Why Boarding School?

In conversation with families, we are frequently surprised that more students don’t have boarding schools on their radar screen. Why is that? Could it be that the perception of this type of educational experience is stuck in the past? Or, is it that families simply don’t understand what they have to offer?

To answer these questions, we invited our colleagues at Great Boarding Schools (GBS) to share their perspectives on the benefits of a boarding school education.

The Benefits of Boarding School…

Who we are…

The Great Boarding School group consists of fifteen top boarding schools from the Northeast. We come together as a consortium to offer interested families a look at a wide spectrum of benefits and options of the various signature programs and 21st-century teaching and learning models embodied by the individual member schools.

Our goal is to help enlighten families regarding boarding school options including; educational philosophies, academic curriculum, extracurricular offerings, single-gender education, and residential life curriculum. We share a unified belief in the positive outcomes a boarding school experience can have on your child.

So, as you embark on the admissions process, let’s answer that refrain ‘why boarding school?’ To do this, we narrow in on the four differentiating pillars of campus life that every parent and candidate should examine when contemplating a boarding school education.

#1 Community

Boarding schools are more than just schools — they are communities. Communities made up of talented and diverse students, accomplished and caring faculty and staff members, and loyal and dedicated alumni and families. They are communities designed to challenge and support, encourage and celebrate. Communities built on relationships that extend beyond the classroom and into dorms and dining halls, onto playing fields and stages, and far from campuses. They are communities that enhance all aspects of the educational experience, instilling in students the value of connection and collaboration, and preparing them to be leaders in the years to come.

#2 World-Class Academics

The Goal: To foster academic exploration, feed curiosity, and challenge students as independent learners and thinkers. 

Small class sizes help students learn to share ideas, ask questions, and work collaboratively as they build relationships with their peers and with faculty. Students are encouraged to self-advocate and their needs are seen and understood by teachers who are engaged, passionate, and dedicated to each student’s individual growth and development. Learning continues beyond the classroom at boarding school. Faculty live on campus and serve as coaches, club sponsors, and dorm parents. This affords the opportunity to create teachable moments beyond the classroom - further enriching the student academic experience.

#3 Athletics

Athletics at a boarding school is about more than wins and losses. No matter what your path in life, physical activity plays an important role in your health and well-being. 

Under the careful mentorship of our experienced and passionate coaches, you learn important life lessons that transcend sport. Our varsity squads routinely compete against the best competition, but also offer great sub-varsity options for developing talent. Whether you play for the love of the game or are bound for college glory, we have a team for you.

While many students choose to play team sports all three seasons, each school offers athletic alternatives and recreational sports.

#4 Arts

The opportunity to engage in creative endeavors like music, dance, theater, and visual arts is one of the hallmarks of a boarding school education.  Each boarding school has a unique arts curriculum complete with light-filled studios to provide the perfect setting for students to immerse themselves in the creative process.  Whether you want to explore the basics of many different art forms or immerse yourself in your particular passion project, there is something for every kind of artist at boarding school.

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Find out more at upcoming GBS Workshops

One last thing…if boarding school is on your child’s horizon, it’s never too early to start the search process. To help you on your way, GBS is hosting a series of virtual workshops on May 4, 6, and 11. These interactive discussions will provide an excellent opportunity for parents and prospective candidates to meet students, who will talk about their personal experience with dorm life and co-curricular programming. Admissions officers will also be available to address topics such as:

• How COVID-19 has changed the way that students and their families research, identify, and select boarding schools

• Tips on how and when to visit a campus

• Applying and interviewing

• Financial Aid

Click here to register for any or all of these events. And if you’d like to dig in deeper, email us at KQ any time!

The GBS member Schools are:

• Bishop’s College School

• Cardigan Mountain School

• Emma Willard School

• Gould Academy

• Holderness School

• Kimball Union Academy

• Milton Academy

• Northfield Mount Hermon School

• Pomfret School

• Proctor Academy

• Salisbury School

• Tabor Academy

• The Governers Academy

• Westminster School

• Williston Northampton School

Reflections On The School Admissions Process

Independent school admissions decisions are out and deposits are in, and the verdict... accepted, waitlisted or denied. For some, the outcome was just what they wanted, a spot at the school of their dreams. For others the decision was disappointing because they are on  a waitlist , or worse yet, denied. So what does this all mean?

Before I go on, I should tell you that my approach to school admissions is centered on self reflection and acknowledgement. I challenge you as parents, to take a non-linear approach to the school search by not making the process about a means to an end. Instead, push yourselves outside the box and use this as an opportunity to help your child build life skills. Life skills? What do they have to do with applying to schools? First, let us think about a few: admissions interviews, applications, school research, writing a resume, and time management. These are skills that all of us have to develop and use throughout our lives. So, why not start early?

“Learning without reflection is a waste. Reflection without learning is dangerous.”

-Confucius

The first step in this exploration starts with your child and getting them to understand who they are as an academic, a person, and general member of society. At this point, you are probably wondering at what age children can start identifying these skills. A middle schooler, with coaching, can easily start pinpoint some of their characteristics and qualities. Do not underestimate your child’s ability to recognize their strengths and weaknesses! 

I would argue that regardless of the admission decision, it’s important to reflect on the school selection process. What did you learn about yourself as a parent? What did you learn about your child? And last but not least, what should you be doing as a family going forward? For parents of middle or high school students, this should be viewed as an opportunity for your child to reflect upon their profile. Okay, so this sounds interesting... but, where do I go from here?

Take a step back before you move forward and ask yourself or your child:

• What did I or my child learn about their character?

• Did I/they discover anything new about their academic profile?

• Are extracurricular activities a significant part of the child’s life?

• Should we consider academic support or enrichment?

• Have I/we adequately researched and addressed the school programs that are a “best fit” match?

• Did we put enough emphasis on the school community and environment?

• Was the application process an emotionally balanced experience?

• Did I empower my child in their school search?

Do not feel like you have to have one big conversation about this. Instead, use this as an opportunity to start a dialogue. You might want to consider putting pen to paper before engaging in conversation to show that you put time and thought into understanding their school search. We all know how hard it is to strike a conversation with our middle or high school students. Seize the moment!

While many of you might be thinking, “my child has a spot in their first choice school so what’s all of this reflection about?” These are questions every parent should be asking themselves periodically as their child navigates their educational journey. Take a pulse along the way, and make sure that your child’s school is still appropriate based on how they are developing not only as a student, but as a person.

For those of you who are still waiting for a spot or are planning on going through the school application process again next fall, turn a negative into a positive, and use this time to reassess your child, and their school list. You might find yourself wondering if you should have done things differently. Remember, it’s never too late to redirect your thought process, and change your plan.

Jacquie Quigley | Partner | Keating Quigley Educational Advisors

Ditch the flashcards: play these fun games instead!

There’s only one word to describe Alissa’s math workshop last week: ENLIGHTENING! It certainly provided us with a lens into today’s math teaching and methodology. The content was illuminating and the Q&A session covered thought-provoking topics. 

As promised, Alissa is sharing some of her top number fluency games to keep the math conversation going at home. Although it’s only April, we know that many of you are already thinking about the summer and how to keep your children engaged while they are out of the classroom. We all want to avoid the summer slide and even more so, the dreaded summer math packet! So grab a deck of cards, read her easy-to-follow instructions, and get ready for some fun quality time with the family! Remember, keeping your children engaged is half the battle when trying to instill a love of learning… 

One last thing: Alissa is available for group and one-on-one tutoring sessions, so email us any time to connect. And lastly…a HUGE thanks to Alissa’s kids for being such good sports and exemplary math game models!

how to Develop number fluency through fun exploration

Developing fluency with numbers starts with exploration. Leave the flashcards behind and give your children opportunities to play around with numbers in order to build confidence and strategy. Give them the option to use their fingers, number lines, hundreds charts, and tangible manipulatives. The more a child can visualize a number and its relation to other numbers, the more connections they can make. 

A deck of playing cards might be the best tool for practicing number fluency. Below are three games that can be used with children as an alternative to flashcards. Have fun!

Head to Head

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This game can be used to practice sums, differences, quotients, and products. It’s a game that not only encourages number fluency but allows students to practice communicating like mathematicians using the appropriate vocabulary. Additionally, students need to think flexibly about the operations in order to solve the mystery of the number on their heads.

Players : 3

Set up:

• Remove the face cards from the deck. You can add them back in when the children are ready. (J = 11, Q = 12, K = 13)

• Two players take a card from the deck and place it facing out on their forehead without looking at it. 

• The third player says the sum, product, difference, or quotient of the two cards. The first two players try to solve for the number value that is on their head. 

Example:

• Player A has a 3 card on their head. 

• Player B has a 6 card on their head.

• Player C might say, “The sum is equal to 9!” Player A would see the 6 on Player B’s head and deduce that they must have a 3 on their own head. 

War

This game is a fun way to practice all four operations.

Players: 2 or more

Set up: 

• Remove the face cards from the deck. You can add them back in when the children are ready. (J = 11, Q = 12, K = 13)

• Deal out all the cards equally to each player. All players turn over 2 of their cards and determine the sum. The person with the highest sum gets to keep all the cards. Play continues until one player has all the cards. 

Variation: This game can be played using sums, differences, and products. 

Target Number

I love this game because it can be played in pairs, small groups, or independently. It's a game that allows children to use any combination of all 4 operations if they are comfortable, or just addition and subtraction if they prefer. Later on, it can be played with older students using the order of operations and introducing parentheses. This is a game that can be adaptable as children’s skillsets grow. 

Players: 1 to 4

Set up:

• Remove the face cards from the deck. You can add them back in when children ready (J = 11, Q = 12, K = 13)

• Deal 5 cards to each player and leave them face up in front of the player. 

• Turn over one card and place it in the center. This is your Target Number. 

• Each player uses the 5 cards in front of them to create an equation that equals the target number. The goal is to use as many cards as possible. If playing against other people, the person who uses the most cards in their equation wins that round. If playing solo, the child should challenge themselves to use as many cards as possible. 

• For the next round, each player sets aside the cards they used and collects new cards from the center pile so that they again have 5 cards in front of them. Turn over a new Target Number. Play continues until all the cards are used up. 

Example:

• Target Number: 5

• Cards drawn: 7, 4, 2, 3, 1

• Child could play:  

  • 2 points:  4 + 1

  • 2 points:  7 – 2

  • 3 points:  (7 + 3) ÷ 2

  • 5 points:  [(7 + 3) × 2] ÷ (4 × 1)

Raising Fluent Mathematicians

In my last post, I introduced the notion of developing number fluency for our young mathematicians in order to help them be flexible, accurate, and efficient in their numerical problem solving. But what does it actually mean to be fluent in mathematics? And how do we support the growth of a fluent mathematician?

Let’s take a step back and first look at fluency in a more traditional context. A fluent reader is able to decode symbols on a page in a way that brings the meaning behind those words to life. They use appropriate phrasing and intonation to convey a character’s feelings, an intended message, or an author’s purpose.

A fluent language learner not only repeats the words they have learned, but understands the meaning behind the words in order to respond in a variety of ways to questions and comments given the overall situation.

It is widely accepted that we would not consider a reader fluent even if they could read 150 words per minute, but could not comprehend or explain what they read. Likewise, we would not consider a person fluent in a language if they rapidly repeated words and phrases, but did not use them appropriately in a given situation.

However, in mathematics we often equate speed with success rather than fluency. What is it about mathematics that drives us to be the fastest? We all grew up with the “mad minute” striving to answer 60 multiplication problems in less than a minute. We played games like “Around the World'' where the quickest student was deemed the winner, otherwise known as the smartest math student in the room. We spent hours each day with those relentless flashcards trying to beat our time and struggling to get through the deck. These days, not much has changed. Every iPad app that claims it will help your child master their math facts comes with a built-in timer, flashcards are still the go-to resource for many families, and those “mad minutes” are still causing anxiety for students.

When we speak about math fluency, our focus should be on the meaning behind the numbers and the connections they have to each other just like it is with language learning. However, with the emphasis placed on speed it really means we’re valuing memorization over understanding.

How often do you perform your job based solely on memorization? My guess would be not very often. As adults we rely on critical thinking skills, logical reasoning, analysis, and reflection to make the choices we do, both at home and at work. We should be focused on raising a generation of critical thinkers and problem solvers so that they can use these skills as adults in the workforce. Children who can reason abstractly and think logically are demonstrating that they truly understand numbers and do not just rely on memorization.

Memorization versus Understanding

The key difference between memorization and understanding is strategy. When a child memorizes something, it requires little to no strategy. Maybe they learn a cute rhyme (8 and 8 went through the door, 8 times 8 is 64!) or a mnemonic device (Who remembers SOHCAHTOA?) to boost their memory, but those aren’t connected to deep understanding. There’s nothing about 8 and 8 walking through a door that relates to that fact that 8 groups of 8 is a total of 64. This is not to say that memorization isn’t useful. It is good for things when the information doesn’t connect to something else - a street address, a phone number, a series of keystrokes on the Xbox controller, etc. When a student learns mathematics through memorization, that is the only thing they have to fall back on. If they can’t remember the answer, the rhyme, or the mnemonic, they get stuck.

However, when a student learns numerical operations through strategy, they can apply the strategy in a multitude of situations because strategies are flexible. Strategies connect concepts together. Strategies lead to numerical fluency.

The ultimate goal for students is to be flexible, accurate, and efficient in their numerical operations. And yes, at some point we do want them to be able to recall their facts in a relatively quick manner. At some point, students will need to begin using higher level thinking for things like factoring polynomials and graphing functions. If at that point they are still struggling with their basic math facts, this will just add to the complexity of the new concept and can cause frustration. But, for now, in elementary school, let’s give them the time to explore, to discover the relationships between numbers and operations, to test out different strategies, and to create a true understanding of number sense. Eventually, if students strategize enough they can get to the point where they use a strategy (or strategies) so often that it can become automatic and quick or efficient. By slowing down now and developing a true conceptual understanding, we have the option to speed up later because there will be fewer gaps to fill in.

So, if I’m saying throw away the flashcards, and get rid of the “mad minutes”, how then are you supposed to help your children develop numerical fluency? Join me on April 1, 2021 at 7:30 pm to discuss this and learn some practical strategies to help

Join us for a New KQ Workshop:

What is a Mathematician?
with Alissa Helgesen

Thursday, April 1
7:30 pm

Click here to register

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Written By Alissa Helgesen
Math & Workshop Specialist at Keating Quigley

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Offered by Keating Quigley Educational Advisors

Keating Quigley Educational Advisors is a Greenwich-based educational advising practice that partners with domestic and international families to provide highly personalized educational consulting services for Nursery through Grade 12 students. Services include school search support, essay guidance, social-emotional mentoring, relocation support, and enrichment workshops.

Spring Break Reads: A Little Something for Everyone!

We thought Anne ROCKED it at her recent Is All Reading Good Reading? workshop. There was so much insightful content, the advice came thick and fast, and the questions asked were thoughtful and thought-provoking. We just love digging in deep with our KQ community of parents!

With so many people heading off for some well-deserved relaxation on the beach, the slopes, or the sofa, Anne has shared her list of current fave reads from the early childhood years through high school. She also included a few of the ‘grown up’ titles she discussed during the workshop. Take a look and enjoy reading them with your kids wherever you are over spring break… and just remember: all reading really IS good reading!

One last thing…don’t forget that Anne is available for essay guidance and one-on-one mentoring sessions. Email us any time to connect with her. Happy spring break reading everyone!

Anne’s Spring Break Reads

Early Childhood 

• Good Night Gorilla (notice no text - illustrations are the text), Peggy Rathman

• The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Eric Carle 

• Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Bill Martin Jr., John Archambault

• The Snowy Day, Ezra Jack Keats 

• Island Born, Junot Diaz 

Elementary School

• Flora and Ulysses, Kate Di Camillo

• Wonder, R.J. Palacio

• Refugee, Alan Gratz 

• The One and Ivan, Katherine Applegate 

• New Kid, Jerry Craft (graphic novel)

Middle School 

• All American Boys (lots of profanity, but strong read!), Brendan Kiely, Jason Reynolds

•  Fault in our Stars, John Green 

• Simon vs. The Homosapiens Agenda, Becky Albertalli

• Booked, Kwame Alexander

• Out of My Mind, Sharon Draper

High School 

• Just Mercy, Bryan Stevenson 

• The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night, Mark Haddon

• The Things They Carried, Tim O’Brien

• Speak Laurie, Halse Anderson 

• Looking For Alaska, John Greene

Parents / Adults 

• Anxious People, Frederick Backman 

• Caste, Isabelle Wilkinson 

• Deacon King Kong, James McBride 

• The Hearts Invisible Furies, John Boyne

• Hidden Valley Road, Robert Kolker

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Is All Reading Good Reading?

My friend posted a piece online recently sharing that when quarantine started in March she bought a Kindle and has read 64 books since then. Yes, 64! I did the math and that is roughly an average of 6 books completed per month (to my 1 or 2 reads). Although I’m happy for her, I have to say that I found this a bit intimidating. Did she not sleep? Did she ignore her family? I know she has a big job, so it’s not that she has the luxury to read all day…

And then my curiosity led to the possibility of audiobooks - did she go that route as well? Having said all of this, it made me ask myself ‘what is reading anyway?’ Does reading have to include the physical act of turning pages filled with print? Do audiobooks count - or is this cheating? And what about graphic novels? Do they promote or derail reading? Purists may have some strong opinions on all of this.

So, let’s consider why we read…

…Or more specifically, why we want our children to lead literate lives. It’s a given that reading is a crucial part of human development and a necessity for intellectual development. While reading to young children is a right of passage, it’s also a developmental necessity. We want them raised on stories so we can share with them the gift of language.

Babies actually start language development by babbling in a rhythm and mutter in complete sentences. If you listen closely, you’ll notice inflection, pauses, natural periods, and commas. The stories we first share with children are often nursery rhymes and rhythmical verse with beautiful illustrations. This is how we invite our children into literature and language. But then, as they grow, we transition away from them once they graduate to chapter books and beyond.

The Middle School Slump

As an educator, I see the middle school years as the period when the most dramatic decline in reading occurs. I’ve concluded that the root cause is attributable to external influences such as:

• Middle schoolers are pressured to read the “right books” (aka the “literary canon”) versus being able to find an individualized reading “fit”.

• Reading takes a back seat to so many other activities competing for their time, such as technology, sports, clubs, etc.

• It can honestly feel weird to just sit and read sometimes, so creating the daily habit of sitting down and reading can be challenging in our culture.

Keeping the Flame Alive

So, if we are serious about fostering a love of reading in our kids, what can we do to nurture their curiosity and make it a part of their daily lives? Here are just a few suggestions:

• Endorse ALL literature as a means to finding the right reading level.

• Applaud graphic novels and how they invite visual learners in.

• Consider listening to audiobooks.

• Continue to read aloud to ALL age groups.

If we want to nurture a love of literature in our children - especially the most reluctant readers - let’s give them access to stories that will benefit their language development. For example, audiobooks allow them to hear a fluent reader and understand the story without the challenge of decoding. Similarly, why not let them enjoy the images in graphic novels? This will help them connect and comprehend the piece. And for those who love the printed word, let them cozy up and crack the binding of their current read.

Here’s How!

Here are my suggestions for inviting readers to the table and developing curiosity as part of their daily lives:

• Litter your house with ALL books (picture books, novels, graphic novels).

• Leave comics in the bathroom - for a quick and entertaining read.

• Turn on TV and movie subtitles.

• Listen to audiobooks in the car.

• Have candid, organic conversations about books, the same way you might discuss a recent movie you watched or the latest Tik Tok trend!

Otherwise said, we need to commit to looking at reading in many ways in order to spark the flame early in our childrens’ lives and sustain it as a lifelong source of growth and joy. At the end of the day, let’s send our kids a clear message that All Reading Is Good Reading!

Let’s Connect...

If you’re interested in continuing this conversation, asking questions, or sharing your own observations, please feel free to email me at anne@keatingquigley.com and join me for my free workshop, Is All Reading Good Reading?, on March 10 at 7:30 pm (register below).

Join us for:

Is All Reading Good Reading?
with Anne Connerty, Essay and Workshop Specialist

Wednesday, March 10
7:30 pm

Click here to register

Anne is also available for essay guidance and one-on-one mentoring sessions.

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Written By Anne Connerty
Essay and Workshop Specialist

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Offered by Keating Quigley Educational Advisors

Keating Quigley Educational Advisors is a Greenwich-based educational advising practice that partners with domestic and international families to provide highly personalized educational consulting services for Nursery through Grade 12 students. Services include school search support, essay guidance, social-emotional mentoring, relocation support, and enrichment workshops.