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Supporting First-Generation Students in Boarding Schools

Independent boarding schools have long served students seeking rigorous academics, leadership development, and college preparation. Increasingly, they are also welcoming a growing population of first-generation students, those whose parents did not complete a four-year college degree.

Supporting First-Generation Students in Boarding Schools is both an equity imperative and a strategic opportunity. When schools intentionally support these students, they strengthen campus culture, expand access, and fulfill their mission of transformative education.

As of 2026, more boarding schools are formalizing programs for first-generation and first-generation-to-college students, reflecting broader national trends in higher education access. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, first-generation students continue to represent a significant portion of the U.S. student population. Independent schools that invest early in support systems position these students, and their institutions, for long-term success.

This article explores why first-generation students choose boarding schools, the unique challenges they may encounter, and practical strategies for schools and families committed to meaningful support.

Who Are First-Generation Students?

A first-generation student is typically defined as a student whose parents or guardians did not complete a four-year college degree. In the boarding school context, this definition often intersects with:

• Students from lower-income households

• Students receiving significant financial aid

• Students from underrepresented racial or ethnic backgrounds

• International students whose parents

Choosing a Junior Boarding School: A 2025 Guide for Families

Selecting a junior boarding school is one of the most significant decisions parents can make for their child’s education. Designed for students typically in grades 6–9, junior boarding schools combine rigorous academics with structured support, helping young adolescents develop independence, confidence, and character before entering secondary school.

As families weigh their options, the process of choosing a junior boarding school involves far more than browsing glossy brochures. Parents must carefully evaluate the academic philosophy, student support systems, community culture, and long-term outcomes of each school. This guide offers a detailed look at what to consider in 2025 when making this important choice.

What Is a Junior Boarding School?

Unlike traditional boarding schools, which often begin at grade 9, junior boarding schools are tailored to younger students—typically ages 10 to 15. These schools bridge the gap between elementary education and secondary boarding school life, providing:

• Small class sizes for individualized academic attention.

• Structured residential life that balances guidance with growing independence.

• Advisory systems that help students transition socially and emotionally.

• Extracurricular variety in athletics, arts, and leadership opportunities.

Many families see junior boarding schools as a safe and nurturing environment where children

Boarding School Pros and Cons: History and Common Misconceptions (Updated February 2025)

In an era shaped by social media soundbites and misinformation, boarding schools are often misunderstood. For many families, perceptions are shaped by outdated stereotypes or dramatized portrayals in film and television. Yet today’s boarding schools are more diverse, accessible, and innovative than ever before.

This article explores the history of boarding schools, highlights their benefits, addresses common misconceptions, and provides a realistic picture of what life is like in 2025 for students who choose this unique path.

A Brief History of Boarding Schools

Boarding schools in the United States trace their origins to the colonial era, when religious groups established institutions for the children of wealthy families. By the 18th and 19th centuries, schools such as Phillips Andover Academy and Phillips Exeter Academy became models of rigorous academics and moral instruction.

A darker chapter emerged in the 19th century with the creation of government-run Native American boarding schools, which sought to assimilate Indigenous children by prohibiting native languages and traditions. This legacy has prompted ongoing reflection and reconciliation efforts.

By the 20th century, progressive education philosophies reshaped boarding schools. Rigid, single-gender structures gave way to coeducation, broader course offerings, and an emphasis on character development, leadership, and personal growth. Today, boarding schools serve a wide range of students—from aspiring artists to STEM innovators—offering both structure and flexibility.

Pros of Boarding School Education Academic Excellence

Boarding schools consistently provide small class sizes, low student-teacher

Here are 5 notable American boarding schools with strong crew programs:

1. Phillips Andover Academy (Massachusetts) - Known for its particularly strong crew program and legendary coaching staff1.
2. Kent School (Connecticut) - Recognized as a top institution for regatta crew, especially in boys' rowing1.
3. Groton School (Massachusetts) - Features an on-campus Bingham Boathouse with extensive facilities including three bays of rowing shells and 21 rowing ergometers3.
4. Northfield Mount Hermon (Massachusetts) - Offers a comprehensive program for both novice and experienced rowers, with access to the new Draper Riverhouse on the Connecticut River4.
5. St. Paul's School (New Hampshire) - Features a distinguished program led by a former U.S. Rowing Junior coach1.

Program Features

These schools typically begin their rowing season in mid-March and participate in the New England Interscholastic Rowing Association (NEIRA) competitions3. Many of their graduates continue rowing at prestigious colleges and universities, including institutions like Princeton, Harvard, Georgetown, and other top-tier schools3.

Citations:

1. https://talk.collegeconfidential.com/t/which-boarding-school-has-the-best-crew-team/1350005
2. https://www.rumseyhall.org/student-life/news/post/~board/news/post/rumseys-winning-crew-program-embarks-on-season-with-determination
3. https://www.groton.org/team-detail?Team=99058
4. https://www.nmhschool.org/athletics-home/programs/boys/rowing-spring
5. https://www.boardingschoolreview.com/crew-boarding-school-sports
6. https://www.thehill.org/athletics/team-pages/coed/crew
7. https://thebestschools.org/rankings/k-12/best-boarding-schools/
8. https://www.dickinsonboardingschools.com/blog/which-are-our-top-british-boarding-schools-rowing
9. https://www.privateschoolreview.com/massachusetts/crew-school-sports
10. https://talk.collegeconfidential.com/t/best-school-for-crew/1115941
11. https://www.stgeorges.edu/about/best
12. https://www.blair.edu/athletics/spring-sports/girls-crew
13. https://www.thoughtco.com/schools-offering-rowing-2774748
14. https://www.privateschoolreview.com/new-hampshire/crew-school-sports
15. https://www.experienceboarding.ca/rowing-schools.php
16. https://www.imgacademy.com/boarding-school
17. https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/25/1202486.page
18. https://www.boardingschoolreview.com/intramural-sports-boarding-schools-extracurricular
19. https://www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk/digital-media/blog/top-schools-for-rowing
20. https://www.englischeinternate.com/blog/top-five-boarding-schools-rowing

Boarding School Admissions: International Students

American boarding schools are an excellent option for families seeking a high-quality education for their children. Suppose you are a parent in Asia or Central and South America considering sending your son or daughter to a boarding school in the United States. In that case, this article will help you understand the steps involved so that you can make that happen. Many parents like you have done the same thing because they value American boarding schools' high academic standards. They also understood the return on such a significant investment in terms of developing a robust network of friends and associates throughout the global community. American schools offer excellent preparation for university-level studies.

International students make up about 15% of the student population in American boarding schools. Anyone who is not a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident of the United States is considered an international applicant by American boarding schools.

Attending a boarding school in the United States means that your child will join a school community with decades of experience educating international students. These schools have years of experience helping students from around the world adjust to their new lives in the United States, making that transition as smooth as possible.

We understand that sending your child far from home is a major decision. You will have many questions about the admissions process, visa requirements, and what life will be like at school. As a parent whose daughters attended American boarding schools,