Finding the right school for your son can be a daunting task. Whether it is public, private or boarding – there are a lot of things to consider when it comes to choosing which type of school is the best fit for your son’s specific needs.

1. Boarding Schools, Private Day
Schools & Public Schools:
Which One Is Right For Your Son?

2. Parents sometimes struggle when
considering what type of education is best
for their son, whether it is public, private, or
boarding. There are a lot of considerations
that go into choosing which type of school is
the right fit.
This can include factors such as curriculum,
administration, faculty, supervision and
safety, admissions, finances, location, and
facilities. The choice should always be driven
by working to find the best school fit for each
student and family. In this presentation, we
will provide you with what you can expect
from a boarding school, a private school, and
a public school that may help you when
making the decision.

3. What comes with
each option?

4. Boarding
Schools
If you choose a boarding school for your son,
your son will join an educational community
that includes challenging academics, diverse
extracurricular activities, learning to live and
interact with peers, and access to fault
outside of traditional school hours.
Boarding schools help prevent your son from
being anonymous. He will be part of a self-
contained community that revolves around
the same goals. He will be an active
participant in a wider range of activities,
academics and athletics.

5. Learning how to adjust to new
surroundings, and become
independent at boarding schools
creates an advantage when
going off to college or moving
away for a new job later in his
life.
Everything from athletic events,
study halls, down time, meals,
and other activities all operate
on a self-contained schedule.
Studying, living, and interacting
on campus also helps limit
negative outside influences as
well.
Boarding
Schools

6. Private Day Schools
Private day schools are another
option to consider for your son. This
option typically costs less than a
boarding school and the student
remains living at home.
Academics are the focus during the
day with the typical extracurricular
activities occurring outside of the
typical school day. It is important to
learn about your options with what
various private schools offer, from
academics, to athletics, and student
support.

7. Private Day Schools
Private day schools give you and your
son a little more flexibility than what
boarding schools offer. It allows your
son to live at home but attend a
private school during the day. This
keeps the responsibilities for the
student out of the school day with
the families. This includes daily
transportation to and from school.

8. Public Schools
Ninety percent of the children today in America attend
public school. Public schools come with the community
you live in and are governed by federal, state, and local
laws which include the control of funding, program
development and the curriculum.
If you are thinking about remaining in a public school,
learning about your district’s policies, existing
curriculum and extracurricular activities is important for
your student’s success.
Researching your district’s report card rating is also
important when making a decision. Public schools can
vary greatly depending on where they are located. This
includes everything from programs offered, student
support, and even transportation that is offered.

9. Public Schools
Public schools have a more general
education curriculum due to the vast levels
of learning. They are required by law to
educate all children, which means more
students and larger class sizes.
Due to the size of these classes at public
schools, there may be less opportunity for a
one-on-one or a hands-on style of learning
that is available at a boarding or private
school.

10. College Preparedness
As they learn how
to live and study
independently and
self reliantly,
school students
develop the skill
sets necessary for
success in college.

11. Family Checklist
School Demographics School #1 School #2 School #3
Day or Boarding
Coed or single gender education
Number of Students
Number of boarders
Number of day students
How diverse is the student body?
Student to faculty ratio
Administration and Faculty
How long has the headmaster/principal been in office?
Financial condition of school (Excellent to marginal)
Number of faculty with advanced degrees
Staff turnover (If turnover, why?)
Number of Faculty
Curriculum and Instruction
Number of AP courses
Teaching methods (Harkness, classical, etc.)
Is technology integrated into teaching?
Focus Curriculum Offered?
Supportive Learning Programs Offered?
Teaching Tailored to Individual Learning Differences?
Religious Emphasis
Which Denomination or faith?

12. Campus and Facilities School #1 School #2 School #3
Security and Safety
General Appearance
Sports Programs
Art Facilities
Art Programs
Location
Urban? Rural?
Convenient? Isolated?
Admissions
Deadline
Is staff helpful?
Quality of Visit and Tour
Financial
Tuition Fees
Financial Aid Offered
Notes
Family ChecklistChecklist

13. With so many advantages and
opportunities made available
through boarding and private
school education, it’s no
wonder more families are
exploring their options.
Discover the opportunities for
your son available at Grand
River Academy today!

14. To Schedule A Visit:
Visit Us at: grandriver.org
Call us: 440.275.2811