“Less-is-more” is not commonly considered a winning strategy in education. However, at a recent lecture hosted by The Fessenden School, child development expert Dr. Anthony Rao asserts that there are some areas in which schools should strive for exactly that, particularly if they want to help boys succeed in the classroom.
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Ask a typical school student what he did over the weekend, and he’ll likely tell you he went to the mall, hung out with friends, babysat, or slept in. Ask a boarding school student what he did, and the response will be far different; you might hear about a visit to a world-class art museum or a white-water rafting trip. Perhaps he learned how to...
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What are the key questions you should be asking to evaluate a school--and what do the admissions advisors wish you’d ask to make a truly informed decision? Here are five questions to help you consider the right school for your family.
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While there is no magic solution to improving your relationship with your son overnight, there is one simple principle that will completely change your family dynamic (for the better): be a better leader in your family.
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Kindergarten is the foundation of a child’s education. If you’re debating between public or private kindergarten options, here’s a list of factors to consider.
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For most adults (unless we’re very lucky), “work” and “play” tend to be separate pursuits. We work at a job. We play with our children. But as psychologist Jean Piaget notes, “Play is the work of childhood.” Mr. Rogers elaborated: “Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning.” Whether we view play...
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It’s OK to say it. We’ve heard it before, and you’ve probably thought it: “Boarding school? So young?” Maybe you’ve wondered, “Why do parents do it?” Or even, “What did he do wrong?” As a parent, you only want the best for your child, and approaching the question of boarding school from a thoughtful, engaged place means these questions are natural. Much has changed from...
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Independent or private schools have a distinct advantage over public schools in at least one key area of curriculum: character education. Character education is an intentional and purposeful focus on helping children develop positive qualities and values. It’s about encouraging them to do the right thing even when no one is looking. While the definition of the “right thing” may be debatable in certain ...
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1. He’s capable of so many things. As a parent of a Pre-K boy, you may sometimes feel you’re caught between toddlerhood and boyhood. You provide for your son, and you provide well. But it’s important to remember how much he is capable of, and what he’ll show you if you let him. We strive to do this in the classroom, fostering his independence while still providing...
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Any parent of a child in boarding school can attest to this fact: You don’t stop worrying about him, even after the admissions and enrollment processes are complete. (Does any parent ever stop worrying about his or her child?) There are dozens of benefits to boarding school, and you’ve made your decision, in part, by evaluating what the school offers that will help your child...
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