The Importance of A Campus Visit Before Selecting A Boarding School

Scheduling campus visits at private boarding schools before selecting which one to attend is an important part of the school selection process and shouldn’t be passed over. Even if you’ve done massive research about the school or heard riveting testimony from others who attended, it’s important to see the school for yourself.  

Boarding School Review – a site providing information, admission tips and financial aid resources for parents and students interested in attending boarding schools – says choosing among the thousands of private boarding schools can be overwhelming. Parents and students should always schedule campus visits before making a final decision.

Check Out Campus Life and Programs Offered

The site notes that campus tours give parents and students the opportunity to check out specific elements of campus life such as dorm living and meal arrangements. If there are specific concerns or needs that must be met for your student in either of these areas – you’ll find out whether or not the school can accommodate them during a campus tour.

Boarding School Review reports campus tours give students and families an opportunity to look at supervision policies in practice, as well as the specific courses and athletic programs offered. Ensure your student will be comfortable following standards of conduct 24/7 and the programs he or she wants to be involved with are actually available. 

Assess Culture and Community Values

Teen Life – a site dedicated to providing parents and students with information about participating in educational extracurricular activities – writes that campus tours at private boarding schools will give you an opportunity to assess the overall culture and values of the educational institution. You’ll have the opportunity to interview students, faculty and teachers at the facility to ensure you and your student resonate with the learning environment.

Finally, campus tours give parents and students an idea of how prepared the learning institution is during the event of an emergency as well as its involvement with the surrounding community. Before selecting a boarding school, it’s important to make sure you’re comfortable with your child participating in this learning environment.

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