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As fast-changing as the world is, children will one day have to step into it on their own. That’s when they’ll have to self-manage and solve the various challenges of life. Building essential skills like critical thinking, communication, and collaboration will be key to their success in university and beyond. Do it well and success and fulfilment await – like they did for The Hun School of Princeton boarders.
Going to a good boarding school is one of the best ways to develop independence and strong values that’ll bolster children for life’s challenges. Just ask any one of the 170 boarders living and learning at the Princeton, New Jersey, boarding school campus.
Here, students receive a first-class education in a supportive environment that serves as an immersive introduction to the weirder world. As a boarder, learning here takes place 24/7, where what you do after class matters just as much as what you do during class.
To Harvey G. ‘25, a boarding student from China, who you’re with is the most important factor of all. “My favourite part about attending Hun is the people,” he says. “From my first moment on campus I felt welcomed by every member of the community, and in daily interactions you could sense the sincerity and kindness from them. The community is also quite multicultural, and you get pieces of different experiences and perspectives every time you speak to someone new.”
Life at The Hun School of Princeton creates a sense of comfort and connection, creating a supportive environment akin to a large, caring family. Source: The Hun School of Princeton
A supportive community
Located just 1.5 miles from downtown Princeton, New Jersey, and Princeton University, the 45-acre campus is where students from 16 states and 27 countries come together as active, engaged members of a close-knit community. The school’s progressive curriculum, enriching programmes, and more than 50 clubs and organisations help to create an inclusive environment where students form strong bonds and meaningful relationships.
The resources and services at Hun are abundant, but what truly sets the school apart is its capacity to connect with and mentor students. In fact, the school was founded as a tutoring school by Princeton University math professor Dr John Gale Hun, who believed he could teach high-level math to any student, so long as he got to know them on a personal level. On any given day, students might find themselves playing table tennis, organising a Brazilian BBQ, attending a leadership workshop, or sitting down with their AP physics teacher for extra help.
Dorm parents, who act like surrogate parents, help students with coursework, ensure they stay on top of deadlines, and check in regularly. Every night, as many as six dorm parents, along with health and wellness personnel, are on call, ensuring that students’ needs are met and they feel cared for even where it’s lights out.
“We’re anticipating some of the things that parents worry about most,” says Mr Otis Douce, a dorm parent who has been at Hun since 2013. “We’re anticipating homesickness and when it’s going to be at its highest, and we programme around that. We create programming that builds community, which helps students transition to boarding life.”
This system of support has been invaluable for students like Katelyn L., ‘27 from Korea. “The most valuable lesson I’ve learned at Hun is how to manage both my mental and physical health,” she shares. “With most responsibilities falling on me, I had to develop ways to regulate my emotions and stay productive. I’ve come to understand the importance of maintaining a daily routine and overcoming homesickness through meaningful interactions with friends and others on campus.”
This attention to student well-being extends to the wide range of student programming offered in the evenings and weekends. From informal discussions about current events to structured leadership, wellness, and diversity programmes, there’s always something going on for boarders to explore how to live their best lives.
Before arriving at Hun, Harvey was worried he’d miss home and wouldn’t fit in. “I quickly realised those worries were groundless,” he says. “Your peers are supportive, dorm parents genuinely care about the student’s wellbeing, and you could find belonging from so many different places. I’ve found a second home here with my athletic teams, leadership groups, and close friends.”
At The Hun School, boarding students thrive in a supportive community that encourages independence and personal growth. Source: The Hun School of Princeton
Living and learning in Princeton
The town of Princeton, NJ, offers an ideal setting for boarders. A small, world-class college town (and one of the nation’s most academic), it offers access to a vast range of cultural activities and amenities, while being just a short distance from major cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC.
With easy access to big cities, Hun’s resident faculty often take students on trips to celebrate cultural events like Chinese New Year, visit museums like the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia, or attend Broadway shows and various city parades and sporting events.
Being near downtown Princeton means students can be part of the local community too. From grabbing bubble tea, catching a game at Princeton University, or attending a movie, there’s always something to do. Often, they even return to campus in time to participate in even more activities like a karaoke competition in the Wilf Family Global Commons.
A new residence hall at The Hun School
Hun’s Boarding Programme is a community within a community, designed to promote student life and strengthen bonds between students and faculty. As educators, the school understands that a young person’s living environment plays a critical role in their experience. A comfortable home base is key to student well-being and success.
In fall 2025, Hun will unveil a new three-storey residence hall. The building will accommodate 114 students and 12 faculty families, offering students the comforts of home in a setting designed for learning and community-building. With eight lounges, kitchenettes of varied designs, and three outdoor courtyards, the hall will resemble a small village, with interconnected houses cultivating unique communities.
Learn more about The Hun School of Princeton.
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