Boarding Program

Grades 9-12

Living in Community

We are one of the only evangelical Christian boarding schools in Europe. A family’s decision to pursue boarding is never easy and rarely simple, but for some it can be the best option – one that opens up a world of opportunities, strong relationships, and lasting growth. Our boarding program is made up of students in Grades 9-12 across both gender-specific and integrated family-style dorms.

Each dorm is led by a set of Dorm Parents and supported by Resident Assistants (RAs). We work hard to create a home-like atmosphere that is safe, constructive, and a place where students can thrive academically, spiritually, and socially. Each dorm creates its own culture and identity through traditions, events, dorm fellowship, and celebrations throughout the year. Friendships, loyalty, and memories are forged here that will last a lifetime.

Boarding FAQ’s

BFA currently has 6 dorms in and around the Kandern community.  All dorms are within 4 kilometers of the school campus and most are within walking distance.

Each dorm has 18-22 students and a staff of 4-5 adults. Dorm staff teams are comprised of a married couple along with 2-3 resident assistants. This team partners with families in the parenting of their children while they are at BFA.

Historically, BFA had boys’ dorms and girls’ dorms. BFA anticipates continuing to have at least one all boys’ dorm and one all girls’ dorm. 

In 2018, BFA opened its first integrated dorm. This type of dorm has been a blessing to students and families and BFA has converted several other dorms to the integrated model. This model allows brothers and sisters to live in the same house and parents are able to communicate and build a relationship with only one set of dorm parents as compared to two. The  dynamic of an integrated dorm seems to also bring a balanced family environment that has been well-received by the families BFA serves. A goal is to build healthy brother/sister type relationships in the dorm. 

In integrated dorms, boys and girls live in separate halls and share living, dining, study and recreational spaces. Boys and girls are not allowed into each other’s rooms. During night hours an alarmed door separates the two genders. 



ResLife at BFA has a goal of reinforcing student-parent relationships. Teams send parents regular dorm newsletters with photos and information about dorm life. They coordinate with parents in granting permission for activities beyond normal dorm and school programs. Discipline concerns are also discussed with parents. 

As part of its effort to build strong family relationships, BFA expects all dorm students to spend school breaks (Christmas, Spring, and Summer) with their parents. This is an important part of keeping the relationship between parents and children strong. BFA also encourages families to visit the school at least once each school year. This establishes a face-to-face relationship with the dorm team and gives parents the opportunity to observe their children’s lives at BFA.

BFA dorm teams set clear and high expectations for the students living in each dorm home. ResLife at BFA follows a grace-based parenting model motivated by the desire to see growth in the hearts and minds of students. Outward change with no inward growth is detrimental to student development.  

Dorm teams work for open communication when behavior issues do arise with students. This is a key area of partnership with parents. When discipline issues come up, dorm teams will reach out to parents to bring everyone together on the “same page”, working together toward positive growth for the student.

We understand that boarding school is not for everyone. When concerns come up during the application process, we do our best to address those together before a student is accepted. There are times, however, when these don’t become clear until later. We do all we can to partner with families well and ensure that children are in the best place suited for them.

If you have a feeling that your child is struggling in the dorm, we encourage you to talk to their dorm parents. The first month or two can be full of transitional stress and change in acclimating to a new environment, but concerns that go beyond that are especially important to discuss together. This is one of many reasons why having a regular and open relationship between our dorm staff and parents is so important. If we aren’t able to find an immediate solution, Residence Life administrative staff will provide additional guidance and next steps.