What’s Boarding School Really Like?: Your Culver FAQs Answered

During a conversation with a new acquaintance a few weeks ago, I mentioned that I work at, and attended, a boarding school. With eyebrows raised, he asked: “Oh, a place like Hogwarts?” He was joking, but reactions like this are not uncommon. Americans’ views of boarding schools are often shaped by Hollywood fiction. Films like the “Harry Potter” franchise, “The Holdovers,” or “Major Payne” have created perceptions that boarding schools are mysterious, strict or stuffy. I’m here today to demystify the boarding school experience by answering some FAQs about boarding schools and specifically Culver Academies. 

FAQs 

Q: What do you look for in an applicant? 

A: Students who attend boarding schools tend to be focused and driven. The Admissions team at Culver Academies specifically looks for motivated student-leaders who are eager to grow intellectually, spiritually and physically and who want to be active, positive members of our community.  

Q: Is it easy to make friends at boarding school? 

A: Absolutely! From orientation to residential life, classes, clubs and athletic teams, you’ll find plenty of chances to connect. Culver, like many schools, offers several community-service opportunities where you can make friends outside of the school, as well. Our alumni often recount that their closest friendships were formed during their time at Culver. 

Q: What’s a typical day like? 

A: Each school’s schedule is a bit different. On a typical day at Culver, students wake at 7 a.m. and have their personal and room inspections. Boys have a military formation before breakfast, while girls head to breakfast independently. The class day, starting at 8:30 a.m. and ending at 3:45 p.m., comprises four separate blocks with a lunch period and teachers’ office hours baked in. Athletic and co-curricular time start after classes and run until 6 p.m., after which is dinner and free time. The required study period starts at 7:30 p.m. and ends at 9:30 p.m., with lights out shortly thereafter at 10:15 p.m. 

Q: What do students do on weekends? 

A: There are no classes on weekends at Culver, though some schools do hold Saturday classes. Students sleep in, hang out with friends, visit the town of Culver for shopping, and attend social events. In-season student-athletes often have games, matches, or meets on Saturdays. We dedicate time on Sundays to many of our spiritual life services, boys’ military parades, dorm and uniform inspections, as well as several hours of free time. 

Q: How’s the food? 

A: Delicious and diverse! Culver partners with SAGE Dining Services, who offers a wide variety of hot meals, soups, salads and sandwich bars. Even picky eaters find something they love. Plus, The Shack (our on-campus restaurant) serves up sandwiches, pizzas, shakes and more. In addition, students may have food delivered to campus from local restaurants. 

Q: Do you offer financial aid? 

A: Yes! Most boarding schools offer merit and need-based aid. Culver awards over $4 million in merit scholarships and $13 million in need-based aid each year. Visit our Tuition and Financial Aid page for details. 

Q: Can I get leadership experience at boarding school? 

A: 100% yes! There are so many opportunities to gain leadership experience at boarding school. By their senior year, students at Culver have 200 hours of classroom learning in leadership and over 1,500 hours of hands-on experience practicing leadership skills. These skills make Culver students stand out as they pursue college and careers.  

These FAQs are a start, but nothing replaces seeing a school’s mission in action. Take a test drive by visiting campus, meeting the students, faculty and staff. Should Culver Academies be on your shopping list, we invite you to tour campus, meet the people who make it special, and discover what a leadership-focused boarding school truly looks like.