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Boarding school typically conjures up images of royals in Britain or East Coast old money. But there is a modern take on them that can be a perfect fit for students and parents.According to the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), there are about 300 boarding schools in the United States, serving some 50,000 students. In Western Washington, there are five established schools.The majority of boarding students come from abroad, often seeking to perfect their English skills. Most international students in the area come from Asia. %u201cIt used to be predominantly China,%u201d says Angela Maguire, the interim head of the Spring Street International School on San Juan Island. Over the last several years, that changed. This year, students from Vietnam and Hungary have joined the school.The schools also offer chances for experiential education that other schools may not. At Spring Street, students begin the year with a weeklong backpacking trip. Science classes may be held on the ocean. Boarders also have the chance to do weekend workshops with local artists. King%u2019s Schools in North Seattle boasts extensive AP courses, a science program affiliated with Seattle University and a robust internship program with CRISTA Senior Living.But this kind of education isn%u2019t for everyone. What makes a solid candidate?Beyond academic excellence, successful boarding students should have a degree of independence and a willingness to engage in community.%u201cWe value global perspective, which has been important since our founding,%u201d says Alex Halladay, director of admissions at The Northwest School in Seattle. %u201cCuriosity, a desire to challenge themselves and [an] interest in a rich international culture are good traits to have.%u201dIf your child went to sleepaway camp and was miserable and homesick the entire time, you might want to rethink a decision to send them to boarding school, Halladay says, especially if it would be far from home.%u201cIf your child expresses no interest in doing this, challenge your decision,%u201d she says. %u201cIf they really don%u2019t want to be there, they may sabotage their experience and self-isolate.%u201dNot that homesickness is unheard of. Halladay says staff are trained to help students navigate the experience successfully. %u201cThere have been times we have switched from boarding to day, but also the other way around,%u201d she says.Parents and students interested in exploring boarding school for an upcoming year should work toward that transition.Boarding schools encourage social engagement and community building. At The Northwest School in downtown Seattle, about 10% of the school%u2019s enrollment chooses the boarding experience. (Courtesy of The Northwest School)n experience%u201cCuriosity, a desire to challenge themselves and [an] interest in a rich international culture are good traits to have.%u201dAlex HalladayDirector of admissionsat The Northwest SchoolContinued on next page