Choosing a boarding school is a confusing process which involves several steps. When you’re evaluating boarding schools, try considering the following steps to simplify the procedure and help you compare and decide on the best option:
• Identify Your Goals
Identify your objective of joining a boarding school. It can be anything from seeking a disciplined environment, stretching academic excellence to exploring various sports and performing arts. Answer these questions to recognise your expectations and requirements before diving into the long list of best boarding schools in the country. Now that you know your requirement, pick up the list of schools that catch your attention. Try to learn more about the school and get details by going through their website thoroughly.
• Narrow your list
After visiting the website and learning about the school’s facilities, terms, conditions, and policies, filter out the schools that fulfil your requirements in the finest manner. It is also important to check if you are a good match for that school. Visit the feedback section to check what the students studying there have to say about the school.
• Book a tour of the campus:
It is important to book the campus tour to get the insights about the campus, teachers, student’s behaviour, culture and practices. You’ll also get to know about the extracurricular activities and security features that the school offers to residential students. Also prepare a list of questions that you want to ask at the school. By the end of this process, you’ll get the final list of schools that you were looking for.
Here are certain criterias that’ll help you evaluate the boarding school you are applying to:
1. Values and culture
While visiting the campus, the first thing to notice is the values that the school follows and is it aligned with the ones that you are looking for? You are going to live away from home and family at the campus. It is essential that the boarding school you choose provides a nurturing environment. Observe students’ behaviour at the campus. Also reach out to students, alumni, leaders to understand the culture and value that the school follows.
2. Extracurricular Activities:
Extracurricular activities encourage students to explore interests and opportunities outside the classroom. It promotes the overall personality development of a person. While evaluating a boarding school, check if the extracurricular activities offered by the school includes your field of interest. Boarding schools offer a wide range of co-curricular activities like football, swimming, skating, arts and crafts, singing and dancing. Involving in extracurricular activities help students to build bonds with each other and learn the value of teamwork. It also unlocks a wide range of opportunities for them, apart from academics.
3. Cost and location:
Choosing the boarding school that fits in the budget is extremely important. Boarding school entails certain additional costs apart from tuition fees such as boarding fees, transport cost, and personal expenses. Ensure to ask the school about the discounts and scholarships they offer. Choosing the right location is a crucial step while evaluating a boarding school. Pick the location where one can engage in various outdoor activities like hiking, skiing and camping. Also, the location where security is not a question is the best one to go with.