ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø

Choosing a School

You’ve decided boarding school may be the best option for your child’s education. Now it’s time to find a school that meets the needs of your family. Determine when your child is ready to attend boarding school, learn why students can benefit from a single-sex education, and get tips on finding data and comparing schools. Discover the benefits of education consultants, explore Quaker schools, and find get expert advice on making an informed decision.

View the most popular articles in Choosing a School:

Choosing the Best ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø School: 10 Key Factors (2025)

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Choosing the Best ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø School: 10 Key Factors (2025)
Discover the 10 essential factors for choosing the best boarding school in 2025. Expert tips on academics, costs, fit, and future success.

How to Choose the Best ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø School for Your Child:

10 Key Factors (2025 Guide)

Choosing the right boarding school can feel overwhelming. With over 300 boarding schools across the United States and dozens more internationally, families face a complex decision that blends academics, social development, finances, and long-term goals.

This 2025 guide outlines 10 essential factors parents should evaluate when selecting the best boarding school for their child.

1. Academic Programs and Rigor

Every child learns differently, and the best boarding school will align with your student’s strengths and ambitions.

  • College Preparatory Focus: Look for schools offering Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or honors programs.

  • Specialized Tracks: Some schools emphasize STEM, arts, or global studies.

  • Learning Support: Ensure resources are available for students with learning differences.

According to the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), enrollment in specialized academic programs at boarding schools has risen steadily since 2020 ().

2. Faculty and Mentorship

Teachers at boarding schools often live on campus or serve as dorm parents, providing mentorship beyond the classroom. This unique dynamic fosters stronger teacher-student bonds compared to many day schools.

Ask about:

  • Student-to-teacher ratios (many are 6:1 to 8:1).

  • Teacher qualifications, including advanced degrees.

  • Faculty involvement in advising and extracurriculars.

3. Location and Campus Environment

Location impacts both daily life and long-term opportunities.

  • Urban campuses may offer cultural access, internships, and partnerships with local universities.

  • Rural campuses often provide expansive grounds, outdoor programs, and a quieter environment.

In 2025, schools

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Why Consider a Military School? | 2025 Updated Guide

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Why Consider a Military School? | 2025 Updated Guide
Discover the 2025 benefits of U.S. military schools: structure, tuition, stability, and leadership training for students and families.

Why Consider a Military School? (2025 Update)

Military boarding schools offer more than uniforms and drills—they combine academic rigor with structure, leadership training, and a strong values-based education. For families considering this option in 2025, here’s what has changed, what remains timeless, and why these schools continue to prepare students for college and beyond.

Academics, Structure, and Character

Today’s military schools are college-preparatory institutions first and foremost. Students follow rigorous academic schedules that include Advanced Placement courses, SAT/ACT preparation, and leadership-oriented curricula such as JROTC.

The Association of Military Colleges & Schools of the U.S. emphasizes that military schools prioritize honor, integrity, discipline, and duty—values intentionally built into daily routines, from morning formations to academic study halls ().

This structured environment fosters resilience and accountability, qualities that many parents find increasingly valuable in today’s less-structured educational landscape.

Updated Outcomes and Student Success

Military schools consistently demonstrate strong outcomes for graduates.

  • Surveys show 87% of military boarding school students feel academically prepared for college, compared to lower percentages at public and private day schools ().

  • 78% report being well-prepared for non-academic demands, such as time management, independence, and leadership—skills often overlooked in traditional schools.

This combination of academic rigor and real-world readiness makes military schools attractive for families who want balanced preparation.

Who Benefits Most?

Military schools are particularly effective for students who thrive under structure or need consistency amid frequent change.

Children of active-duty service members, for

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Inside ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Life at Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy 2025

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Inside ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Life at Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy 2025
Explore boarding life at Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy in 2025—tuition, culture, academics, aid, and student life on Hawai‘i Island.

A Glimpse into ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø School Life at Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy

Introduction

Nestled amid Hawai‘i Island’s unique landscapes, Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy (HPA) offers boarding and day students a blend of rigorous academics, real-world learning, and vibrant community living. As of 2025, here’s a refreshed look into life at HPA—for parents evaluating a transformative educational setting for their child.

School Overview & Enrollment

Founded in 1949, HPA serves students from kindergarten through grade 12, including a postgraduate year. It spans two campuses—the Village Campus for lower and middle school, and the Upper Campus set against the Kohala Mountains. Accreditations include NAIS, WASC, and HAIS .

Enrollment stands near 600 students. Approximately 45% are boarding, with the balance attending as day students. Roughly 40% of financial aid recipients receive support through awards averaging 39% of tuition

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Choosing the Right Performing Arts ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø School in 2025

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Choosing the Right Performing Arts ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø School in 2025
Updated checklist to choose a performing arts boarding school in 2025—tuition, admissions, learning styles, and expert insights for parents and students.

How to Choose the Right Performing Arts ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø School: A Checklist for Parents and Students

Introduction

Public schools continue to serve the majority of U.S. students—but are they keeping pace with diverse learning styles? For families considering specialized alternatives, such as a performing arts boarding school, this article will refresh your approach with up-to-date data and a streamlined checklist to guide your choice.

Are Public Schools Meeting Your Child’s Needs? Enrollment & Demographic Trends

  • As of fall 2023, public school enrollment in the U.S. stood at approximately 49.5 million, down from 50.8 million in fall 2019—a loss of over 1.2 million students (2.5%) .

  • Nationwide, factors such as low birth rates, homeschooling, private

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ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø School Admissions: International Students

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ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø School Admissions: International Students
A comprehensive guide for international students and their families on navigating the admissions process for American boarding schools, covering benefits, application tips, visa requirements, and preparation for boarding school life.

ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø School Admissions: International Students

American boarding schools are an excellent option for families seeking a high-quality education for their children. Suppose you are a parent in Asia or Central and South America considering sending your son or daughter to a boarding school in the United States. In that case, this article will help you understand the steps involved so that you can make that happen. Many parents like you have done the same thing because they value American boarding schools' high academic standards. They also understood the return on such a significant investment in terms of developing a robust network of friends and associates throughout the global community. American schools offer excellent preparation for university-level studies.

International students make up about 15% of the student population in American boarding schools. Anyone who is not a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident of the United States is considered an international applicant by American boarding schools.

Attending a boarding school in the United States means that your child will join a school community with decades of experience educating international students. These schools have years of experience helping students from around the world adjust to their new lives in the United States, making that transition as smooth as possible.

We understand that sending your child far from home is a major decision. You will have many questions about the admissions process, visa requirements, and what life will be like at school. As a parent whose daughters attended American boarding schools,

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Featured Schools

Featured Schools

Choosing a School

GETTING STARTED
This section covers the basics of choosing a boarding school. Learn more about educational consultants, explore the dos and don’ts of making the right choice, and learn why you should trust your instincts. When is the right time to attend boarding school? What is a post-graduate year? How can an educational consultant help? Here you’ll find the answers to these questions and more.
NARROWING YOUR LIST
You’ll find helpful tools and resources to aid in narrowing your list down to the best schools that meet your requirements. Determine the benefits of Quaker education, learn how girls benefit from single sex education and get 5 reasons to start your search early.
EVALUATING SCHOOLS
Here we’ll provide you with information on evaluating boarding schools. From comparing schools to identifying language and sports programs, our articles will help you make an informed decision. Learn the best approach to compare schools, get tips on creating a spreadsheet, and determine where to find the data.