What is Boarding School? Most of us are familiar with the term but many times we need to refresh our memories either to match our knowledge or to make sure that we are correct about our own view regarding boarding school. For that purpose - A Boarding School is a type of school which provides students residence, meals, recreation and other facilities for a certain academic term. Students live in room/rooms or dormitories and they follow their daily activities on the premises or campus of the school.

• Ideal Boarding School
• Types of Boarding School
• Advantages of Boarding Schools
• Disadvantages of Boarding Schools
• Conclusion

The reason they are known as Boarding Schools is simply that they provide lodging and meals. Boarding Schools in India are no different from those in US or U.K. or in any other country. Students who reside in a day boarding school are commonly called ‘Boarders’. While there are many boarding schools which are exclusive to ‘Boarders’ only, it is not a necessity but some boarding schools have a strict policy or have created a niche for themselves in this category of school. But in these times many boarding schools will admit ‘Day Boarders’ or ‘Day Students’ and as such may be referred to as ‘Day Boarding Schools’. ‘Day Boarders’ are those students who are admitted to such schools for academic studies alone; they have to return to their homes after school hours or as per the school policy. Day boarders and boarders are taught together during study hours. At certain events, day students may stay longer to participate in sports, clubs, and societies, or excursions. Boarders can return to their homes only when the school has a holiday break if there is an emergency or special situation. Also termed as Residential Boarding Schools, these are most beneficial for students who do not have adequate or good education facilities in their native places. In some families or cultures, it is a tradition or compulsion that their ward should spend some or majority part of student life away from family. This is possible to make kids stronger and independent. A day boarding school generally has a certain number of teachers and administrators residing within the school campus for coordination and discipline.

While the staff residencies are generally known as ‘Staff Quarters’, boarding student residencies are known as ‘Dormitories’, ‘Houses’ or ‘Hostels’. Residential schools also have ‘Mess’ or ‘Canteen’ where students have their meals at certain fixed times. Dormitories or residencies generally house students who are of same age and same class to maintain a cordial environment. There is a weekly routine which is to be observed strictly, like sleep time, meal time and any other activity which needs to be scheduled. On weekends certain liberties are offered like late night sleeping time, late waking, movie watching, outings to discos, malls and other socializing hubs. While, there are separate facilities for different houses, in certain schools, facilities are shared between by various dorms. These facilities may include common rooms for television and recreation activities like billiards, chess, internet surfing etc. Other facilities study rooms, library, storage facilities, laboratories, prayer hall, a mini theatre hall, clubs, societies and various others.

A number of facilities are offered by residential schools part from accommodation and food. An ideal boarding school provides enough facilities to keep the student’s interested and relaxed while away from home. Facilities come with certain norms which are to be followed to maintain order and discipline.

To sum up an Ideal Boarding School, it will be characterized by most of the below mentioned:

Types of Boarding School   

• Girls Boarding School: Also known as ‘Single Sex Boarding Schools’, these are ‘Girls only Boarding Schools’. Boarding schools for girls are mostly established for conservative societies where mixing up of both the sexes isn’t as much encouraged as it would otherwise be. Others believe that it will not divert the girl’s attention towards other unnecessary things during academic life. As a result, the girls will perform better and develop an independent nature. Others cite that girls are more disciplined and it encourages effective administration. Boarding Schools for Girls in India are common along with other developing nations.
• Boys Boarding Schools: Just like ‘Girls Only Boarding Schools’, there are ‘Boarding Schools for Boys Only’. Boarding school for boys is established for exactly the same reason as the above-mentioned ones. It is not only the girls who are prone to distractions boys can easily get off the track and lose it all. The staff is not essentially, a male-dominated one just as it wouldn’t be in boarding schools for girls.
• Co-ed Boarding Schools: Co-educational boarding schools are exactly opposite of ‘Single Sex Boarding Schools’. These are also referred to as ‘Mixed Sex Boarding Schools’. Girls and boys are admitted without any concern or hesitation. Like regular schools, these schools believe in the healthy interaction of boys and girls.
• Private Boarding School: Private Boarding Schools are those Schools which are managed by private organizations, similar to regular private schools. These have their own policies and are autonomous to a large extent. They may or may not receive government funding. Private boarding schools can be single-sex or mix sex-based. Most of the best boarding schools are privately managed.
• Christian Boarding Schools: Christian Boarding Schools are counterparts of regular Catholic Schools, the difference being that they provide regular boarding facilities. These maybe exclusive for Christians or may provide Christian religious education. Such schools can be single-sex, mix sex, private or otherwise.
• Military Boarding Schools: Army or Military Boarding Schools are those schools which are meant for the education of children belonging to Army or Military Personnel. Because of the military background, these have military type discipline and structure. These are government funded institutes. Majority of these schools are located in cantonments. Army Boarding Schools can be ‘Girls Military Boarding Schools’ or ‘Military Boarding Schools Boys’ or ‘Coeducational Military Boarding Schools’.
• Therapeutic Boarding School: Therapeutic boarding schools are specially set up for students who have behavioural conditions suffer from emotional problems, substance addicts, learning disorder or any related ailments. Such candidates require special attention as they are unable to adjust to a traditional school setting. These schools follow the same routine as a regular residential school. They are different in the treatment and curricula they follow. The schools are rehabilitative in approach, which is why students here require constant supervision and direction. These are also known as, ‘Boarding Schools for Troubled-Teens’, ‘Boarding Schools for Struggling Teens’ or ‘Emotional Growth Boarding School’. These types of schools are most popular in developed nations and uncommon in India.
• International Boarding Schools: International Boarding Schools are those schools which have been specially established for children of International Personnel. These Personnel are generally from other countries, like officials working in international companies, international organizations, NGOs, embassy staff etc. These schools are set up with the help of nations having large interests in the hosting nation: for instance, American diplomats and missionaries often set up schools to educate their children; children of American military and army families often have Department of Defence Dependents Schools (DoDDS). These schools follow different examination systems and boards. Most of these schools follow the IB Board or the (International Baccalaureate). This is the reason why they are also known as ‘International Baccalaureate (IB) Boarding Schools’. However, there are other examination systems like the GCSE and GCE examination systems. Woodstock Boarding School is one such famed school.
• Junior Boarding Schools: Junior boarding schools are based on the level of education they provide, for instance, they provide boarding facilities for students of grades 6-8 or as per the regulations. These may provide regular academic facilities for higher classes but may be restricted in infrastructure facilities for junior classes, only.
• High School Boarding Schools: High School Boarding Schools are based on the level of education they provide, for instance, they provide boarding facilities for students of grades 8th onwards or as per the regulations. They may not provide boarding facilities for junior classes owing to extra responsibility or other reasons.

Advantages of Boarding Schools

Major benefits of Boarding Schools are as follows:

• Self Reliance: The primary benefit of boarding schools is that it makes students self-reliant. From the first day in the boarding school, a student is analyzing and adapting to an alien environment. During the coming days, they learn to make decisions themselves which otherwise was the department of their parents. With every passing day, they observe and learn to handle situations, problems, and tasks. Those who are inculcated in this get a further boost in their self-dependency.  These lessons are abundant in a boarding school as compared to a regular school. Self-reliance further bolsters independence and self-confidence which is an essential ingredient for a good life. Furthermore, it reduces the burden of parenthood to a large extent.
• Effective Supervision: All aspects of hostel life is closely monitored in a boarding school environment. While parent supervision is also effective but it can be compromised at many levels. In boarding schools, supervision is less prone to compromise as the staff is paid and their motivation level cannot be emotionalized as it risks their jobs. In a home environment, parents may not be able to supervise and guide every part of the academic level either due to incompetence or lack of time or lack of interest.  Students in the away-from-home environment are provided with regular supervised at all times.
• Disciplined Life: Discipline is hard to come by, in today’s generation and to maintain it another task. Moreover, career-oriented parents are not that effective in maintaining a regime for their siblings. When there is mass adherence to rules and regulations, they are more likely to be adhered than in a home environment. Rules and regulations provide a pathway to a successful and healthy life.  A structured way of life provides essential skills to face the challenges of future life. It also reduces parent’s apprehensiveness regarding the future scope of their ward. 
• Fosters Faculty-Student Relationship: It is a common observation that there is less socialization of faculty and students, barring a few exceptions. Mostly, brilliant and influential students appear to have good socialization with the staff.   During study hours there is only academic level socialization. In a boarding school environment, students and faculty (especially residential) get ample time to interact without any academic liabilities. Apart from extended academic help from teachers, kids are able to understand their superiors in a much better. It also removes any wrong notions which they may have formed about their mentors. A congenial, mutually beneficial is bolstered through this student-teacher communion which also fosters a respect and obedience even in the classroom.  
• Experienced Intellect: In the company of seniors, foreign students, teachers and other staff develop an experienced intellect. Observation of the behavior of seniors whilst performing a task or a situation provides a precious experience. New cultures, their customs, and mannerisms bring the richness of intellect. Wise advice from teachers and staff motivates rational thought and responsible behavior. Such a spectrum of experience is only available in a few facilities.
• Develops Advanced Social Skills: Boarding schools admit students from a wide range of geographic, racial and socio-economic backgrounds. A candidate is exposed to a wide range of individuals and cultures not only regional but also to international ones. A student assimilates a better understanding of various cultures and experiences a variety of social behaviors. All misconceptions and inhibitions are removed, encouraging peaceful coexistence. Interaction with students from different regions develops a knowledge base which develops advanced social skills as compared to kids going to regular schools.
• Encourages Individuality: Many times parents don’t like or appreciate activities which are dear to kids. In a boarding surrounding, individual interests are encouraged and stimulated to an extent that it becomes an identity of the individual. Individuals have the freedom to themselves to an extent where it doesn’t become a nuisance or indecent. Acceptable individual qualities like compassion for others, loyalty, honesty, love for animals, humbleness etc. are not ignored. These are acknowledged, appreciated and encouraged, for it is what makes an individual a distinct individual. Individuality is further enhanced by various extracurricular activities, such as debates, music, dance etc.  Children are also able to gauge their shortcomings and advantages.
• Opportunity to Experience a Variety of Extra-Curricular Activities: Development of all-round personality or multi-talented personality isn’t just affected by academic activities but also by those which are beyond the boundaries of the aforesaid. It wouldn’t be incorrect to mention that boarding schools offer more variety of extra-curricular activities than an ordinary school. A boarding school has to maintain the interests of the students and to attract more admissions they have to offer these. It only goes in the favor of the kids as they might not get the chance to experience these in an ordinary life. The spirit of adventure is garnered by these activities which included rock climbing, boating, rafting, camping, paragliding et al. Even normal co-curricular activities like sports, crafts, music, theatre etc. bring forth the hidden talents of the students which otherwise would remain untapped. These activities also provide a break from the normal routine and refresh their minds. The role of co-curricular activities is thus multifold. 
• Responsible Citizens: When a student gains a high intellect, acquires advanced social skills, is well endowed with socially accepted personal qualities then the end result is a good citizen who is responsible and understands his fundamental rights and duties.  Such an individual respects the law and will fight for justice if needed.  Such individuals grow up to become capable leaders who ensure peaceful coexistence free from communal conflicts and dirty politics.
• Safe Havens for Children of Troubled Couples: Troubles marriages or troubled parents are insufficient to take care of their children, let alone take care of their academics. In such circumstances, it is favorable that children do not get affected and a boarding school can be very helpful. Free from unnecessary botheration’s an individual can look forward towards his upcoming life rather than being slowed down by the unfortunate burden.
• Opportunity for Education for Kids from Backward Regions: Far-off regions remain underdeveloped due to geographical and other factors. Education in such a region is either non-existent, insufficient or less effective. Boarding schools not only ease the basic difficulties of daily chores but also provide education which can become an agent in developing the region to which they belong. Such educated individuals also increase the employability of a country’s workforce.

Disadvantages of Boarding Schools

Cons of Boarding Schools can be Summed up through the following:   

• Negative Influences: Away from home students are prone to negative influences from seniors, staff, and other elements. It is well-observed phenomena that human tendency is more inclined towards negative acts which can be self-destructive as well. Badmouthing, secretly smoking, life-threatening stunts, inappropriate advice, harmful experimentations, watching porn, substance addiction, destroying school property, troubling the administrators etc. are some among the long list of activities which have a negative effect on students. These can become a long life habit and affect the mental and physical health in a bad way.
• A Possibility of Abuses: Ragging and bullying are common observances in the college environment but they do exist in one or the other form. Formation of groups or gangs based on region, class etc. may result in conflict. Schools often have separate teams or clubs which compete against each other during various events. These are meant to harbor healthy competition amongst students but at times it can escalate into violence. Inspired by their elder counterparts in colleges, some students have initiations to dominate the younger cadets. They may perform daily chores or humiliate them after school time when there is less disciplinary surrounding.
• Alienation from Family Values: A major defect that boarding schools will always suffer from is the absence of parents and a sense of belongingness to a family. Blood relations cannot be replaced by artificial ones. What a student acquires within the confines of a home cannot be learned, it can only be acquired. Love, bonding, sharing, unity, safety etc. are provided by the schools but they aren’t the same. An individual who spends less time with his family may not develop family values which are essential for a family to exist. They may suffer from emotional turmoil and may not be able to adjust to a family environment. Such an individual can manifest erratic behaviour or other mental disorders. The psychological development of a child during the initial stages is essential for avoiding emotional conflicts within.
• Binds the Independence: Teenagers who are used to the carefree environment of the home may find it torturing that their independence has been curbed. There is a sudden change of ‘Do’s and Don’ts.  While many will adjust, others find it unacceptable. Most irksome bindings are - being restricted to premises for most of the time, restricted outings, repetitive dishes, sharing room, common bathrooms, few shopping opportunities, ban of certain instruments of media, inability to pursue part-time jobs, having fun in the rain or snow and all those activities which would be allowed in a home.
• Indifferent Attitude towards Emotions: Living away from home even for a certain period of time changes the attitude of a student. Students may develop an emotional dysfunction wherein one may become numb to certain emotions like love, compassion, kindness, hatred and other similar emotional attitudes. This attitude could be inspired by staff and older boarders who themselves depict such. They may show apathy towards the sufferings of their own family or may not react to emergencies as normal individuals would do.
• Development of Selfishness:  Being self reliant and independent has its cons too. While taking care of personal needs one tends to be selfish. This is peculiar with kids who become highly competitive when they perceive their inclusion in a boarding school as a selfish act of their parents. When they are expected to be on their own, they expect others to do the same. Their steadfastness on this issue doesn’t let them think about the welfare of others. Sharing and unity will not hold much value for the affected kids. Such individuals are reflective of many businessmen and politicians.
• Promotion of Sibling Rivalry: Sibling rivalry is a common occurrence amongst kids. But it can reach its heights when either a younger or elder kid in a family is sent to a boarding school. Mostly the elder one is sent and this tilts the equation in favour of the younger one who will get to enjoy the comforts of home. And if later on parents find it unjustified and send the younger one to the hostel, the elder one will make sure that the other gets a first-hand experience of whatever he has endured. Whilst sibling rivalries are normal but they do continue till adulthood and can turn into enmity.
• Early Maturity of a Young Mind: Being responsible, strict discipline, independence etc. are good but they take away the childhood of an individual. Early exposure to activities of adulthood develops a child with a brain of a man. Such kids may feel isolated and abnormal in the company of regular kids. While normal kids have fun and frolic, a mature mind views these activities as a waste of time. This trait may get passed on to the next generation through marriage and we see kids acting like adults. Kids acting out of their age may appear extraordinary but it kills their innocence. They may have the intellect but they don’t have the experience, as such they can make grave mistakes. Such a population will result in mass mistrust and disbelief in all moral values and ultimately will erode the society.
• Socially Isolated Individuals: Hostel life has different effects on different individuals. One such effect can be loosely called the ‘Lone Ranger Effect’, in easier terms, leading largely a life of solitude. These kids may not complain about the loneliness but inside they have disposed themselves to an isolated life. Amongst all the cheer of kids around him, he considers himself as an individual who is being trained to live life on his own. This happens because unintentionally they acquire the idea of leading an isolated life. Others take it vengefully as if they want to show their parents, what it means to live a lonely life. It isn’t a normal occurrence but it does breed sociopaths who have hatred towards the world.
• Inferiority Complex: Teenagers from all sorts of socio-economic background study together in a boarding school. Some from well to do families will show-off their wealth and boast about it. Those from average families directly or indirectly become the target of teasing and humiliation. This is a setback for them and they develop an inferiority complex, affecting their normal course of behavior. This complex can impair the proper growth of one’s intellect and growth in the social environment. Superior athletes or outstanding students, when compared with average ones also results in this complex.

Conclusion
The pros and cons of boarding schools are highly debatable. Glancing over these, one cannot ignore either the benefits or losses of studying in a boarding school. Nor can one say that boarding schools are better or worse than regular schools. A minor incident becomes media news media and is often thrown out of proportion. While some news is actually genuine. So what can be done?  

Suggestions:

• A certain age limit should be enforced for admission into these schools.
• Each kid differs from one another, therefore, an intelligence test should be created and conducted to find the suitability of the individual in a boarding school.
• Duration of a ward’s stay at boarding should be of a justifiable ratio, if not of equal ratio. A month or two in a whole year isn’t sufficient.
• Compulsory and regular talk time with kids should be facilitated every week or twice a month so that they can discuss their issues and receive words of encouragement.
• A weekly health and psychoanalysis should be reported to parents so that they are constantly aware of their child’s condition.
• Parents can conduct a surprise visit to boarding schools if they feel suspicious.
• In the end, parents are the best judges of their own children’s welfare as they are their own blood and bone; who else can know better than them.