Many parents today are searching for alternatives to traditional public schools. There are numerous opportunities to pursue when seeking an alternative, including home schooling, charter schools, private schools, and boarding schools. Of course, there are advantages to all these options, and the decision to choose one of these alternative educational routes should not be made without considering the key differences and performing due diligence. This article may be beneficial for parents weighing the option of enrolling in a boarding school or a charter school.
Boarding schools offer several advantages over public charter schools, particularly in terms of academic rigor, student development, and overall learning environment. One of the most significant benefits of boarding schools is the immersive learning experience. Since students live on campus, they are fully engaged in a structured environment that fosters discipline, independence, and responsibility. This contrasts with public charter schools, where students return home daily and may face distractions that impact their focus on academics.
Another key advantage is the smaller class sizes and personalized attention that boarding schools provide. With lower student-to-teacher ratios, students receive individualized instruction and mentorship, which enhances their learning experience. While some public charter schools also strive for small class sizes, their resources and demand can lead to larger classes, limiting one-on-one interactions with teachers. Additionally, boarding schools often follow rigorous curricula, including Advanced Placement (AP) and dual enrollment programs, ensuring strong college preparation. While some charter schools emphasize academics, their quality and offerings can vary widely.
Extracurricular activities at boarding schools are also more extensive due to the residential setting. Students have access to a wide range of sports, arts, leadership programs, and clubs that contribute to a well-rounded education. Public charter schools may offer extracurriculars, but they are often constrained by budgets and school hours. Furthermore, boarding schools encourage independence and life skills by requiring students to manage their time, balance responsibilities, and adapt to a structured lifestyle, whereas charter school students may rely more on parental guidance.
Global exposure is another benefit, as boarding schools attract students from diverse backgrounds, creating a multicultural environment that enhances social and professional networking. Public charter schools, on the other hand, generally cater to local populations, limiting students’ exposure to international perspectives. This also extends to alumni networks, where boarding schools often have long-established connections that help students with college admissions and career opportunities. Many charter schools, being relatively newer institutions, may not have such extensive networks.
Additionally, boarding schools excel in college preparation, boasting higher acceptance rates into top universities due to dedicated college counseling programs. The structured schedule in boarding schools also minimizes external distractions, allowing students to focus on their studies and personal development. While charter schools aim to provide quality education, students may still be affected by outside influences when they return home each day. Boarding schools also emphasize leadership training, communication skills, and character development through residential programs that foster holistic growth.
Camden Military Academy stands out as an exceptional choice for students seeking the advantages of a boarding school over a public charter school. As a structured, military-style academy, Camden provides a disciplined environment that fosters leadership, responsibility, and strong character development—qualities that many charter schools struggle to instill due to their more flexible structures. The academy’s emphasis on academic excellence, coupled with small class sizes, ensures that students receive personalized attention and tailored instruction to help them succeed. Unlike many charter schools, which may have limited extracurricular options, Camden Military Academy offers a large selection of leadership programs, athletics, and character-building activities designed to prepare students for both college and life beyond school. Additionally, the academy’s structured daily routine minimizes distractions, allowing students to focus on self-improvement, time management, and goal-setting—skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. With a strong tradition of discipline, academic achievement, and leadership training, Camden Military Academy provides a unique and well-rounded experience that surpasses what most public charter schools can offer.
Boarding school may not be for everyone, and there is much to consider before deciding on a child’s educational placement. However, the advantages of attending a boarding school far outweigh the disadvantages. In closing, a piece of advice that I received early on in my career that still rings true today is “always remember bricks and mortar nor trendy theories educate your child; people do.” Choose a school for the people and culture, and it is hard to go wrong!
– Casey Robinson (Dean of Enrollment & Administration)