Do high schools have dormitories?

Are there high schools in the US with dorms for students, kind of like college? I'm a junior thinking about boarding schools, but I'm not sure how they work compared to a regular high school experience. Any insights?

Absolutely. Boarding schools are a type of high school that provides housing, or dorms, for students. They function similarly to colleges in terms of living arrangements; students live on campus in dormitories, eat meals in a dining hall, have study hours, and take part in various extra-curricular activities on campus.

The day-to-day schedule of a boarding school student can look a bit different from a traditional high school student. You’d go to class during the day, just like at a regular high school, but then you'd also have study times in the evening, and many of your activities would take place on campus. You’d also have the opportunity to develop deep friendships considering your classmates would also be your roommates and neighbors.

Boarding schools may offer unique advantages such as smaller class sizes, broader range of extracurriculars, and a stronger sense of community. However, boarding schools can be expensive, and students should be comfortable with being away from home for extended periods.

Just like when considering colleges, it's important to research and visit schools to find the best fit. Each boarding school will have its own unique culture, academic offerings, student supports, extracurriculars, and more, so finding one where you fit in and feel motivated to learn is key to a great boarding school experience.

Keep in mind, just like college, you'll also need to apply and be accepted to boarding schools. The application usually includes standardized test scores, essays, and letters of recommendation. Admission can be quite competitive at some schools, so it's good to start planning and preparing applications early.