Hi everyone,
Currently I am a 7th grade just starting the BS application process for the 2018-2019 school year. My parents have allowed me to apply but are not very happy about it. They want me to go to the local high school in my town, although I do not want to go AT ALL because there are thousands of people per grade (and right now I have only 50 in my grade) and the academics are not the best. I’m trying to convince them to get on board with me going to boarding school, but they believe that I will get just as good of academic opportunities at this school (which I obviously won’t). I know they also don’t want me to go away as they will miss me (as every parent misses their kids when they are away), which is understandable, but they don’t really understand how boarding school will help me (my family didn’t really know about all this stuff until I mentioned it to them). Any tips on getting them to understand why I want to go so badly and how to get them on board?
P.S.- Sorry about the grammar mistakes! 
If you live near any BS or good day schools that do open houses in the fall, perhaps you could attend to give them a chance to see what they offer. Is that a possibility for you?
You are obviously very intelligent and have thought about this a lot. Are you sure your parents can afford boarding school?
^ If that is case talk to your parents about FA offerings …
Since you are in 7th grade you still have plenty of time 
… Your parents are letting you apply so that means they are still open. Look into any BS touring your area (this will probably be later in the year) and attend info sessions (with your parents). If your high school is lacking, your parents won’t be blind to the many opportunities of BS. Work hard in 7th and 8th, show drive. Work on your EC’s as well.
My parents weren’t for BS in the start, but they slowly came around Good luck!
my DD felt the same way- our LPS has over 3000+ students and growing…and her father was not on board with BS at first… happy @ it now!
Here is my advise FWIW-
- be very serious about your grades in middle school, show your parents that you are beginning to take some responsibility for your work,
- get involved at school & make an effort to get to know your teachers- a good way is through clubs or after school activities
- search for local Boarding school events near you- the schools will have open houses and if not they will travel to major cities to talk to groups about BS opportunities- we took DD dad to one of these in 7th grade-
- visit a school over the summer- no pressure when the school is on break- you can call the school and just tour- great way to get a sense of these schools-
They might not want you to go… I don’t blame them. Its hard on us parents! but you sound like a thoughtful kid. Do you research and talk to them-
The college matriculation lists at the top BS are extremely impressive, even if they’re misleading.
Here’s the thing: If you’ve got the drive and motivation to be admitted to an Ivy League college (or equivalent), you have the drive and motivation to get there whether you go to a boarding school or the local public school. Boarding schools have no magic wand.
What is your state? Some states in the South have public boarding schools. On your question, I’m not sure the rules for each BS but I would pitch the idea of not as a freshman. Our D started as a sophomore and I attended a BS as a junior. Her three years was a long grind going in to college and I would have preferred to have one more year at home but the timing was right due a job relocation for me. Look at options that aren’t freshman or bust.