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Sending your child to boarding school is not as simple as dropping him off at school, giving him a teary hug and kiss, and then driving back home. Sending your child off to boarding school requires that you honor the contractual commitment that you signed when you decided to accept the school's offer of a place. Remember that binding, legal document called a contract? In it, you agreed to a partnership of three: the school, you, and your child. Let's look at what this arrangement involves.

The School's Obligation

The school spells out its obligations in great detail both on its website and in the various printed brochures and catalogs. The admissions staff will also discuss the school's various programs and school life with you when you visit and have your admissions interview. Most importantly, the school lists its obligations in the contract you and the school signed.

1. The school will offer the spelled out in its various materials. And it will ensure that the teaching is of the highest order. You expect nothing less. Private schools take academics very seriously. You won't have to worry about what will happen if the French teacher suddenly takes sick and has to withdraw. Her replacement will be in place quicker than you can say, "Je ne sais quoi".

2. The school will act in loco parentis while your child is in its care. It takes its responsibility very seriously. Their students' safety and well-being are

Chances are that if you went off to boarding school for three or four years, May is a very special month. AP exams are over. IB work is complete. You probably have your college acceptances in hand. Finally, you can focus on graduation and leaving the school which has been your home away from home for these past several years.

You will most certainly receive graduation gifts to mark this very special occasion. With that in mind here are some suggestions which you might want to email to that favorite aunt or uncle. You know that mother and father will give you something special to commemorate your achievements. So I will leave the pens, watches, and pendants off this list. To make things even easier, copy and paste the suggestions below in an email to your favorite relatives and family friends.

A Tablet

There's a tablet for every budget. These lightweight, portable devices allow you to do just about anything your graduate needs to do. Watch movies? Listen to videos? Play a game? Shop? She can do all that and so much more. Best of all, she can store all of her sensitive files such as term papers, applications, etc., in the cloud. Tip: read the reviews of the models you are considering, unless, of course, your graduate has specified a particular brand and/or model.

This video offers a review of a poplar tablet.

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The ÂÌñÉç School Glossary

ÂÌñÉç schools have their own jargon, just like any activity or affinity group has. Here are some of the more common terms and acronyms that you are likely to encounter as you explore boarding schools.

ADD/ADHD

, was previously known as ADD or Attention Deficit Disorder.

• In all probability, you won't notice signs of ADHD until your child starts school.
• If he exhibits any symptoms of ADHD, the school will bring it to your attention.
• The next step is to have him evaluated professionally.
• The syndrome is treatable.
• There are hundreds of private schools that have experienced, professional staff who can work effectively with children who learn differently.
• Explore that option thoroughly.

This video shows the approach to teaching students with learning differences.

ACT

is an acronym for the program.

• ACT and the SAT are the two most common college standardized tests of academic readiness for college-level studies.
• Most private schools offer test preparation for the SAT.
• If you prefer to have your child take the ACT, make sure that you advise the school as soon as you can.

Crew

Crew is the ancient sport of rowing.

• Rowing in shells is a popular sport in many boarding schools.
• Typically, crew is offered in the fall and spring.
• Schools participate