Quick Guide to Specialty Boarding Schools

There used to be a time when only the wealthiest families from the most elite neighborhoods could send their kids to boarding schools, but that's not the case anymore. In fact, because of the well-documented decline in quality of the American public school system, more and more parents are opting for alternatives, and are finding answers in institutions that specialize in a particular type of education. Here's a quick look at just a few of the specialty boarding schools that are available to students these days.

College preparatory boarding schools are a very popular choice for students from all walks of life for a couple of reasons. First, the rigorous curriculum and academic reputation of the institution can give your child a leg up on the competition when it comes to university admissions. A student's application immediately stands out when he or she is a graduate of a top college prep academy, and many parents feel that this extra consideration alone is worth the price of tuition. Second, the teachers at these campuses are some of the best and brightest around, with many faculty members holding advanced degrees in their field -- which is something that simply can't be found in the public system.

Single-sex boarding schools are another choice for parents and students looking to make a change. Several studies have shown that certain types of students can flourish in same-sex educational settings, even if they have problems in a coed environment. If your child is easily intimidated or embarrassed by members of the opposite sex, then going to an all-girls or all-boys school might be the right answer.

Many families seek out Catholic boarding schools as well. These institutions are attractive options to those who want a religious education for their children, completely free from the constraints that come with government funding. If you're Catholic and want your child to have Bible study, be taught Creationism, and have daily prayer time, then these boarding schools are for you.

And finally, there are many boarding schools for troubled teens. If your child has substance or alcohol abuse problems, anger issues, or other similar problems, you might want to consider enrollment in this type of school. Along with regular coursework, students at these places also have individual and group therapy sessions, trust-building exercises, basic chores, and anger management classes to help your child with any underlying problems that are interfering with academic progress.

As you can see, there are a wide variety of specialty boarding schools to meet your child's needs. Whether you're looking for a top-notch academic program, a single-sex learning environment, a religious-based education, or extra help for troubled teens, you can find a school that perfectly fits the bill!