Boarding Schools, Private Day Schools & Public Schools: Which One is Right for Your Son

Boarding Schools, Private Day Schools & Public Schools: Which One Is Right For Your Son?

Parents sometimes struggle when

considering what type of education is best

for their son, whether it is public, private, or

boarding. There are a lot of considerations

that go into choosing which type of school is

the right fit. This can include factors such as curriculum,

administration, faculty, supervision and

safety, admissions, finances, location, and

facilities. The choice should always be driven

by working to find the best school fit for each

student and family. In this presentation, we

will provide you with what you can expect

from a boarding school, a private school, and

a public school that may help you when

making the decision.

What comes with each option?

Boarding SchoolsIf you choose a boarding school for your son, your son will join an educational community that includes challenging academics, diverse extracurricular activities, learning to live and interact with peers, and access to fault outside of traditional school hours. Boarding schools help prevent your son from being anonymous. He will be part of a self-contained community that revolves around the same goals. He will be an active participant in a wider range of activities, academics and athletics.

Learning how to adjust to new surroundings, and become independent at boarding schools creates an advantage when going off to college or moving away for a new job later in his life. Everything from athletic events, study halls, down time, meals, and other activities all operate on a self-contained schedule. Studying, living, and interacting on campus also helps limit negative outside influences as well.

Boarding Schools

Private Day Schools

Private day schools are another option to consider for your son. This option typically costs less than a boarding school and the student remains living at home. Academics are the focus during the day with the typical extracurricular activities occurring outside of the typical school day. It is important to learn about your options with what various private schools offer, from academics, to athletics, and student support.

Private Day Schools

Private day schools give you and your son a little more flexibility than what boarding schools offer. It allows your son to live at home but attend a private school during the day. This keeps the responsibilities for the student out of the school day with the families. This includes daily transportation to and from school.

Public Schools

Ninety percent of the children today in America attend public school. Public schools come with the community you live in and are governed by federal, state, and local laws which include the control of funding, program development and the curriculum.If you are thinking about remaining in a public school, learning about your district’s policies, existing curriculum and extracurricular activities is important for your student’s success. Researching your district’s report card rating is also important when making a decision. Public schools can vary greatly depending on where they are located. This includes everything from programs offered, student support, and even transportation that is offered.

Public Schools

Public schools have a more general education curriculum due to the vast levels of learning. They are required by law to educate all children, which means more students and larger class sizes.Due to the size of these classes at public schools, there may be less opportunity for a one-on-one or a hands-on style of learning that is available at a boarding or private school.

College Preparedness

As they learn how to live and study independently and self reliantly, school students develop the skill sets necessary for success in college.

Family ChecklistSchool Demographics School #1 School #2 School #3

Day or Boarding

Coed or single gender education

Number of Students

Number of boarders

Number of day students How diverse is the student body?

Student to faculty ratio

Administration and Faculty

How long has the headmaster/principal been in office?

Financial condition of school (Excellent to marginal)

Number of faculty with advanced degrees

Staff turnover (If turnover, why?)

Number of Faculty

Curriculum and Instruction

Number of AP courses

Teaching methods (Harkness, classical, etc.)

Is technology integrated into teaching?

Focus Curriculum Offered?

Supportive Learning Programs Offered?

Teaching Tailored to Individual Learning Differences?

Religious Emphasis

Which Denomination or faith?

Campus and Facilities School #1 School #2 School #3

Security and Safety

General Appearance

Sports Programs

Art Facilities

Art Programs

Location

Urban? Rural?

Convenient? Isolated?

Admissions

Deadline

Is staff helpful?

Quality of Visit and Tour

Financial

Tuition Fees

Financial Aid Offered

Notes

Family ChecklistChecklist

With so many advantages and opportunities made available through boarding and private school education, it’s no wonder more families are exploring their options. Discover the opportunities for your son available at Grand River Academy today!

To Schedule A Visit:Visit Us at: grandriver.orgCall us: 440.275.2811