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<p>Yes, I agree that the kids know they come from different backgrounds. Looking at my eldest child’s charges at school, it’s mostly notebooks, books used in class, and the occasional snack. Most events on campus are free, and transport to the mall or movies is also included. That isn’t true for every school, I gather from other threads on this topic. </p>
<p>Students’ families pursue very different activities at home, and that’s normal. I’m not arguing that all students should be in denial about their different backgrounds. On the other hand, the social side of the time at boarding school is part of the total, life-changing experience. For example, I would rather that all students be able to go to a school dance on campus on Saturday night, without worrying about an admission fee. (made-up example. Others may know of a more appropriate example. A shuttle-bus to the movies?) </p>
<p>Students may choose to watch movies in their common rooms, but I’d hate to think some students would always miss group social events due to the cost. On a practical level, it’s probably easier to monitor the behavior of hundreds of teens at a central event, than try to monitor various smaller groups dispersed across campus.</p>
<p>I don’t consider volunteer trips during breaks to be the sort of thing which should be covered by tuition. Some may disagree with me.</p>
<p>Stratification which can have unfortunate effects years later. I was speaking with another alum from my alma mater at an alumni event. He had attended our college on scholarship, and currently interviews applicants. I had the distinct impression that he would have reservations about a kid on scholarship attending our college, based solely on whatever he experienced back in the 70s. I attempted to tell him that the climate had changed radically, by the late 80s, and had improved even further since then. I don’t think I was able to change his mind.</p>