This is a segment of the interview I did with a boy who left the boarding school I went to. In this part of the interview he discusses why boarding school works for some kids and not for others and why it changes people.

A: I think that being away from home just in and of itself at such a young age obviously changes a person. You're immediately taken out of your home at an age where there are definitely benefits to staying with your parents and having them guide you through those years and there's also benefits to being away and learning more about yourself and what you can do individually. I mean I can remember instances of kids who went there and loved it and grew tremendously and really came into their own when also there were kids who went to the school and it completely drove them crazy. I myself was kind of between those two but eventually it led to me leaving obviously. I don't think boarding school changes everyone in one certain way I think that it takes a certain kind of person to flourish in that environment and I think there's a flip side of that where there are people that don't do well in the environment and who can't really sustain themselves and they need the comfort of being around their parents and knowing there's someone around who will look out for them when really at boarding school it's just you.

This is a picture of the main building at my school.

Why choose boarding school?

These are highlights of a 2003 nationwide survey of various students and adults about boarding school:

1. Students at boarding schools have a better experience in high school than do students of a similar profile in public and private day schools.

2. Students at boarding schools are better prepared for college and attend more prestigious colleges and universities than do students of a similar profile in public and private day schools.

3. Alumni of boarding schools appear to advance more quickly in their careers and are more active philanthropically.

4. Many of the prevailing negative stereotypes concerning boarding school are untrue.

5. Boarding students and alumni are overwhelmingly satisfied with the boarding experience.

6. Boarding students are considerably more likely to attend a top university or college than are non-boarders.

7. Boarding alumni are more likely to earn advanced degrees than are non-boarders.

There are many myths and stereotypes about boarding schools. Some of the most commons ones include:

1. You must be very wealthy to go to boarding school.

2. Diversity is rare at boarding school.

3. Kids don't have fun at boarding school.

4. Boarding school is for kids who are having trouble at home or school.

5. It will be hard to keep in touch with my family. 

Boarding school review provides the best information about the boarding schools in the United States. The website provides profiles and reviews on each school as well as comparisons to average statistics from other schools. There are reviews on each school from current students and alumni. The website helps prospective students and families make a decision about which schools and which type of boarding school is most appropriate for them.