Applying to Schools: School Types

Making Basic Distinctions: Types of Independent Schools

There are many ways to distinguish among both individual and types of independent schools. The more you know about and specify what is important to your family, the easier it will be to identify schools you wish to contact, and the less time you will spend contacting schools that don’t meet your criteria. Following are brief descriptions of some distinct types of schools and their typical attributes.

Boys' Schools
With a focus on academic, social and physical development, boys’ schools offer opportunities for young men to learn styles and methods necessary for success throughout and beyond their academic careers.

Girls' Schools
In an effort to develop equal opportunities for young women to explore their own capabilities, girls’ schools provide educational programs designed to promote confidence and leadership as they prepare girls for academic success.

Military Schools
The focus of military schools is primarily preparation for further education or service in the nation’s military through an emphasis on competition, academic excellence, self-discipline, structured living and leadership. Many military schools are available to both boys and girls.

Day Schools
Students live at home and attend a weekday program with some weekend activities. Day schools are both coed and single-sex.

Seven Day Boarding Schools
Students attending a seven day boarding program stay on campus during each semester except for holiday and vacation periods.

Five Day Boarding Schools
Students attending a five day boarding school program stay on campus during the five-day week and return home for weekends.

Junior Boarding Programs
Junior Boarding Programs typically serve students in the 5th through 8th grades. A few schools offer programs for younger children.

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