Special Considerations for Boarding Schools

• Even if a boarding school is far away, a personal visit is vitally important to see how classes are conducted, what the other students are like, and much more. If a visit is impossible, ask the school for the names of families from your city or country who’ve been involved with the school.
• Keep a journal of what each visit felt like. Whether you’re especially impressed by facilities, SAT average scores, or the college list, remember that the top priority is meeting your family’s goals for the child. Where will the child be best supported? Where can the child shine in areas of strength and improve in weakness? What is expected of the child from day to day?
• Read the handbook carefully. What are the general rules? What are the disciplinary policies about, for example, alcohol and drugs? What is the school’s definition of academic honesty?
• Ask the admissions staff what kinds of disciplinary problems the school has dealt with in the last year.
• Find out what happens on the weekends. Do students have to stay on campus? Are there any school-sponsored weekend activities?