When I dropped off my oldest daughter at boarding school, I thought I was prepared for the goodbye. What I wasn’t prepared for was the quiet ache that followed—the kind that sneaks up on you in unexpected moments, like ordering one less meal at a restaurant. In this reflection, I share the emotional journey of moving from a full table of five to a quieter table for two, and what it has taught me about parenting, letting go, and rediscovering connection in this new chapter of life.

Even if your child never ends up attending a boarding school, the application process itself is incredibly worthwhile.

It helps them think deeply about what activities they enjoy and where they want to excel, practice real-world communication skills through interviews, and understand the value of building strong relationships with teachers early on.

Discover the top 3 social skills every teen needs before boarding school — from confident greetings to phone etiquette and shared space respect — to thrive in school, college, and beyond.

ISEE or SSAT? There’s strategy behind that decision!

How we made the decision for our eldest.

Is boarding school right for my child?

It all begins with an idea.