Twelve Facts About Boarding School

By Darryl Gangloff

Between classic books and popular movies, you've probably got a well-rounded image of boarding school already in your mind. But what is boarding school life really like? How can you separate the fact from the fiction — and discover whether boarding school might be the perfect fit for your family? The Hotchkiss School is here to help. Here, we'll unpack 12 facts about boarding school to give you an inside look behind the curtain of this educational style.

1. Boarding Schools Become a Home Away From Home

For many students, boarding school becomes a special home away from home through the years. This comfort goes far beyond the fact that they live on the school campus. Instead, the home-like atmosphere is fostered by warmth, friendliness, and emphasis on community. 

Students who live on campus often share their living space — whether a room, suite, or dormitory hall — with a group of fellow students. This helps residents to form bonds quickly and feel a familiarity with each other. Students also eat family-style meals in the dining hall and spend time together in the common room, creating a sense of team spirit.

2. Can Explore a World Beyond Your Campus

Because boarding schools celebrate a well-rounded experience, students can count on discoveries that span far beyond campus. Between field trips, sporting events, weekend trips to town, and cross-cultural experiences, boarding school students often receive a rich education beyond the classroom. For safety reasons, each boarding school will have its own specific rules regarding how and when students can leave the school campus.

3. You Will Prepare for Life Beyond High School

What is boarding school like? One of the best ways to understand this school structure is to think of it is a preparation for college — and life beyond. Boarding schools are an excellent opportunity for motivated students to push themselves to reach new academic heights. If you're excelling in your school but want to try a new challenge within a hands-on community, boarding school might be the perfect place for you to grow. 

4. Boarding School Teaches Life Skills From an Early Age

In addition to academic challenges, being on your own will help you to learn self-sufficient life skills and added independence. Boarding school students have to take extra measures to balance their time, stay productive, and complete assignments on time. They must also take responsibility for self-care tasks, like doing their laundry and ironing their clothes. You'll have ample support from teachers and dorm parents — but ultimately, you'll feel ready to tackle the challenges of adult life.

5. Boarding Schools Aren't as Rare as You Might Think

Do you associate boarding schools with a world of fiction and classical literature? In fact, there are more than 300 boarding schools across the U.S. today. Thousands of students pursue the challenges and joys of boarding school each year. While they're competitive, boarding schools are not an anomaly.

6. Access a Wide Array of Extracurriculars and Sports

At the best boarding schools, extracurriculars aren't just a bonus. They're an integral part of each student's school experience. Most boarding schools offer premium athletic facilities, a diverse selection of clubs and an excellent array of fine arts options. Students can participate in a sports team while pushing themselves to perform creatively and expand their interests with a unique club. The self-contained nature of a boarding school campus means it's easier than ever for students to pursue extracurriculars and still balance their schedules.

At The Hotchkiss School, students are required to join a team for at least two semesters and can choose to join their choice of cultural, political, media, academic, or community service co-curricular.

7. Boarding Schools Are Known for Diverse Populations

Boarding schools are a popular choice for international students looking to immerse themselves in a new culture and educational style. This is particularly true of American boarding schools, which prepare students to enter a U.S. university. At Hotchkiss, 16% of our student body is international, and 36% are U.S. students of color. This diverse population provides a safe, supportive environment for students of all backgrounds to grow together.

8. They Are Known for Small Class Sizes

Hoping for a school where you're more than another face in the crowd? Boarding schools typically have class sizes far smaller than the U.S. average. Smaller class sizes allow you to connect with your peers, voice your opinions in class, receive individualized instruction, and avoid unnecessary distractions. Receive a quality education in a classroom where your voice and learning style matters.

9. Most Teachers Hold Advanced Degrees

Given the competitive nature of boarding schools, it probably won't come as a surprise that many teachers hold an advanced degree. Their experience, knowledge, and skills equip them to provide the quality education that boarding schools are known for.

10. Boarding School Staff Are Available Around the Clock

Leaving home and living on a residential campus may feel a little daunting at first. But remember, boarding schools are built around the safety and wellbeing of each student. There are a plethora of trained adults available around the clock to respond to student's needs and react to any emergencies. Between teachers, dorm parents, and school administration, boarding school students are always close to excellent care.

11. Creative Pursuits and Interests Are Encouraged

The typical schedule for a boarding school student might look a little different from the norm. At Hotchkiss, for example, our schedule allows for a shorter school day on Wednesday and a morning school session on Saturday. This timeline allows students to explore their interests, participate in co-curriculars, and hit the books during our mandatory study hall. During their free time, students can spend time with friends and enjoy other school-approved activities. Our out-of-the-box schedule spreads out the learning and allows students to spend time pursuing their passions.

12. Boarding School Students Are the Most Satisfied in the Nation

Last fun fact — did you know that boarding school students are among the happiest with their school experience? According to The Association of Boarding Schools, 95% of boarding school students say they're satisfied with their academic experience — almost 10% more than private day or public school students.

Find Your Place at The Hotchkiss School Today

Ready to discover boarding school life for yourself? The Hotchkiss School, located in Lakeville, CT is an affordable boarding school that looks for the best and brightest students from all socioeconomic backgrounds. Apply today or reach out to our admissions team to learn more.

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