But it some cases a teen’s school life is very different than that of your average teen. These teens attend boarding schools, where they live and study full-time and typically only return home on holidays or weekends if that’s feasible.

So why would a parent choose to send their child away to school? To give up that day to day relationship and the influence that a parent has during the teen years is a difficult choice to make. However, for many families, boarding school is absolutely the right choice and these are a few of the ways you can learn more about boarding schools and choose the right school for your teen.

How to Choose the Right Boarding School for Your Teen

Research the School’s Academic Performance

One of the main reasons parents look into the boarding school for their teen is the school’s record of academic excellence. In some cases, teens don’t feel challenged enough at their public school or they’d like to focus more on a specific subject, like math or robotics.

When you choose the right boarding school try to use independent websites that track and rate the performance of boarding schools are a great tool to learn more about their academic success. How many of their students graduate with high GPAs? How many of their students go on to continue their studies in a certain subject and at what university? All of the answers to these questions can help determine if your teen will be able to get the education they desire.

Consider Sports and the Arts

If your child is particularly active in a particular sport or has a passion for the arts then you should look into schools that offer these are as a primary part of their curriculum. Schools that focus on soccer, ballet, music and more are located across the country and can really help your child improve their skills, especially if they want to take their sport or art toward a career.

These schools don’t focus solely on sports or the arts. You can be assured that your child will also receive a well-rounded education while also pursuing their passion.

Choose the Right Boarding School: Establish Your Budget

Boarding schools are not inexpensive, but an investment in your teen’s education and future success is worth the expense. If you don’t have an educational savings account established then a bank loan might be a great way to finance this expense.

To choose the right boarding school could be a budgetary concern as well. Scholarships are always available for those students who are deemed in-need or who perform exceptionally well on entrance exams and have proof of prior academic excellence. Be sure to apply early and perhaps consider hiring an educational consultant to help you through the process.

Schools for Troubled Teens

Unfortunately, sometimes a family has to consider a boarding school so a troubled teenager can get the help they need while also maintaining their education. These schools are staffed by teachers, psychologists, physicians, and social workers who bond together to create and education and mental health plan to help your teen recover their self-esteem and find their place in the world.

Alternatives to boarding schools in Colorado are popular for the many outdoor therapies they offer. Rock climbing, hiking, camping, and horseback riding are just a few of the methods used to help a troubled teen become more confident.

Choose the Right Boarding School: Consider a School Visit

No matter which school or schools you’re considering for your teen, it’s imperative that you pay a visit to each of them at least once. This is vital as it gives you and your teen an idea of what the grounds are like, what the dorms look like, a chance to meet some of the staff they’ll be working closely with, and an overall sense of daily life at the school.

You’ll need to be sure that both you and your teen are familiar with the school and everything about it to be sure that it’s the right fit.

The decision to choose a boarding school for your teen is not an easy one to make, but when thorough research is done and your entire family is comfortable with the choice, the end result is a great educational and real world experience.

For more school tips on Stagetecture, click here.

If you are home shopping, then you know how very stressful the process can be. After all, there is a lot to think about. Not only do you need to find the find a home layout, size, and location, but you also need to find a neighborhood that you can see yourself living in. That can be a difficult prospect, when you consider that the best way to find out about a neighborhood is to actually live in that neighborhood, and you don’t exactly have that option when sizing up potential residences. Fortunately, there are ways to assess neighborhoods before you move in, so that you can find a good fit. Here are some tips for how to choose the best neighborhood:

Image via: Piccsy

Prioritize your needs

Before you know what type of neighborhood is best for you, you must first identify your neighborhood style. What is important to you in a neighborhood? Consider access to local conveniences like stores, libraries, and hospitals. Also, determine if you need to be near a school. Is privacy important to you? Or you do prefer tight-knit neighborhoods where everyone knows everyone else? Think about these things and make a list of what you want out of your neighborhood before you begin your search.

Property values

It’s safe to say that you don’t want to live in a neighborhood that is going to devalue your home. Check out the property values and sales histories of the homes in a neighborhood, either by visiting the local property appraiser’s office or asking your Realtor, and choose a neighborhood where the properties are increasing in value. Also, take some time to drive around the neighborhood to see if the neighbors take care of their properties, or if they make you want to run in the other direction.

Commute time

Whether you like it or not, your career will have to play a part in the neighborhood you choose. A neighborhood that you love can quickly become a neighborhood that you resent if you have to spend hours in the car every day commuting to and from work.

Image via: Flickr

Community features

Consider the perks some communities offer: swimming pools, tennis courts, parks, nature trails, etc. If you are willing to pay homeowner’s association dues, then you may want to look into neighborhoods that provide a more full-on living experience for residents.

When shopping for a house, it is important to remember that the neighborhood is just as important a consideration as the house itself. Take these useful tips into account when sizing up your housing prospects and you can rest assured that you are doing the most to secure a living environment that is best for you.

Danilo Boyar is a real estate specialist who enjoys helping people look not only for new homes, but for new neighborhoods in areas they’ll truly love living in. He recommends sites like Tenant Hunter to those who’d prefer to rent instead of buying or selling a home.

For more moving tips on Stagetecture, click here.

Happy Earth Day 2010! What are you doing to help the Earth? Do you even know where to start? There are several resources, activities, social media outlets, and information out there.  Here are some resources to get you started.  Don’t just sit there, get up and do your one part today to save the Earth!

Read below the core issuesthat the Earth is facing. Pick a few to get started on immediately. Have your family get involved. This is for everyone who wants future generations to have a beautiful Earth!

Core Issues:
Green Economy

Conservation & Biodiversity

Education

Green Schools

For the rest of the core issues visit Earth Day.org.

• Follow the Earth Day Network on Facebook.

• Click here to sign: The Earth Day 2010 Climate Declaration –

April 25 is our chance to demand accountability from Congress.  Americans from all walks of life will

gather for the Climate Rally on the National Mall in Washington, DC. There, we will demand that our

leaders pass strong climate legislation that benefits all Americans while sending a powerful message to the polluter lobby: we’ve had enough of dirty power, the time for change is now.

Help us motivate Congress by signing this petition. During The Climate Rally, your name will appear in lights – all signers will be displayed to the crowd, and to Congress, in a visualization of the power behind America’s call for fair, ambitious and comprehensive climate legislation.

Sign our petition – Show Congress that America is serious about clean energy and a sustainable future

• Click here to: Get On The Climate Rally Bus!

Are you committed to having a positive impact in the fight against climate change? Are you ready to step up and make a difference? Have you always wanted to come to Washington to tell Congress that now is the time for change?  Do you want to take a FREE trip to DC to make your voice heard?

Join Earth Day Network for The Climate Rally on April 25 in Washington, DC! The Climate Rally will bring together environmental advocates from across the country to move Congress to pass comprehensive climate and clean energy legislation.  We need YOU to be there to make this event a turning point in the environmental movement!