Does boarding school prepare you for college?

Does boarding school prepare you for college? This is a common question asked by students and their parents, and it’s one that The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS) has researched thoroughly. The answer may surprise you.

When asked how prepared they were for college, TABS reports that students who attended boarding school stated that they were more prepared both academically and in non-academic areas than those who attended private school or public school. Boarding school students were also more likely to earn an advanced degree. In fact, TABS reports that 50% of boarding school students earn advanced degrees. 

Many believe that boarding school, in particular, is like a preview of college, more so than a day school, which may be why boarding school students felt more prepared than other private school students by a margin of more than 15 points. By living on campus away from their families, boarding school students get a taste of college life, writing a college essay, but in a more supportive environment than college. Dorm parents at boarding school play an active role in these high school students’ lives, providing guidance and encouraging independence as they learn to live on their own. From laundry and room cleanliness to waking up on time and balancing school work and social life, boarding schools challenge students to make responsible decisions.

Boarding schools are often more diverse than day schools and public schools, as they tend to enroll students from all over the world, not just within driving distance of the school. Like colleges, these diverse environments provide rich experiences, as students live and learn with people from all walks of life. These varied perspectives on current events, lifestyles, and even pop culture references can enhance the academic classroom and broaden personal perspectives.

The TABS study also shows that boarding school students are more likely to report having great, high-quality teachers than private or public schools. At boarding schools, teachers are so much more than just classroom teachers. They are often coaches, dorm parents, advisors, and support systems. It’s common for boarding school students to stay in touch with their teachers long after graduation.

The benefits don’t stop there, either. According to TABS,boarding school students achieve their career goals sooner in life than private or public school students.

To find out more about the benefits of boarding school, visit the TABS site and check out their “Big Picture on Boarding Schools” page. You might be surprised by what you learn. 

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