Boarding Programme

Our boarding program is designed to be a true home away from home—a safe, supportive, and vibrant community where students can thrive academically, socially, and personally. We believe that boarding life plays a vital role in helping young people become confident, independent, and responsible individuals. Through a balance of structure and care, we encourage students to develop meaningful relationships, embrace challenges, and grow into well-rounded global citizens. Every aspect of our program is guided by the belief that a nurturing environment is key in empowering our student to make a positive difference for China and the World.  

Weekly Boarding: The Best of Both Worlds 
 

Our weekly and flexi boarding program gives students the opportunity to experience the benefits of boarding life while still spending precious time during weekends at home with family. This flexible option works best for families who want their children to enjoy the structure, support, and opportunities of boarding, while maintaining strong family connections by returning home on weekends. 

Benefits of Weekly Boarding: 

Academic Focus

With dedicated study time, a quiet and focused environment, and access to tutors and teachers for extra support, your child will have all the support needed to excel in their studies.  At Dehong Boarding, our afternoon Aspire Academics and Aspire Active programmes are designed to enrich student life, balance learning with wellbeing, and help every child grow in confidence and skills. 

Aspire Academics

Aspire Academics provides structured support and enrichment beyond the classroom. Students may join targeted study in English, Chinese, Maths, or Sciences, or explore international exam preparation such as IELTS and TOEFL. Small-group settings and professional teachers ensure focused attention, helping students strengthen academic foundations, extend their learning, and develop independence. 

Aspire Active

Aspire Active encourages students to stay healthy, confident, and socially engaged through a wide range of physical, artistic, and wellbeing activities. Options include team sports such as basketball, football, volleyball, badminton, and tennis; personal development activities like self-defence and fitness training; and artistic growth through ABRSM music courses (piano, violin, flute, trumpet, guitar, ukulele, etc.). Each activity is led by qualified coaches and teachers, many in professional facilities, ensuring safety, challenges, and fun. 

Both strands of the programme support our Boarding vision: to provide excellence in care, wellbeing, and opportunity. Aspire Academics develops strong study habits, critical thinking, and international qualifications, while Aspire Active fosters resilience, teamwork, creativity, and physical health. Together, they create a balanced and vibrant boarding life where students can thrive academically, socially, and personally. 

ELEVATE

ELEVATE Wellbeing supports students’ emotional and social development by creating a warm, caring, and inclusive boarding community. Through shared experiences such as movie nights, birthday celebrations, cooking nights, karaoke evenings, Christmas parties, Chinese New Year celebrations, and other community events, students build friendships, feel a sense of belonging, and learn to relax and enjoy life beyond academics. 

Alongside these activities, boarding staff provide daily guidance and support to help students develop resilience, independence, and healthy routines. ELEVATE Wellbeing ensures that students feel safe, valued, and supported, enabling them to thrive not only academically, but also socially and emotionally.  

University Preparation

Boarding life provides students with opportunities to practice skills like time management, self-discipline, and academic independence. While living in a supportive and structured setting, they can begin to build habits that may help them navigate the demands of higher education. 

Personal Growth and Independence

Weekly boarding encourages students to take responsibility for their routines, personal organization, and social interactions. This fosters self-confidence, maturity, and the ability to manage their time effectively—skills that will serve them well in their future academic and professional careers. 

Sample evening routine 

16:00 Return to House:
Students return to the boarding house after their activities and lessons for the day 

16:30 – 18:00pm Aspire Program: 
Students during this time will engage in academic mentoring activities, sports, instrument lessons, or other hobbies they enjoy  

17:45 - 18:30 Dinner:
Students have dinner in the canteen, which is located on the 1st floor of the boarding building 

18:30 - 20:00 Focus time for MS / 18:30 – 20:30 Focus time for HS:
This is a quiet time for students to work in their rooms or in common areas, with a focus on studying and group work 

20:00 – 21:30 Free reading or self-study time for MS / 20:30 – 22:00 Free reading or self-study time for HS:
Students have free time in the boarding house, and can continue working if needed 

20:30 Electronics hand in time for MS / 21:00 Electronics hand in time for HS:
Students must hand in their electronic devices at these times 

21:45 Lights off for MS / 22:30 Lights off for HS:
Students must have their lights turned off and be in bed at these times 

Benefits for Family Life 

We understand that family life is important, and we are here to support your family’s needs while offering your child a world-class education. Boarding allows families to strike a balance between providing their children with the independence they need to succeed while still enjoying quality family time during weekends and holidays. 

How Boarding Benefits Your Family Life

Increased Student Responsibility
As your child grows more independent, they will develop greater responsibility for their own actions, helping to ease the transition into adulthood. 

Quality Family Time
With your child away during the week, you can make the most of weekends/holidays together, focusing on family activities, relaxation, and bonding without the distractions of homework or daily routines. 

Less Stress
Boarding reduces the logistical challenges of school commutes, extracurricular transportation, and scheduling conflicts, leaving more time for parents to focus on their own work and personal lives. 

Focus time expectations 

At Dehong, we prioritise creating an effective and supportive study environment for every student.  

In the Middle School years, students work in a supervised study room, where they have the flexibility to collaborate with peers or focus on individual tasks. This structured approach helps build strong study habits and fosters a sense of responsibility. 

As students progress into High School, the level of independence increases. By Grade 10, students are encouraged to study in their own rooms, but with their doors fully open. This allows staff to monitor their progress and provide guidance when needed, ensuring continued academic focus and discipline. 

By Grades 11 and 12, students are trusted to manage their own study time, working independently in their rooms. However, support is always available — our dedicated academic staff, who possess deep subject knowledge, are on duty to assist students whenever they need help. 

Throughout their academic journey, our staff remain committed to offering personalized support, encouraging academic excellence, and fostering an environment of independent learning. 

Keeping Healthy Digitally 

Healthy digital habits are essential for students to maintain balance and focus in their academic and personal lives. Setting boundaries for screen time can help prevent digital overload and reduce stress, while prioritizing time for offline activities like exercise, sleep, and face-to-face interactions.  

Boarding staff monitor and educate students at an age-appropriate level and with a focus on developing sensible usage and independent learning. While encouraging the use of technology (such as educational apps and online resources) to enhance learning outcomes, they also help students avoid distractions and time-wasting. This approach promotes effective study habits while fostering strong self-management skills. 

Why Choose Dehong's Boarding? 

At Dehong, our boarding program isn’t just about a place to stay—it’s about creating a home away from home, where students are encouraged to become the best version of themselves. With a focus on both academic excellence and personal development, we offer an environment where your child can grow, learn, and thrive. 

Experienced and Caring Staff
Our dedicated boarding team strives to provide a safe, supportive, and enriching environment. With experienced houseparents and pastoral staff, your child will always have someone to turn to for guidance and care. 

State-of-the-Art Facilities
Our boarding accommodation is thoughtfully designed to provide students with a comfortable and functional environment. With designated study areas, recreational spaces, and communal lounges, students can enjoy a balance of focused learning and social engagement. 

Cultural and Social Diversity
Students and staff at Dehong come from diverse backgrounds and regions, fostering a dynamic and culturally rich environment that encourages open-mindedness and broadens perspectives. This diversity not only enhances learning but also helps students develop a global outlook, preparing them for an interconnected world. 

We invite you to join our community, where your child will grow academically, gain meaningful experiences, and develop values that support their success today and, in the years to come. Here, they'll find a place that feels like home. 

For more information, such as eligibility, room types, pricing, or to schedule a visit, please contact our admissions team. 

We look forward to welcoming your family to Dehong's boarding community!