In-Person Classes Covid-19 Pandemic
SIX REASONS BOARDING SCHOOLS STILL HAVE IN-PERSON CLASSES
by Wesley M. Charlton JD '01
Assistant Head of School for Advancement
Christchurch School
It will take time to fully assess the long-term damage inflicted on the U.S.’s youth from the pandemic—academically, socially, psychologically, and physically. But the verdict is in regarding academic damage. School districts nationally report that the number of students failing during COVID-19 has increased by as much as two to three times. Additionally, a direct correlation between loss of learning and loss of this generation's future earning potential has been projected. Students who are disadvantaged, have learning differences/disabilities, or are English language learners will suffer the most academically.
Of equal concern is the suffering mental health of teenagers documented in a Harris Poll surveying over 1500 youths ages 13-19 conducted from May 4-14, 2020.
Class failure rates are up 2-3x
Teens are spending 75% of waking hours on screens
7 in 10 teenagers are struggling with mental health
64% believe COVID-19 will have a lasting impact on their mental health.
Assistant Head of School for Advancement
Christchurch School
It will take time to fully assess the long-term damage inflicted on the U.S.’s youth from the pandemic—academically, socially, psychologically, and physically. But the verdict is in regarding academic damage. School districts nationally report that the number of students failing during COVID-19 has increased by as much as two to three times. Additionally, a direct correlation between loss of learning and loss of this generation's future earning potential has been projected. Students who are disadvantaged, have learning differences/disabilities, or are English language learners will suffer the most academically.
Of equal concern is the suffering mental health of teenagers documented in a Harris Poll surveying over 1500 youths ages 13-19 conducted from May 4-14, 2020.
Class failure rates are up 2-3x
Teens are spending 75% of waking hours on screens
7 in 10 teenagers are struggling with mental health
64% believe COVID-19 will have a lasting impact on their mental health.
Boardings Schools Maintain In-Person Classes During COVID-19
Through the pandemic, boarding schools have proven to be the learning environment that has been the most successful at minimizing the damaging academic effects of COVID-19 on teens. Many families who may have never considered boarding schools now recognize them as a salvation from the chaos, stress, confusion, and failures of their local high schools.
“At the beginning of the pandemic we were incredibly anxious about the 2020-21 school year. It seemed like our son was going to be disappointed at every turn. We have to say, this is actually
the happiest he has been during any of his four years on campus.”
- Boarding School Parent (Christchurch School, Virginia)
The six reasons boarding schools are still open during COVID-19
High school boarding schools are able to offer a safe, in-class, and in-person learning experience, providing an insular environment unachievable in either public schools or private day schools.
1. The Campus Bubble
As opposed to private day schools, boarding schools can control their campus environment creating an effective bubble, virtually eliminating outside contact risks.
Through the campus bubble, boarding schools offer a high level of safety.
2. Smaller Class Sizes
While public schools have struggled to retrofit buildings to accommodate social distancing, boarding schools were built for smaller class sizes, allowing for minimal disruption from the norm.
3. Social Pods
Within the campus bubble, some schools are also creating learning and living pods that further minimize the chances of exposure to contagions. Students engaged and socializing within their pod.
4. Monitorable Quarantining
While asking a sick student of a day school to quarantine is an insecure gamble, boarding schools have dedicated space for safely quarantining on campus. In fact, many require an on-site quarantine period before arriving or transfering students are allowed access to full facilities.
5. Disadvantaged Student Assistance
While not a notable feature of all boarding schools, a few have specialized learning programs dedicated to those students who are struggling the most with distance learning—those students from disadvantaged backgrounds, with learning differences/disabilities, and ESL students.
6. Established Health Resources
Many boarding schools have existing on-campus resources to administer medical care, including COVID-19 testing as well as mental health services for those teens who could use some help navigating current conditions.
When you also consider that some schools are offering rolling admissions for transfer students, 2021 will likely see more interest in boarding schools from parents of teens who are struggling with distance learning and social isolation.
Private School | Coed Boarding School | Day School | Episcopal School | COVID-19 Response
Read the Foreign Service Journal article by former Head of School David Charlton and Former Assistant Head of School Randal Brown:
US BOARDING SCHOOLS: RESILIENT IN THE PANDEMIC AND BEYOND
US BOARDING SCHOOLS: RESILIENT IN THE PANDEMIC AND BEYOND
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The Christchurch Difference
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Our viewbook
Christchurch School is a private Episcopal day school and co-ed boarding school. Founded by the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia in 1921, our private day boarding school has a highly acclaimed Learning Skills Program, a national championship sailing team, an outdoor program, traditional sports, and a successful, individualized college counseling program. CCS is located on the Rappahannock River in the Hampton Roads, Williamsburg, Fredericksburg area, one hour east of Richmond, three hours north of the NC Research Triangle area, and 2 and 1/2 hours south of the Northern, Virginia/Washington DC area.
For inquiries, contact:
Billy Burlee, Director of Admission
Christchurch School
49 Seahorse Lane
Christchurch, Virginia 23031
804.758.2306 ext. 122
Billy Burlee, Director of Admission
Christchurch School
49 Seahorse Lane
Christchurch, Virginia 23031
804.758.2306 ext. 122
