A boarding school offers a completely different approach to learning and holistic development. If you’re looking for a suitable boarding school for your child, the selection process should be as multi-faceted as your child is. Currey Ingram Academy, recognized as one of the best boarding schools in the South, shares tips on narrowing down your options and getting the best educational experience possible.
Make a list of your non-negotiables
Sit down with your child early on and discuss what your ideal boarding school experience looks like. Don’t worry about whether one school will meet all your criteria. This exercise will help you determine your must-haves, and factors you’d like to avoid. These could include:
- Location
- Campus and class size
- Facilities
- Extra-curricular activities and after school programs
- Cost and financial assistance available
- Recommendations from friends and other family members
- Diversity
- Philosophy
- Spiritual affiliation
If your child is entering high school, take the discussion even further and ask them what their goals are and who they would like to do after graduation. A boarding school has the power to shape a student’s future and the boarding school should be able to provide an environment that nurtures them along the path they wish to pursue, both academically and beyond the classroom.
Understand the boarding school’s mission statement and philosophy
A boarding school’s mission statement is crafted to reflect its values and goals. Policies and decisions will be made based on this statement, so it’s important to make sure the boarding school’s values are aligned with what you stand for as a family.
Explore the boarding school’s curriculum, teaching methodology, and how it strives to maintain social and academic balance. The school’s history and traditions will determine its approach to yearly meetings, uniforms, and community-building efforts.
Check out what professional development and curriculum growth opportunities are available to the school’s faculty and staff. The culture within the teaching community is indicative of the culture nurtured in the classroom.
Look into its specializations and focus areas
Variety is important as it helps students explore their different interests over the years. The boarding schools on your shortlist should have a performing arts curriculum, science classes, and a broad range of advanced placement classes to choose from.
See if the boarding school has partnerships or affiliations with international learning institutions.
Find out if there are teachers who offer mentorship opportunities in their fields of expertise, and if college counseling services are available.
Many families are drawn to boarding schools with strong athletics programs. Take note if the boarding school has the facilities and the support systems to nurture this program and develop high-caliber athletes.
Get first-hand reviews
Just as important as classroom size, student-teacher ratios, school rankings, and other data are insights from students currently enrolled in the boarding school. Schedule a visit to interview students and parents in the community; this will give you a grasp of what the boarding school is actually like beyond the statistics.
Do a campus tour
Experiencing the school’s energy first-hand can help you gauge how life actually is on-campus. Pay attention to details: Do students greet each other? Do they greet you? Are the classroom discussions lively and engaging?
During your tour, you may want to cover the following areas as well: parent-teacher communications; housing arrangements; medical support available in case of an emergency; food options, especially if your child has dietary restrictions; and off-campus activities.
Each boarding school is unique. Each institution’s culture and mission statement will serve your child’s life differently, so admission departments are as keen to find the best fit for your child as much as you are. Ultimately, the boarding school should inspire your child to learn and thrive all year round.
Currey Ingram Academy is a boarding school in the South that supports and empowers students with learning differences to achieve their fullest potential – academically and socially – within an environment that fosters holistic student development. Get in touch by calling (615) 507-3173.