Most parents would prefer that their child attend college after high school. The major reason is that college graduates make an average of $60,000 per year while high school grads make only $36,000 on average. It’s true that money does not automatically bring happiness. But it does bring a higher standard of living and money struggles are often cited in divorce filings. Moneys problems are at the center of most domestic disputes. But I digress.

Private schools offer students a much better chance at getting into college and being prepared for it as well. 65% of private school graduates go on to attend college whereas just 44% of public school graduates do. The numbers simply don’t lie. 

Many boarding schools, like military schools for example, will have a 100% college acceptance rate for the graduating class. This is because the student lives on campus and has access to tutors throughout most of the waking day. Studying and playing sports are the two most common activities at these institutions. Not only that, but many of them go on to serve as officers in the military after college. 

Boarding schools are especially helpful for parents who believe their student has started down the wrong path. If they have started hanging out with the “wrong group of friends”, parents are all too aware of how that ends. 

Boarding schools are expensive but with the help of financial aid and student loans, they are accessible for most any student. Where there is a will there is a way. The best advice when it comes to finances is to just be honest with the school up front. Tell them exactly what your situation is financially and that you need all the help you can get. Most of these schools have money set aside given to them by alumni and other organizations to help with student tuition. 

Talk with you child early and often about the possibility of boarding school. Watch upbeat videos together about the topic. Many are available on YouTube. Help them understand it is best for their future and the work that they put in now will pay off dividends in the not-too-distant future. Make sure they know you will be up to see them often. They will thank you later for this opportunity.