Choosing a boarding school in a prestigious region such as New England or another country can be daunting for all families! However, it can be most daunting for international families. How can international families navigate this process? Here are my Top Five Tips to help you feel confident in choosing the right boarding school for your student.

1. Academic Pathways and International Curriculum

Many international families seek schools offering globally recognized curricula, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or Advanced Placement (AP) programs. Schools that provide flexibility in transferring credits or understanding international academic systems (e.g., A-levels) are crucial for families with plans to potentially move or for students aiming to apply to universities worldwide.

Don’t be afraid to research the academic programs at boarding schools. It’s crucial to make sure you look for schools that offer programs best aligned with your child’s academic learning style and needs. Making sure you understand what each program has to offer is crucial in making the right choice for your child.

2. Consider The Schools Values and Culture

Every school has its own culture that makes it unique. Some focus heavily on structure and tradition, while others may foster independence and creativity among its students. It’s important to choose a school where your child will be able to feel comfortable and thrive. International students often face cultural and language barriers. Families should look for schools that provide strong integration programs, such as ESL (English as a Second Language) support, cultural sensitivity training, and mentorship programs that pair international students with local peers or staff members.

Attending virtual open houses and info sessions are a great resource in learning more about the culture and values of a school. Many New England boarding schools and beyond offer valuable virtual open houses, Q&A’s, and webinars for international families. These events provide families with insight into the school’s values, mission, and daily life. But don’t be late to the game, as Open Houses are happening now!

3. Tap Into an Independent Consultant’s Expert Insights

As a Professional Member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) I am focused solely on helping families with school placements, helping families navigate their choices by sharing my extensive knowledge about each school’s unique strengths, admissions criteria, and how well they cater to international students. Because an IECA consultant is not affiliated with any specific school or program, nor do we receive compensation from any schools, IECA members offer unbiased help in evaluating the pros and cons of every option.

An independent educational consultant will be with you every step of the way, from picking the right school to preparing for interviews. A credentialed ethical consultant will visit schools in-person and get to know the schools over multiple visits, placing students at the schools over the years. This longitudinal data is critical to learning what schools work best for which types of students, learning profiles and families.

4. Explore Extracurricular Activities

Boarding schools are fantastic for their extracurricular programs, which really help students develop skills like leadership, creativity, and teamwork. It’s important to find a school that offers activities that align with your child’s interests, whether that’s in sports, the arts, or community service. Understanding what extracurricular activities your student can participate in alongside athletics is important, as some schools encourage one over the other and others do not. Learn more about the school schedule and how that works relative to your students interests and activities to know what will be feasible versus what may not work.

5. Visit and Engage

If you can, try to visit schools in person or take advantage of their virtual tours. Many boarding schools offer great online experiences and events for international families. With my help, you’ll be able to connect with the right resources and get a genuine feel for what each school has to offer.

My biggest and most important tip is to get onto each campus and “feel” the campus for fit! Families often seek a school with a strong international presence where their child won't feel isolated. Schools with a diverse student body and faculty that represents a broad range of cultures can foster a more inclusive environment and help international students feel a sense of belonging. You’ll know which school is the best fit for you student when you experience each school in-person!

By following these tips and partnering with a knowledgeable, ethical educational consultant, international families can confidently choose the perfect boarding school for their child. And there is nothing more reassuring as a parent than knowing your child is in a safe, accepting and enriching environment!

What other tips would you add to ensure families find the right boarding school?