The Benefits of Boarding School Summer Programs

There’s no doubt about it – students choosing to attend boarding high schools are setting themselves up for more opportunities for success. However, unless you’ve had an older sibling, friend or family member attend a boarding school you probably don’t know what to expect from these advanced learning centers. 

Boarding schools provide rigorous academic courses, a wide range of extracurricular activities and the opportunity for learning abroad. A summer boarding school program gives students and families the opportunity to try out a boarding school and provides reassurance that particular boarding school is a good fit. 

Can Your Student Learn Away From Home?  

Boarding School Review, a site providing information, admission tips and financial aid resources for parents and students interested in attending boarding schools writes, “By enrolling in a boarding school with a summer program, you and your child have an opportunity to see whether living away from home is an environment he or she can handle.” 

Summer programs at boarding high schools are a great way to gage whether or not a student is ready for learning outside of the home on a personal and emotional level. Learning in a boarding school environment means parents will not directly oversee student success – instead he or she will have to assume personal responsibility for success and be able to cope with being away from home. 

Are the Academics Too Challenging? 

Additionally, summer programs give students and parents a better idea of how challenging academics will be for the student and whether or not that is an appropriate fit. Summer programs are also a great way to assess whether or your chosen school offers an appropriate selection of activities for student involvement, says Boarding School Review. 

The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS) notes, “Summer programs, generally taken one or two summers prior to enrollment, enable parents and students to decide whether the student is ready for the transition by giving students a taste of the boarding school experience.” Students and family members considering enrolling full-time in boarding high schools should take advantage of a summer program to make sure their school is the right fit.  

Nicole Donaldson is an academic writer for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Wasatch Academy. Follow on Twitter.