Boarding schools are like college, but for primary education (elementary, middle, and high school students). Students live on campus during the school year with other students and sometimes teachers. Some boarding schools let students commute. Boarding schools are common in the West, but less popular in the East. Additionally, the West usually takes on students for up to twelve years whereas in the East, students are mostly in high school when they make the shift to boarding school. Many are associated with elite education reserved for the richest families in the world. Yet, others serve as orphanages to take care of students that are deemed to be problematic.
Let’s start with the advantages of boarding school. Embracing the holistic approach to learning outside of the classroom separates these students from public school students. With campus life being the center of the student experience, learning extends beyond classroom walls. Since boarding schools are a close-knit community, students can expect to make lifelong friends and be friends with nearly everyone at the school (depending on size of course). Everyone there attends for educational reasons, so all students will share that value. Moreover, elite boarding schools may offer unique networking opportunities between for students.
Speaking of a campus environment, boarding schools are known to have superior academic development and promote collaboration between students. In addition, many offer unique social and personal development opportunities for students. Some boarding schools include international students. Intensive international programs foster a global perspective and environment. This enhances student understanding of other cultures and promotes global citizenship.
As we all know as college students, living away from home makes us self-reliant. Independence from our families will shape us into the adults we become. With that being said, I, like many students, had to adjust to campus life and living on my own. I cannot imagine how students younger than myself can handle the stress of academics along with living on their own. However, they will be prepared to become independent adults upon graduating.
The first main drawback of boarding school is the price tag. If you thought private school was expensive, it pales in comparison. According to Randolph-Macon Academy, “The average boarding school tuition for a U.S. citizen is $56,875 per year.” Lets just consider how “The median household income in the United States was $68,703” (Balance). The price of boarding school is almost ten thousand dollars less than the median income in the US. It is clear that boarding schools are reserved for the upper class.
I already discussed in my last blog about how private school costs can limit diversity as low socioeconomic students cannot afford to attend. The price of private schools is “$11,901 per year in 2022” (Private School Review). Boarding school is five times as expensive as private school. I could spend all day lecturing about the importance of diversity, but one of the main reasons it is so important is to gain different students’ perspectives. Knowing that we have far more in common with other people is part of the value of representation. Separating socioeconomic upper class students from minorities and low income students only expands on the great divide created by our ancestors. The lack of inclusion in boarding schools will stir negative stereotypes in the minds of the next generation of rich students.
Moving on, the close community at a boarding school prevents students from escaping a toxic environment should the occasion arise. With any school, there will be bullies. I am sure the school will have procedures in place to prevent this, but we all know unfortunate situations can happen. Bullying in a close-knit campus will isolate the student who is already far away from family and friends. Isolation is extremely dangerous, especially when you consider how it can cause psychological damage.
Another concern that is a huge problem: boarding school syndrome. This documented psychological issue happens when parents send their kids away when they are too young. Piers Cross describes the condition: “Boarding School Syndrome is now being recognized as a specific psychological condition characterized by depression, problems with relationships and long-term emotional or behavioral difficulties. Those that are affected by this syndrome are often called Boarding School Survivors.” Symptoms of this syndrome include anxiety, difficulty communicating, and difficulty maintaining intimate relationships. The boarding school environment does not permit emotions; therefore, stunting emotional development in their students. Boarding schools treat their students like adults. On Penn State campus, I am glad when professors treat me like an adult. However, students as young as ten are told to grow up and bury their emotions. Being away from family, the teachers and mentors at the school raise these children. However, they do not treat them as family but rather as adult students. These students are too young to leave their families.
Overall, I would never promote boarding schools. I try to remain impartial in my blogs, but boarding schools are not about an advanced educational experience for students. Honestly, it is a daycare for rich parents to send away their children because they are too busy and do not want to partake in parenting responsibilities. Do I think some boarding schools are beneficial – yes! I think students can benefit from boarding school if they are older and have close relationships with friends and family. Afterall, boarding schools may not be the problem – lack of love from parents/families is the real cause of damage.
I would say I overall agree with you about not supporting boarding schools. College works because everyone is at some level of maturity. Imagine having to live with a bunch of high schoolers, let alone middle schoolers. In short, kids are mean. I feel like the social aspects of boarding schools put too much pressure on children to compete with each other in every aspect of life. Especially when many of them come from rich backgrounds. There’s a stigma surrounding boarding schools among the rich, it’s often portrayed in movies as “oh my parents are going to ship me off to boarding school.” It seems like a punishment from the beginning so that can’t be healthy.
Yes – kids are mean. I agree that pressuring students to compete with one another is part of the boarding school syndrome causes. While a lot of movies portray boarding school as a punishment, I know some people who were happy to go to a prestigious boarding school. However, they were not rich and they commuted.
I actually do not know anyone personally who has attended/is attending boarding school. It would be interesting to meet someone who has had this experience.
Nice post Rebecca! I totally agree that I would never send my kids or desire to go to boarding school. I know some people have lots of money, but 55k on a high school student is just not worth it. Likewise, freshman in high school are typically 13-14 years old. Sending someone on their own at that age can be a dangerous thing. However, adversity for all humans is a great thing. When times get rough and an individual gets beat down, the comeback is always stronger. I am a strong believer in this statement and I think boarding school is something that can serve well for people with that need.
Most of the people I know who went to boarding school were sent away as a form of “punishment.” What boarding school can help with is exposure at a young age. Being removed from your comfort zone and removed from your local bubble can help an individual grow and develop. I have noticed that college has started to do that for me.
Would it have done the same at age 14? I am not sure on that one…
I definitely think that boarding school can help an individual grow and become independent. Like you, I have seen myself become stronger since I have been to college. As you said, I probably would not have the same reaction if I was a middle or high school student. It would be overwhelming, and on top of it all, I would have no one near to lean on for support.
I agree on many accounts that boarding schools are not the way to go ever. Boarding schools, also known as residential schools have a very dark history, especially across the Native American Community. They were used to whitewash Native kids and “civilize” them to Euro-American culture. Many of these schools have gotten away with the deaths of thousands of children which has stricken a chord across many who still attend and know those who attended these schools, especially those who have had relatives who did not make it out alive. I would personally never send my children to boarding schools not only because of this reason but many others such as the price tag, it is almost an out for parents not having to raise their own children and have a relationship with them, the pressure it would place on these children and many other reasons. All in all, they just seem bad in every aspect.
I have heard of boarding schools that “civilize” students. Obviously, all boarding schools like that should be eliminated. You hit the nail on its head – boarding school is an out for parents. If boarding schools were a spectacular educational environment, they would support students living with their families.