Why Boarding School Was the Right Choice for My First Child

Reflections from a Working Mom Who Never Thought She’d Choose This Path

Hi, I’m Linda. I’m a working mom of three—and I never imagined I’d be the kind of parent who sent my children to boarding school. But here I am, looking back on one of the biggest (and best) decisions we’ve made for our family.

When our first daughter began exploring her interests and challenging boundaries in ways we weren’t sure her school—or even we—could fully support, we started to ask the question:

Could boarding school be the right next step?

The answer wasn’t obvious at first. But with time, reflection, and lots of conversations (and some tears), we realized: yes—it was exactly what she needed.

Here’s why.

1. She Needed More Than Her School Could Offer

From the time she was little, our daughter was full of questions. About everything. Constantly. She wanted to understand how the brain worked, why countries went to war, how airplanes flew, and why people become artists while others became scientists. Why? Why? Why?

It became more pronounced in middle school. She would finish assignments quickly and then ask more questions—sometimes too many. We were told she “lacked impulse control,” but really, she just wasn’t stimulated. She needed a learning environment that welcomed curiosity instead of managing it.

Boarding school offered her:

• Seminar-style discussions where questions were encouraged

• Teachers who loved to go down rabbit holes with students

• Electives in philosophy, neuroscience, and international politics

• A peer group that shared her love of thinking big

It wasn’t about “getting ahead.” It was about finally finding her place.

2. She Was Ready for Independence—Even Before We Were

Some kids take time to grow into independence. Our daughter was born with it.

At 9, she flew across the country by herself to attend squash camp for a week. She packed her own bag, made friends quickly, and didn’t call home once—not because she didn’t miss us, but because she was all in. That experience opened our eyes. She was already practicing the kind of self-reliance that boarding school would later reinforce.

When we first discussed boarding school, she lit up. It wasn’t fear or sadness—it was excitement. The idea of living in a dorm, managing her time, and being in charge of her own routine felt right to her.

We knew it would be hard for us as parents. But we also knew: it was harder to watch her feel stifled than it would be to watch her grow from afar.

3. It Gave Her the Global Perspective Our Family Values

Our family has always placed a high value on global thinking—on learning from different cultures, perspectives, and ways of life.

The boarding school she attended had students from over 40 countries. Her friends are from all over the wrold.

She wasn’t just learning in a classroom—she was learning at dinner, in dorm meetings, in chapel services, in casual late-night conversations. And that exposure shaped her understanding of the world in a way that no textbook or summer trip ever could.

Looking Back

It wasn’t a decision we made lightly. And there were days when we missed her so much it physically hurt.

But seeing her thrive—in ways we knew she was capable of, but hadn’t yet had the chance to—confirmed everything we hoped. She became more focused, more joyful, and more deeply herself.

Boarding school wasn’t the easy choice. But it was the right one.

And for any parent wondering, “Could this be right for my child?”—you’re not alone. I’ve been there. And I’m here to help you sort through the same questions we asked ourselves.

Welcome to Boarding School Mom. I’m so glad you’re here.