SLS Blog

There is a lot of misinformation floating around about boarding schools. Many parents aren’t sure what to make of boarding schools, or believe outdated stereotypes. We want to help you separate fact from fiction by shedding light on some of the common myths surrounding what a boarding school experience can offer a high school student.

MYTH: Boarding schools are too expensive for my family.

REALITY: Boarding schools, just like most academic institutions, often offer financial aid or scholarships of some sort for those who qualify.

Many boarding schools offer multiple ways for families to finance such an exceptional education: Need-based Financial Aid, Merit Scholarships, Tuition Loan and Financing Programs, and Tuition Payment Programs.

Contact our Financial Aid Office to learn more information about what programs we offer.

MYTH: Boarding schools are very exclusive and lack diversity.

REALITY: Most boarding schools pride themselves on providing a well-rounded and multi-dimensional experience for students, and one way that they achieve this is by including individuals of all backgrounds, gender, race, and ethnicity. At St. Lawrence Seminary, we welcome students from all walks of life.

MYTH: Students at boarding schools don’t have any fun.

REALITY: Boarding high schools make sure to provide a number of opportunities for students to express themselves with clubs and extracurriculars. Boarding schools also offer various extracurricular activities, clubs, and sports — designed to provide students with a positive and fun outlet. With schoolwork, extracurriculars, school sponsored events, and normal social-life activities, students at boarding schools rarely have a dull moment.

MYTH: Boarding schools are for troubled kids or students who struggle in school.

REALITY: There are boarding schools for many types of students, including students who excel academically, students who need extra help with their studies, and all the students in between. There is a boarding school for practically every need, while SLS is an all-boys Catholic boarding school, there are other schools that cater to the sciences, the arts and to athletics.

According to The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS), 95% of boarding school students are satisfied or very satisfied with their academic experience, compared to 86% of private day or public school students.

Those are some common myths about boarding schools, answered. The best way to understand what St. Lawrence Seminary can offer your son is by paying us a visit.

Join us on October 28 for our annual Day of Discovery or sign up for a weekend visit to experience St. Lawrence seminary firsthand.