Is boarding school right for my child?
3 Thoughtful Questions Every Parent Should Ask
One of the most common questions I get is: “How do I know if boarding school is right for my child?”
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there are some core considerations that helped me—and may help you—make this life-shaping decision.
1. Does your child crave more than their current school can offer—academically or socially?
Some kids are deeply curious, but underchallenged. Others are socially independent and want a wider peer group or extracurricular opportunities they can’t find locally. Boarding schools often offer:
Small seminar-style classes
Specialized electives (robotics, ethics, philosophy, global politics)
Unique arts or athletic programs
Built-in peer networks from around the world
If your child lights up when exploring beyond what’s currently available—or feels like they’re outgrowing their current school—it might be time to explore what boarding school can provide.
2. How emotionally ready is your child for independence—and how ready are you to support that?
Boarding school is not just an academic decision—it’s an emotional one. It requires a child to:
Live away from home
Manage their own schedule
Seek help from adults who aren’t parents
That’s a big step for a 13- or 14-year-old—and for us, as parents.
Some kids are naturally eager for independence. Others need more support and scaffolding. Ask yourself:
Is my child resilient when things go wrong?
Are they able to advocate for themselves or ask for help?
How do they handle social transitions or new environments?
Readiness can be developed, but it’s important to be honest about where your child—and your family—stand today.
3. What are your family’s long-term goals—and how does this decision fit in?
Boarding school is not just four years of education—it’s a launchpad. For some families, it aligns with:
A desire for academic rigor and top-tier college access
Global exposure and lifelong networks
Personal growth through structured independence
But it's also a financial and emotional investment. You’ll want to consider:
Cost vs. value for your child’s needs
How it fits into your family life (siblings, caregiving, travel)
How your child’s personality and aspirations might evolve over time
Remember, choosing boarding school doesn’t mean something’s “missing” at home—it means you’re making an intentional choice about the kind of experience you want your child to have.
My next post will be about how we decided boarding school was right for our family.