What is a boarding school experience?

I went to prep school, but because of my dad's remarriage I had to move and start going to public school. I'm starting to adjust, but I seriously miss being part of a community. Additionally, I really don't like the house I'm living with and my new family. My mom is really concerned and had me looking at schools in Chicago with her, but she has also brought up the idea of boarding school. I want to know what that would be like. Is it more/less work than prep school? More/less fun and pressure? More/less community like? Can the people who attend boarding schools please tell me about their experiences? Money is not really an issue and I'm just overall looking for a place where I can have a social life and still get good grades. I want a place that feels like a kind of like a family. I'm open to anyone's advice. Thanks|||Boarding school requires a lot of personal responsibility that some kids can't deal with. You will be responsible for yourself and in managing your money (spending money) and your time (when it's not already organized for you). You will have to learn to self motivate and push yourself through and also be mature enough to ask for help when you need it.





I loved boarding school because it forced me to learn responsibility at a young age (started when I was 12) and how to deal with finances. I also learned that no one was going to pick up after me so I had to learn to do things myself. I liked the community but at times it was stifling because you're stuck there day in and day out (especially if it's in a small town or you weren't allowed to leave bla bla bla) and see the same people and have a very structured life that revolves around school.





There are excellent boarding schools around the US, so take a look at the Claremont ones (if you can really afford it), Phillips Academy, Hotchkiss, etc. They're the most expensive ones that come to mind but they're also great at pumping out Ivy League accepted students because they genuinely do mentor and push you to the best of your ability.