What are Boarding Schools?
Boarding schools operate similarly to private schools during the day, but with the added benefit of students residing on campus rather than commuting to and from home. The concept is similar to that of college dormitories, although it is intended for students prior to entering higher education.
Best Boarding Schools in the World and Why They are Good-
This blog covers a few top boarding schools in the world, however there are a lot more apart from these that you should consider before choosing one.
1. St. George’s International School, Switzerland
Established by Lorna Southwell in 1927, St. George’s Worldwide School began life as a young ladies just foundation, with young men not being conceded until 1993. The school’s 2022 International Baccalaureate results were spectacular, with a pass rate of 100% and 48% of students passing with a score of 38 or higher. However, not everything at St. George’s is strictly academic; Art, music, dance, drama, multiple sports, IT, languages, and other extracurricular activities are just a few of the many options available at the school. Because this school is home to more than 60 different nationalities, students naturally acquire a broader perspective that helps them succeed in the real world. They have the chance to expand their cultural and social awareness and forge long-lasting connections with the people who make up their vibrant, diverse community each day. If you possess a specific athletic talent and aspire to pursue a professional career, their Game Piece program can help you balance academic pursuits while also allowing you to reach your full potential through training.They make sure you have enough time and energy to really put your all into your sport by implementing a personalized, flexible schedule. They also have excellent, personalized education where each student receives individualized instruction that is tailored to their specific needs and is delivered in accordance with that plan.
2. American International School – Salzburg, Austria
At the American International School in beautiful Salzburg, Austria, you can be sure that your child will get the attention and dedication they need because the student-to-teacher ratio is 3:1 and the maximum number of students is 100.
The Salzburg School warmly welcomes students aged 12 and above and provides English as the language of instruction. Their team of highly qualified teachers comprise professionals from America and Canada. Students can avail themselves of various educational options at the International School, including secondary education (grades 7-8), senior high school (grades 9-12), and postgraduate study (13th grade, pre-university preparatory course).Understudies concentrate on English, math, sciences (science, physical science, science), German, sociologies. Additionally, there are additional disciplines and electives to choose from. Drama, fine art, design, and so on are all options for students. Students from other countries can choose to study English in addition to their regular classes.
Students receive an AR certificate (diploma), a traditional American secondary education diploma, upon graduation.
Advantages-
- The school stands out for its high standards of educational services and students’ academic preparation. Graduates attend top universities worldwide and in Europe.
- The location of the school is convenient. It only takes ten minutes to drive from the academic buildings to the center of Salzburg, which is full of historical landmarks and famously developed infrastructure.
- An extensive extracurricular program that includes sporting and entertainment activities as well as educational excursions to museums, galleries, historical sites, and Austria’s most fascinating cities.
- The students’ physical development receives special consideration at the school. Various outdoor activities are offered throughout the summer. In winter, the administration of schoolchildren is one of the most mind-blowing trails for skiing and snowboarding.
- The ratio of students to teachers is 1:6. The necessary amount of individual attention is given to each student.
3. Cardiff Sixth Form College, United Kingdom
Cardiff 6th Structure School is the exceptionally top boarding school in the UK for A Level outcomes. In 2020, 99 percent of their students, who range in age from 15 to 19, received top A* and A grades. This school takes academics very seriously and is proud of its high university placement rates, so much so that the Independent School League Tables have ranked it first for A-level results for the past eleven years.
Every student receives pastoral care and is encouraged to develop their individual talents. They are of the opinion that you shouldn’t have to choose at Cardiff Sixth Form College. The unique educational approach at Cardiff Sixth Form College combines the advantages of both rigor and discipline systems with individual creativity.
4. St. Andrew’s School, Canada
The campus of St. Andrew’s School, the largest all-boys boarding school in Canada, is a sight to behold with its 126 beautiful acres of greenery. The school boasts a university placement rate of one hundred percent for its graduating classes, and its 6,000 alumni connect students around the world. St. Andrew’s manages to empower young men who achieve success in a variety of fields with alumni such as actors Stephen Amell and Kiefer Sutherland, diplomat and lawyer Vincent Massey, and multiple prominent business leaders.
5. Eton College, United Kingdom
One of the most well-known schools in the world and one of the best boarding schools in Europe is Eton College. Due to the large number of future world leaders who have passed through its prestigious halls, it has been dubbed “the chief nurse of England’s statesmen.” Prince William and Prince Harry, in addition to being politicians and business leaders, attended Eton for their advanced education. The young people who attend this one of the best schools in the world make connections that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.
The nationalities and backgrounds of Eton College students are diverse. Students whose first language is not English are provided with special learning support, and a Learning Centre specifically devoted to this population houses resources for students with Special Educational Needs.
The school scored the most elevated potential honors from the Autonomous School’s Inspectorate in each of the three classifications of instructive arrangement, self-awareness and school administration.
The average student-to-teacher ratio is 8:1, and entry class sizes range from 20 to 25 students. Eton is one of the top three independent Oxbridge feeder schools.
The variety of sports offered focuses on football, rugby, and rowing.
Common Entrance, competitive tests, and interviews are the entry requirements for the school. The majority of students begin school at age 13. At the age of 11, applicants undergo a pre-assessment that consists of an interview, a test of reasoning, and a report from the boy’s current school. To keep their spots, those who are offered conditional admission must either pass the King’s Scholarship exam or the Common Entrance qualifying exam at the age of 13. Special Educational Needs, such as dyslexia and dyspraxia, are taken into consideration.
6. Phillips Academy Andover, Massachusetts, United States
Phillips Academy Andover is one of the top boarding schools in the US and is well worth a look. The high-end boarding school accepts students based on merit rather than their parents’ financial situation because it was founded on the idea that everyone should be able to get a good education. More than half of the 1,142 students at the private boarding school receive grants because they are committed to providing assistance to all students who are unable to pay full tuition.
So, how do you get where you want to be? An outstanding interview with abundant talent. We also know that they must be doing something right because their alumni include President George W. Bush.
7. Phillips Exeter Academy, New Hampshire, United States
Phillips Exeter Academy, which was established in 1781, is one of the best boarding schools in the USA and is committed to providing an inclusive and high-quality education that will empower the following generation. In addition, despite the fact that it has more than one thousand students enrolled at any given time, one teacher is employed for every seven students. This ensures that each child receives individualized attention in order for them to achieve their full potential.
You could say that Phillips Exeter Academy played a significant role in the growth of Facebook because it boasts Mark Zuckerberg among its impressive alumni list. Yet, considerably more critical than that is the confidential life experience school’s 100 percent need-blind confirmations strategy. It is accessible to all highly talented youth, regardless of financial circumstance, like all Phillips Academies.
They are a community that fosters potential and celebrates curiosity. Exeter offers unparalleled opportunities for self-discovery and subject-matter exploration with over 450 courses in 18 subjects, a 5:1 student-to-teacher ratio, and the chance to study on five continents.
This school may be academically challenging for students, but it has been reported to aid in critical thinking development.
Pros and Cons of Boarding Schools-
A boarding school is a lot like college. It’ll become your home for the next few years and the faculty and other students there will become your family. Therefore, it is important to understand the two sides of attending a boarding school to ensure that you don’t make any rash decisions.
What is it like living in a boarding school-
Pros of attending a boarding school-
- A quality residence school will assist you in preparing for college.
- Students from diverse regions are able to interact with a broader range of classmates and take part in curriculum and extracurricular activities that they might not otherwise be able to.
- Provides a secure, regulated environment with norms and routines
- Living on campus in a school setting cultivates persistence, independence, ambition, and modesty.
- Children develop important life skills like organization, cooperation, teamwork, communication, and the development of work and study routines, which are skills that they will need as adults.
Cons of attending a boarding school-
- Homesickness
- High boarding school fees
- Problems in adjusting and fitting in
- Children are usually too young, unlike in college, to reach a high level of independence
- Since boarding schools is before college, students aren’t that old and so may find it harder to manage their stress levels
In conclusion, the decision to enroll in a boarding school is a complex one and cannot be definitively answered. While boarding schools offer exceptional education and opportunities for character development through extracurricular activities, they may not necessarily alleviate feelings of homesickness, adjustment issues, or high levels of stress. Ultimately, the decision to attend a boarding school will depend on a variety of factors, including personal characteristics, future goals, and individual preferences. Thus, there are no clear-cut answers as to whether or not a boarding school is the right fit for you. It is recommended that you gather information about boarding schools through our website and consult with your parents or teachers to make an informed decision.
