Is boarding school right for your child?

Many Canadian private schools offer boarding opportunities for out-of-town, out-of-province and even out-ofcountry students, but, as a parent, how do you know whether your child will flourish or flounder in an away-from-home educational environment? “Boarding school is a big step,” says Davide D’Alessandro, director and founding family member of Canadian College Italy, a boarding high school in Lanciano, Italy. “Having your kids away, even for only a semester, can stir up a mix of emotions even if, deep down, you know it’s what they need to grow, explore and thrive.”

Candidate considerations

What makes a child a good fit for boarding school? David Darby, assistant head of enrolment management at Lakefield College School near Peterborough, says a desire to actually attend a boarding school is a great start. “Traits like a growth mindset, integrity, initiative and natural curiosity about learning and people are key to thriving,” he says. D’Alessandro feels that, in addition to adaptability and inquisitiveness, prospective students benefit from a sense of adventure. “Whether they’re introverts, extroverts or somewhere in between, they don’t need to have it all figured out,” he says. “What truly matters is having an open mind and a willingness to embrace new challenges.” Conversely, he notes that students who resist structure, rules or routine may find the adjustment to boarding school challenging, and may need extra support in order to succeed.

Life lessons

Whether it’s on the other side of the globe or just a few hours away, attending a boarding school provides exciting experiential learning for students. “Some of the most valuable lessons happen outside the classroom: in the dining hall, on a mountain hike and even in the laundry room,” D’Alessandro says. “Students aren’t just learning math and history, they’re learning important life skills, like how to manage their time, adapt to new challenges and live alongside people from different cultures and backgrounds.”

Support system

Studying away from home can be difficult for some students, and boarding schools are prepared to help. “Schools invest heavily in academic and well-being resources,” Darby says, “ensuring students have access to a range of medical professionals if challenges persist.” D’Alessandro agrees, and says that students who may feel homesick, lonely or anxious are surrounded by a welcoming, supportive school community. “Whether it’s through peer mentorship, wellness workshops or just the simple act of sitting down with a student over a cappuccino or gelato, we work as a family,” he says, adding that students are encouraged to have regular phone calls and visits home, and parents are always kept informed about, and connected with, their kids.

D’Alessandro also believes that parents who send their kids to boarding school are giving them a “head start” for university— and for life in general. “You’re teaching them to stand on their own two feet in a safe, structured and supportive environment,” he says. “Yes, it’s hard to see them go, but trust me: the pride you’ll feel when they come home more capable and self-assured is worth every moment apart.”