College Prep Boarding Schools

The Boarding School Advantage

Wealthy American families have been sending their children to boarding schools to prepare for admission into prestigious colleges for generations. In recent years, however, new boarding schools have opened up to serve students from all kinds of backgrounds as more parents want their children to have the "boarding school advantage" when they apply to college.

The "boarding school advantage" comes from each student following a strict daily structure of attending class, along with set hours for studying and tutoring. As a member of a small, close-knit community, a student becomes accountable to teachers and other staff members and has to show up for classes and study hours. In many ways, it is easier for boarding school personnel to enforce such rules than for parents to do so because the rules apply to everyone in an impersonal way. Most boarding schools have dress codes, curfews, and rules relating to conduct and character. In this way, students form good habits that carry over into their college years. They also learn how to live with a variety of people, gain independence from their parents, and negotiate everyday squabbles themselves - all traits that serve them well when they get to college.

Another advantage of boarding schools is the staff of experts that specializes in helping students gain admission to college. These experts prepare students for College Board examinations, help fill out applications, and offer guidance on which college program is best for each particular student. The college admissions specialist may even help a student find hobbies, sports, or other interests early in his high school career that will make his application more attractive to colleges. Some college-prep boarding schools have religious affiliations and offer moral education and character training along with regular academics.

Most college-prep boarding schools are situated on campuses of at least 150 acres, away from urban areas. This helps students stay focused on their studies and wholesome outdoor pursuits. Many schools offer offbeat extracurricular activities such as fencing, rugby, surfing, horseback riding, and filmmaking that aren't available in public schools.

College-prep boarding schools are becoming increasingly affordable because most offer scholarships or loan programs. In fact, about one-third of all boarding school students receive financial aid.

You also can find college-prep boarding schools for troubled teens. These schools have psychologists and other counselors on staff who live with students and help them with their problems on a 24-hour basis. These schools also emphasize academics and college preparation and many will provide parents with a list of colleges that have accepted their graduates.

Fast Facts About Adolescents

In general, one in every three (37%) articles in leading teen girl magazines includes a focus on appearance, and most of the advertisements (50%) appeal to beauty to sell their products.

Read "A Parent's Guide to Choosing a Boarding School" to learn more about the types of schools available for your teen.