Choosing a boarding school is a big choice for both the child and his or her parents. Teenage years are some of the most important for learning, so it's important for a child's development and future that they go to a school that helps them learn instead of hurts them. All boarding schools are different, and while one child might do well at one school, another might not do as well. So, it's important for parents and kids who want to go to boarding school to follow the right steps when looking for one.

1. Write down the schools. You have to start by making a list of boarding schools. During this step, you can let your mind wander and write down any school that interests you. You should spend a little time on the website looking at pictures, student comments, activities that interest you, etc. If you want to make the next step easy, save each page as a bookmark or copy and paste the URL of each possible school into an Excel sheet so you can compare them further.

2. Cut your list down. Once you have a list of schools you might want to attend, you should sit down and compare them. Depending on how many schools you are applying to, this can take a long time. Ask yourself these questions to help you narrow down your list:

Do you want single sex or a school for both boys and girls?

What size school do you want? A small one, a medium one, or a big one?

Do you want a school that focuses on one thing, like art, dance, etc.?

Do you have a religious school or a military school in mind?

3. Stop by some schools. Visiting the school is one of the most important things you can do to choose the right boarding school. No matter how helpful the website is, the only way to know if a school is right for you is to visit it and talk to the people who work there. At this point, you will probably be asked to come in for an interview. This will give you and the interviewer a chance to find out more about how well you and the school fit together. Don't forget to ask a lot of questions and be honest and genuine in your answers. In the end, the interview is for your benefit.

4. Look at the costs. Boarding high schools take a lot of time and money, so it's important to look at all of the costs and make sure you can afford it. Some boarding schools require uniforms and extra supplies, so do your research in that area as well. Many boarding schools offer financial aid, so if you are having trouble paying for your favorite schools, you should look into the different scholarships and financial aid programs.

5. Testing, applying, and paying. Once you've found the right school for you, you'll need to take any tests, fill out any applications or forms, and make your first payment. Now you can go to the school of your dreams, where you will fit right in and get the most out of your time there.