FOR STUDENTS ONLY: 7 Myths

If movies and urban legends are your main source of info on boarding schools, here’s a reality check that debunks some common myths.

Myth 1: All the kids attending boarding schools are rich.
Myth 2: Boys in boarding school wear jackets and ties and the girls wear plaid
             skirts, white blouses, and blazers.
Myth 3: The food is like prison food.
Myth 4: I’ll get really homesick.
Myth 5: Dormitories are like locked-down military barracks..
Myth 6: It’s all about hitting the books and you’re on your own.
Myth 7: I won’t fit in.

Myth 1: All the kids attending boarding schools are rich.
Reality: You’ll find kids from all different backgrounds at Cushing, and we’ll try to make Cushing a possibility for any qualified student, regardless of finances. There’s a lot of information on School Search Resources about financial aid or you can check the Financial Aid box on your application.

Myth 2: Boys in boarding school wear jackets and ties and the girls wear plaid skirts, white blouses, and blazers.
Reality: Maybe in Hollywood movies but not at Cushing. You’ll see the boys dressed up in jackets and ties on a game day, but most of the time, Cushing students dress in what you could call responsible-student-comfortable clothing. If you want the details, read all about it here.

Myth 3: The food is like prison food.
Reality: If that were true, why do some of us gain weight when we arrive at Cushing? There’s plenty of variety for each meal – pizza, a salad bar, sandwiches, a make-your-own-taco bar, specials every day, all kinds of drinks and desserts. Your biggest problem will be to know when to stop!

Myth 4: I’ll get really homesick.
Reality: You might feel a little homesick at some point, but most students are so busy with classes, activities, sports, being with their friends, and talking to their teachers, that they really don’t have time to be homesick.

Myth 5: Dormitories are like locked-down military barracks.
Reality: At Cushing, we take your safety, health, and well being seriously, so naturally there are limits on what you can do. But we provide a balance between fostering independence in students and providing the support you need. Cushing students say that the transition to college academics and dorm life is easier because of their time at Cushing. Read more about campus life here.

Myth 6: It’s all about hitting the books and you’re on your own.
Reality: Academics are important, but at Cushing you’ll get some wonderful opportunities to challenge yourself in other areas. Arts, athletics, extracurriculars, volunteering, and making connections and lifelong friendships are an exciting part of the Cushing experience.

Living at Cushing, you’ll make close friends and discover that teachers, who live in the dorms with their families, are available if you have questions or problems, or just want to talk. Student leaders, who serve as proctors in each dorm, are also available to help with any concerns.

Myth 7: I won’t fit in.
Reality: If there’s one thing that characterizes all of our students, it’s the incredible variety of their backgrounds. In the last few years, you would have met students from over 60 different countries and states – check it out here. Cushing is a friendly community where you’re encouraged to be yourself and where your unique contributions will find expression.

As part of a student body of around 420 students, you’ll spend time with your fellow students and your teachers in so many different settings—from the classroom to the dormitories to the playing fields to the dining hall—you’ll have the chance to build lasting friendships based on many different shared experiences.

Need some help in your search for the right school?
Go to our School Search Resources page.

Questions? Let us know and we’ll get right back to you.
admission@cushing.org