How to Choose the Right Boarding School

Preparing for a boarding school interview through the screen may feel unexpected and even unnatural — but with a few video chat tips for students in mind, you will be ready to leave a lasting impression over Zoom. With the exception of demonstrating a strong handshake, you’ll find you can showcase many of the same skills whether you’re meeting in person or virtually. 

Ready to impress? Try bringing these five tips to your next video interview. 

One of the greatest benefits of boarding school is the increased independence and self-discipline that students cultivate. Away from the daily guidance of their parents, many students mature quickly in both their academic and personal lives. However, boarding school also comes with its own challenges, including developing healthy habits that students can carry into adulthood. As a top private school in the Northeast, Wilbraham & Monson Academy is here to share our top tips for staying healthy while at boarding school and beyond!

For most children, tackling summer schoolwork isn't their first choice. They'd rather spend their break enjoying the sun and spending time with their friends – and who can blame them? That said, summer schoolwork can be required for students in advance of the next school year. It's essential to make sure children are always motivated. Otherwise, they may not advance as they should.

Between internet browsing, social media and digital conversations, it seems that students are spending more time online than ever before. This is particularly true in today's world, where yet another thing has moved to the virtual realm: school. As students spend hours of their school day online, many parents are wondering how to track their child's online activity.

Transitioning from the four walls of a classroom to learning how to manage online classes can be quite an adjustment. However, it's worth it as online classes are a fantastic way to learn valuable life skills and take ownership of your studies. 

School-life balance. You likely know it's important to find that perfect balance where both the academic and personal spheres are being paid their fair dues. But what does a healthy school-life balance actually look like — and how can you achieve it for yourself? 

The average student spends about 17 hours a week preparing for classes, which involves completing homework, reading materials and studying for tests. This statistic doesn't even account for other events — like extracurriculars, athletics and family obligations — that also place time strains in your schedule.

A rigorous homework schedule can help children succeed in their classes and create a clear path for the future. However, students who aren't great at prioritizing assignments or creating good study habits can quickly fall behind and feel anxious about the homework they bring home every day.

Boarding school is a thrilling new world. If you're preparing to join one such as Wilbraham & Monson Academy, you're on the cusp of making lifelong friends, learning valuable lessons in and out of the classroom, and discovering new levels of independence. Of course, these exciting changes are often accompanied by natural challenges such as homesickness and nerves. These 10 life hacks for boarding school will help prepare you to overcome any obstacles and thrive from the get-go!

Dear Seniors,

First, let me tell you that you are enough. You are enough. You are enough.

This is a stressful time. A time where you question the foundations of your future and stare into the ambiguous mass before you which is the college process.

Moving away for boarding school is an exciting time and a big transition. Whether your family lives nearby or on the other side of the world, it's natural to feel homesick. Chances are, your friends and classmates feel the same way! Here's a list of simple steps you can take to deal with homesickness in a healthy way and fall in love with your boarding school home.

Your child has decided to attend boarding school in the fall. That's great news! Boarding school gives students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to grow personally, emotionally and academically. But in the months and weeks leading up to move-in day, it's normal for you and your child to feel both excited and nervous.

Choosing the right school for your child comes down to finding the right fit when it comes to academics, support, faculty, staff, amenities and more.

There are many reasons why you might want to consider changing your child’s school. You may feel another school may better serve your child’s needs and give them important advantages. Or, you may be moving and need to relocate your child’s education, too. Some parents also move to take advantage of a specific program or to move away from a school they feel is not serving its students.

Community fosters growth, growth leads to exploration, exploration yields inspiration and inspiration paves the path to curiosity, passion and purpose. That's why building a sense of community in schools is crucial — that process alone is the root of all academic, personal and social momentum.

If you’re wondering how to choose the right summer camp for your child, start by speaking with your son or daughter about what they are looking for in a camp. Discuss what they expect or hope for from a camp experience. Work together to find the right fit for an enriching experience.

Sending your child to a boarding school is a huge decision. In case you're undecided, we compiled this list of advantages. Here are the top five benefits of going to a boarding school.

If you are in the process of deciding whether to send your child to a boarding school, you're most likely wondering about the benefits of college preparatory programs. You may have questions such as "What percentage of prep school students go to college?" or "Do colleges look at prep schools differently?"

Choosing to send your child to an independent school with a global focus for their high school education is one of the greatest gifts you can give them. Are these types of schools worth it? The answer is yes.

If you're just starting the boarding school search, you're likely wondering which boarding school is right for you and your child.

For many families, the process of evaluating the qualities of a good boarding school can be overwhelming. But it doesn't need to be. Read on to learn more about how to decide which boarding school will be the best fit.

Think back to when you were in high school. Had you seen much of the world yet? How do you think a more global view might have affected your ability to problem-solve and understand different perspectives?

Perhaps the question should be, "Why not teach entrepreneurship in high school?" Students between the ages of 14 and 18 (give or take a year) are at an incredibly special cognitive-developmental stage. Their imagination is still blooming, their critical thinking skills are taking off and their curiosity about the world is peaking.

There are many advantages to private school. Along with selectivity comes higher-quality educational materials and unprecedented academic opportunities. One of the main advantages of a private school is gaining access to an organization dedicated to providing your child with the best possible environment.