I am curious about freshman orientation at different boarding schools. Are they all just a 1-2 day weekend thing where you are basically learning the lay of the campus? Or do they host new student week in the summer with some academic stuff and some social stuff? Trying to get a sense of how different schools handle the transition.
At my school (Berkshire) all the new students come a few days (3-4) before returning students come to move in and attend orientation.
At Tabor (I don’t go there, but it’s something I heard) you spend 6 days on the boat with the class. It’s something they pride themselves on, being the “School by the Sea”
George offers a one week session prior to the start of the school year for incoming freshmen. Sessions on time management, how to use/get the most from consultations, study skills, close reading, etc. coupled with a lot of social activities as well as guidance on behavioral expectations . It’s optional but most kids attend as it is very low key and a great on ramp to the year. There is a shorter mandatory orientation for the class before everyone else returns. But alas, no boats!
All the ones I know do it right before school starts. Many of the schools use their campuses for summer programs of some sort so the campus wouldn’t be available plus with kids coming from all over the globe, the cost would be excessive for some families to get their child there for the summer.