How can boarding school prepare your child for college?

A child’s high school years shape their future as a collegiate student as well as provide them with a foundation for their overall growth and development as a young adult. Sports boarding schools, such as IMG Academy, provide student-athletes with an undeniably beneficial experience that prepares them not only for college but also for their future career.

Independence: High school is the ideal age timeframe for students to learn independence and personal responsibility. Tasks that parents used to help with, such as laundry, tidying, and even meal preparation, will become your child’s responsibility. Once they enter college, their roommates or suitemates will also appreciate your child’s ability to keep their shared space clean as well as take ownership for their portion of the dorm or apartment. 

Self-Confidence: Self-reliance also leads to self-confidence, which is yet another great characteristic to bring to college when your child is around hundreds or even thousands of other student from a wide range of socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. This self-confidence also proves to be an asset when joining clubs, applying for jobs on or around campus, or rushing a fraternity or sorority. 

Self-Discipline: Because boarding schools offer more rigorous academic and athletic programs than public high schools, self-discipline is a necessary characteristic. With higher expectations being placed on your child, he or she will develop a strong work ethic and learn how to prioritize their time. This responsibility lays the groundwork for your child to have excellent self-discipline in college and even as an adult.   

Time Management: Without a parent to constantly keep them on task, your child will quickly identify the repercussions of poor time management. Going to bed at a reasonable time, setting aside time for projects and studying, and balancing their academics with their social life are all skills that will be even more important in college as well as beneficial into adulthood.  

Superior Athletics: If your child aspires to be a collegiate student-athlete, sports boarding schools are a great option. These schools offer excellent athletic facilities and coaches, and the schools that they compete against also have elevated athletic programs that offer the highest level of competition to your child. 

Elevated Academics: Boarding schools also offer exceptional academic programs, and boarding and private school students are more likely to earn advanced degrees. With a more demanding academic program in high school, your child will perform better on standardized tests and be better prepared for challenging collegiate classes. Your child will also be surrounded by highly motivated peers at a boarding school which stimulates them intellectually and motivates them within such a competitive environment. 

Exceptional Teachers: Boarding schools often employ teachers who have multiple degrees in their respective subject area as opposed to a general teaching degree, meaning your child will receive a more well-rounded education. These teachers are passionate about their subject and enjoy teaching the next generation. And, because boarding school students typically want to learn, the teachers at these schools don’t need to interrupt their lessons to discipline their students. As a result, your child will arrive at college with a more detailed education, and they will have a better idea of what major they’d like to pursue. 

Student Diversity: Boarding school students often come from all over the country, and, in the case of IMG Academy, from all over the world. This environment exposes students to individuals with a wide range of cultural backgrounds and personalities. Your child’s immersion in this diverse atmosphere only increases as they move into college and the workforce, so understanding others and gaining experience through these interactions is imperative.

Lifelong Connections: When your child lives with their peers 24/7, they really get to know them and develop lasting bonds. Some of these bonds may last past college into the real world, and those connections may also be beneficial for professional networking. With students coming around the world, your child will have a worldwide network of friends and professionals.

Sending your child to one of the best sports boarding schools has a myriad of benefits when it comes to preparing for success in college and beyond. IMG Academy’s boarding school not only provides exceptional academic courses but also offers athletic programs that will aid your child in gaining admission into a collegiate athletics program. As Jeff Holbrook, IMG Academy Director of Admissions, explains, "IMG Academy’s environment allows student-athletes an exposure to a college-style experience under more supervision and guidance.  This “college practice” helps instill independence and personal responsibility."