UPPER SCHOOL

Boarding

Ross School offers two residential options for students in Grades 7–12: full-time and five-day boarding.

Ross School is ranked the #1 Boarding School in New York!

Being a boarding student at Ross is an exciting experience that introduces students to other cultures, prepares young people for the increased independence and responsibility of college academics, and sparks lifelong friendships.

Location and Setting

Ross School stands out from traditional boarding schools primarily due to its unique location in the Hamptons, which offers a close proximity to New York City. This setting provides a beautiful and secure environment, characterized by substantial homes where students reside. The boarding house community, referred to as a "campus away from campus," features spacious homes within a few minutes' drive from the school, each equipped with individual bathrooms for every bedroom. The homes also boast large yards, tennis courts, and pools, contributing to a picturesque and comfortable living experience.

Easy Accessibility

The unique aspect of Ross School's housing lies in the cluster of six homes situated near Sag Harbor, forming a cohesive neighborhood-like arrangement. This design enables students to effortlessly walk between houses, promoting socialization and friendship. House parents collaborate as a community, fostering a tight-knit environment where students can easily connect and engage in activities across different homes.

High Level of Care and Safety

The school maintains a remarkable ratio of house parents to students, ensuring a notably high level of care. Safety is a paramount consideration, with the Hamptons being lauded as an exceptionally safe location.

Diversity and Acceptance

Ross School prides itself on fostering authentic diversity, influenced by the cosmopolitan nature of New York City. The school creates an inclusive atmosphere where students feel accepted for who they are. This authentic acceptance contributes to making Ross School a unique and special place, allowing students to be themselves without fear of judgment.

 

Ross School stands out for its unique educational environment, combining a picturesque setting, family-oriented community, and an authentic commitment to diversity, making it a special and secure place for students to thrive.

Community and Family Environment

Emphasizing a family-oriented atmosphere, Ross School fosters a sense of community through its small size, allowing students to easily know one another. Each house, within the cluster of six boarding homes, is managed by two house parents, creating a familial setting with the potential inclusion of spouses, children, and pets. The community encourages interaction between boarding and day students, facilitating relationships through visitation hours, parents' association, and even allowing sleepovers in the boarding houses.

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The Hamptons offers a safe, clean more tranquil environment. 

Ross School enjoys an idyllic setting where stunning beaches and natural beauty abound. The East End of Long Island offers a welcoming community, while being conveniently close to the vibrant culture of New York City. With its proximity to the ocean and Peconic Bay, students have unparalleled opportunities for coastal activities and exploration of marine life. Additionally, they can enrich their education by visiting cultural institutions such as The Parrish Art Museum and The LongHouse Reserve, further immersing themselves in the rich tapestry of the region's art and nature.

While many residential schools rely upon the use of dormitories to house their students, Ross School provides students with the warmth of a family environment. 

Sharing single-family residences in a cluster of homes near Sag Harbor, students and house parents—adults living in the houses who serve as supervisory figures, confidantes, and much more—work together to create a homelike atmosphere in the boarding houses.

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Devoted house parents are the backbone of the Residential Life program.

Many of our students live thousands of miles from their families, and it’s comforting for their parents to know that their children are in the care of people who will ask how their day went or celebrate their birthday. The family-style experience Ross provides is one of our most distinctive features.

An Interview with Jeff Dionne, Director of Residential Life at Ross School:

Frequently Asked Questions

LIVING ARRANGEMENTS

  • Each boarding house is home to two live-in House Parents who provide around-the-clock supervision and support. They work closely with the Director of Residential Life and others to ensure a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment.

  • Our boarding houses are just 10–15 minutes from the Ross Upper School campus. Most houses are located close to one another, fostering a vibrant community where students can easily connect, socialize, and support one another.

  • Each house is a single-family residence with a cozy, family-like atmosphere. Students share double rooms and every bedroom includes its own private bathroom. At this time, single rooms are not available.

  • Each boarding house typically accommodates 10–14 students, creating an intimate and friendly environment where everyone feels at home.

  • Student bedrooms are doubles with private bathrooms, and we provide all the furniture students need. Students should bring essentials like bedding, towels, seasonal clothing, and personal items to make their space feel like home.

  • The Residential Life Office thoughtfully assigns roommates, aiming to create opportunities for cultural exchange and language immersion. Returning students can request specific roommates, houses, and House Parents but we cannot guarantee requests. Room changes are rare and considered on a case-by-case basis.

MEALS AND DINING OPTIONS

  • On school days, students enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the acclaimed Ross Café. Well-known for its delicious, wholesome foods, the café prepares meals with a focus on regional and sustainable ingredients, and with accommodations for dietary needs.

    In addition, each house is stocked via a weekly supermarket order, and on weekends, brunch and dinner are provided, with the option to order from local restaurants or prepare meals with house parents.

FACILITIES AND AMENITIES

  • Yes! Each house has a shared kitchen where students can cook, following safety guidelines.

  • Each house is equipped with washers and dryers. Students are responsible for their own laundry, including linens and towels, and can also opt for a weekly laundry delivery service.

  • Many houses include tennis and basketball courts, indoor game areas, and exercise spaces. Pools are available during the summer months but are closed during the school year.

PHONES AND BANKING

  • Students are allowed devices but are expected to use them responsibly and respectfully, especially during study hours and lights-out times. All boarding students are expected to maintain a cell phone with an active US domestic number and data plan. High-speed internet is available in boarding houses.

  • Students are encouraged to open local bank accounts where parents can securely wire money for incidentals. Alternatively, students can open a school account with the Business Office. An ATM is available on campus.

MEDICAL AND SAFETY

  • Medical care is coordinated through the school’s nursing team, with on-campus support during school hours and 24-hour support from House Parents and school administrators. Medicine must not be kept in student rooms with rare exceptions.

  • Safety protocols include curfews, locked doors, fire drills, and regular supervision by House Parents. Students are educated on safety practices, especially regarding fire and personal security.

ACTIVITIES AND SOCIAL LIFE

  • Weekends are filled with fun! The Residential Life team organizes trips to NYC, local attractions, cultural activities, and social events with other boarding and day students.

  • Absolutely! Boarding students are encouraged to join sports teams participate in a range of extracurricular clubs.

  • Guests, including day students, are allowed in common areas of the boarding houses during designated hours. Overnight guests must have prior permission and meet specific criteria.

  • We provide free shuttles to local destinations for shopping, dining, and activities. Students with permission can also use rideshare or bus/train transportation to NYC.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Yes, boarding students participate in household chores to help keep common areas clean and organized. While professional cleaning is provided weekly, students are responsible for keeping their rooms tidy and completing chores such as cleaning shared spaces and tidying the kitchen after use.

  • Yes, students are encouraged to make their spaces feel like home, within the guidelines provided by Residential Life.

ACADEMIC SUPPORT

  • Boarding students have structured study hours and access to help sessions with teachers after classes. Ross also provides tutoring and academic advising services. Additionally, many House Parents are full-time Ross teachers of many disciplines.

FAMILY COMMUNICATION AND SCHOOL BREAKS

  • Boarding students use the Orah app to request leave for off-campus trips. Parent and House Parent approvals are required in most cases, with certain limitations on travel distances and return times.

  • Our House Parents and school counselors are here to help! They provide emotional support and create a welcoming, family-like environment with activities designed to help students settle in and feel at home.

  • Boarding houses close during major school breaks. Families are responsible for arranging accommodations and travel for their children during Thanksgiving, Winter, and Spring breaks.