Written By Sangeeta | Edited By Varsha & Adi | Updated on 19th July, 2024
We all heard during our childhood that if we weren’t disciplined, our parents would threaten to send us to boarding school. Back then, it was more of a warning, but nowadays, parents consider boarding schools as a way to enhance their children’s education. There are pros and cons: classes are typically smaller, fostering independence in kids, but they may also experience homesickness. These concerns leave parents unsure whether boarding school is the right choice for their children.
We’re here to help you understand everything about boarding schools—the pros and cons, how they prepare kids for college, and foster personal growth. Some people also refer to them as residential schools. Deciding if boarding school is right for your child can be confusing. But we’ve seen how it’s benefited kids with different personalities, like our neighbor’s child and our niece. Their stories can clear up any doubts you have.
Quick Summary
Are Boarding Schools A Good Option?
- Boarding Schools vs. Day Schools: Making the Right Choice
- The Evolution of Boarding Schools
- Advantages of Boarding Schools
- Challenges of the Boarding School Experience
- Social and Emotional Development in Boarding Schools
- Preparing for College: Boarding Schools’ Advantage
Conclusion
FAQs
Our Selection Process
Boarding Schools vs. Day Schools: Making the Right Choice
Boarding Schools vs. Day Schools: Making the Right Choice
Alright, decision time. How do you choose between boarding school and day school? It’s not easy, let me tell you.
- First, think about your kid. Are they independent? Do they adapt well to new situations? Our neighbour’s kid was ready for boarding school. Our Niece? We waited an extra year.
- Family life differs between day school and boarding school. In day school, you have more time together as a family. In contrast, boarding school makes the time you do spend together especially meaningful and cherished.
- Cost is a significant consideration. Boarding schools tend to be more expensive, but many offer scholarships or financial aid opportunities. It’s worth exploring these options.
- Consider academics as well. Many boarding schools offer courses that may not be available in local day schools, such as horse riding and primary-level robotics. These opportunities are not always found in traditional day school settings.
- Don’t forget about extracurriculars. Boarding schools often have more options because kids are there all the time. Our neighbour’s kid discovered a love for debate he never knew he had!
- In the end, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It’s about what works best for your family.
The Evolution of Boarding Schools
The Evolution of Boarding Schools
Okay, let’s first talk about how boarding schools have changed. When we first heard about boarding schools, we pictured those old-timey British movies with kids in funny hats. But the question is, have things changed?
Back then, boarding schools were mostly for rich kids or those with parents working far away. They were pretty strict places, with lots of rules and not much fun. But now? Everything has changed.
Today’s boarding schools are way more diverse. They’re not just for the upper crust anymore. Our neighbour’s kid goes to one, and they’re as middle-class as they come. These schools now focus on helping kids grow in all sorts of ways, not just book smarts.
The biggest change we’ve noticed? Technology! When we visited our niece’s boarding school, we were blown away. They had better computers than our office! It’s not all about dusty old books anymore.
But some things haven’t changed. Boarding schools still aim to teach kids to be independent. The thought of them learning to do their laundry was pretty tempting!
Advantages of Boarding Schools
Advantages of Boarding Schools
Let’s talk about the good stuff. Why would we even think about sending our kiddos away? Well, there are some pretty cool perks. And please don’t be confused when you see residential schools on Google as these are the same.
- First off, the classes are usually smaller. When we saw our niece’s class size, we were shocked. Only 15 kids! That means teachers can get to know each student. No more hiding in the back of the class!
- Then there’s the facilities. Oh boy, some of these schools look like mini-colleges! Our niece’s school has a science lab that made us wish we were kids again. It’s like a playground for learning.
- Another big plus? Round-the-clock learning. It’s not just about sitting in class. Kids learn life skills too. Our niece’s finally learned to make his bed! (Now if only she’d do it at home)
- And let’s not forget the friends. Kids make buddies from all over. Our niece has friends from three different countries. It’s like a mini United Nations in her dorm!
- But the best part? Kids learn to be independent. It was hard at first, but seeing kids grow up and handle things on their own? Priceless.
Challenges of the Boarding School Experience
Challenges of the Boarding School Experience
Now, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. There are some tough parts too. Let’s be real here.
- The biggest hurdle? Homesickness. We won’t lie, those first few weeks were rough. Kids will call home every night, and you will feel like the worst parent ever. But it will get better. The school had great support systems in place.
- Then there’s the cost. When you see the bill, you will think they’d added an extra zero by mistake. It’s a big financial commitment. You had to tighten your belts, but we can guarantee, it will be worth it.
- Another challenge is missing out on family time. Holidays became super precious. You will have to really make the most of your time together when the kids are home.
- And let’s talk about peer pressure. With kids living together 24/7, there’s more chance for influence from friends. We had some with our niece, like interesting conversations about new slang and fashion choices!
- Lastly, it can be hard for parents too. You will miss kids like crazy. It’s a big adjustment for everyone, not just the kids.
Social and Emotional Development in Boarding Schools
Social and Emotional Development in Boarding Schools
This is the part that really surprised us. We thought sending kids to boarding school might make them grow distant. Boy, were we wrong!
- Living with other kids teaches them so much. Our niece learned to share, to compromise, and to stand up for herself. She’s become this confident young lady we hardly recognize sometimes!
- They also learn to handle emotions better. When our niece had a fight with her roommate, she had to figure it out herself. No mom or dad to step in. It was tough, but she learned so much from it.
- Friendships in boarding school are something else. These kids become like family. Your kid’s school friends will be there for them during some tough times in ways we couldn’t be.
- But it’s not all smooth sailing. There are cliques and drama, just like any school. The difference is, kids can’t escape it at the end of the school day. They have to learn to deal with it.
- The schools usually have counsellors and support systems in place. When kids struggle to fit in, school counsellors will be a real lifesaver.
Preparing for College: Boarding Schools’ Advantage
Now, this is where boarding schools really shine. They’re like a practice run for college.
- Then there’s the whole living away from home thing. When it comes time for college, your kids will not faze at all. They already knew how to live on their own.
- Time management? Check. In Boarding school kids will juggle classes, sports, and clubs like a pro. College schedules will be a breeze for them.
- Many boarding schools also have great college counselling. They will help your kids to figure out what they want to study and where. It took a load off our mind!
- And let’s not forget the alumni networks. These can be super helpful for getting internships or jobs later on. It’s like having a built-in professional network.
Conclusion
As we’ve explored, boarding schools offer a unique blend of academic rigour, personal growth opportunities, and potential challenges. While they can be an excellent option for many students, it’s crucial to carefully weigh the pros and cons against your family’s needs and values. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer! Trust your instincts, involve your child in the decision-making process, and consider visiting a few boarding schools to get a feel for the environment. Ultimately, the best choice is the one that sets your child up for success – both in their education and in life. So, are boarding schools good options? For the right student and family, they can be transformative experiences that shape future leaders and lifelong learners!
FAQs Related to Boarding Schools
- How much do boarding schools cost?
Boarding schools can be pretty expensive. In India, they usually cost anywhere from 3 to 15 lakhs per year. But don’t panic! Many schools offer scholarships or financial aid. It’s always worth asking about these options. Remember, the cost often includes things like meals, housing, and sometimes even school trips. Every school is different, so always ask for a detailed breakdown of fees.
- How do kids cope with homesickness in boarding school?
Homesickness is super normal, especially at first. Most schools are prepared for this. They keep kids busy with lots of activities and help them make friends quickly. Many schools have counsellors to help kids who are struggling. You can help too! Regular video calls, care packages, and visits on allowed weekends can make a big difference. Most kids adjust within a few weeks and start enjoying their new independence.
- Are boarding schools safe?
Safety is a top priority for boarding schools. They usually have strict rules and lots of supervision. There are often security guards, cameras, and sign-in/sign-out procedures. Staff members are usually available 24/7. Many schools do background checks on all employees. But it’s always good to ask specific questions about safety measures when you’re looking at schools. Trust your gut feeling when you visit!
- How often can we visit our child at boarding school?
This varies from school to school. Most schools have set visiting days or weekends. Some allow monthly visits, others might be once a term. There are usually more opportunities to visit younger students. Schools try to balance family time with helping kids become independent. Always check the specific visiting policy before choosing a school. Remember, many schools also have events like sports days or cultural programs where parents are invited!
What’s Next
We suggest asking yourselves, ‘What do you want for your kid in Bangalore?’ Make a list of the ‘must haves’ and the ‘nice to haves.’
Also, don’t be shy, talk to everyone! Friends and neighbors in Bangalore may have some thoughts. Check online too, but remember, reviews are like opinions, everyone’s got one! Oh, school visits! Take a tour, meet the teachers, ask questions, and see if it clicks in Bangalore. Open houses are super helpful too, you’ll learn about what they teach and meet other parents.
And don’t forget the money talk school fees are just the tip of the iceberg in Bangalore. There are uniforms, field trips, and the occasional surprise costs. Stay on top of the applications, they may be followed by an interview. When it comes to interviews, just being yourself is the key, even for kids.
But really, you can’t go wrong with any of these Bangalore schools, as they are the best in Bangalore. Let us know which one you end up enrolling your kid in!
Varsha & Adi
Hi, we are Varsha and Adi, and we’re on a mission to help parents make the right choice for their kids’ education. Picking a school is like a 10-year commitment, and we realized parents needed clear, no-nonsense info. That’s why we created Candid Schools, where you can get the real deal on schools without the fancy jargon. Our goal is simple: to give parents the info they need to make the best choice for their little ones.
