<p>I wouild like to read people coments on this choice. Which one do you prefer and why? pros and cons</p>
<p>quick thoughts:
If you live in a rural area, private day schools are limited or nonexistent. They can also provide diversity that doesn't exist in a small town. Also, boarding schools have the benefit of no commuting to ec's which can easily save 1-2 hours per day. </p>
<p>downside concerns here: less contact with family, siblings not spending as much time together, extra $$$ over day schools</p>
<p>It really depends on what you want, and each type of school has its pros and cons. Boarding schools tend to offer higher quality interaction with faculty, more diversity (depends on the school), and a more intense experience. But of course that is not what every student wants. A lot of kids would not thrive at a school with Saturday classes or where they were expected to be social every minute they weren't sleeping. These are great things for kids who want that kind of lifestyle, but a nightmare for the average kid who just isn't all that engaged yet.</p>
<p>Day schools (with a few exceptions) deliver a less intense experience, but are probably a better choice for many students. Good day schools can offer high quality instruction and don't require the student to leave the comfort of their family, which, honestly, is a huge plus to the majority of 15-year-olds. Not every 15yo is ready to be that independent yet, and that is perfectly fine. They'll have more than enough opportunity to figure it out in college.</p>
<p>I think the real difference is that many bs alumni see their high school educations as personally and intellectually transformative experiences, while many day school grads see their high school educations as, well, just school. This is why so many bs graduates are so attached to their alma maters--these places become second homes, places that shaped our identities in ways that extend beyond just academics or sports.</p>
<p>So, for me, I'm glad I chose boarding school. So are my other two siblings who went. And I really hope that my stepsis will choose to go to Chatham or some other school like it this spring. But I also know many very smart students for whom a good day school would be a better choice.</p>