Boarding Schools: When Structure Actually Prevents Growth

When people think about boarding school, they often think of structure. Wake up. Eat breakfast. Attend classes. Play sports. Study. Sleep. Repeat.

While this is true of most schools, and there is great value in providing structure to young learners, there is also great value in adding a little mystery to children’s lives.

According to a 2014 study conducted by The University of Colorado at Boulder, less structure is actually beneficial for children. Professor Yuko Munakata, senior author of the study, wrote about the importance of executive function in children, noting that, “It helps them in all kinds of ways throughout their daily lives, from flexibly switching between different activities rather than getting stuck on one thing, to stopping themselves from yelling when angry, to delaying gratification. Executive function during childhood also predicts important outcomes, like academic performance, health, wealth, and criminality, years and even decades later.”

This notion is why Judy Gobbi, Fessenden’s director of residential life, created something called “mystery trips” for boarding students. As part of the school’s robust weekend program, children have the ability to select weekend trips and activities. In a “choose your own adventure” sort of setup, students are able to partake in things like glow bowling, mountain biking, board games, and basketball. But, once in awhile, Judy also requires students to choose one of five offered mystery trips.

The point, Judy explains, is to carefully encourage boys to take part in something that they might not have selected on their own terms. Whether it’s a trip to a museum or a yoga class, the result is always positive, according to Judy. She notes, “Boys will often admit that they never would have signed up for that particular trip if they had known what it was going to be, but they come back energized and happy that they tried something new.”

Flexibility to try new things? Check. Delayed gratification? You bet. Tell us what you think about mystery trips in the comments section.