While picking a school for your kids is always a difficult task, here’s a list of the 10 best elementary boarding schools in the US to ease your decision-making process.
What are the advantages of elementary boarding schools in the US?
Higher standards in academics
The curriculum of an elementary boarding school in the United States is often more rigorous than that of a traditional day school. The students are expected to undertake more assignments, which allows them to gain a deeper understanding of the subjects they study. This is because teachers have more time available for each child and can therefore provide additional support if necessary. In addition, there is a stronger emphasis on community and socialization at boarding schools. Students form close bonds with their classmates and learn valuable life skills from one another as they grow up together over their childhoods and teenage years.
Personalized learning and greater attention from teachers
One of the most obvious advantages of an elementary boarding school is personalized learning. Smaller class sizes mean that teachers can spend more time with each student, working on their individual needs and strengths. Students also get more one-on-one time with their teachers in group settings such as study hall, lunchtime discussions, and field trips. This allows them to benefit from the knowledge and experience of their teachers in a way that larger schools simply cannot provide.
Additionally, boarding schools offer students the opportunity to learn at their own pace because they are not limited by age or grade level like they would be at traditional public or private schools. If you’re struggling with math but excel at reading comprehension, you can take accelerated math classes while spending your free time practicing reading comprehension exercises instead of being forced into other subjects where you might not excel as much (or may even struggle).
Stronger emphasis on community and socialization
The obvious advantage of an elementary boarding school is the individual attention each student receives from their teachers, who can spend more time with them than they could at a public school. This can make all the difference in a child’s education, as well as their development.
Because they’re not surrounded by other people their age, children at boarding schools are more likely to make friends and establish strong bonds with their peers through common interests and activities. They may also develop social skills that help them get along better with other kids outside of school when they return home on weekends or holidays.
More likely to graduate college, attend more prestigious institutions
According to the US Department of Education, American students are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college if they attend a boarding school. The education offered at these schools is rigorous, with standards set higher than the average public or private school. This allows for greater personalization of learning and greater attention from teachers who can spend time working one-on-one with students who need it most.
Additionally, because boarding schools emphasize community and socialization, students develop strong relationships with peers outside of their families.
Why choose an elementary boarding school in the US?
The first and foremost reason is that it is an opportunity for the child to expand their horizons by being exposed to the world beyond their backyard.
It is also a great way for them to learn about themselves and what they are capable of achieving in life.
Boarding schools can also be a great place for kids who have trouble fitting in at home or school because they will find other students who share similar interests and backgrounds.
There are many different types of boarding schools available, so parents must take the time to choose which type will be best suited for their child’s needs before making any final decisions on where they should be sent for education.
Top 10 best elementary boarding schools in the US
Let’s start with the best of this list (Fairmont School):
The Fairmont boarding program allows students to live and study with their peers while enjoying a well-rounded immersion experience. A Fairmont community member lives in each home and serves as the “Resident Parent.” Each student enjoys daily professionally-catered meals, a private van/shuttle service to and from school, and a safe and caring home environment.
Know more about Fairmont Schools:
Fairmont has been focused on one thing since 1953—its students. They believe that it’s more important now than ever before to prepare their students for success in the 21st century. Their secular, co-educational program balances time-honored fundamentals with innovative approaches to learning, taking into account intellectual as well as social and emotional growth. They employ teachers who participate in rigorous training and mandatory yearly evaluation to ensure each child has an A+ teacher every year. They provide award-winning academics as well as numerous opportunities for children to explore their unique talents through the arts, athletics, and special programs like robotics, and speech and debate. Fairmont is a safe place for high achievers AND late bloomers. They embrace a growth mindset and believe in the rewards of working hard, taking risks, and never giving up!
2) The Hotchkiss School
Hotchkiss is a boarding elementary school in Lakeville, Connecticut. The school was founded in 1891, and it enrolls about 600 students from across the US and around the world. The school has a rigorous academic program and competitive sports teams, as well as a range of unique programs such as the Janus Project which allows students to take courses at nearby colleges.
3) Phillips Exeter Academy
Phillips Exeter Academy is a school of about a thousand students from all over the world. Phillips Exeter offers a rigorous academic program that teaches character, and leadership skills and develops student interaction in a conference format with minimal teacher involvement. The school has competitive sports teams and offers many after-school activities.
4) St. Paul’s School
Located in Concord, New Hampshire, St. Paul’s School is a prep school for boys and girls aged 13–18. Founded in 1856, it has a student body of around 500, hailing from more than 30 states and 20 countries. The school campus spreads around 2,000 acres and includes 70+ clubs and societies. Its five pillars of excellence include respect, honesty, kindness, inclusion, and courage.
5) Groton School
Groton School is a very exclusive elementary boarding school located in Groton, Massachusetts. The school was founded in 1884 and enrolls about 380 students from across the globe. Its rigorous academic program is cumulatively focused on developing character and leadership skills in its students. Groton also offers competitive sports teams and a variety of extracurricular activities.
6) Choate Rosemary Hall
Choate Rosemary Hall is a prestigious elementary boarding school located in Wallingford, Connecticut. The school was founded in 1890, and today enrolls about 865 students from across the globe. Choate is known for its innovative curriculum, active campus engagement, and guided independent learning opportunities. The school offers 23 sports.
7) The Lawrenceville School
Lawrenceville is a large elementary boarding school in the US with a campus spread across 700 acres and 165 buildings. It was founded in 1810 and enrolls 820 students from across the globe. One of its most distinguishing features is that classrooms are designed like conference tables, and one of its most distinguishing features is that it has ten Houses. The Houses allow Lawrenceville to offer the camaraderie of a small, personal school system as well as extensive educational and extracurricular opportunities that are only available in large schools.
8) Noble and Greenough School
Nobles is a non-sectarian elementary boarding school in Dedham, Massachusetts. It’s a 5-day boarding school situated along the Charles River, just minutes outside of Boston.
9) Deerfield Academy
Deerfield Academy is one of the best boarding schools in the US. It was founded in 1797, and it’s one of the oldest private secondary schools in the country. Deerfield is located on 450 acres of land; it’s a rural campus with beautiful grounds, and it has a rich tradition of academic excellence. The school is a member of the Eight Schools Association, a group that includes some of the most prestigious boarding schools in America: Choate Rosemary Hall, Lawrenceville School, and Phillips Exeter Academy, to name just a few.
10) Concord Academy
Concord Academy is one of the best elementary boarding schools in the US. It’s located in Concord, Massachusetts, and was founded in 1922. It’s a coeducational private secondary school that focuses on the hands-on learning, experimentation, and intellectual growth of its students. Its world-class faculty has produced famous authors, ambassadors, doctors, engineers, and entrepreneurs; many alumni are dancers.