Is boarding school beneficial to children?

Question

Is boarding school beneficial to children?

Answer 1

No, it's only beneficial to parents who want to get rid of children.  

Answer 2

No, it doesn't allow the child to see what the real world is like.

eg. All the different nationalities, religions and cultures.

Answer 3

It can be, depending on the child.

I haven't been a student at one yet, but I will start this fall.

From what I've heard from previous students is that it helps them grow and mature since they're out from under their parents before college, when there are countless other presures thrown upon them too.

It teaches children to do their schoolwork without being told, how to manage money, how to put up with people they don't like, and so on and so forth.

Colleges also would choose a boarding school student over a day student because they've already been in a college-like environment.

Also, the bonds students make at school are very strong. They DO meet a lot of different people, from different economic backgrounds (scholarship students, international students, very wealthy students). And they will get many opportunities that they wouldn't get going to a school at home.

Answer 4

Boarding school can be harmful to elementary school-aged children. Many boarding schools, including the one I went to, had students as young as 6, 7, and 8 years-old. The Guardian did an entire exposé on this particular issue and cited many psychologists who believe that boarding school for younger children is very damaging. Read here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2008...

However, for older students, especially those that are academically successful and eager to learn, boarding school is extremely beneficial. For high school-aged students, boarding school can help them gain independence, mix with cultures other than their own (as most boarding schools have very diverse and international student bodies), and excel academically among their peers. Like the previous answer says, boarding school is also a place where students make life-long friendships and form a true community among themselves. Another previous comment claimed that it doesn't "allow them to see what the real world is like". When, in reality, it's the exact opposite. Independence and choice let's you experience whatever you want. And as for seeing the world, most boarding schools offer in-depth cultural trips around the world. Just one of the many benefits. Not to mention a boarding school student's classmates hail from all corners of the globe.

The more famous, established boarding schools in the United States, particularly on the East Coast, are almost exclusively full of high-school-aged students. However, in other countries, boarding school is still offered to younger children. Even many of the more famous boarding schools in Switzerland and the UK still offer places for younger children. So basically, it all depends on their age. Even though some children mature faster than others, the majority will suffer from not being in a close family environment.

Answer 5

It really depend on the kid. The top boarding schools can be excellent for very mature kids who need more than their local schools offer academically and socially. The schools know who will benefit, so chances are if your kid can get in, they will thrive.