Should Your Child Go to a BOARDING SCHOOL

IMAGINE that you live in a small town in a developing country.  You have several children in primary school, but at the age of 12, they will progress to secondary school.  In your area, secondary  schools are overcrowded, ill-equipped, and poorly staffed.  Strikes sometimes close the schools for weeks and months at a time.

Someone hands you  a glossy brochure that describes a boarding school in the city.  You see pictures of happy, smartly dressed students, studying in well-equipped classrooms, laboratories and libraries.  The students peer  into computers and relax in clean, attractive dormitory rooms.  You read that one of the aims of the school is to help pupils "achieve the highest academic standard of which they are capable."  You further read:  "All pupils are required to abide by a code of behavior similar to that normally expected  within a family where emphasis is given to courtesy, politeness, respect for parents and elders, co-operation, tolerance, kindness, honesty and integrity."

A smiling young man is quoted as saying:  "My parents gave me the privilege of a lifetime to attend the best school."  A girl says:  "School is challenging and exciting.  Here learning comes naturally."  Would you send your son or daughter to such a boarding school?

Next time: Should Your Child Go to a BOARDING SCHOOL? - Education and  Spirituality

The Watchtower, 1997