The world's best military boarding schools combine traditional education along with the structure and discipline of military training. Military boarding schools generally accept students from middle school grades through to one year of post-graduate study. The world's best military schools encompass an international student body that is held to a higher standard of accountability and excellence than traditional boarding students. As in the military, students are required to dress in uniforms and there is a chain of command and ranking system among the students and faculty. Tuition varies depending on the school and location. Tuition assistance and scholarships may be available to prospective students.
The best single-gender boarding schools focus on academic excellence and personal development geared specifically to the gender of the students. Class-size ratios are usually quite low; often six students per teacher. Female students receive individualized attention and are encouraged to explore passions and interests without the pressures of a co-ed environment. Single gender schools foster confidence and aim to promote a healthy sense of self worth, something at times overlooked in co-ed environments. Athletic programs are used to teach life skills, organization and relationship building. Boarding options are usually only available to students in grades 9 through 12.
The world's best special-needs boarding schools are designed to meet unique full-time requirements of their students. Special-needs boarding schools will have a faculty with advanced degrees who are highly qualified in a specified area, such as learning disabilities or behavioral problems. Students receive much more individualized attention. The academic curriculum is specialized and will allow the student a school experience and the ability to work and learn at his or her own pace.
Qualities and ratings of the various schools will be based on the individual needs, academic goals and location preference of the families. Extensive research should be conducted before choosing a boarding school. Among the most elite schools, English is the primary language of instruction. There may be language prerequisites to be met if English is not a student's first language.