Boarding school is often synonymous with secondary school. It’s easy to understand why. In the United States and Canada, boarding schools for students in ninth grade or higher far outnumber those that serve students in ninth grade or lower. In fact, the Association of Boarding Schools’ online directory lists only 11 schools (out of a...
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If you’ve never experienced boarding school yourself, you may be feeling a bit lost or nervous when exploring and applying to junior boarding schools for your son. We spoke recently with Caleb Thomson ‘79, Director of Admissions at The Fessenden School, and asked what advice he had for parents who are new to the junior...
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Your son’s admission to his preferred junior boarding school will depend not only on his academic track record and teacher recommendations, but also on the rapport that you and he build with the admissions team during the initial tour and interview. To help you make sure your son stands out in a positive way, and...
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Families who are evaluating junior boarding schools often wonder about the mix of day students and boarding students. They are curious as to what impact that mix will have on their sons’ experiences. The ratio of boarding to day students is different for every junior boarding school. Some are predominantly boarding with just a few...
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For middle school boys, the prospect of being interviewed for admission to a junior boarding school can be nerve-wracking. If your son is in this position, he might be thinking about how much is riding on the interview—your expectations, his future—or how intimidating it will be to impress an adult or several adults with his...
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A junior boarding school can meet all your criteria for academics, athletics, and extracurriculars, but there’s no litmus test quite like setting foot on campus to determine if the school is truly right for your son. The three signs you should look for on your campus visits.
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There is no “right” or “wrong” way to search for and apply to a junior boarding school for your son; every boy is unique and every family’s goals are different. But here at The Fessenden School, our goal is to make sure your son and our school are a perfect fit. We process hundreds of...
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Considering a junior boarding school for your child? Find out how much time you should allow your family to research, visit, and apply to schools.
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It’s only natural to wonder if you’re making the right decision by enrolling your son in a single-sex environment. Being able to work and play alongside women of all ages--to respect the opposite sex, and not just coexist--is crucial for young men. So it’s important for parents to understand the reality of an all-boys environment
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When families explore the idea of boarding school at the middle school level, questions–and, sometimes, eyebrows–are raised. It’s an emotional decision, charged with concerns about a boy’s academic experience and personal support. If you’re a parent in this position, here are three factors you’ll want to be sure to consider. Support in “the quiet moments.”...
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