Writing for families who haven't decided yet.
No rankings, no insider claims, no affiliation with any school. Just the things our family wishes we'd known — the real cost of a year, how aid decisions get made, and what the first week on campus actually feels like.
What prep school actually costs (beyond the tuition figure)
The median boarding tuition across the schools we track is $77,617. That number is the start of the budget, not the end of it.
Read the article →How financial aid really works at boarding schools
Need-based, merit, sliding scale, full-need — the vocabulary is confusing on purpose. Here's what each term actually means for your family's bill.
August 16, 2026The boarding school admissions timeline, month by month
Most families start six months too late. Here's what a calm application year actually looks like, from spring inquiry to March decisions.
August 14, 2026What admissions interviews are actually looking for
Interviewers aren't grading your child's answers. They're deciding whether they'd want this kid living in their dorm for four years.
August 12, 2026Day one to week one: what boarding school actually feels like
Nobody tells you that the first night is the hardest thing and the first week is the best thing, in that order.
August 10, 2026Is prep school right for your kid? Answer these first
Every family jumps to 'which school' before answering 'should we do this at all.' The second question is harder and matters more.
August 8, 2026Ready to look at actual schools and actual numbers?
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