7 Things to Consider When Choosing a Boarding School
Boarding schools offer an exciting 24-hour learning environment for your child. Students are generally kept out of distractions. This gives them the chance to learn and do more than they ever thought possible.
Choosing the right boarding school will ensure that your child will have the best experience and that the educational program is well-suited to their needs. Thus, you will have the assurance that their stay there will be worth the money that you will invest. Here are some things to consider when choosing the right boarding school for your child.
1 The size of the boarding school
Would you like to go to a big school or a small school? Whatever choice you make, there are advantages that go along with it. For instance, a big school offers an opportunity for your child to meet a lot of people.
A small school means that the teachers can better take care of every student’s needs. Consider your objectives when you make a choice with regard to the size of the school.
2 Single-sex or coed?
Most parents would choose a coeducational school where boys and girls learn from and about one another. However, in societies where gender roles are sharply defined, a parent would choose a single-sex school where the curriculum is tailor-fitted to the needs of the child with regard to their gender roles. Your choice will be dependent on the goals that you have for your child.
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3 Religious school
Some schools put emphasis on religion. If religion is important to you, then you may want to consider sending your child to such a boarding school where your child receives solid religious instruction and training that will mold their character. You also might want to check if the religious teachings in the school do not contradict your own religious beliefs.
4 Special interests
Your child might be good at sports or the arts. Some schools do cater to the needs of children with special abilities and even help them develop their full potential. Also, these schools offer your child the opportunity to interact with like-minded people.
5 Special needs
Your child might be differently-abled and may have special needs. Of course, you want to choose a school that has the appropriate curriculum and facilities for differently-abled children. Schools with the right curriculum and facilities will help your child lead a normal life and realize their potentials despite the disability.
6 Military school
Military schools are not just for troubled young men or for would-be soldiers. In fact, they are not just for young men; several military schools are coeducational. They carry on a proud tradition of personal and academic excellence. Military schools aim to impart the values of self-discipline, team work, and structure. If you think your child will do best in a structured educational environment, then a military school might be your best choice.
7 Ask yourself the major questions
Before you make your final decision, ask yourself the following questions:
- Is the school accredited by the proper government authorities and other institutions?
- Is the location of the school appropriate to your child’s needs?
- What is the type of accommodation offered to boarders? This may be a dormitory, twin or single room.
- If your child becomes sick, how will he or she be taken care of?
- What are the available leisure facilities within the boarding school?
- Are there out-of-school activities offered to boarders? If so, what are they?
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With these considerations in mind, you may want to prepare a checklist to make it easier for you to choose the school that really suits your child’s needs. Visiting several schools before making your final choice is always a good idea. You want only the best for your child, so you must make sure that you choose the right boarding school.
