Should Children Attend Boarding School? Pros, Cons, and Key Considerations for Parents

Trường quốc tế SNA Nam Sài Gòn có khu nội trú dành cho học sinh

In recent years, the boarding school model has increasingly become an attractive choice for many parents in Vietnam, especially families with children entering secondary education. The question “Should my child attend a boarding school?” does not only stem from the desire to foster independence, but also relates to long-term educational planning, access to a holistic learning environment, and preparation for future global integration.

So, what exactly is a boarding school? What are its benefits? And which important factors should parents consider before making this decision? This article provides a comprehensive and practical overview to help parents make an informed choice.

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What Is Boarding School Education?

Boarding students live and study on campus throughout the academic year under the supervision and care of trained residential staff. Instead of returning home after school each day, boarding students eat, sleep, and participate in daily activities within the school dormitories. They engage in academic learning, sports, life skills training, and after-school enrichment programs alongside peers and teachers.

This model is widely adopted in countries with well-developed education systems such as the UK, the US, Canada, and Australia, and is increasingly gaining the attention of Vietnamese parents due to its strong impact on students’ holistic development.

Current Trends in Parents Choosing Boarding Schools

In Vietnam, more parents are opting for boarding education not only due to geographical distance but also because of their desire for children to develop independence, discipline, and all-round skills within an international learning environment.

For busy parents or families planning for overseas university pathways, boarding school helps children become familiar with independent living, self-care skills, and effective time management. These are essential qualities for adapting successfully to international universities in the future.

Benefits of Attending Boarding School

Developing Independence and Early Maturity

Boarding students learn to manage their daily schedules, take care of themselves, live in a shared community, follow school rules, and handle personal challenges without constant parental support.

Holistic Academic and Life Skills Development

Beyond classroom learning, students participate in a wide range of sports, arts, soft skills programs, clubs, and hands-on projects that support both physical and emotional growth.

Safe and Well-Supervised Living Environment

International boarding schools typically provide 24/7 supervision, on-campus medical services, and residential staff to ensure students receive timely support in both academics and daily life.

Building Friendships and Community Living Skills

Living with peers from different backgrounds helps students develop empathy, teamwork, communication skills, and a strong sense of belonging.

Strong Preparation for International Universities

Boarding students often develop strong English proficiency, self-study habits, independence, and adaptability that are qualities essential for thriving at overseas universities without experiencing culture shock.

Challenges of Boarding School Education

Homesickness and Emotional Adjustment

Especially for younger students, living away from family may initially lead to feelings of loneliness or emotional imbalance if proper support is not in place.

High Adaptability Required

Not all students adjust easily to boarding life. Some may struggle with time management, communal living, or emotional regulation during the early stages.

Higher Costs Compared to Day Schools

Boarding schools typically charge higher tuition fees as they include accommodation, meals, supervision, healthcare, and extracurricular activities.

However, with a well-structured educational environment, professional care teams, and high-quality academic programs, these challenges can be effectively managed and often become valuable life experiences that help students grow significantly.

Essential Skills Parents Should Prepare Before Boarding School

Before enrolling children in a boarding school, parents should help them develop the following foundational skills:

  • Personal self-care skills (healthy eating, laundry, personal hygiene)
  • Time management and independent scheduling
  • Communication and conflict resolution in shared living environments
  • Emotional expression and seeking support when needed
  • Responsible and safe use of personal devices and digital technology

Open and frequent conversations before transitioning to boarding life are crucial to help children feel mentally prepared and secure.

Which Boarding School Should Parents Choose?

If you are looking for a high-quality international boarding school in Ho Chi Minh City, International Schools of North American (SNA) is a highly recommended option. As one of the few schools in Vietnam offering the full IB continuum (PYP – MYP – DP), SNA provides a fully English-instruction environment that supports both academic excellence and life skills development.

Modern, Safe, and Well-Managed Boarding Facilities at SNA

SNA’s boarding system is designed to be secure, modern, and fully equipped to meet students’ daily living, learning, and recreational needs. Separate dormitory areas are provided for boys and girls, with each room furnished with personal bunk beds, individual lockers, air conditioning, and spacious common areas.

The campus is maintained to high safety and hygiene standards, with residential supervisors on duty 24/7.

Boarding students follow a structured daily schedule that includes supervised evening study sessions, nutritious meals served in the school cafeteria, and regular physical and recreational activities to maintain a healthy balance between study and rest.

In addition, students are encouraged to participate in life skills programs that promote independence and personal responsibility.

>>> Related articles: Top 20 International Schools in Ho Chi Minh City 2025

Enriching Weekend Activities and Emotional Well-being

SNA regularly organizes weekend activities, events, and field trips to help students relax, bond, and reduce homesickness. Activities include pottery workshops, archery, indoor climbing, outdoor picnics, birthday celebrations, and cultural festivals such as Mid-Autumn Festival, Christmas, and Lunar New Year.

These experiences help students create meaningful memories and build strong relationships with peers and staff, reinforcing the feeling that school is truly their “second home.”

Close Student Monitoring and Strong Parent Communication

SNA Saigon South places strong emphasis on tracking each boarding student’s progress. The school provides four detailed reports per academic year and conducts regular parent-teacher meetings to update families on students’ academic performance, daily life, and emotional well-being.

Any concerns or changes are promptly addressed by residential staff, counselors, teachers, and the school’s medical team, ensuring comprehensive support for students 24/7. This close monitoring is a key reason why many parents feel confident entrusting their children to SNA’s international boarding environment.

Contact Information

Address: 20 Street No. 10, Trung Son Residential Area, Binh Hung, Binh Chanh District, Ho Chi Minh City
Hotline: 0932 083 886
Website: https://sna.edu.vn
Boarding Fees: View details here