Behind The Walls: A Parent's Guide To Boarding Schools

By Timothy D. Hillman

A detailed and clear guide to the world of boarding schools- the good, the bad, and the troubling aspects of this unique world. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1591097185
• ISBN13: 9781591097181
• Release Date: March 2003
• Publisher: Createspace Independent Pub
• Length: 138 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.0" x 0.3" x 5.3"

Customer Reviews

Headmaster's Perspective

In the interest of full disclosure, I know Tim Hillman personally and have written an article for one of his previous books regarding boarding school. I have also talked to Tim over the years -- as Assistant Head of School for Enrollment at Mercersburg Academy and as Headmaster of Perkiomen School -- about this concept and know that, editing errors and all, the book is sound in its observations, cautionary tales, and advice. It is true that Behind the Walls is not a rating book -- thank, God, since ratings are useless in a field that has about one half of one percent of the students in the USA and represents only a little over 200 schools, each with its own unique mission, history, and ethos. Behind the Walls is exceptional, especially for the parent who is seeking the "right fit" for her/his child, rather than the "right name." Understanding the nuances of the admission process, how to wade through the marketing, and what to look for to find a healthy residential and academic environment are all essential to a successful matriculation. As one mentor told me when I was a younger teacher, bricks and mortar do not a school make! Look beyond not only the walls, but beyond the facades -- look at the faces of the students, look at how the desks are arranged in classrooms, listen to the teachers and coaches -- It is the human factor that makes a boarding school great -- not the date on the school seal, not the number of AP courses, average SAT scores, or college lists (which are sometimes padded with acceptances from one student at the top of the class!). As a product of a public school, I can honestly say that I would never trade my years in independent college preparatory schools for anything. Reading Behind the Walls only reaffirmed my decision to work in the boarding school world and it will surely be a help to anyone considering these wonderful communities for themselves or for their children.

Info behind the scenes

This book tells you about things that go on at boarding schools, that the schools themselves would never tell you. A great book for anyone looking at the pros and cons of sending your kids to boarding school.

Well worth the read

For those of us involved in boarding schools this book is well worth the read - makes us all sit up and take notice!

Interesting and easy to read

I liked this book. I was hoping to find a "rating" system for the "Ten Schools." Instead I found useful guidance to the pros and cons of sending my son to boarding school. I just wish he would write (or provide) some secret rating system to the current schools. I read this book in one sitting, and it was definitely worth the money. I feel more confident about our family's choices after reading this book.