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Although boarding schools are nothing new, not many people know what it is like to attend one. They may have an idea from movies, books and TV shows, but learning what boarding schools are like from fiction is a poor substitute for actually attending one. Some of the fictional depictions of these schools are fairly accurate, while others show them in a negative light, implying that they are overly strict and sometimes even intended for “troubled” students.

Boarding schools are indeed something of a mystery to many people in the U.S. who are more used to public school, but they offer plenty of advantages that public schools do not.

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Life at Grand River

Academy

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WHAT EXACTLY ARE BOARDING SCHOOLS?

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A GRAND RIVER ACADEMY STUDENT

• Academic Offerings and Courses• Extracurricular Activities• Food for Thought• Dormitory Life

A typical day for a boarding school student largely depends on the school and the student’s interest. Many boarding schools offer their students a variety of courses and activities to fill their day with to allow them to learn and be involved in what most interests the student. At Grand River Academy, your son is involved in the following:

For those who want to know what it’s like to attend an all-boys boarding school such as GRA, it’s important to know exactly what a boarding school is. A boarding school is where some or all of the students live on campus throughout the school year.

They live in dormitories, receive meals from the school and are mostly self-sufficient when they aren’t in class. Most boarding schools are independent private schools, and many have gained an exceptional reputation for being some of the finest educational institutions in the country.

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GRA offers the option of a concentrated curriculum for their students, allowing the boys to tailor their education towards their interests in either the humanities, sciences, fine arts, language or digital design. Students even have the opportunity with a faculty advisor and academic council approval to design their own course. This helps our students become more prepared for their future studies.

Another advantage that is provided to the boys who attend GRA is the strength of support programs for academic success. These academic support programs are designed with student success in mind, helping them develop the study skills and tools they need to provide a foundation for success both in and out of the classroom.

ACADEMIC OFFERINGS AND COURSES

Boys who attend GRA often have greater flexibility in what courses they can take in addition to keeping with the core curriculum of English, Social Studies, Science and Mathematics.

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Boarding schools don’t just help their students to thrive academically, but socially as well. An overwhelming majority of boarding school students participate in extracurricular activities.

At Grand River Academy, participation in an activity is mandatory. These extracurricular activities offered are organized, led and promoted by faculty members, geared toward the students interests. With so many options available, boys have the opportunity to explore their interests in a variety of topics - everything from photography and video to hiking and outdoor adventure. Also, with a

faculty sponsor, students can create their own club/activity. These interests change yearly, so our offerings do as well.

If athletics are more your son’s interests, Grand River Academy provides an ample amount of opportunity for their students to participate in a variety of sports with a no-cut policy. This means that in addition to showcasing their skills on the field, students are developing valuable teamwork and leadership skills that help boys thrive off the field. All a student needs is a willingness to work hard and give it their all.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

No matter what activity best suits a boy’s interests, the extracurricular offerings available will help develop lifelong friendships and self-confidence. From sporting events to social activities, there is an almost never-ending amount of activity going on around a typical boarding school campus, specifically at GRA.

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Students who attend boarding school receive nutrient rich options for meals and snacks. Boarding schools recognize that boys who work and study hard should be provided with the nutrients needed to keep their body and their brain performing throughout the day. This is no exception at Grand River Academy.

GRA offers a variety of food options in the dining hall serving three meals a day. Students can choose from a variety of power-packed

foods that help provide them with their daily servings of vitamins, minerals and so much more. In addition to the main meals, students can grab a snack or drink between meals and can purchase snacks and treats at the Bud Field Student Center in the afternoon and evenings, as well as order pizza and wings through the Student Center.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

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Boys attending GRA are taught valuable life lessons – such as learning how to handle issues with their peers and take responsibility in their community. Boys are taught the importance of creating a community that promotes healthy living for every individual, and taking an active role to make their community a positive place to live and learn. This includes the peer mentorship program that has returning seniors/students being a “big brother” to new and younger students on campus. The aim of this program is to help them acclimate to the boarding school world.

Students are given the freedom to plan campus-wide events, such as weekend getaways and pizza parties, helping provide every student with a sense of civic involvement, belonging and feeling more at home while on-campus.

DORMITORY LIFE

Boarding schools recognize the need to engage their students throughout the day, not just in the classroom. That’s why Grand River Academy has adopted a Residential Life Curriculum geared toward providing their students with the most well-rounded experience possible.

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Life in a boarding school can be difficult for some students who may not be used to being away from home, with some feeling like they are isolated from their families at first. However, this can turn into a blessing after a few weeks. Boarding schools encourage students to be more independent and be active in their small campus community. Life-long friendships are often formed, and students have plenty of opportunities to develop important leadership skills. In short, boarding schools often prepare students for adult life in ways that public school may not.

Another major benefit of attending a boarding school is that it helps students become more engaged in their studies. The simple fact that students live on campus means that they are constantly surrounded by their peers and

encouraged to get involved in extracurricular activities and where distractions are minimized. This also means that boarding school teachers may expect more from their students and encourage them to work harder in their studies. They are better prepped to attend college and experience dorm life at a collegiate level.

Students who attend Grand River Academy are provided with structure, yet the independence to grow and develop into the total young man. With a strong focus on academics, Grand River Academy recognizes that it is just as crucial to develop emotionally and socially for future success outside of the academic setting. This is accomplished with activities based inside and outside of the classroom.

ADVANTAGES OF ATTENDING A BOARDING SCHOOL

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Grand River Academy3042 College StreetAustinburg, Ohio44010

Phone: 440.275.2811Fax: 440.275.1825