Life Under One Roof at North Broward Preparatory School

What makes boarding unique at North Broward Preparatory School is that our students and residential faculty all live under one roof. Our 29,000-square-foot International Village is not just a place to sleep, but a place where friendships are formed, cultures are explored, and lifelong connections are made. With 256 boarders ranging from grades 6th through 12th, our community is large enough to be diverse, yet small enough to feel like a family.

“Students build lifelong international friendships here. They travel together, stay connected, and carry these bonds with them long after NBPS.” Jonathan Volpi, Director of Residential Life

Starting at a new school, especially abroad, can feel overwhelming for international students, domestic students, and local students living on campus. Our orientation week is designed to ease that transition. A key part of its success is our Prefects Leaders, eight student mentors who each oversee a hallway. Nominated by residential faculty and trained to guide new students, they serve as role models, ambassadors, and friendly peers who help boarders settle in and feel at home.

Boarders follow a schedule that keeps them active while giving them time to explore their passions. Students typically wake up at 7:00 AM, have breakfast at 7:45, and begin classes at 8:20. In the afternoon they join clubs, sports, or fine arts activities before dinner between 5:30 and 6:30. Afterward, they enjoy free time from 6:30 to 8:00 and finish the day with evening prep time from 8:00 to 9:30 PM.

Beyond the classroom, our staff support students in pursuing passions outside of NBPS. Whether it is horseback riding or ice hockey practice, faculty help make these opportunities possible, even providing transportation when needed. In addition, ten teachers live on campus and rotate evening shifts to support students during prep time. Those who are struggling may be placed in structured prep time, while others can drop in for extra help.

Traditions are an important part of our boarding program. One favorite is the Senior Social, a tea party themed reflection night where boarding seniors, staff, and peers share wisdom and memories before heading off to their next step. This spring, one of our seniors will reflect on a journey that began in sixth grade.  Another tradition is our monthly Family Dinners, a themed gathering with games, birthday celebrations, and recognition of the Student of the Month. Break trips are also a highlight. During fall break, our residential faculty takes our boarding  students and travels together to Orlando theme parks. This year, 165 boarders will explore the newly opened Epic Universe at Universal Orlando, a trip that includes international, domestic, and local students.

Boarding life at NBPS creates friendships that extend far beyond campus and last for years to come. One graduate from Vietnam, who had missed his official graduation, welcomed our Director of Residential Life into his family home, turning the moment into a heartfelt celebration.  Another student, originally from Europe, now travels with his roommates from Canada and the Czech Republic, showing how bonds formed here cross borders and cultures. Even students who only met this past August are already planning a trip to Dubai together, a testament to how quickly connections grow. These relationships are not limited to students alone. Staff members also visit students’ home countries, strengthen ties with families, and ensure that the sense of community stretches across the globe.

Boarding at NBPS is more than living at school. It is joining a global family. Students grow, explore, and build lifelong friendships under one roof. Whether you are from across the world or just down the road, NBPS Boarding is where connections begin, and memories last forever.