Children who attend boarding school must learn to take responsibility for their possessions, assignments, behavior, schedules and relationships. This leads to increased maturity and self-confidence and prepares children for college life. While boarding schools offer a great degree of support from the faculty, the student is free to make decisions that will impact his daily life, such as how to balance work, play, and extracurricular activities.
Typically, boarding schools offer academic opportunities that are superior to day schools. Smaller class sizes, numerous Advances Placement and advanced courses, high standards, supervised study times and highly qualified teachers are the norm at boarding schools. Teachers are often accessible throughout the day, which makes it easy for students to find the help they need. Student participation is encouraged, and teachers often develop close relationships with their students, making them more effective at mentoring and developing their students' abilities.
Boarding schools typically offer many types of extracurricular activities and students are encouraged to try new things and to stretch their abilities. Boarding schools eliminate the need for long hours spent driving to music lessons, sports practices, and tutoring sessions. Most boarding schools have great sports facilities, art programs and media centers, sometimes exceeding what is found on the average college campus.
Boarding school offers students the chance to develop close friendships that can last a lifetime. Students become part of a community of peers and faculty dedicated to excellence and personal development. Boarding schools make an effort to recruit students from many different cultures, countries, and socioeconomic backgrounds, giving students a chance to become friends with a diverse group of individuals and to learn from each other.
Boarding schools offer the stability that is often lacking in today's hectic world. They are an attractive option for children whose parents must travel frequently, move a lot or spend long hours at the office. Many children thrive at boarding schools, thanks to the consistent routines, set meal times and clearly defined rules and schedules. Boarding schools offer more continuity from year to year, with little change in their staff, standards and student body.