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Choosing a boarding school is a big step for any family. It’s important to find a school that matches your child’s academic, social, and extracurricular needs to help them grow.

One key factor to think about is the size of the school and how it fits your family’s needs.

Small boarding schools typically have 100 to 400 students, which helps everyone feel part of a close community. Classes are often just ten or twelve students, so each child gets the attention and support they need.

We spoke with top boarding school experts to learn more about the benefits of small boarding schools. Their insights below can help you decide if this is the right choice for your family.

Academic success

Research indicates that reducing class sizes leads to measurable improvements in student performance. The Tennessee STAR experiment randomly assigned students to small classes (13-15 students) versus larger ones (22-25 students, etc.). Students in smaller classes achieved higher scores, particularly for disadvantaged students.

When students have close friendships, strong mentors, and get involved in school life, they often do better both in and out of the classroom. Many graduates say these experiences helped them become more confident, culturally aware, and successful in their careers.

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Shaping Future Global Citizens

Larry, an alumnus from the United States, shared how his Brillantmont experience went far beyond academics. He developed a deeper appreciation for different cultures and people from around the world—skills that now help him in business, diplomacy, and building lasting bonds across diverse backgrounds.

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Shaping Future Global Citizens

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Individualized instruction

With smaller classes, teachers can get to know each student, spot when someone needs extra help, and give more personalized feedback. In small boarding schools, students build strong relationships with teachers, which supports learning and personal growth. Students also benefit from having role models who understand their strengths and challenges, offering helpful advice and support.

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Personalized Guidance and Support

At BM, manageable class sizes ensure that every student receives personalized attention. Teachers not only support those who need extra help but also challenge those who excel. Alumni consistently highlight how these strong mentoring relationships shaped both their learning and their confidence beyond the classroom.

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Personalized Guidance and Support

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Stronger community

In smaller boarding schools, students often form lasting friendships with classmates from different grades and backgrounds. The close-knit setting helps everyone feel included and reduces the chances of feeling left out. Many students say they feel a stronger sense of belonging, better mental health, and are less likely to drop out or lose interest.

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Friendships Beyond Borders

Julien, an alumnus of Brillantmont International School, recalled how the school’s small size made it easy for everyone to get to know each other. Friendships often extended beyond class levels and nationalities, with roommates from around the world becoming like family. The close-knit boarding houses at BM helped foster a strong sense of community where every student felt at home.

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Friendships Beyond Borders

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より多くの参加機会

Students at small boarding schools encounter increased opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities, clubs, and educational trips. With fewer students competing for involvement, individuals can more readily pursue interests in athletics, the arts, or leadership programs. With fewer students per class, there’s a greater chance for student voice: asking questions, participating in discussions, and being noticed.

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Accessible Opportunities for All

At Brillantmont, nearly every student who wishes to participate in the Model United Nations (MUN) program can attend conferences. Unlike larger schools, where competition for places can be intense, BM ensures that students who are motivated can engage in extracurricular activities and gain real-world experiences.

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Accessible Opportunities for All

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Pastoral care

A recent 2024 study of boarding schools in primary and middle levels found that boarding school attendance had a positive effect on cognitive development, but it also highlighted the importance of pastoral care to avoid some negative effects in affective domains. In smaller boarding schools, teachers have more opportunities to interact in multiple roles, such as dorm staff and homework supervision. If done well, this level of connection created with the students will be a factor of general happiness and cognitive development.

Unique Locations and Activities

Small boarding schools often offer special opportunities because of their locations, which are usually more connected to nature than larger schools. Many are in small towns, mountain villages, or near lakes and forests, giving students experiences beyond the classroom. Being close to ski resorts, hiking trails, and other outdoor spots means students can try activities like skiing, sailing, mountain biking, or just exploring the outdoors. This access to nature makes recreation more fun and helps students learn by doing, whether they are studying ecosystems or joining outdoor team-building activities.

Boarding schools in quieter, safer places give students fresh air, open spaces, and a good balance for learning and personal growth. Smaller schools also make it easier to organize trips and outings. Students often have the opportunity to go skiing on weekends, visit historic towns, or participate in language immersion programs. With fewer students per staff member on these trips, the guidance is more personal and the experiences are richer.

まとめ

Small boarding schools provide a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters academic, social, and personal growth. While each institution maintains its own distinctive characteristics, the shared benefits of close community, individualized attention, and broad opportunity are consistently evident.