Every year the Rhodes Trust awards 82 scholarships and 32 of those goes to Americans. The Rhodes scholarship is a prestigious one that it screens highly qualified applicants that attains exemplary scholastic achievements.

The highly competitive curriculum that most boarding schools offer is the key factor that contributes to the high percentage of scholarships granted to students who had prepared for college through boarding school education. Boarding schools promote an exclusive environment that caters to mold an individual to be ready for college life. With its highly demanding academic curriculum to its highly qualified professors who take part in the learning of students and the overall feel of independency of living away from home and making it on your own has greatly influenced boarding school graduates to their advantage. With this more parents are feeling that they have made the right decision in investing in a boarding school education even with its high price tag.

An important factor to consider as one of the qualification of the Rhodes scholarship is its requirement that an applicant should be truthful, courageous and has a moral force of character that is potential for leading his or her fellow students. Most boarding schools are equipped with the necessary trainings and workshops on instilling camaraderie, leadership and moral responsibility in its students. Aside from teaching academics they are immersed into the values of being responsible, independent, and reliable in their various extracurricular activities.

A graduate from The Hill School in Pennsylvania, who is a recipient of the 2010 Rhodes scholarship, attested that he owes much of what he has to his boarding school experience. Not only did it prepared him for the vast academic curriculum he will be facing in college but rather more of a preparation into the person he needs to become to survive college. The ability to be able to interact closely and work together with colleagues, teachers, staff and administrators and be able to adapt to different cultures, beliefs and values of everyone else without sacrificing individuality is the best lesson in life.

Many would wonder why some not so rich parents choose to send their kids to boarding school even if this will cost them both an arm and a leg. Perhaps there is more to it than what money can afford.

There are a couple of things to consider when choosing a boarding school that is right for your child. Some things to consider are the following:

Class Size – most boarding schools have smaller classes which enable teachers to fully focus on each student’s strengths and weaknesses. In a smaller class students are encouraged to participate and this foster a bond among classmates. In a public school most classes are cramped and student teacher relationship is not very evident which cause some students to lag behind.

Faculty – Boarding schools take pride in their faculty and staff. They employ the best educators and professors who hold MBAs from prestigious universities.

Renowned facilities – perhaps the most known fact about boarding schools is their state of the art facilities. Cozy dormitories, sports facilities equipped for leisure activities. Vast school grounds where one can get attuned with nature and get motivated to study. Some boarding schools even have in house cafes and restaurants that serve delicacies and delicious cuisines. Truly you get what you pay for.

Academic Curriculum – obviously the very most important consideration among parents and students alike is the competitive academic curriculum that boarding schools offer. They are regarded as ideal preparation for college.

Counseling – Boarding schools offer intensive college counseling in preparation to college application and requirements. Guidance and in depth advise on how to get into the most prestigious universities and colleges will be given.

With all these in mind you can weigh your options on whether you would pursue to enroll in boarding school. You can check The Association of Boarding Schools for further resources on advantages of boarding schools. It is always good to be informed to help you with choices that can determine your child’s success in getting into a good college especially in these trying times.

A support group called Boarding School Survivors (BSS) offers workshops for students who are experiencing the “boarding school syndrome” characterized as intimacy problems, work obsession and hatred of the opposite sex for most non-coed boarding schools.

The syndrome talks about the trauma that children undergo when they are separated from their families that they tend to keep their emotions to themselves making it difficult for them to form new and fulfilling relationships when they grow up. In the early days, boarding schools are associated in movies and literature with cold showers, strict teachers, creepy school halls and bland cafeteria food. But these are far from the real picture. Middlesex School in Massachusetts boasts of state of the art facilities that cater to a lifestyle for the rich and famous. They have dining services that serves delicious and enticing menus fresh everyday. Some boarding schools like the Concord Academy even have summer camp activities for their students to enjoy off campus. Boarding schools offer an environment wherein students feel independent at the same time the value of being responsible and accountable for own actions is observed. Boarding schools also has high tech facilities that enable the students to be in constant communication with their parents, families and loved ones through the Internet and advanced telecommunication. These are just among the good things that boarding school students enjoy.

Although some doesn’t share the enthusiasm of boarding schools especially those who were reported to be abused and those who suffered from traumatic experiences such as bullying and sexual abuse. Some will argue that this is an isolated case and does not prove that boarding schools directly harms an individual psychologically.

According to Dick Davison, a spokesman for the Independent Schools Council said that efforts have been made to improve the relationship between students and adults in boarding schools. Strict implementation of school rules and regulations are observed and selection of schools staff, teachers and administrators are carefully screened to avoid such untoward incidents of child abuse. Boarding schools have dramatically changed from way back then and most of these changes reflect a better and improved system.

It was entirely different from what I had expected. Having been raised in a big family of five siblings we were all interconnected and very dependent on our parents. I would come home with my three brothers and younger sister to find supper ready for us waiting at the table. After eating we would play at night until our mom orders us to get ready for bed. I was not a troubled kid nor am I a rebel at home. My parents decided that boarding school would be the best opportunity to prepare me for college and they were right.

The first time I walked the halls of my boarding school I was excited and nervous all together. It made me feel sick all over and wanted to run back home but I knew that was far from happening anytime soon. Just like any new endeavor in life we are faced with the unknown and all we can do is hope that everything will turn out well.

Weeks have past and I thought to myself boarding school was not bad after all and I begin to wonder where all the negative impressions that boarding school is where troubled teens were sent to. My school mates were mostly above average and in no way troubled or rebellious in nature. Most students come from families that are well of, considering that boarding schools are very expensive. I was assigned in one of the boy’s dormitory and was scheduled to meet with my dorm advisor every other day. My dorm advisor serves as my guidance teacher in my school. She assists me on everything that I need in my dormitory and academic studies as well. She is in constant contact with my parents and she gives them feedback of my well being and academic performance in school.

What I enjoy most about boarding school are the friends I have made. I have shared a lot of experiences both pleasant and unpleasant ones with them for they serve as my support system being away from home. Our bond has grown deeper each year as we discover each other’s interests, strengths and weaknesses. We share good times in school within the vast school grounds and spacious halls of our dormitory.

Living in a boarding school is not all fun and freedom to do everything we wish to do. Boarding schools teaches students to become responsible individuals who are accountable to their own actions. We are reprimanded for violations of the rules and regulations imposed by the school. We are expected to be in proper decorum at all times and to respect each one of our colleagues, teachers and school staff.

Boarding school offers a highly competitive curriculum that can best prepare a student for higher education. Faculty staffs boasts of MBA graduates and experienced professors in their own fields of expertise and subject matter. It is truly an experience that compares to no other.

They cater to American and International students and their vision is to offer personalized, stimulating and nurturing classes that will allow individual student success in preparing for higher education. They have small classes which normally range to eight to twelve students per class. Two campuses are situated in San Marino, California and Rimrock, Arizona. The campus in California is located ten miles from Los Angeles nestling in an upscale suburb which boasts of safety and security away from the busy city. The northern Arizona campus is situated twelve miles away from the city of Sedona which is a popular tourist spot. This campus is near the redrock canyon that makes it attractive to nature lovers.

The faculty in San Marino campus comprises of 24 highly qualified teachers that teaches a variety of subjects to students. Their high school curriculum includes subjects in English, Algebra, Geometry, American and British Literature, Science, Humanities, Economics, Computer Literacy and Electives. Elective subjects range from Art, Contemporary history, Creative writing, Student government, Drama, Speech and Music classes.

They cater to international students for more than 60 years and has incorporated ESL (English as second language) in their curriculum. The goal of their ESL classes is to mainstream each international student into the regular high school easily and quickly. It usually takes around 18 to 24 months for a beginner. The ESL program is divided into 3 components: beginning, intermediate, and advanced classes. Students practice by listening, speaking and writing. Active learning is enhanced by conversing with other students.

Tuition fees range are shown in table below
Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students) $30,700
Yearly Tuition (Day Students) $14,900
Tuition international students $36,750

Southwestern Academy is accredited by WASC, TABS, Western Boarding School Association. For International students the I-20 application form for a student is sent by Southwestern when a student is accepted and has paid tuition.
Requirements for application include the following.

• $100 Application fee
• Three letters of recommendation from
current teachers or school officials
• Transcripts of a student’s school records for
the past three years
• Health report and updated
immunization records
• A personal interview is not required,
but is encouraged. (Students are welcome
to spend a day visiting our classes, and
spend the night in the dorms.)

Boarding schools are depicted as highly acclaimed institutions where children from prominent families get the privilege to study. It is indeed a privilege to study in such a school where academic excellence is a priority. Back then boarding schools are characterized as private schools where problematic students are sent to impose discipline on them. It is a picture of dark dormitories, cold showers, tasteless cafeteria food and strict mentors. But all that has gradually changed over time. Boarding schools now boasts of the finest amenities like Jacuzzis, modernized gyms, heated swimming pools, suite like bedrooms and spacious elegant common rooms. Along with a superior academic curriculum the finest boarding schools are really made for royalty.

To paint a picture of how elite boarding schools are here is a list of the most expensive boarding schools around the world. Let’s take a peek into their world.

At the top of the list is the Le Rosey, Château de Rosey in Rolle, Switzerland. It is known as the “school of kings” because of the many royalties who have attended there. Le Rosey costs at around 50,000 euros or $73,000 a year. It is also the world’s most expensive international school. It boasts of facilities like tennis courts, Jacuzzis, sauna and steam rooms, and a sailing center. Their curriculum is made available in two languages – English and French. Each student may study up to four languages. With a student ratio of 1 teacher is to 5 students, supervision and high quality teaching is implemented. They move to another campus in Gstaad in the winter. To maintain its quality of education they have strict admission policies including a nationality quota system, of which only 10% from each country may be admitted.

College Alpin Beau Soleil in Switzerland comes next to the list at 48,000 euros, around $70,200. It is situated near the Geneva Mountains with a breathtaking view of the Rhone valley. The school features extra curricular activities like cross country skiing to expeditions of mountain climbing. Imagine skiing on the mountain slopes with your classmates and buddies as a past time.

Another on the list at number 10 is Eton College in Britain. Tuition fee ranges from 37,000 to 38,000 euros ($55,000). It is an exclusive school for boys with famous politicians and royalties such Prince Harry and Prince William as their graduates. Eton ranks first in Britain’s list of prestigious schools.

Following Eton College is the Charter House School in Surrey. The Charter House School is founded with a strong religious foundation. The school is run by a pastoral care team that directly reports to the Headmaster. The school offers 80 extra curricular activities with Clubs and Societies that ranges from Music, Drama, Ballroom Dancing and Wine selection.

Most of the boarding schools on the list are situated in Switzerland and Britain. These countries are home to international students going in their prestigious schools for a one of a kind educational experience to the privileged few who can afford it. A student can rub elbows with children of royalties, politicians and wealthy businessmen all over the world.

A Boarding school is similar to a private school where in there is smaller class sizes compared to a public school. A big difference is that the students live in the school enjoying a spacious residential campus complete with all facilities for sports, leisure and other fun group activities. The quality of education offered in boarding schools is the best among other institutions. They employ smart and knowledgeable professors and boasts of a competitive faculty. Boarding schools provide smaller classes which promotes interaction among students and close supervision of teachers that enhances focused learning and participation.

What are the advantages of a Boarding school?

First, Boarding schools concentrate on individual talents and capabilities. Maintaining a small class serves a purpose of a close interaction between students and the teacher. The teacher can concentrate on each individual’s weaknesses and can work with them one on one to achieve improvement.

Second, living in the residential campus will provide an environment very adaptable to learning and far away from the distractions of the city. Living with your schoolmates fosters friendship, camaraderie and a trusting relationship.

Third, the sense of independence is felt by students being away from their parents, they hold accountability to their actions and gain a sense of responsibility for oneself. They can better manage their own problems and cope with living with peers and adults.

Fourth, student in boarding schools are much prepared for college with the similar setting of living in campus, taking classes independently and engaging in extra curricular activities.

Fifth, graduates of boarding schools are better equipped with the capability of making it successful in the real world as they are treated as independent adults in their boarding school years.

Lack of knowledge brings negativism in man. The key to appreciate and discover what boarding schools are and that they have to offer is to study and learn them. Check their websites and print materials to best determine what kind of boarding school fits your child’s talents, personality and likes. It is significant for a child to enjoy school as it greatly affects how he performs and the lessons he will benefit from not just in a classroom setting but as he goes out into the world as well. Remember that schools mold students to be ready to take on life and all its atrocities.

For more information on boarding schools you can visit these sites: http://www.tabs.org/index.cfm , http://www.boardingschools.com , www.edu.gov

Statistics shows that the US is still the number one choice by parents, from the entire world over, to send their children for further studies. To date, the US is host to almost 600,000 international students.

Studying in a boarding school in the US is a good way to prepare students for their school education. As with any preparation, knowing what is ahead of you can make things easier. These guidelines are intended to help you be prepared, in the event you choose to enroll your child in a US boarding school.

There are stories circling on boarding schools. While a fair amount of these stories are entertaining, and some depict the bittersweet reality of living away from home, most of these stories are just fiction. Therefore, it is obvious how it cannot be comparable to the real life drama.

Indeed, attending boarding school is never an easy decision to make. Even if decisions are already made, one has to proceed into the second and most challenging stage, where one has to learn to adjust him or herself physically and mentally. The student will have to learn to adapt to a whole new environment.

Studying in a boarding school in the US is a good way to prepare students if they intend to pursue a degree in an American school or university. However, the journey to studying abroad, especially in the US, has become much more of a predicament since the 9/11 terrorism attack, in 2001.

So, what are the processes involved for international students to attend a boarding school in the USA?

In case you haven’t acknowledged this important fact, getting accepted into top US schools is especially hard. This is because of the vast competition within the citizens from the country itself. The following criteria should first be fulfilled if you intend to enroll into any top US schools.

•    Good academic grades
•    Completed coursework
•    Sufficient financing
•    Strong command of English language

If you have the intention of pursuing your tertiary education in the US, it is advisable to apply for a student visa at least 18 months prior to your expected arrival date in the USA.

Steps to Take

It is important to do thorough research on potential schools that you wish to enroll with. Research, via the internet, and using a search engine such as Google, are two of the more popular ways to equip yourself with better knowledge of schools. You can also seek advice from your friends who are already experiencing life in the US, or relatives who are residing there as well. It is also wise to call up your preferred school(s) to get more information.

Once you identify the school that you wish to enroll with, have your application submitted to that one and several other schools as well– especially to schools that are offering the course that you would like to pursue.

You will then need to get at least a couple, or more, teachers that have taught you and know you well enough to help you write a letter of recommendation. And it is always good to get your family members, friends, and relatives to speak about your potential and your academic goals.

An application essay is always a good thing to accompany an application, even if the school does not require it. An essay is considerably significant because it will reflect you as a person and what is deemed to be important by you. Be sure to make your application essay as unique as possible. It is always a big help to get your English teacher to comment on your application essay.

Boarding School Requirements

Before proceeding to the visa application, students have to prove that they possess a high level of spoken and written English, and one can do so through one of these tests:
•    SLEP Test (Secondary Language English Proficiency Test), a multiple choice language test for students.
•    SSAT- Test (Secondary School Admission Test), s standard entry test for English language.

Once you have everything wrapped up, submit your application form together with the financial aid application forms. Have everything typed or written by hand and be sure that your application looks tidy and presentable.

Check up on your teachers and school to make sure that your transcripts and recommendations have already been mailed to your preferred school(s). It is strongly advised that you do all these way before the deadline to allow for any problems that may arise.

You should expect an extra request from the boarding school of your choice. Usually, the request is made to get more relevant information, or resubmission of any important documents that you may have left out earlier.

After all that, you will soon be hearing from some of the schools about their decision to accept you. Please be sure to accept an offer from only one school. This will help you to avoid any problems when you later request an I-20 form. You may ask the school if you are eligible for financial aid, as some school usually offer  aid to international students.

Student Visa – a must for enrollment

To obtain a visa form, you must first pay a visit to the US embassy or consulate, nearest to you, three months before your arrival date in the US. You need to fulfill a few requirements before you can obtain a US student visa.

Be sure to keep yourself healthy and in good shape. You should note that people who are diagnosed HIV positive will not be allowed to enter the US, thus failing to obtain any sort of US visa.

Make sure to arrange your travel so that you can arrive at least 15 days before your school’s orientation day, to avoid any fatigue on the day itself, as you do not want to miss out on anything.

Note: I-20 Form
This form is officially themed as ‘Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status for Academic and Languages Students. This form will be issued by schools: (a) for one year or multiple years to cover the duration of student’s program (b) after student has completed the application process and is admitted. Student must apply in person for a visa at the nearest U.S. consulate or embassy their home country after receiving the form. Calling or making an appointment is necessary to confirm required documents.

Since the September 11, 2001 attack, people from the world over know that the tragedy has left a big impact on the Americans; hence a new policy has since been implemented where international students are to follow tight procedures.

As of January 30, 2003, all authorized schools shall follow a new system to have the SEVIS Forms I-20 issued to all freshmen, as well as current students.

With this new rule, schools are required to report both a student’s physical and mailing address when these two addresses are in conflict.

Though the process may be confusing, frustrating, and time-consuming, the benefits of a US boarding school education can give a student opportunities for success they may never have otherwise had. Be determined, be detailed, be organized, and be diligent— your hard work will pay off in the end!

Instead of dealing with substandard schools, or schools that simply don’t, or cannot, provide for the individual needs or wishes of particular students, many families are now turning to alternative school systems to meet their needs.

Private schools and boarding schools, the most common alternative to public schools, have a long tradition in the United States. This tradition goes back even to medieval England, where boys could be sent to a clergyman or noble to pursue scholarly endeavors.

While there have been some ugly periods of American boarding school history (such as the sad legacy of Indians sent against their will to schools that would teach them to assimilate to White America, or the Girl, Interrupted style “therapeutic” boarding schools that border on prisons for teenagers who may or may not genuinely need mental care), there exist many quality private day, and boarding, schools that suit a diversity of needs, as well as other options that exist outside of these institutions.

The most common boarding schools are the traditional college preparatory schools: schools with excellent academics, often including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, which students can later use for college credit. These schools typically serve students in grades 9 – 12.  While some boarding schools serve grades seven and eight,  as well, there are also some junior boarding schools for younger children, and a smaller number of boarding schools that serve students of all ages.

Other boarding schools have a special emphasis on one curricular area, such as math and sciences, or a strong focus on development in the visual and performing arts. The latter type of school prepares students to go to art institutes or conservatories such as Juliard.

Religious boarding schools incorporate religious beliefs into students’ lives, both inside and outside, the classroom.  While there are a number of Catholic or Jewish boarding schools around the country, there are schools of many denominations–even Quaker schools.

Just like colleges, boarding schools often have a distinct personality, which gives students a very strong sense of pride in their schools.  They are great for students who are already very motivated and self-disciplined. In addition to the challenging classes typically found in boarding schools, the environment provides students with a bit more freedom and responsibility in their out-of-class hours. This fosters, in many students, an independence and maturity they may not have gained during these secondary-school years in a different environment.

Military schools, which combine the typical college prep courses with military preparation, have long been used as a way to teach discipline to students.  They also provide excellent academic standards for even the most well-behaved, motivated student.

For students with eating disorders or substance abuse problems, there are residential treatment centers that do provide good counseling and care throughout the day, along with classes.

Students and parents looking for something a little closer to home can find most of these types of programs at loca,l private day schools.  Additionally, some boarding schools offer the option of day school attendance. One can even enroll in a sort of day school-boarding school hybrid: boarding school Monday through Friday, with weekends spent at home with the family.

Another alternative to public school is home-schooling. While some critics wonder if home-schooled students are at a disadvantage because they don’t spend 8 hours a day socializing with others their own age, many home-schoolers meet peers through other avenues, such as local children’s theater groups or sports teams.  Students can make friends in other settings while taking charge of their own education at home.

Some parents also form home-schooling co-operatives so that their children can have a sense of community, and so that they don’t shoulder the responsibility for teaching their child every subject, every day.  Different states have different requirements for home-schooling, but some allow students who are mainly home-schooled to attend their local public school for just one or two periods per day, so students can take subjects such as advanced math courses or orchestra classes that would be harder to pursue at home.

Taking the idea of self-directed learning a bit farther, some families follow the philosophy of deschooling or unschooling: the idea that children are most engaged and learn best when they’re doing what they truly want to be doing.  For these children, the whole world becomes the classroom.

Following a similar educational model are free schools. These are private schools which, instead of providing the traditional courses or a religious education as most private schools do, allow the children decide how to spend their time each day.  Teachers are there as resources to assist with whatever the students want to pursue, only teaching traditional classes if the students request them.  (One such school, the Albany Free School has been in operation for 40 years.)

Although the United States undertook quite a noble mission in deciding to provide a free education to all of our country’s children through public schools, there is no doubt that public schools face increasing difficulties: large classes, overworked teachers, increasing pressures to narrow the curriculum, and strained budgets.  When public education falls short, students and their families turn elsewhere to find the education they’re looking for.

Whether it’s a return to the classics or something quite new, every family can surely find a model that fulfills the curricular focus and the environment that suits each student best.