When it comes to your child’s education, it is common for parents to want to make sure they have all the facts before making any big decisions. Sending your child to boarding school is a decision that could have a lasting impact on their life as they make new friends, explore their interests and challenge themselves through enriching cocurricular activities, service programs and exchanges. At Lakefield College School, we believe the decision to send your child to an independent boarding school will offer lifelong benefits. We see first-hand how our students grow into considerate, knowledgeable and confident leaders.
If you’re trying to decide whether boarding school is right for your child, read on to discover the answers to five commonly asked questions about boarding school.
1. How Does Boarding School Prepare my Child for University?
Enrolling your child at an independent or private boarding school is one of the best commitments you can make to encourage their success at university or college. Independent schools like Lakefield College School help students succeed by providing rigorous learning opportunities that are balanced with engaging cocurricular activities in sports, the arts and service learning. By the time your child graduates from boarding school, they will have the academic background and work ethic necessary to excel at university and beyond. In fact, Lakefield’s graduates have a 100% university acceptance rate.
2. My Child Is Already Strong Academically; Is Boarding School Right for Them?
A common misconception about boarding school is that it’s best suited for students who may be struggling academically or personally. While there certainly are schools designed specifically to help students get back on track, at LCS we help all students realize and reach their full potential. Whether your child is strong academically, has an innate sense of creativity, or is athletically inclined, we help our students take their skills to the next level and achieve their dreams.
3. Will my Child Have to Wear a Uniform all the Time at Boarding School?
We take academics seriously and we want our students to take their academic time seriously too. As a result, students are to be in proper school dress during academic periods of the day. We make sure our school dress is comfortable and practical, and that students have a variety of options to choose from. However, students aren’t required to be in school dress all the time. After the academic day is finished, during dinner and during all Sunday meals, students are welcome to wear appropriate casual clothes that express their own sense of style.
4. Will my Child be Under Proper Supervision at Boarding School?
Attending boarding school is a fantastic opportunity for students to gain confidence and independence. Without the immediate assistance of parents, boarding students spread their wings and learn how to problem solve and handle their own daily challenges. Your child will carry the lessons they learn at boarding school with them throughout their entire life.
With that being said, the health and wellness of our students is our top priority. There is always a Head of House or Assistant Head of House on campus to assist students, and all students must be in their own house or learning commons each night by 8:00 p.m. In addition, students require proper permission to leave campus, making sure that they stay safe and are supervised throughout their high school career.
5. Will Boarding School Give my Child the Opportunity to be Creative?
Many parents worry that sending their child to boarding school could stifle their creativity. Fortunately, nothing could be further from the truth. Independent boarding schools like Lakefield College School focus on educating the whole person. This includes encouraging students to explore their creative side and to think outside the box!
Students have the opportunity to choose from a wide variety of extra and cocurricular opportunities including visual arts, drama, dance, music, choir and other creatively stimulating activities. Each year we have at least one student-produced drama production that parents, faculty, students and family can come to campus and see. Boarding school helps all students flourish in their own unique way.
Do you want to take the first step towards enrolling your child at a boarding school in Ontario?
Contact Lakefield College School to learn more!