A friend just called asking for my help with one of her students. She is 8 years old, in 2nd grade, and has a very difficult home situation. Are there any reputable schools that board as early as 2nd grade? Finances are not an issue for the family.
Can she not be taken in by relatives? It may be less difficult and traumatic if she can stay with people whom she knows a little.
I think Indian Mountain in CT has elementary 7-day boarding but not sure if they have boarding for 2nd grade.
It’s more common in Britain - I know of the Durham school, which has boarding facilities from Reception (PK) through Year 2 (1st grade) then all prep (elementary, 2-5) students. Often, children whose diplomat parents are sent to dangerous, far flung places will send them to “prep” (elementary boarding school) to keep them safe.
2 Likes
On the SSAT website, I filtered the school search to have boarding and primary school students, but from what I could tell, most don’t allow boarders until middle or high school. Find a school with the School Search - SSAT
1 Like
I found this list. However, many of them are for boys only. Eagle Hill is coed, but specializes in students with learning differences.
Indian Mountain boarding starts in 6th grade, I believe (I did not double check with the website).
I was also going to suggest the UK…
There are some, like Christina Seix, that offer boarding starting in 4th. However, many of these are intended for children who live in at risk/complicated situations and for whom the stability of a boarding environment would be better than home. I think there are similar charter schools in the Chicago area.
Ages ago, a friend’s family offered to take me in for my last 2 years of high school so that I would not have to change schools again when my family relocated. (My parents wouldn’t hear of it!) But that offer, generous as it was, didn’t involve a 7 year old. I think a relative is probably the best bet as suggested above. Perhaps a very close family friend?
1 Like
Milton Hershey School in PA.
Milton Hershey School - Be Your Greatest Self at MHS (mhskids.org)
1 Like
Thank you all, I will pass on these recommendations, along with Bement, which I found on boardingschoolreview. I don’t know the specifics other than the child is thriving at school, but not at home. As far as I know, there are no other family members who are able to step in. I’m sure that would be everyone’s first choice. I think my friend would scoop her up in a heartbeat and take her home, but that doesn’t seem to be a viable option.
I think Stevenson School in Pebble Beach, California accepts young boarding students. Not sure though. Worth checking out.
Why is that not a viable option (too close to family geographically, not close enough personally, her own family, space…?)
1 Like
North Country School (NY) boards in 4th grade, I believe.
1 Like
The family wouldn’t qualify based on their finances. @cityran stated “Finances are not an issue for the family.” Admission criteria for Hershey state that household income cannot exceed 200% of the FPL.
2 Likes
Stevenson School boarding is only for 9-12, and Indian Mountain starts boarding in grade 6.
I believe both Bement School and also Ojai Valley School offer boarding starting in grade 3.
1 Like
did a quick BS review search. it looks like Oakland School in Troy, VA has boarding starting in 1st grade. However, it is very small and low % boarders. however if you really need it, that’s an option.
I vaguely remember a small school called St. Thomas Choir in NYC, but maybe it’s all boys or just day? Good luck.
Very small and all boys.
Many of the Swiss schools, including American School of Switzerland, are expensive options
1 Like
Thank you. TASIS would be an amazing option (I spent two years down the road and would love to be back there again), but it looks like they only board students age 12 and up. I will do some research to see if there are other Swiss BSs that could be an option.