Anyone deciding between boarding and public? What are the pros and cons of losing my kids lol
Are you really a parent or are you a student? Based on your other threads and replies it looks like you are both.
parent
I’m not a boarding school or public school student, but boarding schools allow you to get away from home and most likely you will get a better education?
The public school I’m zoned for just had a prostitution ring broken up, not to mention some kid got stabbed the other month. That’s why I’m homeschooled, I’m not a big fan of being stabbed/shot/beaten up. To my knowledge that stuff doesn’t happen at Andover/Exeter/etc.
@grace567 that sounds rough, but for most in your case, wouldn’t moving to a better area far far away be a good choice? Then again, there might be some work and commute issues with your parents, IDK. But to be honest, it’s a decision that the kid should make, not just the parent. If you think he/she isn’t mature enough, then maybe reconsider, but other than that, learn to let go, or apply to local Private schools that are close by.
@grace567, I LOVE your dry humor: the straightforward, matter-of-fact delivery!
OP, I think you need to determine why you want to go to public school (diversity of activities/ages when off school; local opportunities; ties to hometown; child-parent bonds; cost, etc.) and why you want to go to boarding school.
For me, personally, our LPS is excellent, and has placement and average SAT scores on a par with all but the most elite BSs (let that sink in- taking all comers results in similar academic outcomes as a curated select census). Placement and college preparation are not the top reasons for going to a BS. What I have found is that the consistent level of challenge presented; the quality of what is thought about 24 hours a day, and MOSTLY, the attributes of time usage and of balance in how that time is used (not workaholic, plenty of play and celebration while maintaining rigorous academic standards), helps students develop a metacognition to plan a more balanced life. That, to me, is the advantage of BS- the ephemeral quality of how to have a joyous life while still performing (academically, or job-wise) at the highest levels. So the decision for me is more like the difference between home-schooling and LPS; except in the social-emotional and somatic, rather than academic, realm. I feel that those values and skills can be better imparted in a group, peer-associated way than they can by family reinforcement. At least for me, it is likely to be more effective, as the BSs we are comparing to the LPS have hundreds of years experience in studying and institutionalizing how to impart these very traits.
The downside is that I feel that BS students have a less intimate (some who are less charitable might say “less codependent”) relationship with their parents.
Bottom line: Decide what each situation provides; decide what you want for your child. Be very specific. Decide if the cost (in dollars, emotions, lost opportunities, etc.) are worth the choice. Oh, and try to feel reasonably certain that your child can graduate in the top 1/3 of his/her class- that feeds enormously into self-esteem.