<p>Although more and more adolescents choose boarding, there is little literature to evaluate how boarding will affect adolescents’ learning behavior. Therefore, this paper investigates the relationship between them. Using the nationally representative CEPS data obtained through the multi-stage Probability Proportional to Size sampling technique, and with the help of Ordinary Least Squares and Two-Stage Least Squares methods, this paper derives the following results. First, boarding has a negative impact on adolescents’ learning behaviors. This is due to the fact that the boarding environment is not yet sufficient to substitute for family functions, and a poor boarding environment can distort adolescents’ learning behaviors. Second, since non-agricultural, only-child, and male adolescents often receive more parental care, boarding has a greater negative impact on them. Finally, the inadequacy of the boarding environment in substituting family functions is primarily manifested in aspects such as diet, accommodation, and daily management. This makes it more likely for boarding to lead adolescents to consume unhealthy diets, deepen their depression, engage in romantic relationships prematurely, and be influenced by negative peer behaviors, thereby causing deterioration in their learning behaviors. To enhance the ability of boarding environments to substitute for family functions, this paper proposes that governments increase fiscal investment in boarding schools, improve the boarding environment of schools, and strengthen home-school cooperation to promote the healthy development of adolescents.</p>