Admissions Blog

Deciding to attend boarding school is a significant life choice that requires careful consideration and open communication with your parents. If you're interested in pursuing a boarding school education, approaching the conversation thoughtfully and preparedly can help your parents understand your perspective. Let's explore how to have this important discussion effectively.

Understanding Your Own Motivation

Before starting the conversation with your parents, take time to reflect on why you want to attend boarding school. Are you seeking stronger academic challenges? Looking to develop independence? Interested in specialized programs in athletics or the arts? Your parents will appreciate that you've given this serious thought.

For instance, many students are drawn to boarding schools for their comprehensive approach to education. At schools like Darrow, students don't just attend classes – they immerse themselves in a learning environment that combines rigorous academics with unique opportunities, such as hands-on visual arts programs or specialized learning support through programs like Darrow's OG Program.

Preparing for the Conversation

When approaching your parents, consider these essential steps:

Research Thoroughly

Start by gathering concrete information about boarding schools, including:
- Academic programs and opportunities
- Support systems for students
- Safety protocols and supervision
- Communication policies between school and families
- Weekend activities and structure
- College preparation programs

Being well-informed shows your parents that you're taking this decision seriously. You might share specific examples of how boarding schools prepare students for future success. For example, boarding schools often offer structured study times and academic support systems that help students develop strong time management skills – a crucial ability for college success.

Address Common Parental Concerns

Parents naturally have concerns about sending their children to boarding school. Anticipate and be ready to discuss:

Financial Considerations

Be sensitive to the financial aspect of boarding school education. Research scholarship opportunities and financial aid options before the conversation. Many schools, including Darrow, offer various financial aid packages to help make education more accessible to families.

Distance and Communication

Your parents might worry about staying connected. Explain how modern boarding schools maintain strong family connections through regular updates, scheduled calls, and family weekends. Share examples of how schools create a supportive community environment – for instance, how Darrow's Shaker heritage influences its approach to building a close-knit, nurturing community.

Academic and Personal Growth

Help your parents understand how boarding school can support your development. For example, you might explain how the combination of athletics, arts, and academics in a boarding school setting helps students discover and develop their talents while building independence and responsibility.

Having the Conversation

Choose the Right Time

Pick a quiet moment when your parents can give their full attention to the discussion. Avoid bringing up the topic during stressful times or when there are immediate pressures.

Present Your Case Thoughtfully

Begin by sharing your goals and how boarding school aligns with them. For example, if you're interested in developing leadership skills, explain how boarding schools offer unique opportunities through student government, athletic team captaincy, or community service initiatives.

Listen Actively

Remember that this should be a dialogue, not a debate. Pay attention to your parents' concerns and acknowledge them respectfully. If they worry about academic support, you might share how boarding schools offer structured study environments and individualized attention from teachers who are often available outside of regular class hours.

Suggest a School Visit

Propose visiting potential schools together. Seeing the campus environment often helps parents better understand the boarding school experience. During campus visits, families can observe classes, meet faculty and current students, and get a feel for daily life at the school.

Follow-Up Steps

Be patient with the process. Your parents might need time to consider this significant decision. Consider these follow-up actions:
- Offer to connect them with current boarding school parents
- Share success stories from boarding school graduates
- Research and present specific programs that align with your interests
- Create a detailed plan addressing their primary concerns

Remember that your parents want what's best for you. By approaching the conversation with maturity and thorough preparation, you demonstrate your readiness for the independence that boarding school offers.

Making an Informed Decision Together

The decision to attend boarding school should ultimately be a family choice made with careful consideration and open dialogue. Whether you're drawn to specialized academic programs, athletic opportunities, or the chance to develop independence in a supportive environment, presenting your case thoughtfully and respectfully will help your parents understand your perspective.

Take time to explore options together, ask questions, and maintain open communication throughout the process. This approach not only helps in making the decision but also demonstrates the maturity and responsibility that boarding school life both requires and develops.