Boarding schools in India 101: Everything You Need to Know

Education is the guiding light for millions of students across the globe. Parents may find it challenging to choose the right school for their children from a list of reputable schools suggested by their peers, relatives and other parents. There is a choice to make between day school and boarding schools. While considering schools, it is important to take note of the facilities, opportunities, exposure, and quality of education the institution offers. Boarding schools have integrated to achieve all these parameters and foster modern education and traditional culture in students to build them into independent individuals. Let us look at what qualities top boarding schools in India showcase to fit into the academic requirements of parents and students.

What is boarding school?

A boarding school is a residential educational institution offering students a quality education and lodging and dining facilities on campus premises. Students admitted into boarding schools live and study on the school campus itself. They are provided dormitories and mess facilities for meals and snacks. Residential academic schools look into students’ educational, social and personal development throughout the academic year. Students can go home on weekends or vacations if they want to and spend the rest of their time studying and living with their peers, mentors and school staff. Boarding schools are a different experience for students who have lived in isolation. Like day schools, students can be enrolled in residential schools from primary stages or higher classes.

What is the difference between day school and boarding school?

Educational institutions impart knowledge, learning and wisdom and contribute to children’s holistic growth and development. It is crucial to look after the welfare of your child’s mental, emotional and spiritual growth along with their academic growth. Parents must consider their child’s educational needs and choose the right type of school accordingly.

• Day schools are traditional and regular schools that operate only on weekdays, where students have imparted education during the daytime. The children have to sit for scheduled periods with a recess in between and return to their homes by evenings mostly. In contrast, boarding or residential schools extend education with a living-in-school experience. Students stay on campus premises, are given food and lodging facilities, and go home on weekends or during vacations. Both types of schools can either be co-educational or single-sex schools.

• While day schools contribute significantly towards educational growth, boarding schools strive to establish a balance of the overall development of your child.

• Residential schools raise students inside the campus with an advanced administration, security system, supervision, guidance, superior curriculum, facilities and growth compared to day schools.

• Teachers are present on campus, so boarding schools offer mentoring beyond school hours. While day schools close at their scheduled time, students cannot contact their teachers beyond dictated hours.

• Due to limited studying hours at day school, students majorly engage in textbook-based learning. While boarding schools are dedicated more towards practical learning along with theoretical knowledge. It is possible by staying together and gaining knowledge and experiences from teachers, peers, and other staff members.

Characteristics of a good boarding school

1. Advanced learning facilities– Educational institutions are growing to integrate smart classes to offer a refined pool of study material and educational resources. Boarding schools must have cutting-edge resources and technologically equipped classrooms to provide quality education to students. Libraries and study rooms are a must.

2. Lodging facilities– Properly sanitised dormitories or hostels with power backup and fire hydrants must be on the school campus. Boarding schools must include washrooms, medical rooms, and mess facilities must be included during infrastructure planning.

3. Individualised learning– Skilled and professional mentors know how to offer personalised learning to children to encourage and help them through their learning process. Teachers must be unbiased and experienced to be versatile in changing their teaching methodologies according to the class requirement.

4. Safety assurance– Since parents are sending their students to stay on campus for the entire year, the safety of their wards is a priority. Boarding schools must ensure that surveillance cameras and security guards are active and present on campus in appropriate numbers. Anti-ragging and bullying cells help in assuring students and parents.

5. Career counsellors– Students during the academic year may encounter many challenges and queries regarding their career plans. An on-campus counsellor helps in guiding and encouraging students in the right direction.

6. Cultural exchange programmes– It is necessary to provide global exposure to students to help them adapt to new learning and environment. International boarding schools in India offering cultural exchange programmes help give students greater opportunities and prepare them for higher studies abroad.

7. Elective subjects– Academic boarding schools affiliated with any educational board must offer a range of streams, including maths, science, humanities and commerce. It allows students to be open to making their own career decisions.

8. Available for both genders– Generally girls boarding schools are different from boys. A very few private boarding schools in India offer co-ed education. Although there are co-educational boarding schools in India, both boys and girls residential schools are mandatory even if they are separate to offer equal educational rights.

How are the facilities and amenities in Indian boarding schools?

1. Lodging and hostel facilities– Indian boarding schools must have proper accommodation facilities where large batches of students can live and study comfortably. Large spacious rooms, bunk beds, study tables, almirah, cabinets, washrooms, laundry rooms and proper lighting are a requirement for students. Boarding schools must maintain the health conditions in the mess at all times and follow a proper nutritious schedule to maintain the health of all students.

2. Healthcare facilities– Emergency rooms, doctors, nurses, and medicines must be available 24*7, keeping in mind the students’ health. Young students are active and often get through minor accidents, so they always require an on-campus medical facility.

3. Surveillance facilities– Modern boarding schools in India are equipped with technology for the safety of students on campus. CCTV cameras, security guards, and wardens ensure that your child’s safety is catered to and does not feel uncomfortable. Many boarding schools have special complaint cells where students can report illegal or harassment cases.

4. Extracurricular activity facilities– Entertainment facilities in residential schools help students stay away from computers after school hours and indulge in recreational activities. Theatre, football courts, cricket grounds, gymnasiums, swimming pools, etc., are a few of the infrastructures that help students’ holistic growth.

What are the benefits of boarding schools in India?

1. Disciplined and structured way of living– Students admitted into any of the best boarding schools in India witness a disciplined environment and learn to adapt to the systematic way of living. Everything, including their learning time, playtime, meal time and sleep time, is well-scheduled. Therefore, students get into the habit of following routine and keeping everything well-organised and clean.

2. Extracurricular exposure– Students are never left to get bored when living in residential schools. They spend their spare time playing or polishing their talents such as theatre, arts, music, dance or sports. This keeps boredom away and helps engage students in physical and career-driven activities.

3. Health benefits– Indian boarding schools pay special attention to the nutrition and diet of their students. Wholesome meals are provided at regular intervals, and the menu is rotated to fulfil every dietary need of students. Snacks are also offered to break from the regular meals. Schools also include physical activities and yoga sessions for the well-being of their students.

4. Academic boost– Boarding education in India is enriched with various educational boards for students to choose from. These boards play a vital role in offering advanced curricula to suit the academic needs of students. The experienced teachers at boarding schools make learning easier and more fun for students.

5. Cultural diversification– Students from all cultures and financial backgrounds are admitted to boarding schools. Therefore there is an immense scope for cultural exposure. Students learn about different cultures and imbibe the best of every culture to form their own beliefs. It instils a feeling of cooperation and solidarity among students.

Is boarding school good for your child?

Parents find it challenging to send their children away from home to live in a residential school. But they do that for the future of their child. Indian residential schools offer an optimistic learning environment and are essential for the holistic development of children.

1. Exercise discipline– India’s top residential schools offer a systematic and disciplined environment where everything works according to schedules. Students learn to manage their daily lives and grow serious towards things in a mentally stimulated environment. They are better able to avoid laziness and procrastination.

2. Learning with peers– Staying with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures helps learn about different experiences, perspectives and ideas. Students learn to socialise, respect and accept each other and create a healthy and positive environment for each other. They know to motivate and encourage each other through multiple challenges and situations in life.

3. Personal growth– Students learn to develop essential life skills such as time management, self-reliance, adaptability, independence, and resilience. Residential schools help the sound development of students along with higher education.

4. Minimise distractions– Staying at home exposes students to distractions such as televisions, phones, video games, etc. At boarding schools, such distractions are significantly reduced as students are not given access to any smart devices at all times. It helps in making students more productive and efficient throughout the day.

How does boarding school promote personality development?

The best boarding schools in India mould the personality of students to transform them into independent and modest individuals.

1. Work ethic– Students live in a disciplined and professional environment and work on set schedules. It helps instil virtues, morals, and principles in students from a young age. Residential schools help students to prepare for their future careers.

2. Social maturity– Students at boarding schools are always surrounded by peers, teachers, and working staff throughout the day. Living in such an environment reduces social anxiety, stage fear, and shyness in students. Students develop a social understanding and learn to respect others.

3. Communication skills– Boarding schools offer an open and social environment where every child is encouraged to voice their opinion and communicate. Students participate in various debates, group discussions, and other activities to improve their speaking skills. They also learn to become avid listeners at the same time.

4. Adaptability– It is a challenge for students to leave their homes and shift to residential schools to live with unknown people. It prepares students to adapt to any environment and situation and develop a more positive outlook towards things.

5. Cooperation– Living away from home, students tend to develop their own group and cooperate and collaborate with others for studies or entertainment activities. It plays a dynamic role in building teamwork qualities that helps in preparing students for their future.

How to choose the top boarding school in India?

Parents often choose boarding schools to give their students maximum exposure and a sound environment to grow in. Parents may encounter many challenges while trying to filter out the best from India’s top 10 residential schools.

1. Academic track record– The primary consideration when looking for residential schools must be its academic excellence. Top residential schools have significantly improved their academic excellence over the years. Researching teaching methods, educational opportunities, faculty qualifications, and the number of staff are essential when assessing the list of boarding schools. Getting a hold of the school prospectus can make it easier to avail of all relevant insights.

2. Infrastructure and facilities– Boarding schools accommodate lodging, studying, and playing as a part of their daily activities. Looking for schools with adequate classrooms, libraries, sports facilities, laboratories, washrooms, mess, spacious rooms, and playgrounds is essential. The boarding school must have an on-campus infirmary, well-skilled medical staff, and doctors to provide the best healthcare in medical emergencies. The impact of technology on children’s education is immense, and parents must consider the technological integrations made by schools in classrooms.

3. Co-curricular and extracurricular exposure– Academics is not the only measure of your child’s holistic development. Mental, psychological, spiritual, moral, and emotional growth is equally necessary. Extracurricular and co-curricular activities help stimulate the human brain. It helps boost students’ critical thinking and offers a wholesome and enriching environment for the child to bloom. Therefore, parents must look for boarding schools that offer a wide range of activities, including dance, music, theatre, sports, debate and social service, as these build leadership and teamwork qualities in students. Schools that provide global exposure to students help cultivate and improve children’s talents.

4. Alumni achievement– Schools must have an alumni network to help track the accomplishments of passed-out batches. It is beneficial for parents to know about the scope of further studies and careers after studying in that particular boarding school. It reflects the school’s capability of nurturing and growing students into well-learned and talented individuals.

5. Mentors and Staff– A well-experienced, trained and skilled set of teachers will always play a crucial role in moulding your child’s personality, academics and talents. Effective lesson planning allows teachers to utilise the student’s primary learning style and provide better learning. Schools must retain efficient, competent, and passionate educators that provide a better environment. The hospitable staff helps in providing a comforting and family-like atmosphere to students.

6. The legality of school– Parents must check the accreditations and affiliations of the school from recognised educational boards and relevant institutions. It helps to know that the boarding school matches quality standards and offers the prescribed curriculum from any recognised boards. It also helps in providing greater opportunities through means of cultural exchange programmes.

7. Culture and geography– The boarding school must be accessible to the child’s home. Climatic conditions must also be suitable and comfortable for your child. The culture and values followed by the school must align with the child’s family values and beliefs to give an easier lifestyle to the child. All these factors are essential while looking for a change of schools for your child or admitting your child to a school for the first time.

8. Online reviews and feedback– These help in providing insight into the top facilities offered, strengths, weaknesses, and experiences of parents and children. Feedbacks offer credibility and establish reliability in the minds of the audience. Parents must scroll through the feedback section to know about the prior experiences of others before admitting their child.

What is the most important thing you can learn in boarding schools?

Boarding schools are hailed as significantly better than regular day schools for many reasons. Students spend a fair amount of time living in residential schools; therefore, most of their growth and development is left up to the responsibility of boarding schools. Students can become better individuals with an open mindset, attitude and learning habits by getting an education in the top boarding schools in India.

1. Embracing cultural diversity– Students from all across the country come to stay and learn together in a boarding school. They may come across many peers that do not share a similar background or culture. This exposure helps them to learn more about cultural diversity and respect each other’s faith and culture. Boarding schools foster cross-cultural learning and prepare students to become global citizens with a heightened tolerance and understanding of different cultures, values and perspectives.

2. Building resilience– At boarding schools, students are pushed out of their comfort zones, where they adapt to a new environment. They encounter many experiences and hurdles, including homesickness, interpersonal crisis, peer fights, and academic pressure. This help exposes them to such situations, learn to handle failure and become resilient and perseverant. It prepares students to face the outside world with complete confidence and strength.

3. Becoming independent and self-reliant– A key aspect of living in residential schools is to learn to live by yourself. Students are challenged and must learn to manage their schedules, complete everyday tasks, be responsible, and own up to their mistakes. Boarding school fosters a sense of accountability, adaptability and responsibility.

4. Nurturing interpersonal skills– Boarding school teachers, staff or peers always surround students. This helps nurture their social skills, including effective communication, leadership, teamwork, and conflict resolution. Students also imbibe and showcase empathy, understanding, and active listening qualities.

How to apply to boarding schools?

1. Find the right boarding school– Parents must filter through a list of schools to find the right boarding school that fits the educational needs of their child and their financial budget.

2. Visiting the campus premises– It is crucial to see if the campus has all facilities and check if the school is all that it states in its brochure. The classrooms must be well equipped with technology and have proper surveillance.

3. Interacting with teachers and staff– It helps your child ease up and know more and feel comfortable with the faculty and staff. If you feel that your child can settle in and will get an encouraging and motivating environment at the boarding school, prepare for admissions.

4. Submitting application form– After going through the campus and feeling satisfied with the facilities and amenities of the boarding school, fill out and submit the application form to initiate the admission process.

5. Entrance test– Many residential schools demand students appear for entrance exams before giving them admission. Based on the class, students have to go through logical reasoning, general aptitude, and other questions that the school finds relevant.

6. Interview round– After clearing the entrance tests, students are called for the final round to assess their interaction skills and to see if the child is fit to live a social life at the boarding school.

7. Submitting fees and documents– After passing the interview round, parents proceed towards the final step of admissions and make payments and submit the necessary documents to seal the admission seat.

How is SKV the best boarding school in India?

SKV ranks among India’s top 3 boarding schools to offer high-class modern and progressive learning to students from class VI onwards. We are a CBSE-affiliated school that practises standardised curriculum in technologically advanced classrooms mentored by experienced and skilled teachers. Our vision is to offer maximum opportunities and exposure in co-curricular and extracurricular fields and academics. Being an international boarding school, we welcome students from abroad and send our students overseas on cultural exchange programmes to experience global interaction and broaden their outlook and knowledge. We are one of the best private girls’ schools equipped to offer a safe and secure learning environment and greater opportunities to transform girls into leaders of a better tomorrow.

FAQs

What are the factors to consider when choosing a top boarding school in India?

Parents can look into the academic growth, facilities offered, co-curricular and extracurricular exposure and opportunities, teachers and staff, and academic curriculum to identify the best residential school for their child.

What kind of extracurricular activities are offered by top boarding schools in India?

Extracurricular exposure helps in nurturing creative and critical thinking in students. The best residential schools provide group discussions, debates, music, dance, sports, theatre, social work, gymnastics, and swimming opportunities.

What makes Scindia Kanya Vidyalaya (SKV) one of the top boarding schools in India?

We aim to provide the best learning experience to our students in technologically upgraded classrooms with experienced and professional teachers. Our curriculum integrates holistic academic learning to offer our students high-quality education and extracurricular exposure. We create a safe and sound learning environment where girls can freely grow into independent individuals.