Why I started this
A Note from One Boarding School Parent to Another
I still remember the moment my eldest first said she wanted to apply to boarding school.
It felt like she had just announced a plan to visit Mars.
I was completely unprepared for the idea—not because I didn’t believe in her, but because I had no framework, no roadmap, and no personal reference point for what this path could look like. I didn’t go to boarding school. None of my friends had sent their children. And while I had a strong professional background and was comfortable navigating many systems, this felt like completely uncharted territory.
So, like many parents, I turned to the internet.
And while I found plenty of polished admissions pages, test prep timelines, and glossy brochures from schools themselves, what I couldn’t find was the real stuff—what it actually feels like to prepare your child (and yourself) for this kind of transition. I craved honest reflections, emotional nuance, and the kind of practical advice that only comes from someone who’s lived it.
Now, several years and three children later, I’ve traveled that road more than once—and I’ve learned more than I ever expected.
I’ve helped my kids navigate SSAT and ISEE prep, essays, interviews, and admit days. I’ve packed dorm trunks, weathered homesick calls, and stood quietly in parking lots pretending to be strong while saying goodbye. I’ve made mistakes, adapted, and grown right alongside my kids.
And I realized: maybe there’s another parent out there right now who’s where I once was—full of questions, excitement, and quiet apprehension. Maybe you’re that parent.
That’s why I created Boarding School Mom.
This site is a place to share what I’ve learned—not as a consultant or admissions officer, but as a fellow working mom who’s been through it all. My hope is to give you:
Practical tools to navigate the application process
Honest reflections about the emotional side of this journey
Real-life insights into boarding school life—from dorm routines to school breaks to what it’s like on drop-off day
Whether you’re just beginning to explore this path or are in the thick of applications, I want this to be a space where you feel informed, supported, and less alone.
Because sending your child to boarding school isn’t just a school decision—it’s a family decision. And like any major transition, it deserves thoughtful care.
Thank you for being here. I’m honored to walk this path with you.
—Linda