Making the decision to attend an all-girls school can be difficult. There are many social and academic factors to consider. However, overall, research shows there are many benefits.
Opportunities for STEM
One of the benefits of girls attending all-girls schools is that “girls school graduates report more confidence in STEM-related skills.” This can be seen here at Carrollton, where 25% of students in the Upper School have chosen to participate in STEM electives this semester.
“If I attended a co-ed school, I don’t know if I would join a STEM class because I would be self-conscious in front of the boys,” said Valentina Bared ‘29.
According to research at AAUW, “Women make up only 34% of the workforce in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), and men vastly outnumber women majoring in most STEM fields in college.” Because of this, women’s representation in STEM is more important than ever.
Opportunities for Leadership
At Carrollton, girls occupy every spot in student government. This shows girls that they can achieve whatever they put their minds to, and it builds up their confidence.
“I have noticed that sending my daughters to Carrollton has really helped them build their confidence,” said Erika Jagalla, a Carrollton mother. “I believe this will be an essential tool for their life during and after college.”
This is important because “American women lag substantially behind men in terms of their representation in leadership positions.”
Many students feel that confidence in leadership is possible at Carrollton because it is an all-girls school. “At Carrollton, I’ve run for vice president many times,” said Paloma Porres ‘29, “whereas, If I were at a co-ed school, I don’t know if I would have the confidence to run for a position in office.”
Upper School science teacher Mrs. Scurtis agrees. “I think the benefit for girls going to an all-girls school is finding courage and confidence earlier in life than you may have if you were at a co-ed school.”
A Welcoming Community
In a single-gender school, many students feel more connected as a community. Amanda Rincon ’29 compared her experience at Carrollton to her previous co-ed school. “I wasn’t able to connect with others as much as now,” said Rincon. “In Carrollton, I feel welcomed into a community, but at my old school everything was divided between girls and boys.”
“I think girls sometimes change how they act to impress boys,” agreed Bared.
Mrs. Scurtis, who taught at a co-ed school before coming to Carrollton has seen this as well. “In a co-ed school, I find the girls are distracted by boys, and boys are trying to impress the girls, especially at this age, and so no one is giving their best effort when it comes to learning,” she said.
So, are all-girls schools for everyone?
Some argue that despite the benefits of attending an all-girls school, there are downsides that need to be considered.
For example, many believe that co-ed classrooms mirror the real world better. They say that segregating classrooms by gender can lead students to experience difficulties after finishing school. Rincon understands this point. “This can limit their interactions with people with different perspectives,” she said.
Ultimately, the decision about what type of school to attend is up to the student and her family. “If you want to go to a co-ed school, go to a co-ed school, and if you don’t, don’t. It just depends on the person,” said Alessandra Yu ’29.
ale • Nov 20, 2024 at 9:27 am
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Valeria Cepero • Nov 20, 2024 at 6:01 pm
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