The Benefits of Boarding School |
A recent independent survey has confirmed that students who were educated in independent day and boarding schools are more prepared for post-secondary study and achieve greater career progress than students educated in the public school system.
The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS), a non-profit organization of independent university preparatory school, surveyed over 2,700 high school students and adults at different points in their lives to learn about their experiences both in high-school and afterwards. The survey was conducted to help dispel many of the negative stereotypes of private education. Not only do the results dispel these myths, they present a strong case in favour of both independent day and boarding schools. The reporting of this research is not in any way meant to reflect negatively on either independent day schools or public schools. Rather, it provides parents with empirical data when considering their children's educational options
Rigorous academics prevail
Why do students apply to boarding schools? The TABS study found that the primary motivation for both applicants and their parents is the promise of a better education. And, happily, the vast majority of current and past students surveyed reported that their schools deliver on this promise. Current students indicated significantly higher levels of satisfaction with the academic experience at boarding schools than their peers at public and private day schools, by more than ten percentage points. Boarders reported in greater relative percentages that they find their schools academically challenging, that their peers are more motivated and the quality of teaching is very high.
But the boarding environment is valued just as much for the opportunities for interaction and learning beyond the classroom. Interactions in the dining room, the dormitory, and on the playing field both complement and supplement academics, exposing students to a broad geographic and socioeconomic spectrum, challenging their boundaries and broadening their vision of the world. "When students live on campus and are enveloped in school life, they are more likely to develop stronger bonds with each other," explains Rothesay Netherwood School's Director of Student Life, Andrea Robinson. "They live together, work together, play together, and learn together. This helps them to understand and appreciate one another, breaking down cultural barriers and providing valuable experience and insight."
The boarding school boost
The 24/7 life at boarding school also gives students a significant leg up when they attend university, the survey documents. Some 87% of boarding school graduates said they were very well prepared academically for post-secondary studies, with only 71% of private day and just 39% of public school alumni saying the same. Boarders also reported that their schools also helped to better prepare them to face the non-academic aspects of university life, such as independence, social life, and time management. The TABS survey also documented that a larger percentage of boarding school graduates go on to earn post-graduate degrees once they finish their undergraduate degrees.
The study scrutinized former boarders versus private day and public school graduations in terms of achieving top management positions. Beyond university, boarding school graduations reap greater benefits from their on-campus experiences, advancing faster and further in their careers comparatively. By mid-career, 44% of boarding school graduates have reached top management positions, while by late career more than half of the surveyed boarding school sample held top management positions.
But perhaps the most compelling statistic that the study produced is the extremely high percentage - some 90% - of boarding school alumni who say they would, if given the opportunity, repeat their boarding school experience. This alone is a strong argument that validates the enduring value of the boarding school model. It is hoped that the study will help dispel many of the myths and stereotypes that have dogged the image of boarding schools over the last century, and spread the good news that boarding schools today are diverse, exciting places for bright, well-adjusted students looking for success in their academic lives - and beyond.
