Understand education and housing separately
Choosing a school involves considering classes, teachers, and school activities. With CBA, families also consider after-school life, learning support, and the housing environment. These belong in one plan, while school admissions and residential supervision remain separate processes.
Shared housing does not mean identical school experiences
Even with a shared residential base, formal classes and school activities take place at each student’s school. Families should review school-specific curricula and participation requirements when planning subjects and activities. Another student’s timetable is not automatically a suitable plan for a student at a different school.
Distinguish boarding from managed homestay
CBA’s supervised boarding in downtown Chicago is CBA’s main residential program. Managed homestay is also an option for Timothy, Montini, and Walther. In a homestay, students live with a host family while CBA coordinates communication and support among the host, school, and student. This differs from living in the shared downtown Chicago student residence.
Three things to prepare for a consultation
Bring the student’s current grade and subject interests, preferred housing arrangement, and academic or daily-life support needs. Considering these together makes it easier to align school and housing discussions with the same goals. Transportation and scheduling also need to be discussed for the chosen school and housing combination.
Questions families ask
Does sharing a residence require attending the same school?
CBA connects housing with school education, so students can plan to attend different partner schools.
Is homestay available for every partner school?
The schools currently offered a managed homestay option are Timothy, Montini, and Walther.
Should housing wait until after choosing a school?
They are distinct decisions, but considering them together helps align daily support and transportation planning.
