For Students

What's It Like At Boarding School?

At some point in your boarding school search process, your daughter will ask questions about life at her new school. After all, she has her routine at home and in her current school. But when she goes to her new boarding school, that familiar routine will disappear and be replaced by a new one. Naturally, she will have concerns and questions. Here are some general answers to many of the questions which she will have. Always ask the admissions office at her new school for authoritative answers to your and her specific questions.

This video tells you what one student brought to her boarding school.

Can I use my smartphone?

May I use my smartphone at school? McCallie gives a typical answer in its handbook: "Students are encouraged to use both common courtesy and common sense in the use of technology. " And, by the way, the school handbook is your guide for 95% of your daughter's questions. The rules and regulations contained in the school handbook will be explained thoroughly during orientation. Mailing or receiving calls, texting, and sending emails are generally prohibited in classrooms, dining rooms, and other public places.

Can I use my laptop and tablet?

Boarding schools have Acceptable Use Policies that govern the use of computers at school. These policies will be explained during orientation. Discuss them with your child so that he knows

Editor's note: In 1957-58 my cousin Peter Denis attended a boarding school in Switzerland. He very kindly answered my questions about his time abroad at school. ~Rob

What prompted your parents to send you to boarding school overseas? Which school did they send you to? How did you get there?

My parents wanted me to improve my French. So they sent me for one year after high school and before university to Ecole Nouvelle de la Suisse Romande, Chailly sur Lausanne, Switzerland. I was the third in a series of five people who had followed such a plan. The idea was to live in the boarding school together with the students doing regular studies. I was enrolled to learn French, which I had already been exposed to over eight years growing up in my hometown of Montreal, Quebec. This Swiss school had a French second language program with dedicated teachers to accommodate students from around the world. The 18 students in my class came from the US, Norway, Sweden, Iran, and Germany, to name just a couple of the countries.

There was no penalty for speaking English, but if you were going to survive, you had to learn French. Once your French was at an acceptable level, you were placed in the regular classes.

I traveled to Le Havre, France, via a Cunard steamship from Montreal. Then I spent five days in Paris

Spotlight on Sports

I have assembled this spotlight on sports in boarding schools so that parents and prospective students can explore the incredible variety of athletics that boarding schools offer.

• As I have pointed out many times, participating in sports is not optional in boarding school.
• Athletics are one part of a comprehensive program most boarding schools adopt to educate the whole child in mind, body and spirit.

What do you do if your child is not athletically inclined?

• Don't worry. Boarding schools are accustomed to students with just about every background you can think of.
• Your child will surprise you after a few weeks at school by exclaiming, "Mommy! I love sprinting!"

If you live within driving distance of her school, even better.

• You can attend games. We used to enjoy driving up to the old girls' campus of Kent School on Skiff Mountain to watch our daughter play field hockey.
• The toughest issue with boarding school athletics that your child will encounter is which ones to select.

Crew

Sixty-nine schools offer crew. Most schools assume that their students have never rowed before. As a result, they offer a solid grounding in the sport combined with all the ergonomic requirements.

Groton School, Groton, MA
"Since Groton’s founding in 1884, rowing has been a prominent sport. Girls began to row as soon as the school became coed in 1976. Groton rows in 4 person shells with a coxswain to steer the boat

Sending your child to boarding school is not as simple as dropping him off at school, giving him a teary hug and kiss, and then driving back home. Sending your child off to boarding school requires that you honor the contractual commitment that you signed when you decided to accept the school's offer of a place. Remember that binding, legal document called a contract? In it, you agreed to a partnership of three: the school, you, and your child. Let's look at what this arrangement involves.

The School's Obligation

The school spells out its obligations in great detail both on its website and in the various printed brochures and catalogs. The admissions staff will also discuss the school's various programs and school life with you when you visit and have your admissions interview. Most importantly, the school lists its obligations in the contract you and the school signed.

1. The school will offer the academic instruction spelled out in its various materials. And it will ensure that the teaching is of the highest order. You expect nothing less. Private schools take academics very seriously. You won't have to worry about what will happen if the French teacher suddenly takes sick and has to withdraw. Her replacement will be in place quicker than you can say, "Je ne sais quoi".

2. The school will act in loco parentis while your child is in its care. It takes its responsibility very seriously. Their students' safety and well-being are

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

Graduating from boarding school marks a significant milestone. It represents not only academic achievement, but also years of personal growth, independence, and community living. Choosing the right gift for a boarding school graduate requires thoughtful consideration, balancing practicality with meaning.

In 2026, gift trends have evolved to reflect changing student needs, including a greater emphasis on technology, wellness, and college readiness. This guide highlights updated ideas to help families select gifts that are both useful and memorable.

What Makes a Great Boarding School Graduation Gift?

Boarding school graduates are typically preparing for college or other next steps that require independence and adaptability. The most appreciated gifts tend to fall into three categories:

• Practical items for daily living
• Tools for academic and professional success
• Personal keepsakes with long-term meaning

Because these students have already experienced residential life, they often value gifts that support their transition rather than novelty items.

For a broader perspective on how boarding schools prepare students for independence, see https://www.boardingschoolreview.com/blog/preparing-students-for-college-at-boarding-schools

Practical Gifts for College and Independent Living

Dorm and Living Essentials

Even though boarding school graduates are familiar with dorm life, college living presents new challenges. Practical upgrades are often appreciated.

Consider:

• High-quality bedding or mattress toppers
• Durable laundry bags or organizers
• Compact storage solutions

Students entering college often face smaller living spaces, making organization-focused gifts especially useful.

Travel and Mobility Items

Boarding school students are typically accustomed to traveling between home and campus. For graduates,