5 Boarding School Myths Debunked

From Hogwarts to Dead Poets Society’s fictional Welton Academy, boarding schools are shrouded in myth and legend. Although commonly depicted as elite, conservative institutions closed to the real world, boarding schools have increased in popularity among international students in recent years. We’re here to dispel common boarding school myths and give you a realistic glimpse into boarding school campus life. Who knows, you might be convinced to apply to an American boarding school for the next school year!

Myth #1: Boarding schools are too strict.

Unlike UK boarding schools which have a reputation for being traditional and stuffy, their US counterparts bare no risk of hand-slapping or harsh discipline. Of course, there are rules to follow, but most American boarding schools embrace students who are quirky, nerdy, or free-spirited. They want students to question lessons and become creative, critical thinkers.

Life could get a lot worse if you’re placed with a strict host family. Imagine all the chores, cleaning, and family rules you can avoid by enrolling in boarding school compared to day school with host family accommodation!

Myth #2: Dorms do not offer a nurturing environment.

Most international students who choose host family accommodation over boarding school do not know about the family-like environment boarding schools offer. Most boarding schools have “dorm parents” who are teachers living with their families in the dorms with students. These teachers often invite students for dinners and holiday parties to their campus apartments. This provides a home-like atmosphere. 

Myth #3: There’s no dating or social life.

Of the many boarding school myths, this is the most common. However, the No. 1 reason students love boarding school is that they live with their friends. Not only that, boarding schools offer many fun activities like ski trips or excursions to the nearest big city. Students also participate in extracurricular activities, student clubs, competitions, and sporting events. All the traditional American high school festivities like Prom and Homecoming are integral to campus life. Boarding schools actually encourage socializing and tolerate dating- because students are constantly surrounded by their classmates. Why stay with a host family when you can live with your friends?

Myth #4: Boarding schools are only for rich kids.

True, most boarding schools will be expensive with an average cost of $55,000 USD per year. However, there are plenty of opportunities for lower-income families to afford boarding school. At Cogito, we’ve helped 60% of our international students receive some form of scholarship or financial aid. To qualify, students should come from an underrepresented country, have a special talent or interest, and demonstrate financial need. This is one boarding school myth we are happy to debunk.

Myth #5: International students struggle to learn English.

Learning English is difficult for all international students studying in the USA. However, many boarding schools have strong academically-focused English as a Second Language (ESL) courses to give students a smooth transition into the full college-prep curriculum. Unlike many host family placement agencies, boarding schools take special care to place international students with American roommates or pair a Chinese-speaking student with a student from a different country. In this way, boarding schools provide extra support to English learners that they may not receive living with a host family or attending a big public high school.

Additionally, many of our partner boarding schools are “town academies,” which means they are public high schools for local American students. Yet, they’re private high schools for international and American students enrolling from outside the district. Example town academies include; Thornton Academy, Lincoln Academy, and Woodstock Academy.

Ready to finally dismiss these common boarding school myths? Complete your first step toward enrolling at an American boarding school and contact us today!