High school seniors are now in the midst of the college admissions process; writing essays, polishing college lists, and preparing for interviews. However, high school seniors are not the only students with important deadlines approaching; students applying to boarding school must also submit their applications in the coming months. Like the admissions processes at elite colleges, boarding school admissions is holistic and highly competitive, which means that students should start preparing their applications well in advance of their January–February deadlines.
Deciding whether or not to attend boarding school can be daunting for both students and parents, given that attending boarding school—unlike public or private day schools—requires a complete lifestyle shift. While some students have dreamed of attending boarding school for years, others may have written them off as a viable option. Boarding schools have long been associated with a variety of myths that can deter students and families from considering them, assuming that they will not be a good fit for a slew of reasons. However, for many students, boarding school can foster independence, academic growth, social flourishing, and leadership skills.
As you consider the educational options that may be best for your student, here are three common myths about boarding schools—and the truth about these misconceptions:
Myth #1: Boarding schools are only for high-achieving students.
High-profile boarding schools across the U.S. are synonymous with academic rigor and prestige, leading many parents and students to assume that only high-achieving, straight-A students can attend boarding school. However, this is simply not the case.
There are approximately 300 boarding schools throughout the U.S. and Canada, and each of these schools cater to students with different academic skill levels, interests, values, and learning styles. Some boarding schools offer targeted academic programs in particular disciplines, such as Interlochen Arts Academy or North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics. Others, such as the historic Northeastern boarding schools mentioned above, offer a more traditional, academically rigorous boarding school experience. Alternatively, schools with religious roots such as George School and St. Paul’s offer students a more holistic, spiritual community.
Not only are boarding schools diverse in their cultures and offerings, but students also choose to attend boarding schools for a variety of academic and nonacademic reasons. While some students choose to attend boarding school to better prepare themselves for Ivy League academics, other students are drawn by the opportunity to become independent and carve out a space for themselves outside of their family homes. Moreover, boarding schools often place a strong emphasis on extracurriculars, such as sports, theater, or community service, offering students the chance to explore and develop their talents outside of traditional academics. This multi-dimensional approach allows nontraditional learners to thrive outside of the classroom.
Myth #2: Boarding schools will guarantee admission to Ivy League schools.
Many of the most renowned boarding schools in the U.S. (including Phillips Exeter, Deerfield, Lawrenceville, and Hotchkiss) have long histories of affiliation with the Ivy League and continue to send dozens of graduates to Ivy League schools each year. However, while attending a prestigious boarding school might boost your chances of Ivy League admission, it is critical to note that Ivy League and other top schools assess students’ materials relative to what is available to them. This means that a student who attends an elite boarding school with abundant opportunities and resources will be expected to demonstrate how they used those resources to develop professionally and academically. It is all the more critical for boarding school students to assume leadership roles and establish themselves on campus, as they often have fewer opportunities to pursue extracurricular activities off campus than public or day school students. Boarding school students who excel in the Ivy League admissions process are those who think outside of the box to demonstrate their skills, their meaningful engagement with their intended major, and their contributions in service of their community.
Additionally, although boarding school may prepare students personally and academically for the rigor of an Ivy League education, applicants are often competing against a large number of their peers in the process. Though Ivy League schools often accept multiple applicants from the same elite boarding school in a given application cycle, they generally seek to diversify their incoming class by limiting the number of students they admit from the same institution or region. This means that boarding school students must be strategic and intentional to distinguish themselves from other highly qualified applicants at their school.
Myth #3: Boarding schools are only for wealthy families.
The top private schools in the nation cost around $70,000 per year ($67,315 at Phillips Exeter, $73,780 at Andover, $69,370 at Choate). Naturally, this leads many families to assume that boarding school is cost prohibitive. However, most boarding schools offer generous financial aid packages and merit scholarships that alleviate much of this financial stress. The National Association of Independent Schools reported that boarding-day school students received an average of $37,888 in financial aid in 2022-2023, noting: “Given the significantly higher tuition for boarding students, it is not surprising that schools with boarding components see an even greater breadth and depth of financial aid support across the income spectrum.” Particularly at historic, prestigious boarding schools, staggering endowments allow institutions to offer substantial financial aid (for instance, Exeter had a whopping $1.3 billion endowment of as of 2019, Andover $1.32 billion (2023), and Deerfield $920 million (2024)—numbers that rival collegiate institutions such as Oberlin, Villanova, and Claremont McKenna). Deerfield has also pioneered a free tuition program for middle class families to alleviate financial burdens. While these financial incentives might not offset the full cost of boarding school, they may allow families to consider it an option rather than dismissing it on financial grounds altogether.
Your child’s education is one of the most important investments you will make. As such, it is important to take every educational path into account, seeing beyond the stereotypes and misconceptions to gain a fuller picture of the options available to your child. While boarding schools may not be right for every student, they can offer a vibrant, intellectually stimulating community for many students. If you want to learn more about your educational options, check out Command Education’s comprehensive guide to boarding school!
Originally published on Forbes
