Choosing a School: DO's and DON'TS

The "gap year" is more popular than ever, with thousands of students taking an interim year between high school and college to pursue a passion, do meaningful volunteer work, or explore a new culture. However, some students feel that an academic gap year is the best way to spend the year. They know that an academic year will help them improve their grades and standardized test performance, experience structured independence, and develop stronger study and writing skills.

For many of these students, a "post-graduate year" at a boarding school is a wonderful option. According to current 2026 data from Boarding School Review’s PG school listings, more than 1,400 students are currently enrolled as “PG” students at boarding schools in the United States, Canada, and Europe.

The PGs have graduated from their local high school and come to boarding school to join the senior class and become part of the tight-knit PG community on campus. These popular members of the school community are able to participate in varsity athletics and extracurricular activities and have access to the school's college admissions counselors.

In recent years, the PG year has also become more attractive because of increasing college admissions competition and concerns about college readiness. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, first-year college retention and academic preparedness remain major concerns for universities nationwide, leading many families to seek transitional academic programs that provide additional structure before college enrollment.

PG Programs Are Varied in Terms

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5 Reasons to Choose a Junior Boarding School

Boarding schools come in two flavors: boarding schools and junior boarding schools.

Selecting the right educational path for your child is a decision that shapes their future. Junior boarding schools provide students with a strong academic foundation, a structured residential experience, and a supportive community—all designed to prepare them for higher-level education and lifelong success. Whether you're considering boarding school for its academic rigor, personal development opportunities, or specialized programs, this article dives into five key reasons why a junior boarding school might be the perfect fit.

• Boarding schools usually offer 9th grade through 12th grade.
• Junior boarding schools are residential schools that offer 9th grade and lower.
• Most junior boarding schools cover 6th grade through 9th grade.
• A few schools take boarders beginning as early as the 3rd grade.
• The Junior Boarding School Association lists ten schools as members.

They offer accelerated learning.

Probably the most compelling reason to send your child to a junior boarding school is to jump-start his academics.

• Having experienced, credentialled teachers in middle school is a huge plus for impressionable adolescents.
• If your son is passionate about math and science, he will have the opportunity to give wings to that passion.
• That's what a junior boarding school can do awfully well.

Junior boarding school students discover that despite all the pressures of adolescence, it is cool to be smart.

• Learning is challenging and stimulating, and always full of discovery.
• Your son

Most American families thinking about boarding school tend to stick to schools located within the United States. But, depending on your circumstances and inclinations, you might want to think about Canadian boarding schools. Here are five reasons why.

Canada's boarding schools have quietly built strong reputations among families seeking rigorous academics, diverse student populations, and access to some of North America's most beautiful landscapes. While many U.S. families automatically focus their boarding school search domestically, Canada's schools offer a compelling alternative that combines familiar educational standards with the benefits of an international experience.

For students interested in broadening their perspectives without traveling halfway around the world, a Canadian boarding school can provide the ideal balance of independence, academic challenge, and cultural enrichment.

The foreign factor

Canada is not the U.S. It is a sovereign nation with a multi-ethnic population of approximately 41.5 million people. Most of the population resides along the U.S.-Canadian border. The three principal cities are Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal. Each has its own particular characteristics and attributes which you can discover as you explore their websites.

Canada is close to the United States. Most major Canadian cities are short flights from most American cities. So you don't have to fret about getting there quickly if something happens to your child. You do need to have proper identification both to enter Canada and, perhaps more importantly, to return home to the United States.

Canadians and Americans share much in common. The shops and restaurants are similar

This article has been updated to reflect 2026 data and recent developments.

For decades, educators and researchers have explored whether graduates of all-girls schools gain a measurable advantage in college, careers, and leadership. While the core arguments in favor of single-sex education remain consistent, recent studies and evolving educational priorities provide new context for families considering this option.

In 2026, the question is less about whether girls’ schools offer benefits and more about how those benefits translate into long-term outcomes in a rapidly changing academic and professional landscape.

Why Families Consider All-Girls Boarding Schools

All-girls boarding schools are designed to create an environment where students can focus on academic and personal growth without many of the social pressures found in coeducational settings.

These schools often emphasize:

• Leadership development
• Academic confidence
• Participation across all disciplines, including STEM
• Strong mentorship and community

For families weighing options, it can be helpful to understand the broader value of boarding education. This overview provides helpful context: https://www.boardingschoolreview.com/blog/why-boarding-school.

Updated Research on Outcomes (2024–2026)

Recent research continues to support many of the long-standing claims about the benefits of girls’ schools, while also adding nuance.

A 2024 report from the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools highlights that graduates of girls’ schools are more likely to:

• Pursue leadership roles in college and early careers
• Participate in STEM majors at higher rates than peers from coeducational schools
• Report higher levels of academic confidence

Additionally, data from the National Center for Education Statistics shows that female students in single-sex environments often demonstrate stronger classroom participation and engagement, particularly in math and science courses.

However,