Looking at Boarding Schools

Only if you are happy in your school will you make the most of the wonderful opportunity a United States education has to offer you.

Do you like large schools or small schools? Are you most comfortable in a city, small town or countryside? Are you interested in attending a school which has a religious or military emphasis? Would you like to attend a school that is only for boys or girls? These are the questions you must ask yourself before you begin your search for the right school for you!

To help you understand what is available in U.S. boarding schools, here is a description of what types of programs are available.

Single-Sex Schools

Single-sex schools, those for boys only or girls only, are some of the oldest boarding schools in the country. They offer boys and girls an opportunity to study without the distractions of a more social setting. For girls, it creates a greater chance to have a leadership role in the academic or extracurricular life of your school.

Military Schools

Military secondary schools have the same advantages as other private schools and also instill the value and importance of teamwork, dedication and discipline. Uniforms and drilling are often required.

Military schools offer unique opportunities as part of the curriculum. Florida Air Academy, located near the Kennedy Space Center, offers flying programs starting in seventh grade, using modern airplanes and simulators. After completion of flight training, a student may obtain a Private Pilot's license and go on to further training. Many Florida Air graduates have gone on to careers in military and commercial aviation.

St. John's Northwestern Military Academy in Delafield, Wisconsin, helps students overcome academic difficulties. Although a majority of St. John's Northwestern students are academic underachievers before enrolling, for over a decade, 100% of the school's graduates have been accepted by a college or university.

ESL "Bridge" Programs

Many schools offer English as a Second Language (ESL) or "Bridge" Programs during the academic year (September through May) and/or during the summer (June though August). "Bridge" programs allow a student to come to the United States in April until June for intensive English study in preparation for the following academic year beginning in September. "Bridge" and ESL programs are designed to help non-English speaking students become fluent enough to enroll in a regular U.S. school program as quickly as possible. They include intensive English classes which concentrate on reading, writing and speaking and on United States culture and social expectations.

Postgraduate Programs

A postgraduate program which is a one year course of study for students who have finished their high school program but are not yet ready to go on to university. These students are typically 16 to 18 years old and, though they do have a high school diploma, they feel that they have areas of weakness which they hope to enhance before going on to higher education. The postgraduate curriculum usually concentrates on reading, writing and mathematical skills. The course of study is flexible and can be structured around your specific academic needs.

Summer Schools & Camps

There is a long tradition of summer programs in the United States. These programs fall into two categories: one is summer schools attended for academic credit to supplement the student's regular academic program; the other is camps specializing in outdoor recreational activities, sports, art, music and drama.

Many of these programs offer ESL in addition to the language training you receive just by interacting with English-speaking young people. These programs usually begin at the end of June and last six to ten weeks. They are a wonderful opportunity for students who wish to spend the summer months learning English, making friends and experiencing United States culture.

Religious Schools

Some schools have a strong tradition based on religion. Many were started so that students could learn and live in an intellectual setting based on a particular religious philosophy. Some of these schools will require participation in religious services and classes in the curriculum. Be sure to ask each school about the role that religion, or a religious philosophy, may play in the life and learning at that school. Most schools, however, welcome children from all religious backgrounds and respect their differing philosophies.

Schools with Homestays

Several schools offer a homestay option instead of a dormitory. In this case, you would live with a family of another student and attend the school much as an American student would. You will become a member of the family and participate in activities outside of school and in the community. This is a wonderful experience for any student who wishes to have a more typical American experience.

Featured Programs | Find a Program | Resource Guide | Home