As the competition for admission to Canada's post-secondary institutions heats up, parents are searching for new ways to give their kids an edge (优势). Growing numbers are finding the solution in a long-standing educational method--boarding schools. Canada's almost 10,000 boarding school students are exposed to richer and more varied programming than the public system can offer. Moreover, their days axe quite structured and students are kept busy with academics, athletics (运动) and other activities. Many boarding schools develop specialties: for instance, Brentwood College School in Mill Bay, specializes in fine arts, while Athol Murray College Notre Dame in Wilcox, has nationally recognized hockey programs for boys and girls. Susan Hazell, who spent more than 20 years teaching in Canadian boarding schools, says that boarding schools foster (培养，鼓励) independence in students. 'They provide a safe, positive environment in which young people can take risks and attempt new things. Students get involved in activities they might not try elsewhere and they build some fabulous (难以置信的) friendships.' Canada's boarding schools include religions and secular (长期的) institutions, schools that cater to (迎合) children with special needs and single and co-ed (男女同校的) institutions. 'Because of this variety it's important for parents to research carefully when looking for a boarding school,' says Hazell. 'Try to find a school that suits your child, his/her talents and abilities. Inquire about student supervision after school hours and on weekends. Find out about the food and healthcare services. And check on the size of the dorms and how many students sleep in each room.' Why do many parents send the children to the boarding school in Canada?