When it comes to boarding schools, both the United States and the United Kingdom offer an array of options that boast various academic, social, and extracurricular advantages. While both countries aim to provide high-quality education, the nature and nuances of their respective boarding school systems can differ considerably. Here we discuss the features and peculiarities that differentiate American boarding schools from their British counterparts.
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Academic Structure and Curriculum
American Boarding Schools
In the United States, boarding schools typically follow a liberal arts curriculum, which emphasizes a broad-based education in various disciplines. Students can expect more flexibility in course selection, ranging from humanities and sciences to arts and athletics. Advanced Placement (AP) courses are common, providing students with the option to pursue college-level coursework.
British Boarding Schools
British schools adhere to a more structured curriculum, mainly following the GCSE and A-Level framework. In GCSE, students generally study a broad range of subjects until age 16, after which they narrow their focus to three or four subjects during their A-Levels. The International Baccalaureate (IB) is also an option in some British schools, offering a different but equally rigorous educational framework.
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Admissions Process
American Boarding Schools
In America, the admissions process is holistic. Schools look at grades, standardized test scores, interviews, extracurricular involvement, and recommendation letters. Some schools even require the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) or the Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE).
British Boarding Schools
British boarding schools also employ a comprehensive admissions process, but many schools require entrance exams in subjects like English and Math. For older students, passing exams in specific subjects may be necessary for admission, especially if they intend to study those subjects at A-Level.
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Extracurricular Activities
American Boarding Schools
Extracurricular involvement is a significant aspect of American boarding schools. Schools often offer a wide array of clubs, sports, and other activities, emphasizing the development of well-rounded individuals.
British Boarding Schools
While British schools also offer extracurricular activities, there is generally less variety than in American schools. However, British boarding schools excel in traditional sports like rugby, cricket, and rowing, often with facilities to match.
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Campus Facilities
American Boarding Schools
American boarding schools tend to have larger campuses, complete with various facilities like theatres, art studios, and athletic fields. Schools often look like small college campuses, offering a preview of the university experience.
British Boarding Schools
The British counterparts are often steeped in history, sometimes with centuries-old buildings. While facilities may vary, the ambiance is usually more traditional, offering a different kind of campus life.
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Boarding Life and Pastoral Care
American Boarding Schools
American schools often have a dormitory system where students live with roommates. Pastoral care is typically less formal, and students have more freedom but are expected to be responsible.
British Boarding Schools
British schools have a house system, where students live and partake in activities. Pastoral care is generally more formal, with housemasters/mistresses overseeing students’ well-being.
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Global Perspective
American Boarding Schools
American boarding schools often emphasize individualism and are less likely to follow a uniform dress code. These schools tend to have a more diverse student body, drawing students from various ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.
British Boarding Schools
British schools often require uniforms and have a more rigid social structure. However, they are increasingly becoming more diverse and international, partly due to the global appeal of British education.
Both American and British boarding schools offer unique experiences that shape young minds for future challenges. While American schools offer a liberal arts approach with an emphasis on well-roundedness and extracurriculars, British schools offer a more structured educational pathway and excel in traditions and sports. Understanding these features and peculiarities can help parents and students make a more informed choice, keeping in mind their educational goals and lifestyle preferences.