Single Sex Education

When I was young I was a tomboy. I grew up playing mostly with boys and preferred it that way. As I got older and people started asking what college I went to my typical reply was, “I don’t know, anywhere but a girl’s school.” I am not sure where I got the idea that a school for women would be so terrible, but I was convinced that it was not for me. Imagine my and everyone else’s surprise when I ended up choosing to go to a women’s college. In the end I was quite happy with my decision for quite a few reasons.

To be fair, my own experience is limited to college level single sex education, but I think many of the same advantages can be found at schools of all levels if you find a good one. Studies have shown that, when approached properly, single sex education can help reduce gender stereotypes and to encourage children to take interest in subjects that are less stereotypical for their gender. For example, boys may be more likely to study music and girls may feel more able to excel in math or science. Several such studies can be found on the NASSPE website. I am not suggesting that children should be segregated by gender at all times, but studying in a single gender classroom can be beneficial for many students.

I personally believe that single sex education can be especially beneficial for girls and women. Growing up I came to feel that my options as a woman were very limited. In a way I was right. I have since learned that, despite decreasing gaps between the performance of boys and girls in school, women still make up only a small portion of individuals holding high paid positions or positions of power such as CEOs, college and university presidents and politicians. Women also earn 77 cents for every dollar than men with similar positions and qualifications earn.

In college I was presented with many examples of strong women who led extraordinary lives. I came into contact with alumnae in virtually every field. Male and female professors alike were usually there in part because they valued women’s education and it showed in the materials they used and the way that they encouraged students. I graduated with infinitely more confidence and respect for women than what I had when I began.

Single sex education, as with any teaching method, is not right for every child and some schools have it down better than others. I still believe, however, that it holds an important place in the list of options available to students and their parents.