Boarding students at R-MA have a unique student experience, able to enrich their learning journey while participating in fun activities designed to boost social engagement and character development. In fact, these students are part of a vibrant and supportive community that makes up around 75% of the school’s student body.
Choosing to attend a boarding school means accepting some major lifestyle changes. However, these changes have a positive influence on student’s personal growth—even impacting their academic and professional development. R-MA’s Residential Life Program serves to educationally and socially prepare students for life after graduation. In this way, our boarding students receive valuable support and guidance that helps them become more confident and successful.
Here are three major ways that our boarding program can positively impact the student experience!
1. Practicing Self-Discipline and Independence in R-MA’s Dorms
R-MA provides students with a safe and structured dormitory environment, where each floor is staffed by a Cadet Life Supervisor (dorm parent). These Cadet Life Supervisors work directly with students to help them grow and develop the skills they need to succeed at school and life afterwards. With their care and guidance, students can learn to be more independent and self-reliant—taking ownership of their environment and contributing positively to their community.
Boarding students live in gender-specific dorm buildings, using rooms equipped with a desk, bed, closet space, and AC or heating systems. By living among other cadets, they are able to build strong communication skills and exercise self-governance. The experiences they gain at our boarding high school can provide them with new perspectives, allowing them to better assess their priorities and maximize their productivity.
2. Gaining Motivation from the School Environment to Strengthen Academic Skills
Throughout their boarding experience, dormitory students are able to improve their academic performance and develop new skills. That’s because R-MA specifically views the residential life program as an extension of the academic environment. Here, dorm faculty correspond with the academic faculty to help students complete their homework.
Students also benefit from daily supervised study-hour sessions, gaining motivation from their peers. According to a study by The Association of Boarding Schools, 75% of boarders reported being around motivated peers compared to 49% of public school students. In fact, the same study also shows that 87% of boarding school graduates feel well-prepared for college.
As a college prep school with a well-structured boarding program, R-MA offers students a more challenging and rewarding academic experience.
3. Building Meaningful Friendships and Joining the Community at Our Boarding High School
At R-MA, boarding students have various opportunities to connect with each other and build lifelong friendships. Both Middle and Upper School dorm buildings feature comfortable lounges for students to relax and hang out in. In this environment, students can come together and learn more about each other—creating a supportive network.
Students can also participate in a broad range of fun social activities, including on-campus movie nights, dances and military balls, as well as athletic activities like scuba diving, skiing, and hiking, to name just a few. During the weekends, they can go on special field trips to explore their environment and gain inspiration. By engaging in these fun activities, boarding students become part of our vibrant community and gain a memorable student experience.
Are you interested in exploring dorm life at our private academy?
Contact Randolph-Macon Academy for more information!