Over the years, I have received hundreds of questions about boarding schools. What I find fascinating is that most of the questions are variations on the same question, namely, "Which is the best school in...?" Readers understandably want to know which is the best school for their child. As they soon realize, there is no easy answer to their question. It is similar to finding an apartment or a house. You have to describe what it is that you are looking for.
The second most common question asked is about scholarships. Paying for a boarding school education is a significant concern for most parents. They need to know their options. While the admissions process has evolved, especially for international applicants, this advice remains just as relevant in 2026 as it was when these questions were first asked.
So, against that backdrop, let's look at some of these inquiries with my answers.
The question: "Hi there, would u please suggest to me the best boarding school in Jakarta?"
My answer: "I am not familiar with private schools in Indonesia. I suggest that you ask the headteacher at a local school for guidance."
A quick Google search seemed to indicate that there are no Western-style boarding schools in Indonesia. In any case, I am not familiar with private schools in that part of the world.
The other point I would have made if the reader had asked about schools in the U.S. or Canada is that the best school always fits your requirements best. That does not necessarily mean that your chosen school is better than any other. It just suits your needs and requirements better than any other school you have looked at.
Families beginning their search may also find Why Boarding School? helpful for understanding why finding the right fit is more important than simply choosing the most well-known school.
Boarding schools offer so much more than academics, as seen in this video from The Taft School.
The question: "Hello, I'm from Bangladesh. I want to admit in a school in Canada at 12 grade. Which school will be great for me? By the way, I have always achieved a GPA 5.00 out of 5.00 in every exam. May I have any scholarship?"
My answer: "This link on Boarding School Review lists schools in Canada. Canada is a very large country. So, first of all, decide which part of the country you wish to live in while away at school. You will have to take the TOEFL examination, or another English language proficiency examination if required, to prove your fluency in English. Admissions requirements for most schools include transcripts from your current school, teacher recommendations, interviews, as well as other admissions requirements. If you need financial aid, ask the schools in which you are interested if you are eligible and what the application procedure is for financial aid."
Hopefully, the reader could attend a local event to meet admissions staff members from several overseas schools. Canadian and American schools often send teams overseas on recruiting trips throughout the year. You can find details about those trips through organizations such as The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS), Linden Educational Services, and individual school websites. Schools where you express interest as an international student will also alert you to local recruiting events, virtual information sessions, and admissions webinars.
Boarding schools deliver academics in a variety of ways. Some schools follow the Advanced Placement curriculum, many offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, while others offer IGCSE and A-Level programs through Cambridge International Education. Understanding these academic pathways will help you identify the schools that best fit your university goals.
Perhaps a single-sex school is the right solution. Take a look at what McCallie School offers.
Families preparing for interviews and campus visits may also find Questions to Ask When Visiting a Boarding School (2026 Guide) useful when speaking with admissions representatives.
The question: "I'm looking for a boarding school that caters as from Grade 1 and for children with ADHD. Please assist."
My answer: "Most boarding schools in the United States and Canada offer high school, typically grades 9-12. There are about ten junior boarding schools that offer grades 4-5 through grade 9. Call the admissions offices of these schools and determine if some of them can provide the specialized teaching which your child requires. If you live in an urban area, you can probably find a school in your area which has teachers who specialize in teaching children with ADHD. That should cover the elementary school years. As one parent to another, I advise exploring your local options first."
My response is that a professional should assess children with learning differences locally and begin a remediation course as soon as possible. The parent must devote much love, attention, and care to help the child achieve the good results the child deserves and needs.
Families researching schools from outside the United States may also find guidance through EducationUSA, a U.S. Department of State network that helps international students understand American education and admissions.
The question: "Can you suggest a good high school with a good golf team? Thanks."
My answer: "The search engine on Boarding School Review will produce a list of schools offering golf as a sport. You will have to do your own research and due diligence about the program and the staff who run it in order to determine whether the golf program at a particular school will meet your needs and requirements."
The search engines on both Boarding School Review and Private School Review have several filters that will allow you to find the kind of school you are looking for. You can search by sport, location, enrollment size, religious affiliation, boarding options, and many other criteria, making it easier to identify schools that match your child's interests.
The question: "Hello, I was wondering if I could get some information on boarding schools and their scholarship."
My answer: "The first step is to identify schools that interest you. Use the search engine on Boarding School Review to look for schools. Then make a list of three to five schools which you feel meet your requirements. Finally, contact each school individually and ask about their financial aid programs. There are a couple of free boarding schools. Take a look at these and see whether you qualify. Good luck!"
Paying for a boarding school education continues to be a significant concern for many families in 2026. While many boarding schools offer need-based financial aid, some also provide merit scholarships or scholarships for students with exceptional talents. Financial aid policies vary from school to school, so always contact the admissions office directly to learn about eligibility requirements, deadlines, and the documents needed to apply.
The question: "My name is Abdulhafiz Baker. I finished grade 10 last year with a 4.0 grade from the Ethiopian national exam. I also have a good school transcript. I also participated in natural and HIV clubs. Please, if possible, help me to learn in your school or tell me if other schools could support me."
My answer: "Apply to schools which you can find using the search engine on Boarding School Review. You will need to complete each school's admissions requirements, including any English language proficiency requirements if applicable. Begin your search eighteen months before the date of your proposed first class. You will need plenty of time to obtain a student visa in order to enter the United States."
Students applying from overseas should communicate directly with admissions offices if they have questions about transcripts, testing requirements, financial aid, interviews, or visa documentation. Resources from EducationUSA can also help international students understand the U.S. admissions process and prepare for studying abroad.
Final Thoughts
If you are interested in attending a boarding school in the United States or Canada, explore individual school websites to find schools that you think might be ones that you would like to attend. Then, email each school's admissions office and ask for information. If you have specific questions about a school's program, don't hesitate to ask those questions. You will find boarding school admissions offices only too happy to help.
Families who would like a better understanding of everyday boarding school life before applying may also enjoy reading What It's Like at Boarding School: A 2026 Guide for Parents & Students.
