Boarding schools have historically been opened in the United Kingdom, but today this model of studying is also used in other countries. Initially, such educational institutions were divided into male and female schools; however, nowadays a mixed form of studying prevails.
Boarding usually stipulates living of students on campus: in some schools, students go home for the weekend, in others — only for the holidays. If the program starts from kindergarten or elementary school, children do not spend the night in a dormitory until reaching the age of 10. So, they study as in a day school.
Boarding schools are featured by their approach to child development, emphasizing on academic studying, and simultaneously on art, sports and personality formation.
How much is boarding school?
You can ask a fair question, why obtaining secondary education in boarding schools abroad is so expensive? The main reason concerns the comprehensive approach to studying, involving academic, creative and sports aspects of individual development.
For example, if you choose sports boarding schools in the USA, you will be offered sports training. Students who are seriously engaged in football, basketball, tennis, swimming and other sports, train under the guidance of experienced coaches, participate in competitions, winning awards. Studying at such a school increases the chances of receiving a sports scholarship at the university, giving a good start for a future career.
As for art boarding schools, they are designed for creative children who have talents in the music, dance, visual and theatrical arts.
The top 10 boarding schools with tuition fee exceeding $100,000 per year are located in the Swiss Alps. In the most expensive schools, boys and girls study together, teaching is conducted mainly in English, offering international baccalaureate program and the widest opportunities for development.
First three positions are occupied by boarding schools in Switzerland:
Institut auf dem Rosenberg (the cost of studying makes up 170,000 dollars per year)
A family-run boarding school is famous for a wide choice of academic subjects, well-developed infrastructure and excellent conditions for living and studying. The average class size is eight people, the ratio of teachers to students is one to two.
Institut Le Rosey (158,000 dollars per year)
One of the oldest international boarding schools in Switzerland has two campuses: summer lake and winter mountain — both with luxurious grounds. The heirs of presidents and kings study here. The school has the highest academic standards.
Collège Alpin Beau Soleil (143,000 dollars per year)
Almost 100 different clubs, from hip-hop to baking and from the art of debate to birdwatching, allow teenagers to develop a variety of talents. The school offers to test yourself: take part in a night mountain climb or a half marathon race, help Ethiopian farmers collect coffee or raft along the rivers of Patagonia.
Why choose boarding school for studying?
The advantages of pursuing education at boarding schools concern high quality education, international academic standard, development of communication and adaptation skills. Also students get prepared for entering the world’s best universities. Upon completing studies, graduates become more independent and responsible.
If the tuition fee at a boarding school in London seems high, pay attention that most boarding schools offer scholarships and bursaries, helping to compensate for the cost of studying. Awarding of scholarships usually depends on academic merit or special talents. However, bursaries are usually means-tested and based on a student’s financial need. Each school has its own application process and requirements, so check with individual schools for detailed information.
