Boarding School Review Blog

The Boarding School Glossary

Boarding schools have their own jargon, just like any activity or affinity group has. Here are some of the more common terms and acronyms that you are likely to encounter as you explore boarding schools.

ADD/ADHD

ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, was previously known as ADD or Attention Deficit Disorder.

• In all probability, you won't notice signs of ADHD until your child starts school.
• If he exhibits any symptoms of ADHD, the school will bring it to your attention.
• The next step is to have him evaluated professionally.
• The syndrome is treatable.
• There are hundreds of private schools that have experienced, professional staff who can work effectively with children who learn differently.
• Explore that option thoroughly.

This video shows the Forman School's approach to teaching students with learning differences.

ACT

ACT is an acronym for the American College Testing program.

• ACT and the SAT are the two most common college standardized tests of academic readiness for college-level studies.
• Most private schools offer test preparation for the SAT.
• If you prefer to have your child take the ACT, make sure that you advise the school as soon as you can.

Crew

Crew is the ancient sport of rowing.

• Rowing in shells is a popular sport in many boarding schools.
• Typically, crew is offered in the fall and spring.
• Schools participate

Mastering the Boarding School Selection Process: A 5-Step Guide

Choosing a boarding or private day school is a process involving several steps.

• Fortunately for you and me, the web makes the first step much easier.
• Sites like Boarding School Review and Private School Review take the work out of finding schools.
• Use our Applications Calendar to keep you organized.

Step 1: Identify Schools

Let your imagination and wishes run wild at this stage.

• Look at any and every school that catches your fancy.
• Take time to explore each school's website.
• Many of them have excellent video tours.
• Read what the students have to say about their school.

Both Boarding School Review and Private School Review have student comments.

• Many school websites have comments as well, although you probably will find that those comments are pretty positive.
• Boarding School Review and Private School Review do not filter student comments.

Bookmark school web addresses or swipe and paste the URLs into a spreadsheet.

• That makes the next step in the process easy.
• You should end up with a list of 15-20 schools, but don't worry if you have more than that.

Don't worry at this stage about which school is the best one for your child. More about how to deal with that question later.

Step 2: Narrow Your List

Narrowing

Parents considering private or independent schools for the first time can find the process daunting. If completely new to independent education, one can expend much energy working to learn the vocabulary and ways of independent schools all before focusing on the most important piece of the equation, your student. The school search is akin to a life-size jigsaw puzzle in which the objective is to find the best fit between school and student. No two are alike and dovetailing the talents of school and student is difficult even for the experienced parent. The expertise and services of an educational consultant can help families find the best school for their children.

What An Educational Consultant Can Help With

Each family's unique setting and student determine the exact role that a consultant plays in the school search. IECA educational consultants are credentialed professionals- members of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA)- who add expertise and independent judgment to a family's school search.

A consultant brings clear eyes to a school search. A consultant's perspective helps a family set aside biases and preconceived expectations and notions in favor of clear examination and what is best for the student.

Using his/her broad vision and expertise, a consultant may shape all or some of a family's school application plan. Most importantly, the consultant can see and think critically about the family, student, and school choices, providing guidance driven and shaped by what's best for the student. An educational consultant

Summer boarding school programs continue to grow in popularity as families seek meaningful academic and personal enrichment opportunities outside the traditional school year. These programs offer students a chance to experience campus life, explore new interests, and build independence in a structured, supportive setting.

While the core appeal of summer boarding school programs remains consistent, recent years have introduced new trends, expanded access, and evolving program formats. This updated guide highlights what families should know in 2026.

What Are Summer Boarding School Programs?

Summer boarding school programs are short-term residential experiences hosted by boarding schools, typically lasting between two and eight weeks. Students live on campus, participate in academic courses or enrichment activities, and engage in structured social and extracurricular programming.

These programs are often open to middle and high school students, including both current boarding school students and those enrolled in day schools.

They serve a wide range of goals:

• Academic advancement or remediation
• Exploration of subjects not offered during the regular school year
• Preparation for boarding school or college life
• Personal growth and independence

For families considering a full-time boarding experience, summer programs can also serve as an introduction to campus life. For a broader overview of the boarding school experience, see https://www.boardingschoolreview.com/blog/why-boarding-school.

Key Benefits of Summer Boarding School Programs

Academic Enrichment in a Focused Environment

Summer programs often provide access to rigorous coursework in smaller class settings. Many schools offer specialized tracks such as:

• STEM research and labs
• Creative writing and performing arts
• Business and entrepreneurship
• Language immersion

In recent years, there has been a notable increase in AI, coding, and data