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Do Girls Benefit from Attending an All-Girls’ School?
By: Mary Willis
This is a question that has been asked for many, many years. Comprehensive research conducted over the past two decades has provided us with an answer, at last. Yes, academic performance of girls (ages 12-20) ranks much higher for those attending an all-girls’ school versus those in a co-educational environment.
Some of what studies reveal may come as a surprise to many parents; others reveal what we have suspected all along. Professors Myra and David Sadker summed up a decade of research in one simple sentence: “When girls go to single-sex schools, they stop being the audience and become the players.” In simple terms, when young women are not focusing on impressing young men, they are free to dedicate themselves more fully to their studies.
Girls in single-sex schools:
• Receive higher test scores (in all subjects) than their co-ed counterparts;
• Tend to participate more openly in class; feeling safe to share their feelings;
• Identify and emulate strong, female role models;
• Are given the opportunity to assume more positions of leadership.
It is interesting to note that girls, regardless of their socio-economic or ability levels, perform better, scholastically, in a same-sex environment. (The same, by the way, is true for boys attending school in an all boys’ setting.). Study results provide interesting insight as to why these facts are true:
• Girls get the attention they deserve in the same-sex setting. It has been known for decades that boys are called on much more often than girls to respond to questions when in a co-ed setting;
• Courses that have been viewed as traditionally “male”, such as math and science, are much more likely to be tackled in the all-girls’ schools; many girls shine in these subjects when they are given the necessary encouragement and support;
• Academic performance may improve due to teaching methods having been developed to better fit the female model of learning. (Some medical researchers claim male and female brains are wired differently for learning, although not everyone is ‘on board’ with the notion). Even if this is factual, biology is certainly not destiny, however; and all-girl settings encourage more participation in sports and risk-taking to offset any possible predetermined biological tendencies.
Professor Cary Watson, of the prestigious Stanford University, had this to say about her study of grades and achievements of girls in single-sex schools “Girls who attend single-sex schools revealed higher career aspirations. This same group was also more likely to attend graduate or professional schools after completing college.”
When 5,000 alumnae (from all girls’ high schools) were surveyed, they responded positively (in overwhelming numbers) to their experience. More than 90% felt the academics offered were excellent or very good. Approximately 85% believed they received much better preparation for college than if they had attended a co-ed school. When asked if they would choose to attend an all-girls’ school again, a whopping 83% responded they would do so 'in a heartbeat.' These impressive numbers were actually higher still among attendees of boarding schools who were also surveyed. These girls agreed that boarding schools provide an environment conducive to learning and development that no other type of school can offer.
Specifics which make girls’ schools (particularly boarding schools) uniquely empowering:
• Balance the massively negative messages received via the media (Particularly with respect to appearance);
• Provide an atmosphere where an “I can do anything” attitude can flourish;
• Teach girls how to work in teams;
• Provide opportunities to learn practical skills – like financial literacy as well as helping others in their communities.
If you are contemplating sending your daughter to an all-girls’ school (boarding or other types), the facts certainly seem to support the data. They are likely to be happier, more confident and achieve more from having participated in this type of education model.
Source: Aspen Education Group
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