There is a body of research that suggests that girls do learn differently from boys. So, if that is the case, maybe you should consider a girls' school for your daughter instead of sending her off to a coed school. Here are some points to ponder.
1. She will have fewer distractions.
The social static and inherent distractions that occur when you mix adolescent boys and girls in a coeducational school just do not happen in a girls' school. The social expectations and stereotypes can be broken down. There will be time enough later for the distractions that members of the opposite sex provide. Fewer distractions mean a girl can focus on being herself, finding out who she is, exploring new worlds, lines of thinking, and so much more. She can think outside the box with relative impunity. And that is a good thing.
This video offers an overview of the WISE program, a partnership between Garrison Forest School and Johns Hopkins University that is designed to help young women pursue interests in science and engineering.
2. She will benefit from teachers who are trained to teach girls.
Teachers in a girls' school are hired because they believe in this kind of education. They understand how girls learn. They provide the type of nurturing and encouragement a girl needs to become all that she can and wants to be. They give and cite role models that appeal to and encourage girls.
3. She will benefit from a focused educational and community environment.
When a school does not have to accommodate both sexes, it simplifies the running and organization of the school. The only focus is on girls and their needs and activities. No more mixed messages and signals being sent on the playing field or in the student lounge.
This video offers an overview of Buffalo Seminary.
4. Her career aspirations will no longer be limited or discouraged.
Women in politics are still somewhat of a novelty in this country. Women at the top of the corporate ladder are few and far between. Women in academia have enjoyed slightly more success than some other professions. We could continue, citing examples of pursuits and professions where women have made inroads. Imagine how different our world would be if the percentages of women at the top of all these endeavors were more significant. The logical and analytical skills that women bring to the table would be a refreshing counter to all those years of stubborn, egomaniacal males who have done a less-than-stellar job of running just about everything.
Girls need to be told and made to believe that they can run things. They can be university presidents and, for that matter, presidents of the United States. Girls' schools do that. Her career aspirations will no longer be limited or discouraged in a girls' school setting.
This video offers an overview of Chatham Hall.
5. "When girls go to single-sex schools, they stop being the audience and become the players." - Robin Robertson
This is the bottom line and one of the most compelling reasons girls benefit from a single-sex school setting. Why would you want your daughter to sit back and be passive? It would be far better to give her the courage and experience in high school to face the challenges ahead with poise and aplomb. This is the 'can-do' generation. Give her the education to allow her leadership and other strengths to blossom.
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