FAQ

I like living at Prep because the boarding program has so many fun activities during the weekend. I'm never bored during the weekend and I have become less shy. - Arthur '18

What are the dorms like?

Georgetown Prep Boarding Prep has two dormitories. Most freshmen live in Gunlocke Hall, where there are two floors of student rooms, a lounge and a patio. Some freshmen, along with sophomores, juniors and seniors, live in the upper floors of Boland Hall, which also houses administrative offices, the health office and the dining hall.

The boarder’s dorm and room is his home for the school year and, with care and attention from the student, it becomes a comfortable home away from home.

Community lounges are provided for all classes in the dorms and are open after school until lights out, except during study hall. There is a larger lounge for the entire boarder body in the George Student Center as well. Lounges contain a television with cable connection, a DVD player, and a video game console.

What do boarding students do on weekends?

Weekends are usually an active time for the residential life program. Boarders are permitted to return home or spend the night with a guardian or friend. For students remaining on campus, there is plenty to do. Prep’s proximity to downtown Washington, D.C. offers students easy access to the attractions, sporting events, museums and sights in the nation’s capital.

There are also planned activities each weekend, which often include going out to breakfast, taking in a movie, running errands at Target or the grocery store, shopping at the mall, and playing laser tag. Every weekend, students can be found hanging out together on campus – relaxing in their hall lounge, working out in the weight room or organizing an impromptu game night.

What if I get sick?

The Health Office oversees the health and medical needs for all students. The Health Office is staffed by an experienced full-time nurse, and a doctor visits bi-weekly. The nurse is always on call and, if necessary, the Residential Life staff will provide immediate transportation for the appropriate medical care.

Boarders should report promptly to the Health Office at 7:45 a.m. if they feel unwell during the school week. If a boarder feels ill after normal school hours, he should report immediately to a member of the Residential Life staff. Each floor has a first aid kit, which is under the direct supervision of the dorm parent on duty. Dorm Parents are CPR, AED, and First Aid certified. When necessary, they provide support and triage and are in constant communication with the school nurse regarding any health issues. In case of a serious emergency, we have a certified EMT living in the dorms.

All prescription medications are stored and administered by the school nurse on a daily basis. In addition, the Residential Life Staff is trained to distribute medication at night.

Where are meals served?

All meals are served in the South Room in Boland Hall. The Residential Life Staff works closely with Prep’s dining services to provide wholesome and quality meals and to accommodate any boarder’s medical or religious needs. Boarders are permitted to order out, but this practice should not become too frequent a habit as it can become an excuse to avoid interacting with the community. If a boarder is unable to make dinner due to other commitments, the Residential Life Staff will save a meal for him. A snack is served every night at 9:30 p.m.

Where do I do my laundry?

There are high-efficiency washing machines and dryers in each dormitory. Students receive a tutorial about the logistics of laundry at the beginning of each year. We can also recommend a laundry service, which will gather dirty laundry from Prep and return it to school. Many boarders with local families and guardians choose to bring laundry home with them on the weekends.

Can I bring my computer?

Absolutely! Many of our students find the use of laptops and tablets invaluable. When you arrive at Prep, you will register your computer with our technology department. This registration will allow you to access the internet via our wireless network. Students are given a drive on the school’s network to which they may save their school work. Printing facilities are available in the library, during school, after school, and during study hall.

We expect each boarder to use his computer respectfully; this expectation includes the responsible use of technology. A student’s interest in social media should never trump his school work. A student’s enjoyment of internet gaming should never take precedence over his, or his roommate’s, sleep.

What if I need help with homework?

Prep’s teachers are extraordinarily dedicated to our students and often stay for several hours after school each day to provide academic assistance. After-school activities and sports do not begin until 3:45 p.m. to allow all students access to extra help.

Students are also welcome to take advantage of the tutoring center and writing lab on campus. The tutoring center works with students who may need or desire consistent, one-on-one work with a learning specialist. The writing lab is open three days a week, including Wednesday evenings during study hall for boarders.

The Residential Life Program has a designated full-time Academic Coordinator, who tracks student performance and, where necessary, acts as a liaison between students and teachers. Because a good number of our Dorm Parents are teachers themselves, they can provide homework support during the evening hours.

What are the benefits of a day and boarding school?

Resident students Georgetown Prep is a global community. Our students hail from around the world and around the corner. This geographic diversity gives students at our school the opportunity to learn about the world from each other. Boarders open their rooms to their day student friends after school or before the huge lacrosse game against Landon. Day students open their homes to their boarder friends on weekends or for a family dinner. Students at Prep have the best of both worlds!

In addition, boarding life encourages students to develop essential life skills such as independence, effective communication, self-advocacy, and group interaction prior to enrolling in college.