Written By Sangeeta | Edited By Varsha & Adi | Updated on 21st Feb, 2024
Deciding whether to send your kids to boarding school can be a tough call for parents. You might be wondering about the differences compared to day schools or why boarding could be the best choice for your kids. Maybe you’re worried about the schools or the downsides of boarding. But don’t sweat it! This blog is here to help. We’ll answer all your questions and give you all the details on the top 5 boarding schools in India. So, are you ready to jump in and find out more?
Quick Summary
Inside Boarding Schools: What Makes Them Unique? –
- Day Schools Vs Boarding Schools
- Why Families Pick Boarding School?
- Tips for Parents Before Choosing Boarding School
- Pros and Cons of Boarding Schools
- Top 5 Boarding Schools in India
- The Doon School, Dehradun
- Emerald Heights International School, Indore
- Jain International Residential School, Bangalore
- The International School Bangalore, Bangalore
- Ecole Globale Girls School, Dehradun
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Our Selection Proces
1. Which One’s Better Day Schools or Boarding Schools?
Day School: A day school is a type of school where students attend classes during the day and return home in the evenings.
Boarding School: A boarding school is a type of school where students live on campus and typically attend classes, eat meals, and participate in activities within the school grounds.
| Boarding School | Day School |
| Relieves families from managing rides to and from school and activities. This extra time can be used by students and parents for fun and valuable experiences. | Parents can join in more with their kids’ daily activities. Even simple things like driving them around can bring families closer together. |
| Teachers are more accessible to students, often remaining on campus for longer periods beyond regular school hours. | Teachers typically have limited availability outside of regular school hours, as they usually leave campus at the end of the school day. |
| Students can easily connect with each other, making it simpler to create study groups and work together outside of class. | Students might not interact as much outside of class time, which means they might miss chances to form study groups. |
| Boarding schools let students live on campus. This helps them learn to be disciplined and take charge of their actions because they’re constantly surrounded by school life. | At day schools, students go home after classes. They have fewer chances to practice self-discipline and take the initiative outside of school. |
| Boarding school provides students with stability, especially if the family frequently moves due to work or other reasons. | Attending a day school brings fewer unexpected changes to a child’s life. |
2. Top Reasons Why Families Pick Boarding School?
1. Preparing For a Future After-School
Students who live at boarding schools get a head start in getting ready for life after school. They are more prepared for college because they learn to be responsible at boarding school. The life lessons they learn there help them become more ready for adulthood. Boarding schools usually expect more from their students and help them get ready for college.
According to a study by TABS (The Association of Boarding Schools), 91% of boarding students said their school was tough academically, compared to 70% of private day students and 50% of public school students.
2. An Opportunity to Gain Independence
Boarding school teaches kids how to live with others and do things on their own. They learn to be responsible for themselves, like taking care of their clothes and chores. Being away from home helps them grow up, make decisions, and become more independent. They also learn important skills like managing time and making good choices.
3. For Holistic Development
At boarding schools, students enjoy a wide variety of activities, giving them a balanced education beyond just academics. Besides their regular classes, they can try things like art, sports, music, and drama. This helps them focus better on their studies and be more productive.
4. Excellent Facilities are easily accessible
Staying on campus offers endless chances for learning and personal development. With facilities and teachers accessible around the clock, boarding schools provide a supportive environment for students.
They offer diverse clubs and activities, allowing students to explore their passions and develop new skills. Smaller class sizes also enable closer connections between students and teachers, enhancing the learning experience.
5. Network for Life
Boarding school students become like family, sharing a strong sense of community and lasting friendships. Living and learning together, they create cherished memories and support each other through thick and thin. These close bonds not only make school life enjoyable but also boost academic motivation and success, as friends encourage and inspire each other.
3. Tips For Parents Before Choosing Boarding School
- Explore tuition costs, fees, and available financial aid or scholarship options to ensure affordability and plan accordingly.
- Find out the age limits for applicants and make sure your child fits within the admission criteria regarding age.
- Consider factors such as the school’s focus on empowering young women, opportunities for leadership development, and supportive resources for girls’ academic and personal growth.
- Visit the school and attend sessions tailored for girls and their families to learn about the school’s culture, community, and resources.
- Ultimately, choose a boarding school where you feel confident in the quality of education, support for your child’s development, and overall fit for your family’s values and priorities.
4. Pros and Cons of Boarding Schools
Pros of Boarding School
- Boarding schools often provide a structured environment that promotes academic success.
- Students have access to a variety of clubs and activities, enriching their school experience. That helps in improving personal growth and social development.
- Boarding school helps students develop life skills and independence that prepare them for college and beyond.
Cons of Boarding School:
- Being away from home can be challenging for some students, leading to feelings of loneliness and homesickness.
- Boarding schools often have strict schedules and rules that may feel restrictive to some students.
- It may take time for students to adjust to the boarding school environment and routines, leading to initial discomfort or stress.
5. Top 5 Boarding Schools in India
1. The Doon School, Dehradun
- It’s an independent all-boys boarding school in Dehradun, exclusively for boys aged 12-18, with a term fee of Rs.2,80,000.
- This school is amazing – top-notch teaching, students acing the tough IB program, and teachers with global vibes, leading to top university admissions!
- They’re all about making well-rounded folks – not just books but drama, debates, and more.
- The Doon School rocks with top-notch facilities – a killer library, cool labs, and awesome sports spots!
2. Emerald Heights International School, Indore
- With a student-teacher ratio of 5:1, they ensure reasonable class sizes from nursery to 12th grade, teaching in English and offering both day school and boarding options. The average annual fee is INR 4,20,000.
- Located in A.B. Road, Rau, opposite Akashwani, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, they are affiliated with the Central Board of Education (CBSE) Board.
- The school offers a diverse range of sports facilities, including the unique Adventure Park, multiple courts for badminton, basketball, and squash, top-notch cricket and football grounds, a swimming pool, shooting galleries, a skating track, and more, fostering an all-encompassing sports culture.
- Students get to visit and host students from other countries. It’s a chance to see how things are done in other places and make friends worldwide.
3. Jain International Residential School, Bangalore
- Situated in Jakkasandra, Post, Kanakapura, Bengaluru, this day and boarding school caters to students from Pre-primary to Grade 12, delivering CBSE, IGCSE, and IB curriculum.
- The average annual fee is Rs. 8,50,000. They keep the student-teacher ratio pretty solid at 9:1, which means students get more personal attention.
- Talking about sports, they have all the facilities for badminton, volleyball, and basketball, with swimming and diving pools. ‘OVAL’ ground contains a cricket field, tennis courts, basketball, volleyball, and athletic arena.
- A 25,000 sq. ft. library space housing 20,000+ books, research journals, and digital resources. Open throughout the day, staffed by qualified teacher-librarians.
4. The International School Bangalore
- This school truly shines in its commitment to academic excellence, emphasizing not only exam success but also fostering creativity and critical thinking.
- With experienced and passionate educators, it stands out as the best IB school, dedicated to nurturing well-rounded and high-achieving students.
- The school is located in NAFL Valley Whitefield – Sarjapur Road, near Dommasandra, Bengaluru.
- The annual fee for day scholars is around Rs. 5,50,000, and for the hostellers, it is around Rs. 6,50,500. However, this may vary depending on your child’s grade.
5. Ecole Globale Girls School, Dehradun
- With a commendable 10:1 student-teacher ratio and classes conducted in English, this school, situated near Sahaspur, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, offers education from nursery to 12th grade.
- This international girl’s boarding school offers CBSE, IGCSE, AS, and A-level curricula.
- This school requires a one-time registration fee of Rs.25,000, admission fee of Rs.1,00,000, and caution deposit of Rs.1,00,000, with annual payments including school fees of Rs.1,86,200, boarding fees of Rs.2,89,800, and an imprest account of Rs.75,000 per term.
- They have secure and comfortable hostel accommodations, complete with well-furnished rooms, air-conditioning, and attached bathrooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do some boarding schools offer a day option for local students?
Sure, many boarding schools provide the choice for students to attend classes during the day without living on campus. Some top boarding schools, like Army and Navy Academy, offer both day and boarding options. These schools can be found in various locations, from urban areas to more secluded settings.
2. Do boarding schools take care of transportation?
For parents who work, boarding schools offer a significant benefit compared to day schools. Instead of spending time driving your teenager to sports and activities, you can focus on spending quality time together as a family. Boarding schools arrange transportation for students to various places, including weekend activities, theme parks, educational trips, medical appointments, sports events, and even international trips.
3. How do students stay in touch with their families while attending a boarding school?
Students attending boarding schools can stay in touch with their families through various means of communication. They can make phone calls, send emails, use messaging apps, and video chat with their family members. Additionally, many boarding schools allow scheduled visits from parents and guardians during weekends, holidays, and other designated times throughout the academic year.
4. What age is appropriate for boarding school?
The appropriate age for boarding school can vary depending on the individual child and the policies of the school. However, many boarding schools start accepting students around the middle school or high school years, typically around 12 to 14 years old. It’s essential to consider factors such as your child’s maturity, readiness for independence, and educational needs when determining the right age for boarding school.
Conclusion
Alright, let’s wrap things up!
Choosing the right schooling option for your child can be challenging, especially when considering boarding schools. Parents have to make difficult choices about what’s best for their kids. We’ve covered everything from the benefits of boarding schools to important tips to consider before making a decision. We’ve even listed the top 5 boarding schools in India. Make sure to research, visit campuses, and talk to current students and parents for advice. Also, think about safety, and resources for your child’s gender, and trust your gut when choosing the right boarding school.
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.
