Understanding Private Schools in the U.S.: Boarding vs. Private Day

When it comes to private education in the U.S., there are two main types of schools international students can apply to: Boarding Schools, which provide both academic programs and residential life on campus, and Private Day Schools, which provide academic programs only, students live off-campus in a homestay or with a guardian. For families considering early study abroad for their child, the guardian requirement differs significantly between these two types.

Do All Private Schools Require Guardians?

Not for all Private schools, Private Boarding Schools typically do not require a separate guardian because the school supervises students 24/7 through dormitories, house parents, and on-campus staff. Private Day Schools almost always require an appointed guardian, because once the school day ends, the student lives off-campus and needs additional adult support and supervision. Even Boarding Schools may request a U.S.-based emergency contact or temporary guardian for holidays and special situations, but the day-to-day needs are fully covered by the school.

What Is a Guardian, and Why Is It Required?

A guardian is a responsible adult in the U.S. who represents the student when the parent is not present. This person or service acts as the parent’s local representative in academic, medical, and personal matters. For Private Day Schools, having a reliable guardian is essential because the school cannot manage the student after school hours, guardians handle emergencies, appointments, and communications, and U.S. regulations (especially for F-1 visa students under 18) may require a named adult for consent and oversight.

The Role of CSIET: Ensuring Safe Guardianship

Many Private Day Schools prefer or even require that international students work with a CSIET-certified agency or guardian. CSIET (Council on Standards for International Educational Travel) is a U.S. non-profit organization that sets the national standards for international student programs. Schools trust CSIET-approved agencies and guardians because they are regularly audited for safety, transparency, and effectiveness, required to provide trained staff, 24/7 support, and proper documentation, and held accountable to strict operational and ethical guidelines. Some schools will only accept students if their guardianship or homestay arrangement is managed by a CSIET-listed provider.

How Does CSIET Monitor Agencies and Guardians?

Agencies must submit yearly compliance reports. CSIET conducts inspections of agency operations, homestays, and local coordinators. Feedback from students and parents is gathered and factored into certification status. Agencies that do not meet CSIET standards are removed from the official list and may no longer place students at participating schools.

Who Can Serve as a Guardian?

Guardians may be a trusted family friend or relative living in the U.S., a vetted member of the host family (in limited cases), a professional guardian assigned by your agency, or a certified guardian service provider with CSIET credentials. Regardless of who serves in this role, the guardian must be reachable in emergencies, capable of making medical and school-related decisions, and approved by the school and listed in official records when required.

Typical Guardian Responsibilities

Typical guardian responsibilities include attending school meetings or conferences, authorizing medical treatment or signing official documents, monitoring academic performance and personal well-being, communicating with the host family, school, and parents regularly, and providing emotional support and advice during challenging situations. Guardians are not financially responsible for tuition or living expenses.

Are Host Families Automatically Guardians?

Not always. While some host families provide limited support, many do not offer full guardian services. In some cases, the host may not speak the student’s native language, have experience handling school issues or emergencies, or be authorized by the school to make decisions. If the host is not the designated guardian, families must hire a separate guardian—often through an agency.

What Are Professional Guardian Services?

These are formal programs offered by education or student service agencies. They often include 24/7 emergency hotline access, monthly student reports to parents, school progress monitoring, counseling or life coaching support, and coordination between school, parents, and host. Fees typically range from $10,000 to $15,000 per year.

Are Private Day Schools More Affordable?

Yes, generally speaking. Private Day Schools usually have lower tuition than Boarding Schools. Even after adding homestay and guardian costs, they still tend to be slightly less expensive overall. However, it’s important to consider the higher involvement required from the family. Parents must arrange housing, guardianship, transportation, and often provide additional emotional support remotely.

Risks of Not Appointing a Guardian

Without a proper guardian in place, students may be ineligible to attend certain schools, be denied urgent medical treatment, miss out on critical school communications, experience stress, isolation, or academic decline, or have visa or enrollment complications. Some schools may even cancel admission if guardian arrangements are not confirmed by key deadlines.

Final Tips for Parents

Choose the type of private school (boarding or day) based on your child’s needs and your family’s resources. Arrange guardian services well before your child applies for an F-1 visa. Ensure the school has officially approved the guardian in writing. Work with a CSIET-listed agency when possible for added trust and compliance. Maintain regular communication with your child, the guardian, and school staff.

Need Help Selecting a Guardian?

At Boston Global Education (BGE), we provide CSIET-compliant guardian services, direct communication with host families and private day schools, monthly progress and emotional well-being reports, and emergency response and updates for parents. Whether your child is attending a Boarding School or Private Day School, we ensure they are safe, supported, and well-prepared to thrive in the U.S.