Boarding school life
Daily schedule
After breakfast, classes begin at 8 am. Lessons last 50 minutes and are also held in the afternoon – after lunch – until about 3.30 pm. Leisure activities start from 4 pm. Every student is expected to become actively involved in extracurricular programs – as a balance to academic demands. After the evening meal, students go to their rooms and prepare for the next school day. Lights go out at around 10.30 pm. Sports/leisure activities
The range of leisure programs offered by boarding schools is superb. Students find virtually unlimited options and fantastic facilities – from dance studios to art galleries and ice hockey rinks. In the US and Canada sport is outstanding important and sporting activities are run every day from around 4 pm. Depending on the season, various sports are offered such as hockey, soccer, American football, lacrosse, tennis, squash and baseball. Accommodation
At boarding schools in the US and Canada, student accommodation is referred to as dormitories or dorms. Generally speaking, students are accommodated in double or even single rooms. Some schools are fitted with wireless LAN. This enables students to be provided with controlled e-mail and internet access in their rooms.
back to topHomework
Homework is done in the evening. Here the principle of the so-called “study hall” applies. Students prepare for the next day of teaching with the door of their room open, creating a distinctive, open learning atmosphere.
back to topWeekends
At many schools there are classes on Saturday morning. Saturday afternoon is then entirely devoted to sports. Students involved in competitive team sports take part in exciting matches against the teams of other schools. Schools also offer excursions to shopping malls, to the cinema or to nearby cities. Many students are invited by their friends who live locally to visit them at home. However, students are also welcome to stay at the boarding school over the weekend to relax and have some time to themselves.
back to topHolidays
During the holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, spring break) the campus is closed. It often happens that international students are invited home by their new-found American friends during these periods. Schools can sometimes even help organise a guest family. Many students fly home during the holidays or meet their parents for a holiday trip in the US. Some schools also offer very interesting excursions during the holidays (subject to an additional charge).
back to top