Response to online article: "Effect Of Boarding School On Children"

I recently read and article entitled: "Effect Of Boarding School On Children"

In the article there is a list of "potential positives and negatives."  I wanted to take the opportunity to address how the negatives may actually be less problematic in a military boarding school.

Negative Effects of Boarding School On children 

• Children get detached from their family with time, once they are sent to a boarding school. As a result, they might not want to part with their friends in the school and go back to home, if given a chance. They may find themselves drifted away from their family, even after graduating and coming back home.

I have found that in general, family relationships tend to remain strong as the young men are moved toward adult decisions in a military school environment.  The old adage "absence makes the heart grow fonder" comes in to play.  Also, I would point out that many teenagers, given the option between family time and "hanging out with friends" may go for the latter option, regardless of whether or not he is enrolled in a boarding school.  The main goal of boarding school is to prepare for college, which usually means leaving home.

• Parents often fail to impart family values to the children, when the little ones are nurtured away from the secure environment of home.
  

Choosing a military school that echos your values will not only impart said values, I believe it will resonate and plant those values deeper, as they see other individuals outside the home with a similar mindset.

• Since they are not monitored by their parents, children may easily get indulged in harmful addictions, like smoking and drinking, when they are in a boarding school.
  

Many school, like my own, have "zero tolerance" policies where behaviors such as drinking and drug use result in expulsion.  In addition, random drug screening can be used to deter this type of risky behavior.

• The kids in the boarding school tend to misuse the freedom, which they do not acquire much while living with parents.
  

Teaching the appropriate and constructive use of "free time" is something military schools excel at.  In reality, there is not much free time in a military boarding school.  There are also usually restrictions on what students have access to.  For instance, at Fork Union Military Academy things like video/computer games, cell phones, iPods and other "distractions" are simply not permitted on campus.  Instead, students are forced to find other distractions, such as organized activities, reading, lifting weights, swimming...and the list goes on.

• Unpleasant experiences of ragging and bullying are often reported in boarding schools. The acts may shatter the self-confidence of a child and may have adverse effects on his/her overall development. 
  

Bullying can be a problem in any school environment.  In a military school there is a hierarchy in place that is intended to teach students how to follow and lead appropriately.  In addition, military boarding schools tend to have very definitive consequence systems in place to handle a variety of inappropriate behavior, including bullying and hazing (which at Fork Union Military Academy may result in dismissal depending on the seriousness of the situation).  

Here is a direct link to the original article:

http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com/lounge/effect-of-boarding-school-on-children-4760.html

I'm not quite sure military school is right for my child.

Sending their child to a new school is not something any parent takes lightly.  In admissions, I am often asked if there is a way to "just try" the program to see if it will work.

My answer is: "Have you though abut summer school?"  Most boarding schools offer a summer session in which students can come in and either repeat classes they have already taken or new, and sometimes unique offerings.  Our school offers a leadership class, ESL and a variety of standard coursework.

Why summer school?  Well, the initial investment is relatively minimal when compared with a full year's tuition, and the the time commitment is much shorter.  Be sure to get good details on the structure of the program you are looking into.  For instance, at Fork Union Military Academy, structure and discipline are key components, but we do not utilize a military uniform like we do in the school year.  However, the classes are offered by our own experienced teaching staff and the sports camps are coached by our coaches.  

Sending your son to a summer program offers them a chance to get a feel for the campus, the teaching styles implemented, and start to develop some friendships with other students he may be enrolled with in the fall.  

I must add a word of caution:  changing habits takes time.  One month of summer school cannot be expected to have a "miracle" effect on a child.  While he is enrolled, he will be held to a specific standard, and that accountability will have an impact on his level of success.  If you think it is working well, I would say you have a good indication that the school is a good fit, and it might be time to consider that school as a solution for the next school year. 

Cost.

Private Military School is expensive, but can prove to be a real investment.  What you put into it now can have a large impact in terms of college acceptances and scholarship offers upon graduation.  Many factors will play into which school you choose, but knowing what it will cost up front is imperative.

When you being to speak with any school, military school or other, make sure to uncover any hidden fees. There is no standard way to break down tuition, and what appears on the surface may be very different than reality.  

The bottom line you need to know to compare the cost-base for school is what I call "comprehensive tuition and fees." Ask the school what their comprehensive costs are.

For example, is the school separating tuition and fees? Many will, as they have both a boarding and a day component.

In the case of military schools, what is included in the initial cost? Are uniforms included in the fee shown?

What about medical care (do they charge for a visit tot the infirmary/health center)? What about books and school supplies. Is there a fee to participate in athletics, band, choir, or any other club?

If you are able to ask specific questions up front, you may avoid an unpleasant surprise down the road.

The next step is to determine if you can bring the cost down through tuition assistance.  Need based financial aid, merit scholarships, loans and grants are some options that may be available.  If you are torn between a few schools, Find out which school can offer the most reasonable long-term cost.  

About my School

Fork Union Military Academy is an all male, college preparatory, military boarding school.  Our missions statement is as follows:

"...to provide young men a college preparatory education in a residential, Christian environment. Using the best aspects of the military system, the Academy teaches its cadets responsibility, leadership, discipline, and pride by providing an atmosphere in which spiritual, mental, and physical growth can flourish."

One of the most unique aspects of our program is the fact that our students take classes one subject at a tile.  Literally.  For more information on this unique method of presenting the curriculum, please click here.

We also have an excellent reputation for college placement.  Lat year, 25% of our graduating seniors received full academic scholarships to college.  We also have exceptional athletic programs.

I am extremely proud of the work we do at Fork Union, and hope that the experience I have can assist you in determining if a military school like FUMA might be a good option for your son.

Welcome

My name is Steve Macek and I have worked in a military boarding school setting since 1994.  In that time I have served as a middle school science teacher, middle school commandant (vice principal), chemistry teacher and science department chair and, most recently as Director of Admissions.

Choosing a boarding school can be a daunting task, and I hope to provide information regarding military school enrollment.

Please feel free to email me any questions and comment on my posts.

For more information on my school, Fork Union Military Academy, please visit our school's website at http://www.forkunion.com