DS just told DD she should apply to JBS. Talk about sticking a spear into my heart—-but now she’d like me to research pros & cons. The obvious con is I’m not ready to be an empty nester!!! I would like to hear pros & cons though, from those who’ve experienced it either as a parent or student. Honestly, I’d never considered this and kind of want to smack DS upside the head for the suggestion.
I have been thinking about the same thing, except applying for grade 9 for my middle. Summer bday and not 100% sure about boarding yet. Thought it would be a great opportunity to try it without a 4 year commitment. We had a friend who did it and then decided to be a day student.
@PhotographerMom should be able to help.
@PhotographerMom is flirting with the tree guy right now while cleaning up poopypuke. We probably shouldn’t bother her. B-)
@queenmother I’m glad I’m not the only one in this boat!!
Is it too late to apply to Interlochen’s summer program? It would give her a taste of boarding school and make her stand out for JBS applications.
I can not afford Iterlochens summer program, @CaliMex
So, here’s a question. She’s already researching schools and most of the are 6-12 or 7-12. If this is the case, what are the chances these schools would help her get to a different BS for high school???
What grade is she in now?
I would venture to say that 6-12 or 7-12 schools would have little incentive to help students apply to a different boarding school for the upper grades.
To be honest I didn’t even know that JBS was a “thing” until I started reading these boards! I had no idea that there were schools that specialized in junior boarding from 7th-9th and then sent those kids on their way to upper level boarding schools. However I was aware of several schools that offer boarding in middle school and go up through 12th grade.
I wish, @buuzn03 !! I’m on “Tarp Watch” today…
I think everyone knows how I feel about JBS… It’s the BEST BS EXPERIENCE EVER!! Ship that child off, @buuzn03 !! Don’t even give it another thought! Off you go!! I think the car was still moving when I dropped off the third kid.
Many JBSs have wonderful summer programs, too- which is a really great way to test the water and introduce a prospective young boarder to all aspects of BS life. We did it prior to enrollment for two consecutive summers for each kid. I loved it because some full time faculty stayed on to teach for the summer program ( others who weren’t teaching were around living on campus, if they weren’t away ) and alums ( Edu majors at college ) came back to intern. For a summer academic program- it was a blast. The kids loved it. Definitely a wonderful family atmosphere all the way.
All kids who attend the summer program arrive on campus for their first year already knowing people ( Head, DOS, teachers, office staff, nurses, grounds crew , kitchen staff, coaches- and they in turn know all the kids ) and they’re ready to go. My kids were almost BS veterans out of the gate… Because based on the summer program- they understood the standard and what was expected of them academically and were well on their way understanding the importance of time management- which is a good thing!
That was an additional layer of comfort for us and our eleven and twelve year olds had a pretty seamless entry - except for maybe K1 who had a few Sylvia Plath " Moments " early on but that was just K1. It was expected- no biggie. BS ( at that age ) can be pretty intimidating for any kid but JBS went above and beyond so all the kids felt welcome and comfortable and cared for while they hit their stride and gained more and more independence . It was great knowing they had friendships going in ( people they were really excited to see again ) and much of the faculty already knew their strengths and weaknesses, too. Win-Win. Highly recommend the summer program for anyone considering JBS.
JBS- SS placement for students is absolutely amazing. No one is winging it there . The knowledge, relationships with SSs, guidance, attention to detail and expertise is fantastic. The exposure the JBS kids have to secondary schools ( while at school ) on their own and the network they have in place ( kids who’ve graduated ahead of them and are already placed at SSs under consideration ) is absolutely priceless for effectively gauging elusive things like culture or just getting an unvarnished review. It was also wonderful to see many familiar faces on SS tours and interviews when it was our turn .
One kid from Idaho waiting for his SS interview leaned over to K2: How do you know so many people here?
K2: I go to JBS.
The alum network is also awesome. The JBS+ SS networks combined is incredible. There’s nothing like it. At all three college orientations we saw former JBS classmates moving in and it was like old home week for the parents and kids… I can’t describe the bond… or how fun it was ( for us parents ) to watch our kids run full speed at each other and jump into each others arms…and end up on the ground… Causing a scene with no self-awareness whatsoever. It’s just special and very unique… like they survived a war together or something . Plus, JBS parents have THE BEST sense of humor… really dark and fun. You’d fit right in @buuzn03. Your husband would be in his glory like mine was, too!! We still get together with many JBS families and we were all boarders so there’s some effort involved! But it’s so worth it to reconnect… the stories… Omg- We laugh so hard we cry.
But seriously- I feel the same way about my JBS experience, too. Without sounding too sentimental, sappy or nostalgic : I found myself there. I really did and I know my kids would tell you the same thing about their JBS experience, too. We feel very blessed.
For me- it was ( without question ) the greatest gift my parents ever gave me.
Do it. Don’t think twice. Send me a PM. Let’s get this done before you change your mind !!! 
@vwlizard she is in fifth. She would apply for 7th, at the earliest, as her current school is a very good and nationally ranked GT school that goes through 6th.
I second @PhotographerMom’s comments. JBS has been a life-changing experience for DS and I can’t recommend it enough. Feel free to pm if you have any questions.