My Boarding School Blog

In an article from The Independent UK it was discussed that parents who send their children to boarding school may be doing them more harm than good. A psychotherapist, Nick Duffell, believes that the separation into boarding school may produce psychological damage in a child.

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.

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There are a lot of misconceptions on boarding schools, many say that it is for troubled teens and that parents who cannot handle their kids send them out to boarding school to be disciplined for them to come back all prim and proper. I used to see boarding schools like that until I came to experience what it’s like to be a student in a boarding school.

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.

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What is a Boarding School?

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

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A Beginner’s Guide to Boarding School Terminology

Boarding schools offer many advantages for students who desire an education that will fully equip them with the tools needed to enter college with skills above their peers.  However, it is important to understand the differences between boarding schools and traditional schools, particularly when you are comparing schools for the purpose of enrollment.

Likewise, understanding the terminology associated with boarding schools will help the parent and student make a well-qualified decision regarding the school that best meets their needs.  Just as traditional schools vary, there is a wide spectrum found amongst boarding schools.  Here are some terms that will help explain those differences and ensure that the school you choose is the best choice for your family’s needs.

Academia- Academia is used to describe an educational group or community that is actively committed to higher education.

Academic Counseling- Academic counseling is the process where teachers and faculty members guide students in mapping out the course of their education to ensure that they achieve their educational goals.

Achievement- Achievement is used to measure a student’s level or degree of success.  It may be in the form of testing or by assessing skills that have been learned.

Active Learning- Active learning is a type of educational procedure where students participate in the learning process through a variety of means and methods. It is in direct contrast to passive learning, where students learn by listening to a teacher or instructor. Active learning engages the student through discussions, problem solving, and other critical thinking activities.

Advanced Placement (AP)- The Advanced Placement program is used by colleges or universities to allow high school students to earn college credits.

Advisor- An advisor is a member of the school faculty that helps students plan their academic courses. Advisors play a vital role in ensuring that students reach their academic goals.

Boarding School- A Boarding School is a residential school where students receive lodging, meals, and education.

Coeducational- Coeducational refers to a group or environment that consists of members of both sexes.

College Preparatory- College preparatory classes are added to a student’s curriculum to help them enter into college or a university.  The classes are often required by the higher education facility for entrance purposes.

Curriculum- A curriculum is the program or courses taught in the school setting.  It is determined either by the school board or an outside governing agency.

Day School- A day school is a boarding school that offers classes for non-residential students as well as the boarding school students.

Department of Education- The Department of Education is the US governing branch that monitors and regulates educational programs in the United States.

Dormitory- A dormitory is the section of a boarding school where the students reside.

Elementary School- Elementary school is the first stage of education. It begins in kindergarten and ends somewhere between the fourth and eighth grade, depending upon the school’s policies.

Faculty- School faculty is comprised of the adults who are in leadership.  This typically includes teachers, principals, and may include professors or lecturers.

Grades- Grades are the evaluation of a student’s performance in an educational setting.  They may be written in numerical or letter format.

Grade Point Average- Grade point average, or GPA, is determined by computing credits and grade points together.

Graduate- To graduate means to successfully complete one course of study and to advance to the next course.

Passive Learning- Passive learning is in contrast to active learning.  It consists of receiving instructions through methods such as lectures or film watching.  With passive learning, the student is not actively engaged in the learning process but receives the information that is being directed towards him or her.

Private school- A private school is a school that is owned and operated by an entity other than the government or state.

Public school- Public school is education provided by the government and paid for by citizen tax dollars.

Room and Board- Room and board is covered in the tuition fees for students at boarding schools.  This consists of sleeping arrangements, living quarters, and meals.

School Discipline- School discipline is the code or punishment that is administered when the school’s rules have been violated.

Secondary School- Secondary school consists of the grades between elementary and college.  It is often referred to as Secondary Education.

Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT)- The SSAT or Secondary School Admission Test is given to entrants of a boarding school.  It measures the student’s proficiency in reading comprehension as well as verbal and mathematical skills.

Socratic Method- The Socratic Method was developed by the philosopher, Socrates.  It is a teaching method used to develop rational thinking by challenging concepts and encourages the participants to rely heavily upon critical thinking skills.

Special Education- Special education refers to teaching methods that are geared towards those who do not think or learn in the traditional manner.  This may be due to emotional, physical, or academic needs.

Syllabus- A syllabus is a guide that accompanies a class or course.  It is given to students so that they have a thorough understanding of the topics that will be expounded upon during the course.

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)- The Test of English as a Foreign Language is administered to those whose native language is one other than English.  Colleges and universities administer this test to assess the speaker’s grasp and understanding of the English language.

Transcript- A transcript is the student’s written record of his or her academic performance at a school previously attended.

Tuition- Tuition is the fee charged by the school for the student’s education.

Visual Learning- Visual learning may also be referred to as spatial learning.  It is a learning style where images such as maps, graphic organizers, and webs are used to help connect ideas with spatial images.

Whole Language- Whole language is a teaching approach used to incorporate many aspects of reading, grammar, and language arts into the student’s life, rather than teaching reading as a mechanical or rote function.

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