What Is Daily Life Like at a US Elite Boarding School?

Wake-Up Time

Most students wake up between 6:30 AM and 7:00 AM to get ready for the day. Since breakfast is served on a first-come, first-served basis, those who wake up earlier have better meal options.

“If you want good food, you wake up early! If you don’t, well… let’s just say breakfast options become ‘less appealing’ the later you go.”

Breakfast in the Dining Hall

From 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM, students gather in the dining hall, where they eat in groups of 9-10 people per table. Meals are often buffet-style, with staff assisting in portioning protein and other key food items.

“Breakfast is a great time to catch up with friends before classes start. Everyone sits together, and you’ll always find someone to talk to. It’s a buffet for sure, but there will always someone to help you out if you ever need to get something that’s more tricky to scoop to your plates”

First Class of the Day

Lessons begin at 9:00 AM, giving students time to prepare before heading to class.

Lunch Break

Around 12:30 PM, students head back to the dining hall for lunch. Meals are organized in rotating groups, with full-time boarders often sitting together. Students are expected to clean up their tables after eating, fostering responsibility and teamwork.

“It’s funny how quickly you learn to eat fast when there’s only a limited time for lunch. But honestly, it’s one of the best parts of the day because you get to sit with friends and just relax.”

Afternoon Classes

After lunch, students resume their lessons, with courses ranging from science labs and writing workshops to project-based learning.

“Afternoon classes can feel long, especially after lunch, but the way our teachers keep lessons interactive really helps. No one is just sitting and zoning out.”

Sports and Extracurriculars

At 4:00 PM, students transition from academics to extracurricular activities (ECLs) or sports. Participation in these activities is strongly encouraged, as it helps students develop new skills and build friendships. Different seasons give students different opportunities. 

Popular sports include:
✔ Tennis; Lacrosse
✔ Badminton; Golf
✔ Cross-country running
✔ Sailing and Swimming

Students can also participate in after school clubs such as STEM programs, robotics, chorus, theater (TSA), community services and visual arts.

“Extracurriculars are serious at boarding school. You’re expected to commit, but in a way that helps you grow and build confidence. I personally felt this is the biggest difference I get in boarding schools, where you are really privileged to have all these extensive resources to build the profile you need for Ivy Leagues; as well as finding your own passion, in a committed and serious way”

Dinner Time

At 6:00 PM, students return to the dining hall for dinner. On Mondays, students have formal dinners with their teachers, fostering mentorship and professional guidance.

“This is just for Stony Brook School, Monday dinners are formal ones where you get to sit and have real conversations with your teachers outside of class. When I was there, Monday formals were compulsory. It’s pretty cool actually, getting to know teachers who you would not have the chance to learn from during the days”

Study Hours

From 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM, students are required to stay in their dorm rooms, a period dedicated to completing homework, reading, or preparing for upcoming exams. Younger students have structured quiet hours, while seniors have more freedom to manage their workload.

“Study hours are taken seriously. You can’t just wander around. Dorm parents would actually check in from room to room to see what you are doing. But it also helps because once that time is up, you feel like you’ve actually accomplished something.”

Dorm Life and Socializing

After study hours, students gather in the boarding halls for roll call, a few announcements in the boarding house, followed by casual social time in common areas. Activities include:
✔ Playing board games
✔ Chatting with friends
✔ Watching TV or relaxing

“Once study hours are over, that’s when the real fun happens—hanging out, playing board games, pools, or just chatting in the common area. It’s like having a giant sleepover with your best friends every night. You could also choose to prolong your study time when you are at application year, most of the seniors do.”

For students in grades 11 and below, lights out is at 11:00 PM, while seniors have no curfew, allowing them to prepare for the independence of college life, nevertheless, after 11 PM, no one is allowed to wander around the campus to ensure a quiet night.