premises, have been a part of our educational system for centuries. They are often seen as a means to foster independence, discipline, and a sense of community among students.

Benefits of Boarding Schools

Boarding schools offer a unique environment that encourages personal growth. Students learn to manage their time and responsibilities, preparing them for the rigors of adult life. The close-knit community fosters strong relationships and a sense of belonging. Moreover, these schools often provide superior academic and extracurricular opportunities, enhancing students’ overall development.

Challenges in Boarding Schools

However, boarding schools also present challenges. The separation from family can lead to feelings of homesickness and isolation. Additionally, the pressure to conform to the community can sometimes overshadow individuality.

Boarding Schools in the Modern Context

500 words essay on boarding school.

Boarding school, an educational institution where students live on campus, has long been a topic of debate in academic circles. These schools not only provide a unique learning environment but also shape the overall personality of students. However, they also pose challenges and concerns that need to be addressed.

The Advantages of Boarding Schools

The most significant advantage of boarding schools is the immersive educational environment they provide. With access to resources round-the-clock, students can fully engage in their studies, leading to a deep understanding of their subjects. Furthermore, they foster a sense of independence as students manage their schedules, balance their activities, and learn to live away from home.

The Challenges of Boarding Schools

Despite the benefits, boarding schools have their share of challenges. The most common concern is homesickness, which can impact a student’s emotional well-being and academic performance. Additionally, the rigorous academic and extracurricular schedule can lead to stress and burnout.

The Role of Boarding Schools in Personality Development

However, it is essential to note that the impact of boarding schools on personality development can be both positive and negative. While some students may thrive in this environment, others may struggle with the pressure and expectations.

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459 Words Essay on Boarding Schools: Advantages and Disadvantages

Many parents with affordable means prefer their children to join a boarding school to their studying in a day-time government or public school. One of the many reasons given for this preference is that living in a hostel is necessary for discipline, academic excellence and inculcating self-discipline.

One other reason is an extremely busy schedule of both the parents which forces them to part with their children, when they are young, and send them to boarding schools. Yet another factor could be the fact that both the parents are employed in different parts of the country.

But nobody can deny the fact, and the actual story from the mouth of a boarder can be really moving that the children who are sent to such schools tend to suffer a lot from home­sickness and loneliness, initially. Later on, they get used to the new routine and do quite well.

Image Source : bbc.co.uk

Whatever the gains of a boarding school, the fact is that nothing can substitute parents while the children are growing up. It is really very cruel to send a child of 6 or 7 years of age to a boarding school.

After the 6th or 7th grade, a child could be expected to cope with the problem of separation from parents, but before that it is a cruel denial of his due, i.e. care, love and affection of his father, mother and other members of the family.

However, it can’t be denied that in a boarding school a child does learn values that he or she might miss at home, such as sharing, better social adjustment, initiative, leadership and the like.

The child has perforce to make his decisions there- choose his companions, find his own time to study, mix with all kinds of students and face day-to-day problems on his own. In brief, we can say that he matures faster, becomes less dependent on others and learns to be more self-confident.

But there is every chance of his falling preys to a wrong company; pick up bad habits and indulge him in unwanted practices. Not being under the supervision of his parents, he could learn to tell lies and cheat and thieve in order to meet his vices, like smoking and gambling. Such things are quite prevalent in boarding schools.

Hence, it is the duty of all of us to keep checks on our children from time to time, and learn to detect the signs of any unusual changes in their behaviour. Then only can we hope to see our children growing up the best way.

It is a fact that many boarding schools have superb facilities for child development, but to be at the safer side, it is still necessary that we keep ourselves acquainted with the child’s development.

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essay on life of boarding school

The Boarding School Experience: A Student’s Perspective

Sanctamaria faridabad

Sanctamaria faridabad

Introduction:

Embarking on the journey of boarding school life is a thrilling yet challenging adventure for any student. This article delves deep into the realm of boarding schools, providing a comprehensive exploration from a student’s perspective. From academics to extracurricular activities, dorm life to social dynamics, this guide offers invaluable insights for both prospective and current boarding school students.

The Thrill of Arrival

Arriving at a boarding school is a mix of excitement and nerves. As you step onto campus, the air is charged with anticipation, and the possibilities seem endless. The rush of meeting new people, exploring new surroundings, and beginning a new chapter in your life is exhilarating.

Navigating Academics

Academics form the backbone of the boarding school experience. With rigorous coursework and dedicated teachers, students are pushed to excel academically. Balancing classes, homework, and extracurricular commitments requires discipline and time management skills.

Embracing Extracurricular Activities

Beyond the classroom, boarding schools in delhi ncr offer a myriad of extracurricular opportunities. From sports teams to art clubs, theater productions to community service projects, there’s something for everyone to explore and pursue their passions.

Dorm Life: Finding Home Away from Home

Living in a dormitory is a hallmark of the boarding school experience. Dorm life fosters camaraderie, independence, and lifelong friendships. From late-night study sessions to weekend movie marathons, dorms are hubs of activity and connection.

Camaraderie and Friendship

Boarding school friendships are unique and enduring. Living and learning alongside peers from diverse backgrounds cultivates a strong sense of community and belonging. Whether it’s cheering each other on in sports events or supporting one another through academic challenges, boarding school friendships are built to last.

Exploring Independence

Boarding school provides an unparalleled opportunity for students to develop independence and self-reliance. From managing their schedules to making decisions about their social lives, students learn valuable life skills that prepare them for the future.

Nurturing Mentorship

One of the most valuable aspects of boarding school life is the mentorship provided by teachers, coaches, and residential staff. These mentors offer guidance, support, and encouragement, helping students navigate challenges and reach their full potential.

Overcoming Challenges

While the boarding school experience is filled with excitement and growth, it also comes with its fair share of challenges. Homesickness, academic pressure, and social adjustments are all common hurdles that students may face. However, overcoming these challenges fosters resilience and strength.

Experiencing boarding school firsthand is an adventure like no other. From the thrill of arrival to the challenges of academic rigor, every moment shapes and molds students into the individuals they are meant to become. The boarding school experience offers a rich tapestry of opportunities for growth, learning, and discovery.

How do boarding schools differ from traditional day schools?

Boarding schools offer a residential component, where students live on campus during the academic term. This immersive environment fosters a strong sense of community and allows for more in-depth engagement with academics and extracurricular activities.

What are some tips for adjusting to life at a boarding school?

  • Stay open-minded and embrace new experiences.
  • Get involved in clubs, sports, or other activities to meet new people.
  • Reach out to teachers or residential staff if you need support or guidance.
  • Stay connected with friends and family back home while also building relationships at school.

What are the benefits of attending a boarding school?

  • Access to top-notch academic programs and resources.
  • Opportunities for personal growth and development.
  • A supportive community of peers and mentors.
  • Preparation for college and beyond through rigorous academics and independent living skills.

How can students maintain a healthy balance between academics and extracurricular activities?

  • Prioritize time management and organization.
  • Set realistic goals and priorities for both academics and extracurriculars.
  • Communicate with teachers and coaches about workload and commitments.
  • Remember to schedule time for rest and relaxation to avoid burnout.

What should parents know about the boarding school experience?

  • Boarding school offers a unique opportunity for students to develop independence and resilience.
  • Communication with your child is key, as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of boarding school life.
  • Trust in the school’s faculty and staff to support your child’s academic and personal growth.

How can students make the most of their boarding school experience?

  • Take advantage of opportunities for growth and exploration.
  • Build strong relationships with peers and mentors.
  • Seek support when needed and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
  • Embrace the journey and cherish the memories made along the way.

The boarding school experience is a transformative journey filled with excitement, challenges, and growth. From the thrill of arrival to the lifelong friendships forged, every moment shapes students into the individuals they are meant to become. By embracing the opportunities and overcoming the challenges, students emerge from boarding school ready to tackle the world with confidence and resilience.

For more information about boarding school facilities, visit Sancta Maria Boarding School .

Sanctamaria faridabad

Written by Sanctamaria faridabad

Sancta Maria is one of the best international schools in Faridabad with the aim to unlock the potential of every learner for a better world. Visit us now!

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Boarding School Pros and Cons: History and Common Misconceptions

We live in the misinformation and disinformation age. That applies to boarding schools as it does to anything you can think of. While I've previously written about boarding school misconceptions in Boarding School Myths , I thought it would be helpful to parents investigating sending their child to a residential school. After all, your child will hear a chorus of misconceptions on social media before you tell her the facts. That's the downside of our receiving information and opinion from social media. Journalism investigates. Social media postulates.

The History of Boarding Schools

The history of boarding schools in the United States is as complex as it is profound. They originated in the colonial period, but their importance grew significantly during the 18th and 19th centuries. The first boarding schools were established by religious groups aiming to provide education to the children of the wealthy elite, often integrating religious teachings with a more traditional curriculum. Many of these early boarding schools were single-gender institutions, instilling a rigidly structured environment that shaped young people according to the societal expectations of the time.

President George Washington visited the Academy during its first year, and spoke in 1789 as part of his tour of New England.

Source: History of Phillips Andover Academy

The 19th century saw the emergence of Native American boarding schools, a less lauded chapter in the history of boarding schools in the U.S. This system was an attempt by the U.S. government to assimilate Native American children into mainstream society. This move has been widely criticized for its cultural eradication implications. Students in these schools were often prohibited from speaking their native languages or practicing their cultural traditions, leading to a loss of cultural identity and heritage.

This video offers a glimpse of Phillips Andover's ethos and purpose as one of the nation's top boarding schools.

In the 20th century, the landscape of boarding schools started to shift. The advent of progressive education theories began to influence their methodologies, moving away from strict, regimented curricula to a more holistic, student-centered approach. Boarding schools began to emphasize character development, leadership skills, personal growth, and academic achievement. Single-gender schools became co-educational, reflecting the broader societal move towards gender equality.

Today, American boarding schools are diverse institutions serving a wide array of student needs and interests. From those that cater to students with specific talents or academic focuses to others designed for students needing more structured support, the scope of what a boarding school can be has significantly expanded. Despite their varied forms and functions, they continue to share the foundational goal of offering a comprehensive, immersive education experience.

Character development, leadership skills, and personal growth alongside academic achievement

In today's fast-paced, interconnected world, success extends beyond simply excelling academically. Education is no longer just about learning facts and figures. Instead, it's about producing well-rounded individuals capable of thinking critically, solving problems creatively, and working effectively with others. This is where boarding schools, with their emphasis on character development, leadership skills, and personal growth, play a significant role.

Firstly, character development is central to boarding school education. Boarding schools often strongly emphasize values such as honesty, respect, empathy, and resilience. When ingrained in students from an early age, these values form the foundation of their character, shaping them into responsible, compassionate, and conscientious individuals. Students develop maturity and a strong sense of personal responsibility by learning to interact with a diverse set of peers and adults and managing day-to-day duties on their own.

We launch women who change the world (for the better!). Tomorrow’s world-changers are made at Madeira – because Madeira is made for today’s young women.

Source: Madeira at a Glance

Secondly, leadership skills are nurtured within the boarding school environment. Schools provide ample opportunities for students to take on leadership roles in academic projects, sports teams, student government, or other extracurricular activities. These experiences foster confidence, decision-making abilities, problem-solving skills, and teamwork, all of which are critical leadership qualities. By offering real-life opportunities to lead and influence, boarding schools foster a leadership mindset among students, preparing them to succeed in future professional and societal roles.

Lastly, the focus on personal growth ensures that students are academically proficient and emotionally and socially skilled. The boarding school environment encourages students to explore their interests, discover new passions, face challenges, and learn from failures, leading to a greater understanding of their strengths, weaknesses, and potential. This self-awareness is critical for personal growth and lifelong learning.

Thus, the holistic approach adopted by boarding schools cultivates balanced growth in young people. By integrating academic learning with character building, leadership training, and personal development, boarding schools prepare students for life beyond the classroom, equipping them with the competencies and character traits needed to thrive in the 21st century.

This video overs a glimpse at the famed Madeira School in Virginia.

Current perceptions and misconceptions

Experiences, societal notions, and popular culture often frame the perceptions of boarding schools. Many people, particularly those familiar with the boarding school environment, recognize the potential benefits these institutions can offer. These include high-quality education, structured learning environments, rich extracurricular activities, cultural diversity, and robust character development. The successful alums that many boarding schools produce further reinforce the perception of these institutions as conducive to academic and personal growth. However, several misconceptions about boarding schools persist, leading to misunderstanding or skepticism.

One of the most common misconceptions is that boarding schools are exclusively for the wealthy elite. While it's true that many boarding schools carry a hefty price tag, many others offer scholarships and financial aid packages that make them accessible to a broader socioeconomic range.

Lack of Family Contact

Some people believe that boarding school students are isolated from their families, which is not typically the case. Most schools have regular visiting hours, family weekends, and breaks during which students go home. Moreover, modern technology allows for frequent contact between students and their families.

Emotional Hardship

Another misconception is that boarding schools are emotionally harsh and lead to feelings of abandonment or severe homesickness. While homesickness is a natural phenomenon, especially in the early days, most schools have support systems, such as mentorship programs, counseling services, and a nurturing community to help students adjust.

Uniform Education

There's a misconception that boarding schools provide a uniform, one-size-fits-all education. However, many boarding schools offer a diverse curriculum with many courses and a focus on individual learning styles.

Discipline and Rigidity

Some perceive boarding schools as overly strict and rigid, influenced by outdated stereotypes. While boarding schools provide structure, they also value personal development and encourage students to explore their interests and express their individuality.

Understanding the reality behind these perceptions and misconceptions is crucial for parents and students considering a boarding school education. It's essential to research, visit schools, and speak with current students, alums, and faculty to gain an accurate and comprehensive understanding of the boarding school experience.

Questions? Contact us on Facebook. @boardingschoolreview

#BoardingSchoolLife #Education #HolisticDevelopment #CharacterBuilding #LeadershipSkills #AcademicExcellence #CulturalDiversity #BoardingSchoolMisconceptions

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Everything You Need To Know About US Boarding Schools

essay on life of boarding school

By Eric Eng

Teenage schoolboy sitting at classroom and doing exam with his classmates.

Boarding schools in the United States have a long and storied history, providing students with unique educational opportunities and experiences. In this article, we will delve into the basics of US boarding schools, explore the benefits of attending one, discuss the different types of boarding schools available, and provide insights into the admissions process and daily life at these institutions.

Understanding the Basics of US Boarding Schools

Boarding schools, also known as residential schools, are educational institutions that provide round-the-clock learning and living environments for their students. Unlike day schools, where students go home at the end of the day, boarding schools offer full-time academic and residential programs. This arrangement allows students to immerse themselves fully in their studies and extracurricular activities while fostering personal growth and development.

View of three students smiling at the camera.

Definition of a Boarding School

A boarding school is a type of school where students reside on campus and live amongst their peers and teachers. These schools typically have dormitories where students sleep and common areas where they can socialize and study. Boarding schools may be co-educational, admitting both boys and girls or single-gender institutions.

The History of Boarding Schools in the US

The concept of boarding schools in the United States dates back centuries. Some of the oldest residential schools, such as Phillips Academy Andover and Deerfield Academy, have been in operation since the late 18th century. Originally, residential schools were established to provide education to children whose families lived in remote areas or served as missionaries or government officials abroad.

These early residential schools played a crucial role in ensuring that children from all walks of life had access to education. They provided a safe and nurturing environment where students could focus on their studies without the distractions and responsibilities of their home life. The boarding school experience also fostered a sense of community and camaraderie among the students as they lived and learned together.

Over time, boarding schools evolved to offer a comprehensive curriculum and extracurricular opportunities. Today, they cater to a wide range of students, including those seeking challenging academic programs or specialized education and those looking to develop leadership skills or pursue passions in the arts or sports.

Boarding schools have adapted to the changing needs and demands of students and society. Many now offer advanced placement courses, international baccalaureate programs, and specialized tracks in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects. They also provide extensive support services, such as college counseling, to help students navigate the path to higher education.

Furthermore, residential schools recognize the importance of a well-rounded education. They offer a plethora of extracurricular activities, ranging from sports teams and performing arts groups to debate clubs and community service organizations. These activities not only enhance students’ academic experiences but also foster personal growth, leadership skills, and a sense of responsibility to the community.

Boarding schools also prioritize the well-being and development of their students. They have dedicated faculty and staff who provide guidance, mentorship, and support. The close-knit nature of boarding school communities allows for strong relationships to form between students and their teachers, creating an environment where students feel valued, understood, and encouraged to reach their full potential.

In conclusion, boarding schools in the United States have a rich history and continue to provide students with unique educational experiences. They offer a holistic approach to education, combining rigorous academics with a supportive and nurturing living environment. Whether it’s academic excellence, personal growth, or pursuing passions, residential schools provide students with the tools and opportunities to thrive.

The Benefits of Attending a Boarding School

Attending a boarding school can have a profound impact on a student’s academic performance, personal growth, and future prospects. These institutions offer a myriad of advantages that contribute to a well-rounded education and foster independence.

Group of Chinese students smiling for the camera.

It provides an immersive educational experience that goes beyond the traditional classroom setting. Students not only receive a top-notch education but also have the opportunity to develop essential life skills and form lifelong friendships.

Academic Advantages

Boarding schools are renowned for their rigorous academic programs. With smaller class sizes, dedicated teachers, and an emphasis on critical thinking and discussion, students benefit from a highly engaging learning environment. The extended contact hours also allow students to delve deeper into their studies and explore topics in greater detail.

Moreover, boarding schools often offer specialized programs and advanced courses that cater to students’ diverse interests and aspirations. Whether it’s STEM, humanities, or the arts, students have access to a wide range of academic opportunities that nurture their passions and talents.

Furthermore, the academic support systems in residential schools are robust, with additional resources such as tutoring and study groups readily available. The focus on academic excellence prepares students for college and beyond, instilling strong study habits, time management skills, and a thirst for knowledge.

Personal Growth and Development

Living and learning alongside peers from diverse backgrounds in a boarding school environment fosters personal growth and development. Students develop independence, adaptability, and resilience as they navigate the challenges and responsibilities of daily life away from home.

Boarding schools offer a multitude of extracurricular activities, including clubs, sports teams, and community service opportunities. These activities enable students to discover and nurture their talents, develop leadership skills, and forge lasting friendships. The intense camaraderie that emerges among students fosters a supportive and tight-knit community.

Furthermore, boarding schools often have dedicated faculty members who serve as mentors and role models, guiding students through their personal and academic journeys. The close-knit community fosters a sense of belonging and encourages students to explore their interests, take risks, and step outside their comfort zones.

Additionally, residential schools provide a structured and disciplined environment that instills important values such as integrity, responsibility, and self-discipline. Students learn to manage their time effectively, balance their academic and extracurricular commitments, and develop a strong work ethic.

Group Of Multicultural First-Year Students Walking Near University Building Outside.

Moreover, the multicultural environment of residential schools exposes students to different perspectives, cultures, and ideas, promoting tolerance, empathy, and global awareness. Students develop a broader worldview and gain the skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly interconnected and diverse society.

In conclusion, attending a boarding school offers numerous benefits that go beyond academics. From the rigorous academic programs to the personal growth opportunities, boarding schools provide an enriching and transformative experience for students. The skills, values, and relationships formed during this time lay a solid foundation for future success in college and beyond.

Different Types of Boarding Schools

Boarding schools come in various forms, catering to different interests, educational approaches, and student needs. Each type of boarding school offers a unique environment and specialized programs to meet the diverse needs of students.

Military Boarding Schools

Military boarding schools combine rigorous academics with structured military-style training. These institutions nurture discipline, responsibility, and leadership skills and offer a unique environment where students gain a strong sense of self-discipline and teamwork.

Students at military boarding schools participate in activities such as drill exercises, physical fitness training, and leadership development programs. These schools often have a strong emphasis on character development and instilling core values such as integrity, respect, and loyalty. The structured nature of military residential schools helps students develop self-confidence, time management skills, and a strong work ethic.

In addition to their academic curriculum, military boarding schools also provide opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities such as sports, music, and community service. These activities further enhance students’ leadership skills and promote a well-rounded education.

Therapeutic Boarding Schools

Therapeutic boarding schools provide an alternative educational setting for students facing emotional, behavioral, or academic challenges. These schools offer a supportive and structured environment, combining therapy and academics to help students overcome their difficulties and develop essential life skills.

Students at therapeutic boarding schools receive individualized attention and support from trained professionals, including therapists, counselors, and educators. These professionals work collaboratively to address the specific needs of each student and create a personalized treatment plan.

In addition to therapy sessions, therapeutic residential schools often offer a range of therapeutic activities such as art therapy, equine therapy, and outdoor adventure programs. These activities provide students with opportunities for self-expression, personal growth, and building healthy relationships.

The academic curriculum at therapeutic boarding schools is tailored to meet the individual needs of students, allowing them to progress academically while also addressing their emotional and behavioral challenges. The goal is to help students develop coping skills, improve their self-esteem, and successfully reintegrate into mainstream educational settings.

College-Preparatory Boarding Schools

College-preparatory boarding schools focus on preparing students for higher education. They offer challenging academic programs, comprehensive college counseling, and a range of extracurricular activities designed to enhance college admissions prospects. These schools prioritize academic excellence and provide resources for students to excel in standardized tests and college applications.

Students at college-preparatory boarding schools engage in a rigorous academic curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills. These schools often offer Advanced Placement ( AP ) courses, allowing students to earn college credits while still in high school.

In addition to their academic pursuits, students at college-preparatory boarding schools have access to extensive college counseling services. These services include assistance with college selection, guidance on the application process, and support in writing compelling personal statements and essays.

International students participating in a class

Extracurricular activities at college-preparatory boarding schools are diverse and cater to a wide range of interests. Students can participate in sports, clubs, community service projects, and leadership development programs. These activities not only enrich students’ high school experience but also help them develop important skills and qualities that colleges and universities value.

Overall, residential schools offer a unique educational experience that goes beyond academics. Whether it’s the structured environment of military boarding schools, the therapeutic support of therapeutic boarding schools, or the college-focused programs of college-preparatory boarding schools, each type of boarding school provides students with opportunities for personal growth, character development, and academic success.

The Admissions Process for Boarding Schools

Gaining admission to a boarding school involves several steps designed to assess a student’s suitability and potential fit within the school community.

When it comes to applying to a boarding school, there are certain requirements that applicants must fulfill. These requirements are put in place to ensure that the school can make an informed decision about whether the student would be a good fit for their community. The application process typically begins with the submission of a completed application form. This form collects important information about the student, such as their personal details, academic history, and extracurricular activities.

In addition to the application form, boarding schools usually require applicants to provide academic transcripts. These transcripts provide a comprehensive record of the student’s academic performance, including their grades, courses taken, and any honors or awards received. By reviewing these transcripts, the school can assess the student’s academic abilities and determine if they would be able to thrive in their rigorous academic environment.

Standardized test scores are another important component of the application process. Many boarding schools require applicants to submit scores from standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT . These scores provide an objective measure of the student’s academic aptitude and can help the school evaluate their potential for success.

Letters of recommendation are also commonly required by boarding schools. These letters are typically written by teachers, coaches, or other individuals who can speak to the student’s character, work ethic, and potential for growth. They provide valuable insights into the student’s abilities and can help the school gain a more holistic view of the applicant.

Another crucial component of the application is the personal essay. This essay allows the student to showcase their unique qualities, experiences, and aspirations. It provides an opportunity for the student to express themselves and demonstrate their passion for learning and personal growth. The essay is often a chance for the student to stand out from the crowd and make a lasting impression on the admissions committee.

Interview and Assessment

Many schools require applicants to attend an interview either in person or via video conferencing. These interviews serve as an opportunity for the school to evaluate the student’s fit and potential contributions to the community. During the interview, the student may be asked about their interests, goals, and experiences. The school wants to get to know the applicant on a deeper level and assess whether they would be a good fit for the school’s values and culture.

Young female student talking to an interviewer in an office.

In addition to interviews, some schools may require applicants to complete an entrance exam. These exams are designed to assess the student’s academic abilities and determine their readiness for the school’s rigorous curriculum. The exams may cover a range of subjects, including math, English, and science, and are often timed to evaluate the student’s ability to work under pressure.

Overall, the admissions process for boarding schools is a comprehensive and thorough evaluation of the student’s academic abilities, personal qualities, and potential fit within the community. By carefully considering each applicant’s application materials, conducting interviews, and assessing their academic abilities, residential schools strive to create a diverse and vibrant community of students who will thrive academically and personally.

Life at a Boarding School

Living at a boarding school entails a unique daily routine and a vibrant extracurricular environment.

Daily Schedule and Routine

Boarding schools typically operate on a structured daily schedule, which includes academic classes, meals, study periods, and extracurricular activities. This routine provides students with a sense of stability and emphasizes time management skills.

Extracurricular Activities and Sports

Extracurricular activities offer students a chance to explore their interests and talents outside of the classroom. Boarding schools typically offer a wide array of clubs, sports teams, and performing arts programs. Students can engage in activities such as debate, robotics, soccer, theater, or music to enrich their educational experience.

Dormitory Life and Rules

Living in dormitories can be a transformative experience for students. Dorm life fosters a sense of independence, responsibility, and community. Each dormitory typically has rules and regulations to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all residents. Furthermore, students develop essential life skills like time management, organization, and respectful cohabitation.

In conclusion, US boarding schools offer students a comprehensive educational experience that combines rigorous academics, personal growth, and a supportive community. With their rich history and diverse offerings, these institutions continue to shape the lives of students, preparing them for successful futures. Whether pursuing academic excellence, personal development, or specialized training, boarding schools provide a unique and invaluable experience for students seeking a well-rounded education.

Having all the necessary information is important before choosing any course of action. AdmissionSight is always here to assist you with any questions or concerns. We have more than ten years of expertise assisting students in successfully navigating the challenging admissions process.

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11 advantages of attending a boarding school

essay on life of boarding school

The decision to attend a boarding school can be life-changing. Even parents convinced of the advantages sometimes harbour doubts whether this step is right for their kids. Stereotypes about boarding schools often support their concerns.

In the article below, Swiss international boarding school Institut Montana cuts through the stereotypes. How does it look in real life? What are the benefits of attending a modern boarding school?

Learning independence

Starting a new life at boarding school is a huge adventure, but the change in lifestyle can be daunting.

Experienced boarding staff understand this. They know how much care to give at first and how gradually to help children take more responsibility. As days go by, boarding students become increasingly independent. They learn to fit into the rhythm of school life, to manage a timetable full of classes, meals and after-school activities. They also learn to keep their rooms tidy, to organise themselves for weekly laundry, and to make good use of their free time.

When it is time to leave for college, former boarding students arrive prepared. They have learnt how to be responsible, organised, they are full of initiative. They are ready to make the best of themselves.

essay on life of boarding school

Growing and learning together

When a community of friends lives and learns together, they absorb the advantages of peer learning. This is often hugely motivating. Boarding students can do their homework together and challenge each other academically, extending the depth of their learning and enriching their grasp of the subject matter. Of course, learning with your friends can be a lot more fun than doing homework by yourself at home.

Boarding schools often offer designated study time for students to do their homework. This study time is supervised by teachers who are available to help with questions. Later, houseparents are also available to support students; they have plenty of experience in helping students reach their goals.

Making lifelong friends

Ask anyone what they like most about being a boarding student, and the answer is likely to be – my friends! Boarding students eat together, live together, and celebrate successes together. They create fond memories of evenings and weekends in each other’s company. Even trying times can turn into positive memories when you have your friends close by. Strong support systems come from sharing the formative experiences of these young adult lives.

As we can see with our alumni, the bonds of friendship formed in boarding school last a lifetime, long after school years are over.

Structured life

An important part of growing up is learning how to structure your time.

Not all children learn self-regulation at the same pace, and boarding school life is organized to help each individual learn according to their needs. The day has a structure, with regulated wake-up times, sleeping and eating times. This has to fit into the academic timetable, with its slots for lessons, homework, activities and leisure time. Weekends have their own pattern of mealtimes and scheduled activities but with more flexibility. This helps students learn to exercise their judgement about finding a good balance. At the same time, each student is supported in their progress at developing the techniques to organize themselves well.

With the minimum of stress, and with careful attention to the healthy development of each child, these crucial skills become part of the repertoire of these growing young people.

Another aspect of a structured life is a balanced school calendar. Students at Institut Montana have longer Christmas, Easter and summer holidays, which allows them to spend quality time with their families.

Extracurricular activities

The word “boring” does not belong to the lexicon of boarding students. Their free time is filled with options that promote their physical and their mental health as well as providing lots of fun. Facilities for sports, partners to play chess, workshops for becoming an expert in robotics, options to explore cooking from around the world, a library and an art room, are right there to learn from.

These extracurricular activities help students stay active. They also discover hobbies and passions and grow into accomplished adults whose lives are rich.

Fun weekend and overnight holiday trips

Boarding life at weekends often means fun trips with your friends. In the heart of Switzerland, opportunities are endless. It could be cultural, visiting historic cities and famous art galleries; adventurous: karting, water sliding in canyons or rock climbing with a certified instructor. Holidays or long weekends might take students on overnight trips to explore other parts of this beautiful country and, of course, to go skiing in winter.

Life around nature

Many boarding schools, like Institut Montana Zugerberg, are in beautiful locations. They are surrounded by nature and secluded from the noise and pollution of big cities. For students it means lots of fresh air and outdoor activities on their doorstep: hiking, mountain biking, sledging, cross country skiing, the list goes on.

Balanced and healthy nutrition

Boarding students have all their meals at school, so it is essential that the food is carefully planned. The kitchen is a central part of any boarding school, with a chef who knows how to source ingredients that are local and fresh to ensure that these growing young people get the nutrients they need. Boarding school students have no time for unhealthy snacking. Instead, they are provided with healthy options in their breaks. At Institut Montana, bowls of fresh fruit are always available.

essay on life of boarding school

Wonderful houseparents: 24-hour supervision and care

Houseparents play a huge role in a boarding student’s life. They are counsellors, mediators, comforters and guides. They supervise students in their daily lives, overseeing their general well-being and supporting them as they learn how to structure and balance their days.

As they get older, children need a few more freedoms to learn self-responsibility. Boarding schools allow some exploration and independence while keeping those young people safe. At Institut Montana , for example, older students have the privilege to venture into the nearby city of Zug, with permission from parents, and subject to their record of behaviour. Of course, their houseparents know where they go, and students must be back punctually at the stated time.

essay on life of boarding school

Exposure to an incredible number of nationalities

In the modern globalized world, it is very beneficial to be exposed to various languages and nationalities. Boarding schools, especially Swiss boarding schools, are known to have diverse international communities.

Boarding students learn to embrace and appreciate the cultural differences, live together harmoniously and discover the diversity of our world through their daily conversations with fellow boarding students from other countries.

Network for life

Bonds formed among boarding school students are very strong and last for life. At Institut Montana , we cherish the strong sense of community shared by our former students and staff. We are a global family of passionate individuals who share a deep enthusiasm for education, a love of learning and affection for each other.

essay on life of boarding school

Our alumni look back on their school years with fond memories and laughter. Many of them take time to mentor current students. They come back on campus to deliver high-end workshops and love to give back to our community this way. Our alumni network is spread around the world, making it easy for our former students to find trust and support from a fellow boarding school friend in almost every corner of the world.

Attending a boarding school offers many advantages, teaching young adults important skills so that they grow with confidence, resilience and independence towards adulthood.

Institut Montana has almost 100 years of experience as a boarding school, but it continues to look forward. We make careful use of understanding of child development to provide the best experience for our students.   They will build strong bonds of friendship and receive thorough preparation for their future lives.

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The Advantages and Disadvantages of Boarding School

essay on life of boarding school

  • Updated on  
  • Jan 4, 2024

advantages and disadvantages of boarding school

Nowadays, boarding schools have become quite a popular choice for parents. One thing to note in this is that sending your child to a boarding school can become an emotional drawback for you. Now, seeing that there is a wide variety of boarding schools in India, it is important to discuss both, the advantages as well as the disadvantages of the same. As soon as your child reaches the age when schooling begins, you as a parent start looking into schools and attempting to determine which options are ideal for your children. You could feel overwhelmed trying to decide because there are so many possibilities, yet just one choice will determine how your child’s future will turn out. You might also obtain a lot of tips and recommendations regarding boarding schools. However, is that a wise decision for your child? Are you attempting to give it some further thought in light of your own work obligations and demanding schedules? You are now overwhelmed with the possibilities that are available. The advantages and disadvantages of boarding school after 10th grade will be covered in this blog to assist you in making a more informed choice. 

Table of Contents

  • 1 Advantages and Disadvantages of Boarding School
  • 2.1 A Comprehensive Approach to Education
  • 2.2 Confidence Building and Independence
  • 2.3 Holistic Approach to Education
  • 2.4 Builds Confidence
  • 2.5 24×7 Learning Environment
  • 3.1 Homesickness
  • 3.2 Bullying
  • 3.3 You will miss your child’s childhood
  • 3.4 Gender Separation

Also Read: Top 10 CBSE Schools in India

Advantages and Disadvantages of Boarding School

Education should not be the main objective; rather, the learning environment is very important. The learning environment of any school, for that matter, is crucial to a child’s growth since it focuses on holistic, inclusive development in addition to academic performance.

Children who attend boarding schools reside on campus, in contrast to typical schools. They attend classes and eat meals together, as well as sharing lodgings. Children return home during the summer break, and some schools even permit it on the weekends. You must consider which option will work best for your child, just like with other schools. It is impossible to draw a generalization about whether boarding schools are good or bad. Each school has a unique mission statement and vision since every child is an individual with unique requirements. Finding a school that fits your child’s personality and needs is the key and a lot of factors should be taken into consideration.

Also Read: Top 10 Boarding Schools in India

Advantages of Boarding School

Let’s discuss the advantages of studying in boarding school:

A Comprehensive Approach to Education

As we analyse the advantages and disadvantages of boarding school, let us learn about the approach of these institutions toward education. Class sizes at boarding schools are modest, which makes it simpler for all students to connect with their teachers and ask for assistance. Less attention may be given to each student by the teacher the larger the class size. In boarding institutions, though, it isn’t the case. Teachers in boarding schools share the same campus and facilities as the students, and as a result, they take on a role similar to that of a role model in the lives of the students. Outside of school hours, teachers may collaborate with students on a variety of tasks, whether they are academic or athletic in nature. 

Confidence Building and Independence

Children will have to complete their homework independently and wake up early in the morning on their own, which is almost the hardest thing for a child to do. They won’t have their parents nearby to assist them at all times, so they will have to cope with their issues on their own. On the side, they would work with their pals to try to fix any of their difficulties if any were there in addition to their own. They will develop strength and a spirit of independence.

Holistic Approach to Education

For majority of the time, children are engaged in mind-occupying activities because the use of technology such as mobile phones is to a minimum. This helps in well grooming of the personality of a child. Along with a spirit of discipline, a sense of responsibility is generated as well.

This not only proves beneficial in the field of academics but in other aspects of life as well. Students in boarding school learn to independent and obedient at an early stage of life.

Builds Confidence

Since the student will live alone and must deal with all of his difficulties by himself, his confidence will undoubtedly rise because he won’t be able to avoid them. They will first exhibit some pain, but as they adjust to the new surroundings, they will be able to handle all difficulties with ease, which will help them build their confidence.

24×7 Learning Environment

Instead of being basic institutions with a set length of time, boarding schools are open at all times. It always has a dynamic, engaging learning environment. Because boarding schools are known for their education, they make a significant financial investment to give each student the finest possible educational resources and to help them achieve in their studies. In comparison to other schools, boarding schools offer a wider range of curriculum and extracurricular activities. Typically, boarding school students devote more time to academics and extracurricular activities than students attending other institutions.

Also Read: Co-Curricular Activities in School

Disadvantages of Boarding School

Even though attending a boarding school has numerous benefits, there are certain drawbacks you should be aware of if you’re considering enrolling your child there. Let’s talk about the disadvantages of studying at a boarding school.

Homesickness

A child will undoubtedly miss his family and home even though boarding schools are full of kids who have a lot in common. Not everyone is capable of surviving in hostels. In addition, no two of us behave or are like one other. In the past, parents would send their kids to boarding schools to discipline them, but this isn’t the case now. Sometimes parents send their kids to boarding schools when they need somebody to care for them (as early as age 8 or 10). This type of action should ideally only be performed after careful consideration and after fully comprehending your child’s behaviorsad, not simply because it has been advised. Without any doubt, the child will make a lot of friends there, but since no one can take the place of parents, many children end up missing their family and home.

No matter how stringent the boarding rules are, there will always be people who break them. It’s just a poor situation if a youngster is subjected to bullying for an extended period of time because it can affect their mental health and even cause them to become mentally sick. Therefore, before enrolling a child in boarding school, one must examine the policies or the terms and conditions.

You will miss your child’s childhood

Since children are away from their parents in boarding schools, this can cause emotional detachment from the family which can cause children heartburn and having mixed feelings for you. One of the biggest emotional disadvantage for the parents as well is that they will miss the golden opportunity of watching their kids grow up in front of them.

Gender Separation

The majority of boarding schools are exclusively for boys or girls, yet in today’s competitive world, kids should learn in a coeducational setting. Children gain an understanding of the useful traits of the other gender and therefore grow to respect them. They gain the ability to relate to people of other genders in a healthy way.

We hope that reading the advantages and disadvantages of a boarding school after 10th grade will help you to make better decisions. 

Related Reads:

Ans: Boarding schools provide a structured environment fostering academic focus, character development, and independence.

Ans: Some disadvantages include homesickness, limited family time, and the challenge of adjusting to a communal living environment.

Ans: Boarding schools often offer diverse extracurricular activities, personalized attention, and a global perspective, enhancing students’ readiness for higher education and professional life.

Stay in tune with the school education page of Leverage Edu for interesting blogs like this!!

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Nidhi Mishra

Nidhi Mishra is a seasoned senior content writer with more than eight years of diverse experience in the field of education. Her varied career encompasses work in teaching, training, counselling, developing curriculum, and content creation. Nidhi has a solid background in education and has developed her abilities to meet the diverse needs of students, especially students who want to study abroad. Throughout her career, Nidhi has been an invaluable resource to students with their test-taking efforts, offering thorough career assistance and insightful advice on how to navigate the complexity of the system of education. Her speciality is creating interesting and educational content that is specifically designed to fulfil the needs of students who want to pursue higher education abroad. Together with her wonderful writing skills, Nidhi's love of education has allowed her to produce content that has a lasting impression on readers, educators, and students alike. She is committed to providing high-quality, timely, and insightful content because she believes that education can empower people.

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A day in the life of an international boarding school student

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If you’re crossing borders to head to one of the world’s many excellent boarding schools, be prepared for the time of your life.

A key part of boarding school life is freedom like you’ve never known it before, away from your home (perhaps for the first time ever) and surrounded by creative, inspired and like-minded individuals in just the same boat as yourself.

It’s your first TRUE TASTE of adulthood, cut off from the strings of parental support and instead relying on the qualified staff that is ardently rooting for your all-round success.

You will LIVE, LOVE and LAUGH with friends who’ll remain for the rest of your days as you begin to carve the path of your future just the way you want it.

Boarding school life is like nothing you will have experienced before, and that can take some getting used to…

Structure, discipline and a rigorous curriculum are just some of the core principles that underpin daily life at an independent school. You will have to WORK HARD , but the best thing is that you can PLAY HARD too, in some of the largest, safest and most stunning school grounds that the world of education has to offer. Boarding school is the perfect environment to help you grow into a well-rounded individual – a characteristic that will put you on the road to success for the rest of your life!

Believe us when we say that these years will be the best of your life, but don’t let it leave you feeling overwhelmed. Everyone in your new family is in the exact same situation as you – there’s an entire network of support around you and no one is going to let you fall.

But we know that taking our word for it is much easier said than done, so to help you on your way, and not leave you feeling like you’re flailing in the deep end once you’ve reached your new home, here’s what it’s like to live a day in the life of a boarding school student:

essay on life of boarding school

7.00am – Wake-Up call!

Rise and shine sleepy head, there’s a busy day in front of you. Rush for the shower- or someone will beat you there – then you’d better dress up smart in your brand new uniform.

The boarding school uniform is one that emits pride and respect. It’s all about looking neat and tidy so you can become a respected member of the community, both in and outside of the school.

  • Day Dress – This is worn the whole day through, from breakfast right up until the last period of class. This will often consist of a shirt, a tie and a school blazer; smart trousers for the boys and a reasonable length skirt for the girls.
  • Formal Dress – Many schools have extra clothing items for special occasions, such as ceremonies or celebrations.
  • Town Dress – Outside of school hours, in the evenings and on weekends, you’re free to flaunt your own style!

7.45am – Breakfast

A yummy breakfast buffet held in the school’s grand dining hall. Hogwarts, eat your heart out!

8.30am – House Meeting

Not every school is the same, but in most independent schools, students are assigned Houses. If your school is like this, it’s likely that every morning a House Meeting will be called, where your leader will discuss announcements and take the register.

Houses are a great way to make it really feel like a community, with students working together to encourage friendly inter-house competition. Just know that the members of your house are more or less your team, and they’re always on hand to help you whenever you may need it.

8.45am – Chapel

Some schools will hold services on a daily basis, while others might do it weekly. Either way, Chapel means it’s time for hymns, prayers and a short address from the School chaplain. You won’t find Chapel at all schools, but many boarding schools are built upon religious values and therefore revolve around faith.

essay on life of boarding school

9.00am – Classes Begin

Boarding schools offer some the most rigorous and comprehensive academics in the whole school system – it will definitely be a challenge, but that’s also what makes so REWARDING. A typical boarding school will offer a traditional core curriculum of humanities, science, math, foreign language and the arts.

  • Fine Arts – This includes subjects like Applied Music, Music Theory and Studio Art. Students are taught perspective and the basics of composition, and are then encouraged to develop their own personal styles.
  • Foreign Language – Language studies at boarding school can include subjects like French, Spanish and Chinese. It is becoming increasingly important to learn a language as the world becomes more globalised.

11.00am – Break

You’ve worked hard up until now, and deserve a well-earned break before powering through the next part of your day. Head back to your house and power-up on a light drink and a snack – and be sure to eat some healthy BRAIN food!

11.20am – Lessons Continue!   

  • Humanities – Subjects like English, History, Art History and Music form the Humanities. All of these classes are fairly writing-intensive, teaching you to communicate in a clear and concise manner.
  • Mathematics – Including subjects like Statistics and Quantitative Reasoning.

12.40pm – Lunch

Back to the glorious dining hall to munch some top-notch grub!

13.15pm – Activities

Boarding schools offer plenty of extra-curricular activities, as well as the finest facilities in the educational realm. There are just so many to choose from!

Maths, Photography, Computer Programming, Sewing, Improvisation, Chess, or you could even use this time to work on the school newspaper!

essay on life of boarding school

14.00pm – Back to the Classroom

  • Science – Including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science, and Anatomy & Physiology. These classes are filled with critical thinking and analysis, as well as more hands-on lab work.

15.20pm – Break Time

Tuck into some tea and cake, drink some juice or blow off some steam in a run around the field.

15.30pm – Back to the House…

Change into your kit – get ready for sports!

essay on life of boarding school

15.45pm – Sports

The sports will change with the season, but no matter what time of year, enjoy the game and make use of some of the outstanding facilities on offer.

You can play basketball; join the swim team; have a go at wrestling; delve into the baseball team; join in lacrosse; work the field in soccer; play a game of tennis; challenge yourself at track; join the hockey team; have a go at football; or even work it out in volleyball!

17.30pm – Back to the House…

Wash away the sweat and competition and put on some fresh clothes!

18.00pm – Supper Time

Choose from hot and cold dishes, as well as healthy eating options, in the school’s magnificent hall.

18.30pm – Clubs/Activities

Challenge your mates at the Debating Society or make harmonies with them in Choir. Play some sweet, sweet music in the orchestra or let it all out in the Drama Club.

Dance, sew, gaze at the stars… take advantage of every opportunity!

essay on life of boarding school

19.30pm – Study Time

This is the perfect chance to get some of that homework out the way. Staff are close by to offer guidance and advice, so you might as well make the most of the help that’s at hand before it all starts piling up.

20.00pm – Study Break

Okay… now breathe…

20.10pm – Study Time Continues

Time to tie up all those loose ends!

21.00pm – Free time!

Now’s the time to do whatever you please! Chat with your mates, catch up on your favourite TV shows or spark competition once more in a friendly game of table tennis. Remember, you have all these fantastic facilities (the courts, the gym, the pool etc.) so get out there and USE THEM!

essay on life of boarding school

22.00pm – Bedtime

Now’s time to head back to your room and get ready for bed.

22.30pm – Lights Out…

Get some much-needed shut eye – the fun starts again in the morning!

Sounds good? Read on to learn more about some of the UK’s best boarding schools offering a full student experience and high quality, well-rounded education:

ASHVILLE COLLEGE, HARROGATE Ashville College is a co-ed independent school for both day and boarding pupils aged 3 to 18. It’s situated in Harrogate, one of England’s most attractive towns. Ashville boarders, aged between 8 and 18 years old, benefit from outstanding facilities and a nurturing and caring environment. The opportunities at Ashville enable students to find their niche, be it academic, sporting, musical or artistic. Each one of the four houses at Ashville is home to around 30 students. Pupils enjoy the structure of their days and living with their friends, as well as being part of a community which cares for them and puts their interest first.

DULWICH COLLEGE, LONDON Dulwich College is an academically selective independent boys’ school in south London. Dulwich has a distinguished tradition of inspired teaching and genuine scholarship; it benefits from historic buildings and green open spaces in a delightful environment. Boys proceed from Dulwich to the most competitive of universities, in the UK and in the world, and thereafter into all the major professions, with a high number choosing to work in Medicine, Engineering and the Law. The College has a long standing reputation for producing some of the finest actors, musicians, sportsmen and writers in the country.

BRIGHTON COLLEGE, BRIGHTON Brighton College is one of Britain’s leading schools. Described as “Britain’s most forward thinking school” by The Week, it was named UK Independent School of the Year 2013-14 at the Independent Schools Awards, having previously been awarded the coveted title of England’s Independent School of the Year 2011-12 by The Sunday Times. Richard Cairns, Head Master, was named ‘England’s Headmaster of the Year’ by Tatler magazine in September 2012. Academic results consistently place Brighton among the top 10 schools for boys and girls in England; provision for art, music, dance and drama is exceptional, and the College’s sporting prowess is nationally renowned.

FETTES COLLEGE, EDINBURGH Fettes College has a highly talented and dedicated team of teachers who are passionate about their subject. Teaching staff aim to make learning exciting and stimulating for all pupils, and they pride themselves on the quality of their academic teaching. All pupils receive support from their Housemaster and Housemistress. A tutor is allocated to each pupil and, during weekly tutorials in House, tutors make sure that all is well on academic (and other) matters. Twice per term, pupils receive grades for effort and attainment. This close monitoring, together with appropriate support, means that Fettes brings out the best in all its pupils, whatever their academic abilities.

WYCLIFFE COLLEGE, GLOUCESTERSHIRE Wycliffe College is a thriving day and boarding school for boys and girls aged from 2 to 18. It is set in 52 acres of land within the heart of the Cotswolds, in Gloucestershire. It comprises a Nursery School, a Preparatory School and a Senior School. Wycliffe College celebrates diversity, and student individuality is valued and cherished, celebrating individual success in a wide range of abilities. Blending the best of the traditional and modern, and the advantages of a contemporary environment in a beautiful rural location, it has excellent links to London and it is close to the amenities offered in Cheltenham, Bristol and Bath.

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NOTE: Each boarding school timetable will vary from the other, so your routine may not be exactly the same as the one listed above. But regardless of that, they are likely to be very similar, and this is just to give you a taste of the excitement that lies ahead! Please also note that for younger students the timetable will be different.

Pictures courtesy of Ashville College   and Wycliffe College

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Advantages & Disadvantages of Boarding School

The Disadvantages of Double Shift Schedules in Overcrowded US High Schools

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Boarding schools present both advantages and disadvantages to the students who attend them and the families of the students. When deciding whether or not to send a child to boarding school, it is important to consider every way in which this lifestyle will affect the student's academic life, social life, family life and future opportunities.

Advantages of Boarding Schools

In a boarding school setting, a student may be able to learn independence and a sufficient sense of self. Because he is in a more enclosed environment, a stability is present within all of the student's educational and social settings. Educational advantages begin with the ability of students and teachers to cultivate personal relationships that encourage more growth and provide extra help with academic and personal betterment. At a boarding school, students are provided with study sessions that are supervised by teachers, thus improving performance in school. Many classes are also available that better fit in with each student's specific interests.

Disadvantages of Boarding Schools

It can be difficult for a student to adjust to boarding school because she has been placed in completely new surroundings with unfamiliar people and circumstances. Time spent with family and friends from home becomes limited, which can make the transition seem harder. A personal life away from school is also difficult to maintain due to the high expectations of academic excellence in a typical boarding school. Also, extracurricular activities provided by the school often occupy a student's time after classes and on the weekends. And although rules and guidelines are needed to implement discipline in students, oftentimes a boarding school student must strictly adhere to even minor rules or risk expulsion.

Boarding Schools in the United States

Choosing between a boarding school in the United States and one abroad can be difficult because both have certain advantages. Boarding schools in the U.S. may increase the chance for family visits due to being closer to home than schools abroad. This reduces any travel time and costs that the student's family may encounter when planning visits. This may also relax both the student and his family because they won't be so far apart. Also, there are generally more choices of boarding schools in the U.S., and financial aid and visits prior to admission are more readily available.

Boarding Schools Abroad

An advantage of boarding schools located in other countries is that they offer a student a fresh, new experience in a completely different culture. The student will extensively learn about how other parts of the world work, and may even become familiar with other languages. This gives her an advantage in later employment opportunities. Also, students in boarding schools abroad have an advantage when applying for college, because colleges will value a well-rounded student with international experience.

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  • Boarding School Review: 10 Top Reasons to Go to Boarding School

Kelsi Johnston has been writing short stories and assorted articles since 2008. She has experience in news writing and technical writing and her work has appeared in various online publications. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in English and creative writing from Auburn University.

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What is Daily Life Like at a Boarding School?

What is Daily Life Like at a Boarding School?

1. Morning Routine

  • Wake-Up Call : Students usually have a set time to wake up, ensuring they have ample time to prepare for the day.
  • Morning Duties : This can include cleaning their rooms, getting dressed, and other personal tasks.
  • Breakfast : Students gather in the dining hall for breakfast, providing a communal start to the day.

2. Academic Schedule

  • Morning Classes : After breakfast, students attend their morning classes, which usually run until lunchtime.
  • Lunch Break : Students have a lunch break, often in a communal dining hall setting.
  • Afternoon Classes : Post-lunch, students resume their classes until the late afternoon.

3. Afternoon Activities

  • Sports and Physical Activities : Many boarding schools have a strong emphasis on physical fitness. Students might have sports practices, gym sessions, or other physical activities in the afternoon.
  • Clubs and Societies : After academic hours, students often participate in various clubs, societies, or interest groups, ranging from debate clubs to music bands or art workshops.

4. Evening Routine

  • Study Time : A structured study or “prep” time is usually set aside for homework, reading, and exam preparation. This can take place in the school library, classrooms, or designated study areas.
  • Dinner : Students have dinner, again typically in a communal setting.
  • Free Time : After dinner, there might be some free time where students can relax, socialize, or engage in recreational activities.

5. Night Routine

  • Final Check-In or Roll Call : Depending on the school’s rules, there might be a final check-in or roll call to ensure all students are accounted for.
  • Lights Out : There’s a designated time for lights out to ensure students get enough rest.

6. Weekends

Weekends at boarding schools might be more relaxed than weekdays, but they’re still structured:

  • Extracurricular Activities : Weekends might be when major sports matches, club activities, or school events take place.
  • Study Sessions : There could be designated study times, especially in schools with a strong academic focus or during exam periods.
  • Outings : Some schools organize outings or trips for students, allowing them to explore the surrounding areas, visit local attractions, or go shopping.
  • Visits : Depending on the school’s policies, weekends might be when students receive visitors or even go home.

Life at a boarding school is a blend of rigorous academic pursuit, personal development, and community living. The structured environment, while demanding, aims to cultivate discipline, responsibility, and a strong sense of community among students. It’s a unique experience that prepares students not only academically but also personally and socially for future challenges.

Are any Schools Better than Others for Their Daily Life?

Determining which boarding schools have the “best” daily life is subjective and can vary based on individual preferences, needs, and values. What one student or parent might consider an ideal daily experience, another might find lacking. However, some boarding schools are renowned for offering a particularly enriching daily life due to their range of activities, facilities, academic programs, and overall environment. Here’s a list of some notable boarding schools in the U.S. (and a few internationally) that often receive high marks for their daily life experience:

United States

Phillips Exeter Academy (New Hampshire) : Known for its Harkness teaching method, Exeter also offers a wide variety of extracurricular activities, from arts to athletics, fostering a holistic daily experience.

Phillips Academy Andover (Massachusetts) : Similarly prestigious, Andover boasts extensive athletic facilities, numerous student clubs, and a focus on community engagement.

The Lawrenceville School (New Jersey) : The House system at Lawrenceville, reminiscent of some college structures, fosters tight-knit communities and offers an array of activities, from traditional sports to unique student-led initiatives.

The Thacher School (California) : Located in beautiful Ojai, Thacher offers a distinct daily experience, with horseback riding being a fundamental part of student life.

Deerfield Academy (Massachusetts) : The school emphasizes community, and this is reflected in its daily routines, which include communal meals, diverse club activities, and a blend of academic and personal development opportunities.

International

Eton College (United Kingdom) : One of the world’s most prestigious boarding schools, Eton offers a blend of rigorous academics, extensive extracurriculars, and a strong emphasis on character development.

United World Colleges (Multiple Locations) : With schools in various countries, UWC emphasizes intercultural understanding and global engagement, offering a daily life experience centered around internationalism and community service.

Le Rosey (Switzerland) : Often referred to as the “School of Kings”, Le Rosey provides a unique experience with its two campuses – a winter campus in Gstaad and a summer campus in Rolle. The daily life is enriched with cultural activities, sports, and a strong international focus.

When evaluating the daily life of boarding schools, potential students and their families should consider:

  • Academic Programs : The type of classes and teaching methods.
  • Extracurricular Activities : The variety and quality of clubs, sports, arts, and other activities.
  • Community : The sense of camaraderie, support systems, and overall school culture.
  • Facilities : The quality of dormitories, academic buildings, athletic facilities, and other campus amenities.
  • Location : The surrounding area, climate, and opportunities for off-campus excursions or activities.

Ultimately, the best way to gauge the daily life of a boarding school is through visits, speaking with current students and alumni, and understanding one’s personal priorities and preferences.

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Should you need help finding ranches schools for troubled boys , schools for troubled girls , boarding schools for troubled boys or boys ranches , please let us know. When researching boarding schools, parents should adopt a comprehensive and methodical approach to ensure the selected institution aligns well with their child’s needs and their family values. Starting with accreditation and affiliations, parents should verify that the school meets regional and national educational standards. Examining the curriculum closely reveals the school’s academic rigor and specialty programs, which should match the child’s learning style and interests. It’s essential to consider the student-to-teacher ratio and the qualifications of the faculty to ensure personalized attention and quality education. Additionally, looking into the school’s extracurricular offerings, including sports, arts, and clubs, can provide insights into the holistic development opportunities available for students. Parents should also read reviews and testimonials, and if possible, speak with current students and alumni to get a candid perspective on the school’s environment and culture. Visiting the school, attending open days, and meeting with staff can also offer a deeper understanding of the daily operations and ethos of the institution. Finally, considering the support services, such as counseling and career guidance, and the school's policies on safety and discipline will help in assessing how well the school prepares students for future challenges and supports their overall well-being.

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10 Tips for Writing a Boarding School Application Essay

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  • Write with passion and honesty. Make sure the subject you choose to write about is one you are truly interested in or passionate about. Make sure it is something you believe in.  
  • Before writing your essay think about what you are going to write, outline it and organize it so that it flows correctly and make a strong statement.   
  • Use your writing style and let the reader really get to know your personality from the essay.  
  • Spend time to construct a well-written essay. Make sure that you are using good grammar and proper punctuation. Don’t forget to use spell check, but also proof your essay to make sure the words you want are the words written. For example, did spell check give you “sense” when you meant “since?”  
  • Get into some detail. You really want the reader to feel your descriptions.  
  • At the same time, don’t go overboard on the descriptions! Be concise and stick to the requested word limit, if one is provided.  
  • If you are writing about the school to which you are applying you should probably get the name correct . That might sound funny, but if you’re using a similar essay for multiple schools, it can be easy to miss changing the name!  
  • If you write the essay after your tour and/or interview, write about something specific that happened during your visit to the boarding school.  
  • Make sure it is typed with good spacing (1.5 or double).   
  • Proof, proof, proof. Proofread your boarding school application essay yourself, then have someone else proofread it.
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Advantages and Disadvantages of Boarding School

Advantages and Disadvantages of Boarding School

Is Boarding School Good or Bad?

Advantages of sending your kid to a boarding school, disadvantages of sending your kid to a boarding school, what care should be taken if you send your child to hostel.

As your child progresses in age and development, you might be thinking of all the schooling options available. Getting any education is no longer an option; in today’s world, we are all searching for a comprehensive learning environment that looks after not just academic excellence but holistic and inclusive development. Boarding schools, for instance, offer a wide range of academic exposure to students aiming for an all-rounder development from top-class academia to learning resilience and discipline from a young age. Deciding upon whether a boarding is fit for your child or not can be overwhelming. fret not; we have listed, in simpler terms, the advantages and disadvantages of boarding school, so you can decide better for your budding child.

Unlike traditional schools, boarding schools for children have the pupils live on campus. They have their classes together, meals together, and live in common housing. Children go home during the summer holidays, between grades, and some schools even allow children to go home on the weekends. As with other schools, you must look at what option will suit your child. There is no way to make a broad conclusion as to whether boarding schools are good or bad. Each child is an individual with individual needs and each school has a different mission statement and vision. The trick is to find a school that matches your child’s temperament and needs.

There are numerous advantages to sending your child to a boarding school, some of them surprising. Here are some of these advantages.

1. Independence and Self-reliance

Almost all boarding school children find that they are more independent and self-reliant than their other peers. They have to solve daily problems themselves, like organising for soap when they run out or making sure that their school uniforms are washed and ironed.

2. Confidence

As the children begin to do things, small and big, on their own, they will start building up more confidence in their own abilities. Boarding schools expose children to many activities like social service, art, drama, and carpentry amongst others. As they begin to find what they like and are good at, children will develop more confidence.

3. Discipline

Boarding students live a more regimented life than their peers. Meal times are set as is study time. If they are allowed to watch TV, it is also closely regulated. Learning discipline is important for children as it will help them achieve their goals.

4. Standard Living

All the students will live in the same quarters and some schools even stipulate that a child must receive only a certain amount as allowance. This puts all the students on an equal footing and strips away the unnecessary trials of status and ownership.

5. Social Confidence

As your children mingle, study, and live with hundreds of other children, they will soon learn how to transcend differences. Making and being a part of a group is at the core of living in a boarding school, and most pupils of these schools emerge as healthy social beings.

6. Educational Excellence

Since the children live on the campus, they can reach out for help with their studies at any given time. Boarding schools can help set up after-school prep for students who struggle with certain concepts. Studying with peers means that the pupils will always have someone to learn from.

7. Holistic Development

After school, students of boarding schools are exposed to a multitude of activities that ensure that they have a rounded education that includes the arts. Since it is school-mandated, there can be no issue of a hobby getting in the way of studies, and children can pursue their passion.

8. 24/7 Learning Environment

Instead of offering timed education, boarding schools are open 24X7, making learning accessible and offering an interactive environment.

9. Lifelong Relationships

One of the BEST advantages of boarding schools is that children get to have deeper and stronger relationships and friendships compared to standard schooling, where children devote a particular amount of time with their classmates in a day. Boarding schools help build a sense of camaraderie and beautiful memories that last a lifetime.

While there are many advantages to learning in a boarding school, there are certain disadvantages that you must keep in mind if you are thinking of sending your child to such a school.

1. Homesickness

While boarding schools are full of kids who have a lot of things in common, there is no denying that a child will still feel homesick for his family and home.

2. Empty Nest

You, too, might find that the separation from your child is emotionally too difficult.

3. Blending In

Boarding school is full of children and it isn’t necessary that your child will fit in. While some children immediately find themselves some friends, certain children will have a tougher time.

4. Adjusting

Some children do not take to the regimented life of boarding school and would much rather be the master of their free time. These children might also find it hard to reconnect with the family after spending so many months away.

5. Gender Separation

Most boarding schools are either boys-only or girls-only. However, in today’s age, it is extremely important for children to be a part of co-ed institutions.

6. Other Risks

Some other risks include bullying which can be especially hard to weed out in boarding schools where children spend most of their time together.

7. Academic Pressure

With regular schools, children can leave the school and remove themselves from the pressure of excelling at studies. However, in a boarding school, the pressure is constant.

8. Extracurricular Activities

Only the extracurricular activities provided by the school are given any importance or attention. If your child has any special talents, this will not be given the attention it needs to flourish.

9. Expensive

The cost of education at boarding schools is higher than that at conventional schools, as it includes expenses like lodging, meals, 24/7 security, extracurricular activities, and more.

10. Too Strict

Boarding schools are often highly strict and regimented to ensure children are disciplined all the time so they do not break rules. This can be stressful during the adolescence period as teens behave in a hyperactive and independent way during their adolescence.

Father talking to child

If you have decided to send your child to a boarding school, then here are a few things that you must take care of before sending them off.

  • You must take the time to explain to your child why you think sending him to a boarding school is good for him. Be sure to assure him that you are not abandoning him.
  • Even though your child will be spending almost all his time at the school, you still should keep tabs on his classroom performance. Keep in touch with all the teachers and follow up on your child’s progress.
  • Trust your child. If he is telling you worrying stories about the school and the students, then take his concerns seriously. If the story is negative, then the school might try to downplay the seriousness of the issue.
  • Do not send your child to boarding school before the age of 9. Most experts agree that this is the ideal age for boarding school.
  • Keep a watch out for any signs of unhappiness. Your child might not be forthcoming about how he really feels at school for fear of disappointing you.
  • Be sure to talk to management about any special needs that your child might have.

There are many pros and cons of boarding school. Now that you are aware of the advantages and disadvantages of studying in boarding schools, the decision to send your child to a boarding school will entirely depend on the nature and needs of your child as well as the particular boarding school in question. Do your due diligence and reach out to other parents whose children go the school you are researching.

Also Read: 

RTE School Admission Tips for Choosing a Good School for Your Child Alternative School – Is It Right for Your Child? No Detention Policy in Education – Pros & Cons Kid-Friendly Tips to Beat Boarding School Depression

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A Day in the Life of a Boarding School Student

A day in the life of a boarding school student

Through this blog, you can check out a variety of top U.S. boarding school schedules to see how they organize their daily schedules and routines.

In addition, we will explore the boarding school curriculum , student life in boarding schools, boarding school dorms and classrooms, dining services at boarding schools, weekend activities , and rest and relaxation options at boarding schools.

Boarding School Schedule

Daily life at boarding school offers a balanced schedule to cultivate good habits and skills. Boarding school schedules are designed to give students a sense of personal agency and control over their lives, instilling good habits and life skills around time management, goal-setting, and prioritization.

Beyond the academic rigor at boarding schools, there is also time built in for rest and relaxation during the weekdays and on weekends. Boarding schools typically offer local, national, and international trips for students and incorporate special co-curriculars. After classes end for the day, most boarding schools require participation in sports or fitness programs, as well as provide time for campus club meetings or other school activities.

To gain some insight, here is a sampling of boarding school schedules:

The Association of Boarding Schools – This association provides an example of a student’s hourly boarding school schedule to give you an idea of how life looks at many of their member boarding schools in the U.S. Bear in mind that every boarding school is different, so make sure you discuss the daily schedule when you contact the Office of Admissions at each private school.

Army and Navy Academy – Whether you’re West Point bound or want to matriculate to a public or private university, this stellar military academy for boys, grades 7-12, in Carlsbad, CA helps students develop self-discipline and the motivation to reach their full potential. Their boarding school schedule offers a block schedule on selected days, as well as ample time for leadership training, sports, clubs, and various activities.

“The Army and Navy Academy provided a uniquely structured environment where the self-limiting influences of public school are removed so that each individual can rise to their ability. I quickly shed my fear of acceptance and found an inner strength and pride that I carry to this day.”

– Alumnus

Cate School – If you want to see what a day in the life of a boarding school student looks like at this top boarding school in Carpinteria, California, you will find different boarding school schedules specifically geared for the freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior years of high school.

EF Academy – For international students (non-U.S. citizens) attending a boarding school in the United States, the boarding school schedule at this school in Pasadena, California is told from a high school student’s perspective. Following good sleep habits, she rises at 6 am and goes to bed by 9 pm, allowing herself some personal time in the morning. This student enjoys her daily advisory session, academic classes, and her participation in Model UN and Global Citizen co-curricular.

The Fay School – The school schedule below at The Fay School in Houston, Texas, although abbreviated, gives you a glimmer of the kind of daily schedule you will follow while attending this junior boarding school. Keep in mind, that although this is a boarding school schedule for middle schoolers, many boarding high schools follow fairly similar schedules.

6:45 Rise & shine
7:15 Breakfast in the dining room
7:50 Advisory/Morning Meeting
8:05 Classes begin
9:35 Morning break (20 minutes)
12:50 Lunch in the dining room
1:35 Classes resume
2:20 Extra help/advisory
2:50 Sports
4:30 Showers & supervised downtime in dorms
6:00 Family-style dinner in the dining room
6:45 Evening study hall
8:30 Choice time
9:30 Get ready for bed
9:45 Lights out

Boarding School Curriculum

Structured boarding schools are renowned for their challenging and rigorous college preparatory academics, offering both Advanced Placement (AP) and Honors classes. To ensure their graduates are accepted to The Ivy League, top public and private colleges and universities, and the U.S. Military Service Academies, boarding schools must adhere to very specific academic standards established through accreditation processes.

F or instance, students at California- accredited boarding schools often report that without the many distractions of attending a public school, they are able to benefit from smaller class sizes, individualized attention from faculty, mandatory study time periods, tutoring services, and full college planning services. In fact, according to The Association of Boarding Schools, “78% of boarding school students reported feeling prepared for college versus 36% of private day students and 23% of public students.”

Student Life in Boarding School

Boarding school dorm room life

Just by virtue of living away from home, boarding school students naturally gain a number of soft skills that are essential in college and professional life. If you’re unfamiliar with soft skills, The Balance , a site for small businesses, indicates that “ soft skills include interpersonal (people) skills, communication skills, listening skills, time management, problem-solving, leadership, and empathy , among others. They are among the top skills employers seek in the candidates they hire because soft skills are important for just about every job.” Whether a student enters a junior boarding school or attends high school, they will get ready for college and their career.

Boarding School Dorms and Classrooms

Boarding school life is dynamic, engaging, and fun. As you might expect, the majority of students at boarding schools reside on campus in the dorms. However, local students may enroll in the day program, which most boarding schools offer.  This is ideal for a middle schooler or high schooler who is not quite ready to live in a dormitory and it is also a way to lower tuition costs for families.

It’s not uncommon for day students to switch to a boarding option once they realize the opportunity to take advantage of the full 24/7 experience at structured boarding schools, including dorm life, study support at night, as well as more time to be with friends.

The dorm life experience is an integral part of gaining independence and resilience at boarding school. The dorm experience includes: interacting with a roommate, learning how to take care of personal health and hygiene, and participating in dorm meetings with fellow students and residential life staff.

Dining Facilities at Boarding Schools

No doubt about it, food is an important part of boarding school life while living away from home. Sage and Culinart make an effort to bring the comforts of home to daily meals. They are two of the top providers of dining services at U.S. boarding schools and priorities include: wellness, sustainability, and safety.

Boarding school meals generally reflect student body preferences and may even incorporate family recipes and traditions. International students often introduce their culture by sharing recipes with the chef. Meals are a great time for boarding school students to socialize and enjoy time with friends and faculty.

Rest and Relaxation at Boarding School

Boarding schools make a point to offer time for rest and relaxation. From health and fitness options to co-curriculars, there is time every day to unwind. In fact, some studies have shown that boarding schools actually have a positive impact on sleep.

Whether you unwind on a beachfront campus by surfing the waves, playing a sport, or just hanging out in the recreation hall, there are ample opportunities for rest and relaxation at boarding school.

Living away from home at a highly structured boarding school is challenging, but it can also be less stressful in many ways than other types of schools. Learning how to balance mental, physical, and social pursuits becomes a way of life for boarding school students.

Now that you know more about boarding school life and what a boarding school schedule could look like, it’s time to find the right boarding school for you.

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essay on life of boarding school

A Comparison of Boarding School vs Day School – Advantages and Disadvantages for Each Option

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Boarding School vs Day School

Making the best educational choice for your kid is never simple, and for many parents, choosing between a day school and a boarding school turns out to be one of the most important decisions they ever make. Thus, in this blog, we have outlined everything there is to know about the distinctions between the two school choices just so that you can make a well-informed decision and choose the best school for your child based on his/her needs.

What Is The Difference Between a Boarding School and a Day School?

 

A boarding school is a place where students both reside and learn.

A day school is a conventional school that students attend throughout the day.

24 Hours

8-9 Hours a day

Students return home during vacations, holidays, and/or weekends.

The students go back to their homes when classes are completed.

Typically more expensive than a day school because of the lodging facilities.

Less expensive as compared to a boarding school.

Usually more discipline as compared to a day school

Usually less discipline as compared to a boarding school.

Offers a diverse community of students.

Offers a close-knit community of students.

Boarding schools help pupils acquire independent living skills as well as a feeling of responsibility. 

Day school students are dependent on their parents which halts the development of these life skills.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Boarding School

Advantages of boarding school.

  • A one-of-a-kind education and experience are one of the boarding school advantages and possibly the best among all.
  • The tight learning community. Living on campus benefits students in a variety of ways. They get to be a part of groups and communities that value learning.
  • Perspectives from across the world. Boarding institutions place a high value on comprehensive foreign programs.
  • A regular habit that promotes self-control. Boarding school children develop self-reliance thanks to the strict routine and separation from their parents.
  • An academic advancement unlike any other. Boarding school offers a friendly atmosphere in which kids may learn to collaborate.
  • Individual social and personal growth. A boarding school atmosphere provides possibilities for personal development and social development that a day school does not.
  • The collaborative and accountable culture. The boarding school setting helps pupils to learn more about how to collaborate well with others.
  • Academic advancement. A lot of top boarding schools are frequently ahead of the curve when it comes to developing or implementing new educational strategies and innovations.
  • The additional time provided by boarding schools enables comprehensive curriculum and program integration.
  • Instructors and students at boarding schools are especially supportive of younger kids.
  • Boarding schools provide an atmosphere that fosters learning outside of the classroom. Plus, a teacher’s participation in school life provides a comprehensive approach to learning that extends well beyond the classroom walls.

Disadvantages of Boarding School

  • Costlier than other private school choices. Boarding school costs more than day school or other types of education.
  • Moving away from home is quite difficult. This is the most difficult obstacle for boarding students, but it also promotes independence and personal growth.
  • Too much boarding at a young age might result in “boarding school syndrome.” Parents must be cautious about sending their children to school when they are too young or have not grown sufficiently.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Day School

Advantages of day school.

  • You get to see your kid every day. Plus, they can share any concerns with you rather than a school-appointed caretaker.
  • One of the most talked about day school benefits is that it is far less expensive than boarding school. Compared to boarding school, sending your kids to day school will save you a lot of money.

Disadvantages of Day School

  • One major problem is transportation. Several of the best day schools charge a fee for transportation.
  • A child at a day school is pampered by his or her parents. Remaining at home has an effect on the child’s growth. As a result, they do not develop self-sufficiency.
  • In comparison to boarding schools, day schools typically have larger class sizes. As a result, the class teacher’s interaction with each student is limited to that school year.

Making the Decision – How to Choose the Right Option for Your Child

Although choosing a boarding school or a day school for your youngster is a significant choice, we hope our professional advice and administrative perspective have given you some clarity.

So, if money isn’t an issue, and you want your child’s academic success to be completely immersed in an educational setting, then a boarding school should be thoroughly considered. As we’ve seen, there are several advantages to boarding school education that your child will not gain from a traditional day school education.

If, on the other hand, you can’t face the notion of delegating responsibility for your children to someone else or not being present to say goodnight to them every night, boarding school is definitely not the best option for you. You may believe that the benefits of a boarding school education do not justify the sense of loss you would experience if your child missed so much of his/her youth. Of course, you may have the best of both worlds: your child might be a day school student at the best boys boarding school in Dehradun and gain many of the benefits of a boarding school education while avoiding the negatives listed above.

At last, it’s a personal decision that is heavily influenced by your family circumstances and the individuals involved. Your child’s viewpoint is also important, so don’t make a choice without first consulting with them. A thorough assessment of the benefits and drawbacks of boarding school , as well as honest conversation as a family, will help you to make a decision that you believe is best for everyone.

Q – What is the main difference between Boarding School vs Day School?

Ans:- The major difference between boarding school vs day school is that boarding schools are educational institutions where students reside on campus during the academic term whereas day schools are institutions where students attend classes during the day and return home in the evenings.

Q – Why is Boarding School Better than Day School?

Ans:- Both boarding schools and day schools are good choices and offer valuable educational experiences. The only reason why sometimes a boarding school is better than day school is that it provides a unique environment that fosters independence, self-discipline and a sense of community among students.

Q – Is Day School is Better than Boarding School?

Ans:- Although boarding schools offer a distinct set of benefits, day schools also provide an excellent educational experience. The reason why day school is better than boarding school is that attending a day school allows students to maintain close ties with their families and communities which fosters a strong support network outside of the academic environment.

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essay on life of boarding school

Day in the Life

A typical day at boarding school​.

essay on life of boarding school

7:00 a.m. – Head to breakfast

Pile on cereal, fruit, toast, and it’s Wednesday? Awesome, bring on the waffles!

essay on life of boarding school

8:30 a.m. – American History

essay on life of boarding school

10:00 a.m. – Calculus

essay on life of boarding school

12:30 p.m. – Lunchtime!

essay on life of boarding school

1:00 p.m. – English

essay on life of boarding school

3:00 p.m. – Lacrosse practice

essay on life of boarding school

5:00 p.m. – Off to dinner

essay on life of boarding school

6:15 p.m. – Drama club meeting

essay on life of boarding school

7:30 p.m. – Study hall

essay on life of boarding school

9:30 p.m. – Down time

School finder.

essay on life of boarding school

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Boarding school essay

Profile image of Chief Dev

In day-schools, students attend school during the day, during school hours. In boarding schools, students stay internally during the whole school week (and sometimes during the weekend). The different characteristics of day-schools and boarding schools have different implications for needed facilities and organisation. Furthermore, these different characteristics have different effects on the education process and results and on the live of students (including their families and communities).

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essay on life of boarding school

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The history of boarding system is traced back to 20th century when Anglican and Roman Catholic Missionaries aimed for public school of English system to Africans. Uganda has started it in 1900s meant for the education of elite class. The boarding system helped the students in utilization of teachers and was economical as it reduced the need of extra coaching or tuitions. Boarding system has many short comings like food problems etc. Sometimes over crowdedness is also seen as a problem in boarding system due to the less availability of space. Although boarders have many problems, they enjoy their studies, living, and sports properly. The home environment is not suitable for study for day scholar students. They walk long distances to reach the school, sometimes in harsh weather conditions. Similarly bad company is a common problem both for boarders and day scholars. Studies in Kenya revealed that home environment badly affect students' performance of day scholars. The current study identified some factors that influence the behavior of the day scholars and boarders; their study and achievements. Three hundred and twenty nine students were selected randomly for the study from boarding and the day scholar system. Structured questionnaires were used for the collection of data which was further processed by using statistical tools (SPSS). It was found that the boarding system is better at many aspects while the day scholar system has its own benefits.

Winner Oluma

This study was carried out to examine the Perceived Influence of Boarding School Systems on Study Habits of Secondary School Students In Makurdi metropolis of Benue State, Nigeria The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. Four objectives and four corresponding research questions guided the study. Four boarding secondary schools were used for the study and sample of 100 students from the schools were the respondents. Instrument for data collection was a self-developed questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using mean scores and standard deviation. The results revealed that boarding school system generally influence study habits of students also school environment has influence on the study habits of both male and female students. It was concluded that conducive school environment enhance secondary school students study habits in Makurdi metropolis. The school environment (Boarding system) should be provided for effective study habits to thrive.

Judith Okely

This is chapter 8 from Okely's book Own or Other Culture

Brad Papworth

Irfan Setiawan

The preparation of this book are intended to supplement the rules of coaching and mentoring of students in institutions with a model Boarding School especially in Indonesia, which is expected to contribute ideas to the managers and executive institutions and provide insight to the public on the Boarding School. This book is also structured based on the knowledge and experience of the author as a nanny and parenting coaches in the Institute of Local government in Indonesia (IPDN). In this book describes methods of construction and management of residential educational institution that many take the example in boarding institutions, service educational institutions and public educational institutions. The main points of this book consists of 5 chapters will discuss a fundamental, namely: Chapter 1 Concept Boarding School, especially in Indonesia; Chapter 2 Models and cultural institutions boarding; Chapter 3 Methods of coaching and mentoring learners; Chapter 4 Evaluation; and Chapter 5 Barriers and challenges boarding educational institutions.

Mustafa Cinoglu

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Essay on challenges and rewards of living in a boarding school

Michelluu 2 / 3   Feb 29, 2012   #2 " To go a boarding school is not so much different from living in a society. I will gain new experiences, discover who I am, make friends for life, and become a successful young adult. To meet new people is the most rewarding part of going to a boarding school. To live with people from around the world and to experience their culture and live styles will be the ultimate experience. To live in a boarding school will develop my soft skills such as, adaptability, independence and responsibility. In addition I will discover who I am and also to explore my hidden talents. I believe that I can develop academically as well. On top of it I hope that I can improve my social skills by participating in extra-curricular activities. I am aware that challenges will be also part of the experience, namely catching up with the new education system and adjusting to a new live. However, I am confident that once I settle in, I will be an excellent student. I truly believe that no matter how hard it will be at first, the experience I gain during the time in your boarding school will equip me to become a well-rounded and educated young adult.

ChichoTran 7 / 15   Feb 29, 2012   #3 A boarding school is not so much different from living in a society. I will gain new experiences, self-discovery, and everlasting bonds; become a successful young adult with a bright future. Meeting new people is the most gratifying part of going to a boarding school. Living with people from around the world, experiencing their culture and life styles will be the salubrious experience. Furthermore, my skills such as adaptability, independence, and responsibility will be enhanced. Likewise, I will discover who I am; explore my hidden talents. I believe that I can develop academically as well via social interaction and extracurricular activities. Surely, there will be challenges: new education system and adjusting to a new life. However, I will rise to the challenge and become an exceptional student. The knowledge I gain at the boarding school will equip me to become a well-rounded and educated young adult: securing a promising future. ~149 words. I hope this helps~ One advice, boarding school is used way to much. Use the actually boarding school's name.

OP bellalove123 1 / 2   Mar 1, 2012   #4 Thank you both for checking and cutting down the essay for me:D. It's really helpful. However, I felt the question is quite broad as it only asks about boarding school in general so I did not use the boarding school's name

Dohaakhateeb 1 / 1   Mar 2, 2012   #5 joining to a boarding school is a great opportunity which will provide me a chance to get a serious experience by living among people with different cultures from all over the world, and I think it is a very important thing to seek behind. ( I think it will be a good begining to your essay)

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essay on life of boarding school

Boarding School Essays: Example Admission Questions

by Joanna | Nov 16, 2020 | Boarding School , Education | 0 comments

essay on life of boarding school

Boarding school applications require the student to complete short and long answer essays. It is crucial that the student follow the instructions for completing the essays, including adhering to the required word count criteria. It is also very important that the student write the essays, and not an adult or other student. The student must electronically sign a waiver signifying that he or she wrote the essays to the best of his or her ability. 

Additionally, admissions committees can easily determine when an essay has been written by an adult or educational professional. Submitting an application that includes plagiarized content or text written by someone other than the applicant results in immediate exclusion of the student’s application. 

Students are not expected to write on an adult level, nor are they expected to write an essay that is void of punctuation and grammatical errors. Students are still learning the components of effective writing, expanding their vocabularies, and finding their unique voice and writing style. Admissions professionals are very aware of these aspects and take these into consideration when evaluating an applicant’s essays.

Students type the essays directly into the online application template. Once the pupil selects the “Submit” button on the application platform, the essays may not be revised or rescinded. Therefore, it is very important that the student read, re-read, and read again his or her submission to ensure that it is written exactly as intended.

Following are examples of essay questions the student is asked to answer:

  • What is your favorite activity, and why?
  • How has your community played a role in shaping the person you are today?
  • What is the most interesting information you have learned recently?
  • What have you learned from a challenge that you have experienced? How did you overcome this challenge?
  • Providing one or two examples from your life, tell us what empathy means to you.
  • What plans do you have for your future? What steps do you plan to take to make your life more meaningful?
  • Describe a topic, idea, or concept that you find so captivating that you would happily teach a course on it at our school.
  • Describe the items you would bring when traveling to a new place that would enable others to understand your values and background.
  • Share a moment or experience that sparked personal growth or a new perspective, and how this has influenced who you are today.
  • Describe a personal story that is essential to who you are. How will this characteristic strengthen our boarding school community?
  • Please share with us one of your fondest memories, and how it impacted you.
  • What reading have you enjoyed in the past year and why?
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Essay On Boarding School

Imagine peacefully going about your day until you find out that you have to go to boarding school. This was a common occurrence for the youth of Indian tribes. Children were not given the option to stay with their families, instead they had to either attend boarding school or mission school. Both of these options were not fair to the Indian people. Other children around the world were allowed to attend public schools where they were treated fairly. The impact of being sent away to school has put lasting effects on Ojibwe children such as, losing a sense of their heritage, not receiving proper education , and being taken away from their families. The Ojibwe people were known as living a traditional life from generation to generation. They passed …show more content…

Upon returning home, they were a completely different person. “Many children no longer recognized their own parents and could not speak the same language.” (P.32). Children felt that they did not fit in on their reservation anymore. This lead to a growing dysfunction on most reservations. Since boarding school did not actually teach their students, students had nothing to build off of. They spent half of their day at boarding school in class where they were being brainwashed and the other half of the day working in the fields or digging ditches. Thus causing many students to fall into extreme poverty when they returned …show more content…

Eventually many children bagan to die for malnutrition and diseases such as tuberculosis. When children died at boarding school, their bodies were not even sent home. This made many people mad that they could not have a proper burial for their child. Despite these defenses against boarding schools, it was not enough to get them shut down. “The commissioner of Indian Affairs defended these and other practices in 1899, saying, ‘This educational policy of Indians in religion, intelligence, morals , and home life.” (P.33). By the 1900’s more than half of the children at Carlisle had trachoma and there was an influenza outbreak killing three hundred students in Haskell. After this people were attacking the schools, which lead to the closing of Carlisle in

The Story Of John Demos: The Heathen School

The book “The Heathen School” is a novel written by John Demos about the story of the Foreign Mission School, or “Heathen School”, located in Cornwall, Connecticut. The school was established in 1817. The school was inspired by the Second Great Awakening and the teachings of getting the gospel out to all nations. The school was lead by Protestant ministers. The goal was to convert, Hawaiians, Native Americans, and any other race deemed to be “heathens” by whites, to Christianity to go back to their native lands and preach the gospel to their fellow natives.

Isabelle Knockwood's Out Of The Depths

After reading Isabelle Knockwood’s book Out of the Depths, residential schools really opened my eyes on what really happened to the Aboriginal peoples who were sent there. Knockwood did a very good job explaining what she went through during the long 11 years that she was at the residential school. It’s still hard to believe that human beings would do that to other humans. Knockwood was one of the many people sent to the Indian Residential School in Shubenacadie from 1936 to 1947. She grew up in Wolfville Nova Scotia along with her three brothers and one sister: Rosie, Henry, Joe, and Noel.

Night Flying Woman Analysis

In the mid-nineteenth century, a girl named Ni-bo-wi-se-gwe (Oona) was born in pitch darkness in the middle of the day when the sun and moon crossed paths. The book Night Flying Woman by Ignatia Broker is the biography of Broker’s great-great-grandmother, Oona. It describes Oona’s life through what Broker has learned from her grandparents when they passed down the stories. In the book, one of the main themes is passing traditions on. I chose this theme because, in the book, passing traditions on is a major part of the characters’ culture.

Zitkala Sa Indian Education Summary

As the wild west opened, so did new opportunities for American to strike it rich. But with the wild west opening up for the Americans, Indian lands were being encroached for railroads and homesteads. Indians were being pushed into reservations, their children sent to assimilation schools such a the Carlisle Indian School in Pennsylvania. In the horrors of American assimilation targeted at young Native American children, many children would face the struggle of losing their identity or face punishment of resisting assimilation. In the assimilation stories of Zitkala Sa’s Impressions of an Indian Childhood and Sherman Alexie’s Indian Education, tells the tale of their childhood experience being integrated into “American culture”.

Rhetorical Analysis Of Kill The Indian And Save The Man

In the speech “Kill the Indian, and Save the Man”, Captain Richard Pratt claims that the savagery of the Indians poses a problem to the advancement of the American society. He argues that their surroundings including language, superstition, and lifestyle cause this problem. TO support his claim, he provides the example of an Indian and White infant. He states that raising them in opposite environments will result in the acquisition of their respective qualities. Pratt proposes the solution of sending Indians to boarding schools, so they can gradually become civilized.

Indian Residential School System In Canada

Over the past few decades, there has been many distinct perspectives and conflicts surrounding the historical context between the Indigenous peoples in Canada and the Canadian Government. In source one, the author P.J Anderson is trying to convey that the absolute goal of the Indian Residential School system in Canada has been to assimilate the Indian nation and provide them with guidance to “ forget their Indian habits”, and become educated of the “ arts of civilized life”, in order to help them integrate into society and “become one” with their “White brethren”. It is clearly evident throughout the source that the author is supportive of the Indian residential school system and strongly believes that the Indian residential School System

Junípero Serra

These schools have been described as an instrument to wage intellectual, psychological, and cultural warfare to turn Native Americans into “Americans”. There are many reports of young Native Americans losing all cultural belonging. According to an interview with NPR, Bill Wright was sent to one of these schools. He lost his hair, his language, and then his Navajo name. When he was able to return home, he was unable to understand or speak to his grandmother.

Zikala-Sa's The Soft-Hearted Sioux

During the boarding schools, the children were stripped of their indigenous culture. Their hair was cut short, and they were forced to dress “proper.” The students were forbidden to speak their native tongue (Carlisle Indian School). Students could only speak English. It did not matter if the children were from the same tribe or opposing tribe.

Assimilation Of The Indians Analysis

Mr. P 's second statement further emphasizes the understanding that because of the consequences that arose due to the attempt to control the Indian community made by the US mainstream population, Indians are now left with miserable, hopeless lives and their only way of finding hope is by leaving everything they know behind and seeking a new life outside their reservations. Moreover, a quote by a Native American teacher from the Rosebud Reservation states, “...there is a feeling that you have to leave the reservation to strive…” (Siegler). Not only do teachers think Indians need to leave the reservation to strive, even Indians

Essay On Native American Boarding School

“The significance of Native American boarding school was that Americans were trying to assimilate their culture and their way of living.” Many Native Americans today have very different opinions to how their people were placed in Indian boarding school. “Many Native Americans think that it helped their people be more civilized and help them live in american ways. ”While other Native Americans think that boarding schools were a place where they were torchered and a place where they lost their freedom and their culture. “Most people agree that Indian Boarding schools were just trying to help indians be more civilized, but others can see the wrong in the schools.”

The Impact Of Colonialism On The Tlingit

The Tlingit of today are putting into action talking about their boarding school experiences in the 1800s in order to heal themselves and generations’ still suffering from it. The nonprofit local urban Native Corporation is using the stories to create a curriculum for K-12 about the impacts of colonialism on the Tlingit people. As I discussed in one of my previous blogs, from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s, the federal government split up families and forced the Native children into boarding schools to become civilized. Many were also raised in orphanages.

Essay On Indian Boarding Schools

Indian Boarding schools were created in the 1800s to “Kill the Indian, Save the Man.” They achieved this by transforming the natives looks, culture, language, and teaching them a certain way so they would be able to function in a “european society”. Indian boarding schools taught students both academic and “real world” skills, but they did so while ripping the indians from their culture. Most indian boarding schools were the same with their tactics in transforming the native man into a white one.

Essay On Native American Boarding Schools

Neither were the parents allowed to visit their children so the time the kids were finally able to go back with their family they started to become practically like strangers to each other because they knew very little about each other especially since many of the children were younger and had spent most of their lives in these school. The lack of communication between the Native American parents and children was another reason many parents weren’t aware of the trauma the kids were suffering in the homes. The kids were so affected they remember that even at night when they were left alone to sleep they were all so quiet and no one talked about what was happening to them. The native children didn’t have normal childhoods they didn’t play or interact with each other this alone shows how affected they were with the boarding

Essay On Residential Schools In Canada

Though many First Nations people believed that the concept of these residential schools would help connect their children to a better life, residential schools were also faced with harsh criticism and strong resistance from First Nations parents and students. After generations of family members facing the harsh conditions of the residential schools, parents began to speak out against the use of residential schools, showing their discomfort and their discontent. Parents

Residential School Essay

Residential Schools was an enormous lengthening event in our history. Residential schools were to assimilate and integrate white people’s viewpoints and values to First Nations children. The schools were ran by white nuns and white priests to get rid of the “inner Indian” in the children. In residential schools, the children suffered immensely from physical, emotional, sexual and spiritual abuse. Although the many tragedies, language was a huge loss by the First Nations children.

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Complete Dominion: Indian Residential Schools in Canada and the U.S.

Complete Dominion: Indian Residential Schools in Canada and the U.S.

Canada and the United States attempted systematic eradication of Indigenous identity through various methods. One was forced education at residential schools. Is authentic reconciliation possible?

What happens when you are convinced you have the truth? I’m talking capital T Truth. When you just know you are right? If we’re talking about a low-stakes situation, you probably don’t feel much more than annoyed if someone doesn’t recognize the obvious. If the stakes are high enough, however, things are very different. 

Throughout human history, people have perpetrated horrific acts in the name of Truth – its possession or pursuit. The Spanish Inquisition. The Nazi “medical experiments.” The Tuskegee Syphilis Study.

essay on life of boarding school

Learn about the plight of Australia's Indigenous people in this riveting MagellanTV documentary .

Perhaps less well-known is the history of the residential schools in Canada and the United States. For those Indigenous children who survived – and for their families and community members – life as they might have known it was forever stolen. For those who died in these places, all that’s left are families’ memories and remains buried in unmarked graves, but forgotten by those who were supposed to care for them.

Indian Schools: Eradication as Assimilation 

For decades, Canadian and U.S. governments removed Indigenous children from their families, their communities, their land — from everything they knew. Funded and run by the governments and religious groups, these boarding schools stripped children of their identities in attempts to assimilate them into the dominant culture. How could this happen? And how could these now infamous institutions run continuously for well over 150 years?

The Formation of Canada’s Indigenous Residential Schools

The Gordon Residential School in Punnichy, Saskatchewan, which closed in 1996, was one of at least 130 such institutions in Canada, attended by approximately 150,000 children over the course of the school's existence. Experts believe 5,000 died, though incomplete records mean the number is an estimate.

Even before the introduction of Western-style education, life for Indigenous Peoples was inexorably altered. Along with the appearance of European strangers came a range of utterly new experiences and challenges. Descendants of the original European settlers became French and British colonists, and colonists eventually became Canadians whose public servants all swore allegiance to the British Crown.

Beginning in the early 1880s, Canada’s Inuit, First Nations, and Métis Nation populations were systematically dismantled by government-sponsored, church-run residential schools. Such institutionalization reflects at least two major motivations. The Canadian government created policies aimed at economic self-sufficiency (i.e., assimilation into civilized society) through education, thereby reducing Indigenous Peoples’ reliance on public funds.

The concept of schools for Indigenous children goes back to Canada’s colonial times with the Mohawk Institute in Brantford, Ontario. Begun in 1828 as a day school for Six Nations boys, the Anglican Church, which established the school, started enrolling boarders in 1831.

That such reliance was the direct result of conquests seems to have gone unrecognized. Canada’s Indian Act of 1876 outlawed self-governance, and the 1884 amendments to the act only made matters worse: Indian children between ages seven and 16 were required to attend the residential schools. By the early 1930s, school principals assumed legal guardianship of children, whose parents were forced to surrender legal custody.

Officials and schoolchildren outside Providence Mission Indian Residential School, Fort Providence, Northwest Territories, circa 1920 (Credit: F. H. Kitto, via Wikimedia Commons )

The Canadian government also saw conversion to Christianity as a vehicle for assimilation to the dominant culture. The federal level of government provided most of the funding, but provincial governments and Christian church authorities also contributed. For their part, the Christian missionaries and churches (Catholic, Anglican, Presbyterian, and Methodist) that administered custodial schools viewed contributing to educational policy as another way to save souls.

Life in Canadian Residential Schools

As if being forcibly removed from their families and communities were not sufficiently traumatic for Indian children, survivors of the residential schools recount many abuses. Traditional dress was banned and school uniforms required. Beatings and sexual assault were common, and children speaking their original languages were punished, sometimes by having needles pushed through their tongues. More generally, rule breakers were locked in basements, cages, or closets.

In his Recollections of an Assiniboine Chief , Ochankuga’he writes, “In 1886, at the age of twelve years, I was lassoed, roped and taken to the Government School at Lebret.…In keeping with the promise to civilize the little pagan, they went to work and cut off my braids, which, incidentally, according to the Assiniboine traditional custom, was a token of mourning — the closer the relative, the closer the cut. After my haircut, I wondered in silence if my mother had died.”

Daily life was divided into two parts: a half day in the classroom and the other half at work. So, activities were part of unlearning one’s identity. These activities, ostensibly aimed at preparing Indian children for success as adults in a civilized society, were also divided along traditional gender roles: Girls learned homemaking skills like sewing and cooking, while boys learned manual skills like carpentry and farming. Over time, a child’s entire frame of reference, or orientation in the world, was obliterated, replaced with someone else’s vision of how to live. 

Carlisle Indian School, Carlisle, PA Ironing Class (Credit: Frances Benjamin Johnston, via Library of Congress )

Many children also ended their time at a residential school without any substantive education and, worse still, feeling lost between two worlds. Schools were underfunded and overpopulated. Moreover, the assertion of European and Christian superiority was deeply rooted in the schools, which inevitably led to further dehumanization and degradation of Indigenous people. “There he is, hanging in the middle of two cultures and he is not a whiteman and he is not an Indian,” declared John Tootoosis, Jr. , whose father agreed to send his two sons to a residential school.

The Formation of the United States’ Indian Residential Schools 

In the early years of the United States, tribal lands were taken by several means: war, broken treaties, and new laws. In the same period, Indian children were sent to residential schools, which physically separated Indigenous children from their homelands.

“Kill the Indian in him, and save the man.” —Capt. Richard Henry Pratt, 1892

In the U.S., the Civilization Fund Act of 1819 compelled Indian families to send their children to schools . In that legislation, Congress authorized funding of schools on Native American reservations, and the act was later used to fund Indian boarding schools. As was later the case in Canada, the schools were often run by religious authorities.

By the mid-1920s, more than 80 percent of Indian school-age children were in boarding schools. More than 500 such schools were funded by the government and run by church organizations across 29 states. Moreover, despite the radical reduction of the Indian population wrought by numerous wars, the ripple effects of the Indian boarding schools were – and still are – widespread. Many schools closed by the end of the 1970s, but some, like the Riverside Indian School in Oklahoma, still existbut only after having made radical reforms.

Life in U.S. Residential Schools

“Kill the Indian in him, and save the man,” declared Captain Richard Henry Pratt in an 1892 speech given at the National Conference of Charities and Correction. Long before Pratt’s now infamous slogan, most settlers in what would become the United States firmly believed in the superiority of their beliefs and practices. Not surprisingly, part of the educational process at U.S. Indian boarding schools involved often-brutal efforts to inculcate specific values.

(Credit: John N. Choat, via  Dickinson Archives & Special Collections )

Daily activities imitated military life, from marching to wearing uniforms. Indian children in U.S. boarding schools were segregated by gender, punished severely for speaking their tribal language, and suffered myriad other abuses. The parallels between the catastrophically damaging Canadian and U.S. Indian residential school systems are stunning, but that’s where the comparison likely ends – at least if we’re talking about how each country has addressed the horrors visited upon fellow human beings.

Is Reconciliation Possible?

In 1996, Canada’s Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples submitted a report on its mandate to understand the “original historical nations” because “how Canada relates to [those nations] defines in large measure its sense of justice and its image in its own eyes and before the world.” Later, from 2008 to 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada investigated its own history, concluding that Indigenous residential schools were intended as engines of genocide. In 2008, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper apologized to Inuit, First Nations, and Métis Nations students of Indigenous residential schools. In addition, Canada has restructured formal relations with Indigenous Peoples and Nations.

The United States has not undertaken comparable efforts. There has been more than one attempt to introduce the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies in the United States Act in Congress , but thus far, the only existing formal accounting is from the Department of the Interior, which published a 2022 report on an investigation into the U.S. Indian boarding school system.

Deb Haaland, former Congresswoman from New Mexico, became the first Native American to become a cabinet member. She is the Biden Administration’s Secretary of the Interior (Credit: Shane Balkowitsch, via Wikimedia Commons )

The strength and resilience of a country can be found not only in how it meets challenges like catastrophes, but also in how it confronts its own past and holds itself accountable. Yes, it is good for a country to laud an individual who demonstrates the moral courage and cherished ideals of that nation, a person such as  Martin Luther King, Jr. But how strong is that country when it all but entirely refuses to face up to its moral transgressions in meaningful ways?

In both Canada and the United States, archaeologists and other experts have been working with Indigenous communities to identify the sites where Indigenous children were buried in unmarked graves. Whenever possible, remains have been identified and returned to families. In June 2021, for example, the New York Times reported that 751 remains of mostly Indigenous children were discovered at the site of a former school in Canada. Attempts to repatriate them and others continue.

This work is, however, not only very recent, but also bound to be incomplete. Original buildings are long-since gone, some schools sprawled over hundreds of acres, and there are no conclusive records of the numbers of children who were consigned to these schools, not to mention the thousands who never returned home.

Mia Wood is a philosophy professor at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, California. She is also a MagellanTV staff writer interested in the intersection of philosophy and everything else. Among her relevant publications are essays in Mr. Robot and Philosophy: Beyond Good and Evil Corp (Open Court, 2017), Westworld and Philosophy: Mind Equals Blown (Open Court, 2018), Dave Chappelle and Philosophy: When Keeping It Wrong Gets Real (Open Court, 2021), and Indiana Jones and Philosophy: Why Did It Have to Be Socrates? (Wiley-Blackwell, 2023).

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