Growth Through Boarding
Rich Potential For Growth
Families often approach us with the idea that boarding is merely about providing for basic physical needs. These are, of course, foundational to what a program must provide, however, there is also rich potential for helping children to also grow and develop character.
The TCIS Boarding Care Program, together with academic programs, magnifies the learning processes. An intentional structure cares for the entire person – physically, emotionally, and socially. Students continue their growth by learning to contribute to their house community. This is promoted in lifestyle, mentor relationships, peer interactions, leadership roles, and in reflective goal setting.
Growing For Lifelong Benefit
Our concern for children is more than just their day-to-day needs. Dorm parents are involved in helping children become who they need to be to do well. For us, that means doing well in their studies and getting ready for university, but it also means something more. We love our boarding children, and we want for them the same things that we want for our own children: we want our boarding students to value people, kindness, hard work, perseverance, and caring for others. We also want them to have the perspective and balance in life that brings fulfillment, contentment, and joy. The foundation for social-emotional well-being is not built in university or studying for a career; it is built now, in these developmental years, and we want to be a part of raising good, healthy, balanced people.
"The TCIS Residence Life Program values students as individuals. Our staff aims to serve families by equipping internationally-minded learners to lead in purposeful change through self-development, community-mindedness, and spiritual/moral growth." – TCIS Residence Life Philosophy Statement
Growing With Others
In the Residence Life Program at TCIS, students experience unparalleled benefits and joys through the close connections forged with their peers. Living and working alongside classmates creates a unique bond, fostering a supportive environment where students celebrate successes, navigate failures together, and collaborate in ways that extend beyond the ordinary.
Key Boarding Years
The TCIS Residence Life Program cares for student boarders from grades 6-12. While there is no wrong time to join our boarding family, there are key times we find that students experience particular benefit from the structure and support in the boarding program:
- Grade 7
Students joining in grades 6-7 are at a prime age for needing and establishing personal care and learning habits. As these students are experiencing great changes developmentally, the structure and support help bring stability and understanding to this time. Children learn strong self-management habits, and entering the Residence Life Program at this grade gives many years for children to benefit from the character building and college preparation. For this reason, students that join early and graduate high school in our boarding program are generally the most academically and personally prepared for an easy transition to university.
- Grade 9
Students in 9th grade benefit greatly from the academic structure and support in the dorm. As the MYP program intensifies, building academic rigor and increased workloads, the boarding care program offers comprehensive support during this pivotal year. Grade 9 sets the stage for a successful high school journey with tailored assistance.
- Grade 12
The senior year is one of the most stressful and, ironically, most enjoyable years in the dorms. Seniors have many large projects and assessments as well as college preparation requirements. On the other hand, students in grade 12 have some of their best friends living and working alongside them, going through the same processes. The combination of peer relationships, academic structures within the dorm, and mentorship from boarding staff equips grade 12 students with distinct advantages over most.