Committing to sending your child to a boarding school is a momentous decision that brings with it independence, discipline, and an education that competes with those offered by the finest educational institutions around the world. A frequent question from parents is, “What is the best time to start doing the groundwork?”
Timing is extremely important in the world of elite education, epecially when it comes to the school list of Dehradun. If you wait too long, you may find yourself unable to get your child into some of the most esteemed schools in India, such as The Asian School.
The “Golden Rule” – Start 12 to 18 Months in Advance
When you are looking for a boarding school for your child to start at in the next academic year (April), you should do your research as soon as possible in January/February.
For example, if you want your child to be enrolled starting in April of 2027, then you should start your planning no later than January of 2026; this will allow you ample time to tour campuses, prepare for any entrance exams, and complete all necessary paperwork without added stress.
Why Dehradun is the Ultimate Destination
Dehradun often ranks first amongst parents searching for school lists. It is recognized as the ‘Schooling Capital of India’ and has an exceptional climate and a longstanding tradition of exceptionalism.
1. The Environment – Environmentally speaking, the air of the Himalayan foothills is clean and filled with trees; these features provide our children a great deal of room to develop through physical exertion.
2. The Legacy – Legacy-wise, schools have been refining the implementation of ‘holistic development’ for many years.
3. The Asian School – The Asian School has created a unique blend of cultural traditions and modern technologies, resulting in it being the preferred school amongst parents around the globe.
A Step-by-Step Planning Timeline
1. Research and Shortlisting (12–15 Months Before)
You’ll start by browsing through the school list of Dehradun, as each of them will have its own slightly different feel and atmosphere-some schools place more value on sports, some schools will place more value on academics, and some schools will place more value on art and music.
- The Curriculum – CBSE, ICSE, or IB?
- Facilities – Seek Schools that have a variety of extramural activities available to students.
- Seek Advice/Information – Speak with parents of children who attend or have attended these schools, as well as former students.
2. The Campus Visit (10–12 Months Before)
You should never place your child into a school without doing an on-site visit first, with an emphasis on visiting only staffed and unstaffed hostels.
- What to look for – When visiting, be sure to look for cleanliness of accommodation/dormitory facilities (in addition to looking for quality of food served in the dining facilities), as well as all safety measures taken by the school (i.e., bathrooms, kitchens, dormitory exits, etc.) while on the school campus.
- Staff Interaction – Meet/Chat with the housemasters in addition to teachers to determine if their interests and beliefs regarding education and education philosophy match with yours.
3. Registration and Entrance Prep (8–10 Months Before)
Registration opens in September and runs through November.
- Entrance Exam – Most of the reputable schools in Dehradun will include an entrance exam covering the subjects of English, Maths, and General Knowledge.
- Interviews – Some schools will also carry out an informal interaction with the child and parents to determine their character.
4. Admission Final Selection (4 – 6 Monthly Periods Prior)
Most schools will have their final selection list by either January or February, and you will need to pay to reserve your place.
At What Age Should a Child Start Boarding?
Most boarding schools, like those on the Dehradun list, take students starting in 3rd or 4th grade; however, many experts believe 5th or 6th grade (around 10-11 years old) is the best age to start boarding because –
1. Independence – At this age, children can complete simple tasks for themselves (like brushing and dressing), but can also be integrated into the culture of the school as they grow.
2. Academic Foundation – Middle school provides a good foundation before they hit the high-pressure years of 9th and 10th grade.
Benefits of Planning Early for boarding school
1. Selecting Rooms – Early admission gives you a greater chance of selecting specific wings/facilities in the boarding house.
2. Stress-free Transition – You will have time to begin to prepare your child mentally for their new home before school starts, rather than racing around doing paperwork.
3. Scholarship Opportunities – Many schools offer “early bird discounts” or “merit scholarships”, both of which may only be offered during the first round of admissions.
Why Choose The Asian School?
The Asian School in Dehradun is an educational provider that offers support to children academically and socially. Its curriculum includes activities to encourage a child’s growth and development. The Asian School has also created programs to prepare students for competitive exams like NEET and JEE.
Conclusion
The process of finding a boarding school can be overwhelming at times, but by conducting your research early on, you can make sure you’ve given your child every possible advantage during the transition to a new environment. Finding a suitable boarding school will allow you to provide your child with a safe and positive learning experience and ultimately help them grow into responsible and respectful adults.
